US Adventures

All US Adventures

Base camp · Salt Lake City, Utah

The mountains at home are where the mountains abroad get decided.

People usually find us because of somewhere far away — Aconcagua, the Andes, Everest. But almost nobody arrives at those mountains ready because of one trip. They arrive ready because of the seasons they put in closer to home: the days in difficult snow, the nights out in the cold, the times they turned around and were right to.

That’s what our US programs are for. Twenty-two of them, across the Wasatch, the desert, the Cascades and Alaska, running almost all year — from a first half-day on rock to ten days on an Alaskan glacier.

Utah is our base camp. Most of our US programs run in the Wasatch, minutes above Salt Lake City, and in the desert at Moab. From there, we run trips in other states — Mount Baker in Washington, and Alaska.

Some clients do one day with us and that’s enough. But if you want the mountains to be part of your life rather than a holiday you took once, this is where it starts. We don’t simply guide trips. We help people build a lifetime in the mountains.

Where Utah · Washington · Alaska
Season Year-round
Team size 1 to 4 per guide, depending on the terrain
Operated by Wasatch Mountain Guides (WMG), for Utah programs

Two ways to go

Courses & Climbs →

Scheduled dates, a small team and a set objective — join a course or a climb.

Rock Climbing CoursesAvalanche & BackcountryEverest PrepMoab Desert TowersMount Baker

Private Guiding →

Your day, your objective, your group — a guide for you alone or your own team, on the dates that work for you.

Rock ClimbingAlpine ClimbingIce ClimbingBackcountry Skiing

Inquire

Visiting Salt Lake City?

You have half a day free. That’s enough.

Four hours on real rock in the Central Wasatch, twenty minutes from downtown Salt Lake City, with a professional mountain guide. No experience needed. Nothing to buy.

In town for a conference?

A free afternoon is enough for a half-day on Cottonwood Canyon granite. In winter, swap the rock for a frozen waterfall.

Half-Day Rock Climbing April–October · about 4 hours
Guided Ice Climbing Winter · half or full day · all gear provided · From $250 per person

Skiing Alta or Snowbird this week?

Add one day in the backcountry. A guided day in the Wasatch, with terrain chosen that morning for the conditions — first-timers welcome with the right resort skills.

Backcountry Skiing and Splitboarding December–May · full day · 1–4 per guide · From $280 per person
Lift Access Backcountry Skiing & Riding Full day

See all Salt Lake City Guided Days

Ask a Guide

Where would you like to begin?

There isn’t a ladder. A guided ski day, a half-day on rock, or a day on ice — low commitment, and you’ll learn more about your own appetite in one day than in a season of reading about it. Coming from the gym? Start with Learn to Rock Climb Outside.

Private guiding Backcountry Skiing and Splitboarding
USA Full day
Backcountry Skiing and Splitboarding

A guided day in the Wasatch, with terrain chosen that morning for the conditions. Where most people start.

  • Full day
  • Intermediate
  • 1–4 Guests
SeasonDecember – May on request
From $280per person · full day Explore
Private guiding Half-Day Rock Climbing
USA About 4 hours
Half-Day Rock Climbing

About four hours on Cottonwood Canyon granite. No experience needed.

  • About 4 hours
  • All Levels
  • Up to 4 climbers per guide
SeasonApril – October on request
From $125per person for 4 climbers Explore
Private guiding Guided Ice Climbing
USA Half or full day
Guided Ice Climbing

Provo Canyon and the Wasatch. All technical gear provided, no experience needed.

  • Half or full day
  • Beginner
  • 1–2 climbers per guide
SeasonWinter, when the ice is in on request
From $250per person · half day Explore
Scheduled dates Learn to Rock Climb Outside
USA Full day
Learn to Rock Climb Outside

A structured gym-to-crag course: outdoor belaying, movement and safety for climbers with some experience.

  • Full day
  • Some Climbing Experience
  • Maximum 4 climbers per guide
Next datesMay 15 · Jul 17 · Sep 18, 2027
From $295per person · full day Explore

Courses & Climbs

Join a scheduled course or climb — set dates, a small team and a clear objective. Most programs also run on private dates; just ask.

Courses & Climbs · Wasatch, Utah · May–October

Rock Climbing Courses

Two scheduled courses that take you from the gym to real rock, then to your first leads outside.

Learn to Rock Climb OutsideA full day from the gym to real rock — belaying, movement and safety outdoors.Full day · scheduled dates or private · $295 per person
Learn to Lead OutsideYour first sport leads on bolted routes, with a guide alongside.Full day · scheduled dates or private · $295 per person

Courses & Climbs · Wasatch, Utah · January–March

Avalanche & Backcountry Courses

The certification courses that make every other day in the backcountry better — taught in the snowpack you will actually ski.

Backcountry EssentialsTwo field days and an evening session — beacon rescue, terrain, tour planning. No backcountry experience needed.January and March weekends · up to 4 per guide · $550 per person
Avalanche Level 1The certification course: two field days, an online module and an evening seminar.January · 2–4 per guide · $615 per person
Avalanche Level 1 with Winter CampingThe same certification, with three field days and two nights out in the snow.February · 2–4 per guide · $1,150 per person
Backcountry Ski MentorshipSix field days across three weekends, ending with a tour you plan and lead while your guide watches.January–March · 2–4 clients

Courses & Climbs · Little Cottonwood Canyon, Utah · February

Everest Prep Course

Four days, with a night at high camp: fixed lines, ascender transitions, ladder crossings and moving in an oxygen mask. Taught by Willie or Damian Benegas.

Wasatch Everest Prep CourseEverything we learned up there, before you go up there.4 days · 2 climbers per guide · $2,000 per person

Courses & Climbs · Moab, Utah · Spring and autumn

Moab Desert Towers

Four days: a half-day in Little Cottonwood, a crack and systems day near Moab, then two towers — Castleton, Ancient Art, Fine Jade and more.

Moab Desert TowersCrack technique, desert systems and two classic towers, with a guide for every two climbers.4 days · 2 per guide · $1,800 per person, team of 2 · $3,200 private

Courses & Climbs · Washington · North Cascades

Mount Baker

Baker, two ways. The same mountain as a climb from May to August, or on skis from April to June.

Mount Baker ClimbA first glacier on the Easton or Coleman–Deming routes, or the North Ridge if you’re past that.May–August · 3 days · 3 per guide on glacier routes, 2 on the North Ridge
Mount Baker Ski DescentUp to about 7,000 vertical feet from the summit of a glaciated volcano when the snow reaches the trailhead.April–June · 3 days · 3 per guide · $1,400 per person

Courses & Climbs · Central Alaska Range · April–June

Alaska

A ski plane, a glacier and a week of camp below some of the biggest granite and snow in North America — Little Switzerland, in the Central Alaska Range.

Pika Glacier Mountaineering SchoolSix days on the glacier: glacier travel, crevasse rescue, snow and alpine rock, connected on real objectives.June · 8 days · 2 climbers per guide
Alaska Range Ski ExpeditionA fully run glacier base camp, and peaks and couloirs that see very little traffic.April · 10 days · 3 skiers per guide

Private Guiding

Your day, your objective, your group — a guide for you alone or your own team, on the dates that work for you, from a half-day on rock to the Two Canyons Traverse.

Private Guiding · Wasatch, Utah · April–October

Rock Climbing

Big and Little Cottonwood cut straight into the Wasatch above the city. You can leave downtown, drive up either one, and be tied in within half an hour.

Half-Day Rock ClimbingAbout four hours on Cottonwood Canyon granite. No experience needed.About 4 hours · up to 4 per guide · From $125 per person
Full-Day Private Rock ClimbingA day built around you — single-pitch or multi-pitch, 5.4 to 5.11.Full day · up to 2 per guide · From $375 per person
Rock Climbing MentorshipFour days within a year with a guide who tracks your progress and tells you straight where you stand.4 days in a year · 1–2 climbers · $2,395 for one climber · $1,495 each for two

Private Guiding · Wasatch, Utah · June–October

Alpine Climbing

The range above Salt Lake City holds long ridges, exposed traverses and technical mountain routes — everything an alpine day gives you, without a flight to Chamonix.

Wasatch Alpine Rock ClimbingLong, high routes where fitness matters as much as the grade.July–September · up to 2 per guide · From $425 per person
Wasatch Alpine TraversesRidgelines linking summits, as a scramble or a trail run.Late June–October · 6–10 hours · 1–2 per guide · From $425 per person
The Two Canyons TraverseOur signature line: the Cottonwood Ridge in two days, from Mount Superior to the Twin Peaks at sunrise, fully self-supported.June–September · 2 days · 1 climber, 1 guide · $1,700 per person

Private Guiding · Provo Canyon & the Wasatch · Winter

Ice Climbing

Frozen waterfalls in Provo Canyon and the Wasatch, a short drive from Salt Lake City — Utah’s winter climbing.

Guided Ice ClimbingProvo Canyon and the Wasatch. All technical gear provided, no experience needed.Half or full day · 1–2 per guide · From $250 per person

Private Guiding · Wasatch, Utah · December–May

Backcountry Skiing & Splitboarding

Utah’s snow, a short drive from Salt Lake City — from a first guided tour to the Wasatch’s classic steep lines.

Backcountry Skiing and SplitboardingA guided day in the Wasatch, with terrain chosen that morning for the conditions. Where most people start.Full day · 1–4 per guide · From $280 per person
Ski Mountaineering — Classic LinesThe Wasatch’s classic steep descents, with ice axe, crampons and your own touring setup.Winter and spring · 8–12 hours · 1–2 per guide · From $400 per person

When to go

Utah, nearly all year.

WinterDec – Mar Backcountry skiing and splitboarding · Classic Lines · Ice climbing · Avalanche Level 1 · Backcountry Ski Mentorship · Everest Prep (February)
SpringApr – Jun Mount Baker Ski Descent · Moab Desert Towers · Wasatch rock opens in April · Backcountry skiing through May
SummerJun – Sep Mount Baker Climb · Wasatch alpine rock · Alpine traverses · The Two Canyons Traverse · Wasatch rock
AutumnSep – Oct Moab Desert Towers · Wasatch rock and traverses through October

The high Wasatch is at its best in summer, when the desert is too hot. Moab is at its best in spring and autumn. Between them, you can climb in Utah almost every month.

Baker, two ways. The same mountain as a climb from May to August, or on skis from April to June.

How we work

You will never disappear into the group.

Your guide will know your name, how you move, and what you’re trying to build.

Per guide Terrain
Up to 4 Half-day and introductory rock, Backcountry Essentials, backcountry ski days
2–4 Avalanche courses
3 Mount Baker glacier routes and ski descent, Valdez, Alaska Range
2 Private rock, alpine rock and traverses, ice, Moab, Baker North Ridge, Pika Glacier school, Classic Lines, Everest Prep
1 The Two Canyons Traverse

On technical and glaciated terrain, ratio isn’t a comfort question. It’s how quickly a team can respond when something happens.

Honest conversations about readiness. If we think a program is wrong for you, we’ll say so and tell you what to do instead. We’d rather lose a booking than run a trip that doesn’t work for you.

Booking. Utah programs are operated and guided by Wasatch Mountain Guides (WMG). BBE is the referral and sales partner; reservations, payments and required forms are handled directly by WMG.

Not sure?

We’ll tell you honestly what fits.

Tell us what you’ve done and what you’re aiming for, and we’ll tell you honestly what fits — including “not yet, and here’s what to do first,” which is an answer we give regularly. The summit is not the only measure of any of this.

Most programs also run on private dates — ask us.

And from here, the world.

Classic Lines. The Two Canyons Traverse. Everest Prep. And from here, our international expeditions — Ecuador, Mexico’s volcanoes, Aconcagua, Bolivia, Peru, Kilimanjaro and Everest.

Ask a GuideExplore Global Expeditions

All US Adventures

Scheduled dates Backcountry Essentials
Wasatch, Utah 2 days
Backcountry Essentials

Two field days and an evening session — transceiver rescue, terrain, tour planning. The step before Avalanche Level 1.

  • 2 days
  • Beginner
  • Up to 4 per guide
Next datesJan 23 · Mar 6, 2027
From $550per person Explore
Private guiding Backcountry Skiing and Splitboarding
Wasatch, Utah Full day
Backcountry Skiing and Splitboarding

A guided day in the Wasatch, with terrain chosen that morning for the conditions. Where most people start.

  • Full day
  • Intermediate
  • 1–4 Guests
SeasonDecember – May on request
From $280per person · full day Explore
Private guiding Ski Mountaineering Classic Lines
Wasatch, Utah 8–12 hours
Ski Mountaineering Classic Lines

The Wasatch’s classic steep descents, with ice axe, crampons and your own touring setup.

  • 8–12 hours
  • Advanced
  • 1–2 clients per guide
SeasonWinter and spring on request
From $400per person · full day Explore
Private guiding Guided Ice Climbing
Provo Canyon, Utah Half or full day
Guided Ice Climbing

Provo Canyon and the Wasatch. All technical gear provided, no experience needed.

  • Half or full day
  • Beginner
  • 1–2 climbers per guide
SeasonWinter, when the ice is in on request
From $250per person · half day Explore
Scheduled dates Avalanche Level 1
Wasatch, Utah 2 field days
Avalanche Level 1

The certification course: two field days, an online module and an evening seminar.

  • 2 field days
  • Intermediate
  • 2–4 clients per guide
Next datesDec 5, 2026 · Jan 16, 2027
From $615per person Explore
Scheduled dates Avalanche Level 1 with Winter Camping
Wasatch, Utah 3 days, 2 nights
Avalanche Level 1 with Winter Camping

The same certification, with three field days and two nights out in the snow.

  • 3 days, 2 nights
  • Intermediate
  • 2–4 clients per guide
Next datesFeb 13, 2027
From $1,150per person Explore
Scheduled dates Backcountry Ski Mentorship
Wasatch, Utah 6 field days
Backcountry Ski Mentorship

Six field days across three weekends, ending with a tour you plan and lead while your guide watches.

  • 6 field days
  • Intermediate
  • 2–4 clients. Guides rotate across the weekends.
Next datesJan 30 · Feb 27 · Mar 20, 2027
From $2,000per person Explore
Scheduled dates Wasatch Everest Prep Course
Wasatch, Utah 4 days
Wasatch Everest Prep Course

Four days, with a night at high camp: fixed lines, ascender transitions, ladder crossings and moving in an oxygen mask.

  • 4 days
  • Intermediate
  • 2 climbers, 1 guide
Next datesFeb 12, 2027
From $2,000per person Explore
Scheduled dates Valdez Backcountry Ski Expedition
Valdez, Alaska 7 days
Valdez Backcountry Ski Expedition

Human-powered skiing in the Chugach, where big terrain rises straight off the road. No helicopters — you ski when they don’t fly.

  • 7 days
  • Advanced
  • 3 skiers per guide
Next datesMar 27 · Apr 3, 2027
From $4,400per person Explore
Scheduled dates Mount Baker Ski Descent
Mount Baker, Washington 3 days
Mount Baker Ski Descent

Up to about 7,000 vertical feet from the summit of a glaciated volcano when the snow reaches the trailhead.

  • 3 days
  • Intermediate
  • 3,286 m
Next datesMay 25 · May 29, 2027
From $1,400per person Explore
Scheduled dates Alaska Range Ski Expedition
Pika Glacier, Alaska 10 days
Alaska Range Ski Expedition

A ski plane drops you on a glacier and comes back in a week. A fully run base camp, and peaks and couloirs that see very little traffic.

  • 10 days
  • Advanced
  • 3 skiers per guide
Next datesApr 10 · Apr 23, 2027
From $7,000per person Explore
Scheduled dates Moab Desert Towers
Moab, Utah 4 days
Moab Desert Towers

Four days: a half-day in Little Cottonwood, a crack and systems day near Moab, then two towers — Castleton, Ancient Art, Fine Jade and more.

  • 4 days
  • Intermediate
  • 2 climbers per guide, always
Next datesApr 22 · Oct 14, 2027
From $1,800per person, team of 2 · $3,200 private Explore
Scheduled dates Pika Glacier Mountaineering School
Little Switzerland, Alaska 8 days
Pika Glacier Mountaineering School

Six days on a glacier beneath the granite of Little Switzerland: glacier travel, crevasse rescue, snow and alpine rock, connected on real objectives.

  • 8 days
  • Intermediate
  • 2 climbers per guide
Next datesJun 5 · Jun 16, 2027
From $7,000per person Explore
Private guiding Half-Day Rock Climbing
Wasatch, Utah About 4 hours
Half-Day Rock Climbing

About four hours on Cottonwood Canyon granite. No experience needed.

  • About 4 hours
  • All Levels
  • Up to 4 climbers per guide
SeasonApril – October on request
From $125per person for 4 climbers Explore
Scheduled dates Learn to Rock Climb Outside
Wasatch, Utah Full day
Learn to Rock Climb Outside

A structured gym-to-crag course: outdoor belaying, movement and safety for climbers with some experience.

  • Full day
  • Some Climbing Experience
  • Maximum 4 climbers per guide
Next datesMay 15 · Jul 17 · Sep 18, 2027
From $295per person · full day Explore
Scheduled dates Learn to Lead Outside
Wasatch, Utah Full day
Learn to Lead Outside

Your first sport leads on bolted routes, with a guide alongside.

  • Full day
  • Intermediate
  • Maximum 4 climbers per guide
Next datesJun 12 · Aug 14 · Oct 9, 2027
From $295per person · full day Explore
Private guiding Full-Day Private Rock Climbing
Wasatch, Utah Full day
Full-Day Private Rock Climbing

A full private day of rock climbing in Utah’s Wasatch, tailored to your experience and goals.

  • Full day
  • All Levels
  • Maximum 2 climbers per guide
SeasonApril–October on request
From $375per person for 2 climbers Explore
Private guiding Rock Climbing Mentorship
Wasatch, Utah 4 days in a year
Rock Climbing Mentorship

Four days within a year with a guide who tracks your progress and tells you straight where you stand.

  • 4 days in a year
  • Intermediate
  • 1–2 climbers per guide
SeasonApril–October on request
From $1,495per person · 4 days in a year Explore
Scheduled dates Mount Baker Climb
Mount Baker, Washington 3 days
Mount Baker Climb

A first glacier on the Easton or Coleman–Deming routes, or the North Ridge if you’re past that.

  • 3 days
  • Beginner
  • 3,286 m
Next datesJul 3 · Jul 7 · Jul 17, 2027 +1 more
From $1,400per person Explore
Private guiding Wasatch Alpine Rock Climbing
Wasatch, Utah Full day
Wasatch Alpine Rock Climbing

Long, high routes where fitness matters as much as the grade.

  • Full day
  • All Levels
  • Maximum 2 climbers per guide
SeasonJuly–September for most objectives on request
From $425per person · full day Explore
Private guiding Wasatch Alpine Traverses
Wasatch, Utah 6–10 hours
Wasatch Alpine Traverses

Ridgelines linking summits, as a scramble or a trail run.

  • 6–10 hours
  • Intermediate
  • 1–2 per guide
SeasonLate June–October on request
From $425per person · full day Explore
Private guiding The Two Canyons Traverse
Wasatch, Utah 2 days
The Two Canyons Traverse

Our signature line: the Cottonwood Ridge in two days, from Mount Superior to the Twin Peaks at sunrise, fully self-supported.

  • 2 days
  • Advanced
  • 1 climber, 1 guide
SeasonJune–September on request
From $1,700per person · 2 days Explore

My husband and I had an incredible day with Willie climbing the South Ridge of Mt. Superior.

Willie's experience, knowledge and ability to assess our comfort and abilities were fantastic. Never did we feel unsafe or worried; we both just kept thinking how much fun we were having.

–Katie D.

Willie proposed the right climb and competently guided us with a high level of empathy and diligence.

Thanks again for a great day out on the mountain!

–Martin D.