1+ day Backcountry Skiing in the Wasatch Mountains

A certified guide will lead you on this epic 1+ day backcountry skiing in the Wasatch Mountains adventure in Utah, where you will encounter of the best skiing conditions on Earth.

Private

Wasatch Mountains

+1 Day

Jan - May, Dec

High

Beginner

Highlights

Ski on some of the best snow in the United States!
Admire the stunning views and scenery of the Utah wilderness
Tailor your backcountry skiing adventure to suit your level and preferences.

Description

Join me on this exciting 1+ day backcountry skiing tour and I promise you will have as much as fun as possible, as we traipse and travail around the Wasatch Mountains, a veritable winter wonderland which has some of the best snow you will ever experience.

Stretching throughout most of the state of Utah, on the outskirts of the Rocky Mountains, the Wasatch Mountains are home to some of the best areas in the country for backcountry skiing. The landscape, terrain, and scenery in this region are truly breath-taking, as the picture-perfect slopes and mountains give way to vast valleys and open tracts of land.

On this adventure, we will have the chance to visit some of the best areas for backcountry skiing in the Wasatch Mountains, including Alta, Snowbird, Brighton, Solitude, Snow Basin, and Powder Mountain.

The two main canyons we will visit are Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons, just 30 minutes away from Salt Lake City. The geography of the region makes it possible to use public transportation to do bi-canyon tours, which allows us to explore different terrains, enjoy more down-skiing than up-climbing, and ski on slopes with northern aspects. Furthermore, in both canyons, we can use ski lifts to access the backcountry.

Another great aspect of skiing in the Wasatch mountains is that there are options for everyone, families included:

Big Cottonwood Canyon

A great spot with easy-going glades for beginners and intermediate skiers. We can also head to Mount Raymond for more challenging adventures and to Whipple couloir, among others, for something more technical.

Little Cottonwood Canyon

With steeper, more rugged terrain, most of the ski mountaineering is usually done in this canyon. Options include exploring Pfeifferhorn and Mount Superior, as well as big lines like the Hypodermic Needle and the Coal Pit headwall.

You will have the chance to plan your objectives and itinerary with me, and we will adapt the programs to suit your level and preferences. We will spend around 8 to 10 hours on the mountain, depending on the objective. Avalanche training can be a part of your adventure too. Keep in mind that the minimum age to join is 13, however, more important than age is motivation! Hopefully, by the end of this backcountry ski trip, you will have fallen in love with the Wasatch Mountains.

So, are you ready to go backcountry skiing in the Wasatch Mountains? Then contact me now and let’s start planning an unforgettable adventure together.

Price includes

Guiding fee
Avalanche equipment

Price details

INCLUDED:
IFMGA/AMGA certified guide,
Liability Insurance,
Upon request, we will provide a Back Pack with Beacon, Shovel, and Prob.
An unforgettable day in the Wasatch Backcountry.
NOT INCLUDED
Transportation or cost of public transport,
Lift ticket is needed,
Tips for the Guide.

Equipment you will need to bring

Crampons

Harness

Backpack

Helmet

Ski equipment

Sunglasses

Goggles

Avalanche eqmnt

Climbing skins

Please contact us for a detailed equipment list, and recommendations.

FAQs

How many people can you take per guide?

There will be 1 guide for every 4 people. For the advanced tours and ski mountaineering, the client-to-guide ratio is 2:1

What kind of experience do we need in order to participate?

This trip is open to everyone, including families, the minimum age to join is 13. We will adapt the program to suit your needs and preferences. However, a good fitness level, prior skiing experience, and especially high motivation are recommended. We can also include some training in your program if, for example, you wish to learn about avalanche hazards, route finding, or other related aspects to backcountry skiing.

Is the transport included during the trip?

No, transport during the trip is not included. Because of insurance reasons, we are not able to transport clients in guide vehicles. We will be skiing in Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons, which are 30 minutes away from Salt Lake City. We will be able to use public transportation to do bi-canyon tours if client vehicles are not available. Contact us in advance to discuss options.

How fit should I be to go on this trip?

For backcountry skiing, it's important to have a good fitness level (from moderate to high). Keep in mind that you'll have to carry a backpack for the day, and skin up on terrain of variable degrees. All in all, it's a full day in which you will be on your feet.

Will we use lifts? Are the lifts included in the price?

Depending on the itinerary selected (which will be decided according to your skill level and the mountain and snow conditions), we might use lifts. The lift tickets for you and the guide are not included in the price, and will be paid on site.

Can I rent equipment?

Yes, there are several options to rent equipment in Salt Lake City, where you can rent a backpack, beacon, shovel, and probe, telemark skis, boots and poles, and split boards. Let us know in advance if you need to rent gear, and we can help with the arrangements.

When and where will we meet?

We will meet in Big or Little Cottonwood Park and Ride Lot, Alta or Brighton, depending on the itinerary we previously arrange for the day. Meeting time is usually at 8AM.

Can I join an existing group?

No, we only offer this trip as private guiding.

Can we book this trip if we are more than 4?

Yes, in case you are more than 4 skiers, another guide will join the group.

About the guide

-Todd

4.0

(2)

Mountain Guide

A Utah native, Todd grew up with a strong passion for skiing and playing in the mountains. Looking to incorporate this passion into a profession Todd attended the University of Utah and earned a bachelors degree from the Parks and Recreation department. He worked in the outdoors as a wilderness instructor teaching survival skills in the Utah desert for many years. In 2000 he began mountain guiding, and has been sharing his passion of the mountains with others ever since.

Todd’s guiding has taken him to many corners of the globe including; Alaska, Asia, Antarctica, Europe, South America and the Western U.S. He is a fully certified IFMGA/UIAGM mountain guide. Other training and certifications include Avalanche level III and Wilderness First Responder.

Climbing with Todd one immediately feels a sense of safety and trust. Todd is a strong and highly competent leader with years of experience leading large expeditions and one on one guiding. He is a skillful teacher and enjoys helping folks accomplish their climbing aspirations.

Some of his notable ascents include; Denali’s Cassin Ridge, a first ascent of the 5000’ west face of Mt. Vinson in Antarctica and the Walker spur on the Grand Jorasses in the Alps.

When he is not traveling Todd enjoys spending time at home in Salt Lake City, Utah climbing and skiing the Wasatch with his wife, climbing partner and fellow guide.

Languages

Italian | English

Certificates

AMGA

Request more information

What people are saying about -Todd

I have booked the backcountry ski for 3 days and did only 1/2 - 1 day. Hiking uphill is much too exhausting for me, although I am in reasonable condition. For sure this must be much better communicated towards customers, that they need in ultimate condition. So spending 1200 USDollars and having only '1 day done' is not a great experience. Can I get some of the money back?

Gonzalo

Todd is a very experienced guide who knows the area like the palm of his hand. He tailored a plan that adapted perfectly to the conditions and our group, and he got us to some great powder even after 1 week since the last snowfall! We had a great time and I will for sure call Todd again next year when I return to Utah!