An endless line of untracked powder under a tall, protecting rock band - so good, we skied it twice.

For untracked powder, hike up Pinecone Ridge.

Elsewhere on the mountain, sunlight had converted soft snow to ice, but this shady notch still had untracked powder.

To go with the untracked powder and well-tended pistes, you'll find panoramic views and no lift queues.

About 70 percent of Grand Targhee terrain is for intermediate skiers, but the lure of all that untracked powder keeps the hard chargers interested.

In such difficult weather the expertise of local or SCGB guides comes to the fore, enabling skiers to enjoy untracked powder in the trees.

And so how badly does a skier really yearn for untracked powder?

When snow is plentiful, that's usually a good thing: As almost any serious snow slider will tell you, there's nothing better than skimming through untracked powder.

Slopes around the Kirchenkar draglift are good for seeking out 'quiet, untracked powder'.

"We'll ski untracked powder for a week" out here, says Mr. Smalley, 52, mustache bristling through his balaclava.