Take Chair 6 in the Alaskan resort of Alyeska and you’ll find yourself peering down Christmas Chute. It’s a 45 degree drop into a mist-covered couloir with walls of rock shooting up either side of you. 

Why is it called Christmas Chute? Maybe because there’s a strong chance you won’t make it to next Christmas. 

Once you’ve tackled the steep chute, the run opens out into a pristine pow field, that’s best ridden after a huge dump. Which is highly likely because Alyeska is known for having the highest annual snowfall of any North American resort. 

Even more appealing is the fact that you don’t even need a helicopter to access it. Just one long ride up the chairlift. What are you waiting for?