About This Route
Lava Point, at over 7,890 feet elevation in Zion National Park's Kolob District, offers rare backcountry snowboarding opportunities during heavy winter storms. This high plateau features open snowfields transitioning into steep chutes with panoramic views of Zion's red rock monoliths. Access via Kolob Terrace Road (closed to vehicles in winter, so skin up or hike in 4-6 miles from Wildcat Canyon Trailhead). Ideal for expert riders seeking powder stashes amid desert canyons, but only when snowpack exceeds 2 feet per NPS winter reports. Follow Leave No Trace principles: pack out all waste, avoid damaging cryptobiotic soil under melting snow.
Safety Considerations
Zion's snowpack is shallow and wind-loaded, per REI backcountry guidelines; always check Utah Avalanche Center forecasts, even at low risk (size 1 slabs possible on Lava Point's east-facing slopes). Cliffs drop 500+ feet along the plateau edge; scout lines visually before dropping in. Loose volcanic rock mixes with snow, creating hidden hazards like the 2019 NPS-reported fall near Lava Point. Look uphill constantly, as in Ski Utah resort protocols, to avoid wind slabs ejecting from ridges. Hypothermia strikes fast in 20-30°F temps with 40 mph winds; layer with Gore-Tex shells. Wildlife like mountain lions roam; travel in groups of 4+. Obtain NPS backcountry permit online.
Essential Gear
Pack a splitboard or snowboard with Voile bindings for touring; helmet mandatory (Smith or Giro models excel); avalanche transceiver, shovel, probe (Black Diamond kit); GPS with offline Gaia maps marking Lava Point coords (37.405, -113.115); insulated boots (Burton Felix); beacon-tested packs (Osprey Talon 33); multi-tool, headlamp, satellite communicator (Garmin inReach).