Bounded by two ridges, Ski Apache is divided roughly in half by a third ridge that runs parallel to the boundary ridges. The area's gondola runs along the center ridge from the base to the summit.

At the top of the area on trail-map left, expansive Apache Bowl has wide-open skiing from 11,500 feet with about 650 feet of vertical. Most of the rest of the slopes are off the center ridge, which has a long intermediate trail running along the crest with expert and intermediate trails dropping to trail-map right. The rest of the skiing is near the bottom of the left boundary ridge. Again, a blue cruiser snakes along the crest and black-diamond pitches fall toward the base area.

Here's a larger, more detailed trail map.

Expert, Advanced: Experts may want to head elsewhere for extreme terrain, but you can find some challenge in the steeps and glades. For advanced skiers, there are plenty of moguls and steep pitches on all of the north faces. Apache Bowl and The Face (which drops into the bowl from the center ridge) offer great powder skiing when the conditions cooperate. Those who want to stay in the bowl can upload using a triple chair that allows them to stay right in the bowl without working their way back down to the base.

Intermediate: This is a great resort for intermediates looking to improve. The blues are mellow and the blacks reach some excellent pitches. For cruising, stick to the ridges, or take your first runs on Ambush, Chino or Meadows, to the right as you unload from the gondola. For showoff time, take a few zips along Capitan, the blue-square run that drops right to the base area—it is a joy. For bumps head to The Terrible and Incredible. Plan to be challenged.

Beginner, First-timer: Beginners have their own area served by Chair 7. Those shifting from beginner to intermediate should try Lower Deep Freeze and Snowpark. The learning area is off Chairs 3 and 5 at the base. This area is fenced off so those taking first-time lessons are not subjected to more advanced skiers and snowboarders zipping through their classes.