Backcountry Skiing and Splitboarding

What a guided day looks like

A Wasatch backcountry day starts before we reach the trailhead.

Your guide reviews the weather, avalanche forecast, recent observations, and expected conditions, then confirms the meeting time and location with you.

Because conditions determine where we ski, the exact meeting location may not be confirmed until the day before your trip.

Before your trip

Your guide will contact you before the day to review:

• Skiing or riding experience
• Previous touring experience
• Fitness
• Equipment
• Rental needs
• Your goals for the day
• Meeting time and location

If you have questions about your equipment, let us know before the trip. A photo is often enough for us to identify a potential issue before you arrive.

Meeting time

Most full-day tours begin at approximately 8:00 AM.

Start times may change depending on weather, snow conditions, the day’s objective, or spring temperatures.

Spring ski days can require earlier starts when warming temperatures affect the snowpack.

Your guide will confirm the final time before the trip.

Meeting locations

Most tours begin near Big Cottonwood Canyon or Little Cottonwood Canyon.

Common meeting points include Park & Ride locations near the canyon entrances.

For lift-assisted tours, we may meet directly at Alta or Brighton.

If conditions take us to another part of the Wasatch, your guide will send you the appropriate meeting location and directions.

At the trailhead

Before heading into the mountains, we complete a short equipment and safety check.

This normally includes:

• Touring equipment
• Avalanche beacon function check
• Shovel and probe
• Clothing and layers
• Food and water
• Current conditions
• Plan for the day

If it is your first touring day, your guide will also help you understand your equipment and the basic touring systems before we start climbing.

The uphill

Backcountry skiing means traveling under your own power.

A typical day may include uphill sections of one to two hours at a time, with transitions and ski descents between climbs.

A larger day may involve several hours of total uphill travel.

The pace and amount of climbing depend on the group, conditions, terrain, and objective.

You do not need to race uphill. A steady, sustainable pace usually makes for a better day.

The skiing

The skiing changes with the conditions.

Depending on the day, we may find:

• Powder
• Sheltered tree skiing
• Open bowls
• Firm winter snow
• Wind-affected snow
• Spring corn
• Steeper alpine terrain

Some days are about making several shorter laps.

Other days involve traveling farther through the mountains for one or two longer descents.

We cannot promise powder, but we will work with the conditions we have to find the best skiing appropriate for the group.

How long is the day?

Plan for a full day in the mountains.

The exact length depends on the group, terrain, conditions, and objective.

If you have a flight, meeting, family commitment, or another firm afternoon deadline, tell us beforehand so we can plan the day accordingly.

Lift-assisted touring

When conditions and access make sense, we can use lifts at Alta or Brighton to gain elevation before touring into adjacent backcountry terrain.

Lift-assisted touring can mean less climbing and more skiing, but you will still need touring equipment once we leave the ski area.

Lift tickets are not included in the guiding rate.

Your guide will let you know in advance if a lift ticket is needed.

Transportation and parking

Transportation to the meeting location is normally the client’s responsibility.

Winter travel in the Cottonwood Canyons can be affected by:

• Snowstorms
• Traffic
• Road restrictions
• Avalanche mitigation
• Parking limitations

Parking requirements vary by location and may include reservations or fees.

Once the meeting location is confirmed, we will tell you what applies.

If you are visiting Salt Lake City without a vehicle, let us know when you send your trip request and we can help you understand the available transportation options.

Food and water

Lunch is not included.

Bring:

• Lunch
• Energy snacks
• Approximately 2 liters of water

In very cold weather, bottles are generally more reliable than hydration hoses, which can freeze.

Weather

Snow, wind, cold, and changing visibility are normal parts of skiing in the Wasatch.

Poor weather does not automatically mean the trip is cancelled. More often, it changes where we ski and the terrain we choose.

If conditions do not allow an appropriate backcountry day, we will discuss the available options with you.

Questions before your day?

If you have questions about meeting locations, transportation, equipment, rentals, or what to expect, contact us before your trip.

Is this for you?

You do not need previous backcountry experience to join a Wasatch Backcountry Ski & Splitboard Tour.

You do need solid resort skiing or riding skills and enough fitness to travel uphill under your own power.

For many clients, this is their first real backcountry day.

Skiing and riding ability

This program is best suited to advanced-intermediate and stronger skiers and riders.

You should be comfortable:

• Skiing or riding all blue resort terrain confidently
• Skiing most black-diamond terrain
• Making controlled turns in ungroomed snow
• Handling tracked, firm, soft, or variable conditions
• Stopping and changing direction when needed

The important part is not the trail rating.

It is how comfortable you are when the snow has not been groomed.

If you regularly leave the groomers and enjoy skiing natural snow at the resort, you are probably ready.

If you primarily stay on groomed runs, another season developing your off-piste skills may make your first backcountry day much more enjoyable.

First time in the backcountry?

That is fine.

You do not need previous touring experience.

If this is your first day, your guide can help you understand:

• Touring bindings
• Climbing skins
• Boot walk mode
• Uphill movement
• Basic kick turns
• Transitions
• Avalanche beacon, shovel, and probe
• Basic backcountry travel habits

Expect the first few transitions to take some time.

That is normal.

A skier who has toured before will usually move more efficiently, but lack of touring experience alone should not stop a strong resort skier from joining the program.

A guided day is also a good way to find out whether you enjoy backcountry touring before investing heavily in equipment or formal education.

Fitness

You should have reasonable aerobic fitness.

A typical day involves repeated uphill travel, often one to two hours at a time, carrying a light backpack.

Depending on the group and objective, the total amount of climbing can be considerably greater.

You do not need to be fast.

We are looking for the ability to keep moving at a steady pace for a full mountain day.

A good general benchmark is being comfortable with several hours of hiking, biking, running, ski touring, or another sustained aerobic activity.

If you are uncertain about your fitness, tell us when you send your trip request.

We would rather choose an appropriate day than put you into terrain or vertical that does not fit you.

Splitboarders

Yes. Splitboarders are welcome.

You will need a proper splitboard touring setup with:

• Splitboard
• Climbing skins
• Touring-compatible bindings
• Appropriate boots
• Poles

If this is your first day using a splitboard, let us know beforehand.

Transitions generally take a little more time than on skis, especially when you are learning the system. That is not a problem—we simply need to know so we can plan the day appropriately.

Experienced backcountry skiers

This program is not only for beginners.

Experienced ski tourers often hire a Wasatch guide because they want:

• Local terrain knowledge
• Better access to unfamiliar areas
• Help finding the best available snow
• A larger objective
• More efficient use of a limited ski vacation
• A partner who knows the terrain and current conditions

For strong groups, the Wasatch gives us the opportunity to build considerably bigger days when conditions allow.

Tell us what you have done and what you are interested in rather than trying to fit yourself into an ability label.

Who this program is not for

This tour is generally not appropriate for beginner or lower-intermediate skiers or riders.

You should spend more time developing resort skills first if you:

• Are uncomfortable on black-diamond terrain
• Avoid ungroomed snow
• Struggle to control speed in variable conditions
• Are not yet comfortable linking turns away from groomed runs

There is no advantage to rushing into the backcountry.

Better skiing skills make the experience safer, more comfortable, and much more enjoyable.

This program is also not designed as a substitute for formal avalanche education.

If your primary goal is to learn how to plan and travel independently in avalanche terrain, Backcountry Essentials or Avalanche Level 1 is the better choice.

Age requirements

Young skiers and riders can join private tours when their skiing ability, fitness, maturity, and the planned terrain are appropriate. The minimum age is 13.

Anyone under 18 must have the required registration and acceptance-of-risk documents completed by a parent or legal guardian.

Because suitability varies considerably between younger guests, tell us the age and experience of anyone under 18 when you send your trip request.

We will confirm whether the program is appropriate before registration.

Not sure?

You do not need to decide based on a description alone.

Send us a short explanation of:

• Where you normally ski
• What terrain you are comfortable on
• Whether you ski ungroomed snow
• Previous touring experience
• Your general fitness
• What you want from the day

We can usually tell quickly whether this program is the right fit and what kind of Wasatch day would make sense for you.

Gear and equipment

A good Wasatch day starts with the right equipment.

You need a touring setup that works uphill, avalanche rescue gear, and clothing you can layer as conditions change.

If you are unsure about anything, ask us before the trip.

What we can provide

If you arrange it in advance, we provide:

• Avalanche transceiver
• Shovel
• Probe
• Backcountry pack

Touring skis, boots, and splitboards are normally rented separately.

Required avalanche gear

Everyone traveling in avalanche terrain must carry:

• Digital avalanche transceiver
• Shovel
• Probe

Your beacon should have fresh batteries, and you should know the basic controls.

Ski touring setup

Skiers need:

• Touring skis
• Touring bindings
• Alpine touring boots
• Climbing skins
• Ski poles

For most Wasatch days, skis around 95–115 mm underfoot work well.

Your boots and bindings must be compatible.

Splitboard setup

Splitboarders need:

• Splitboard
• Compatible bindings
• Climbing skins
• Snowboard boots
• Collapsible poles

Make sure you know how to switch between touring and riding mode before the trip.

Backpack

A 25–35 liter pack works well for most days.

It should carry:

• Avalanche gear
• Extra layers
• Food
• Water
• Skins
• Helmet
• Personal items

A ski-specific pack with an external carry system is preferred.

Clothing

Use a simple layering system.

Base layer

• Synthetic or merino
• No cotton

Mid layer

• Light fleece or synthetic insulation

Insulated jacket

• Down or synthetic puffy

Shell

• Waterproof or weather-resistant jacket

Pants

• Softshell touring pants or breathable ski pants

Avoid heavily insulated resort pants when possible. They are often too warm for uphill travel.

Hands

Bring two pairs:

• Light touring gloves
• Warm ski gloves or mittens

Keep the warm pair dry in your pack while climbing.

Head and eyes

Bring:

• Helmet
• Warm hat
• Buff or neck gaiter
• Sunglasses
• Ski goggles

A low-light goggle lens is useful during storms.

Feet

Bring one pair of quality wool or synthetic ski socks.

Do not wear multiple pairs of socks inside touring boots. That often makes your feet colder.

Food and water

Bring:

• Lunch
• Energy snacks
• 1–2 liters of water

Insulated bottles are useful in cold weather.

Hydration hoses can freeze.

Sun protection

Bring:

• Sunscreen
• SPF lip balm
• Sunglasses

Personal items

Also consider:

• Personal medications
• Hand warmers
• Phone
• Small equipment-specific repair items

If you carry important medication, tell your guide before departing.

Optional items

Depending on the day:

• Ski crampons
• Thermos
• Spare glove liners
• Spare goggle lens
• Small power bank
• Camera

For technical ski mountaineering, we may send you a separate equipment list.

Do not buy technical gear specifically for your trip until you have spoken with us.

Rentals

You do not need to own a full backcountry setup.

Touring skis, touring boots, splitboards, and avalanche gear can be rented around Salt Lake City and the Wasatch.

Reserve early during:

• Weekends
• Holidays
• Powder cycles

Local gear rentals and retailers

Salt Lake City has some of the best backcountry shops in the country, run by people who tour on the gear they sell. Our first stop is Skimo Co, a few minutes from the mouth of Big Cottonwood. But boot fit and ski preference are personal, and several shops below rent or demo touring gear, so it’s worth talking to more than one — especially if you’re thinking about buying.

Rent a touring or splitboard setup

Skimo Co — our main rental shop
2477 E Fort Union Blvd, Cottonwood Heights, UT 84121
801-942-9084
Touring skis, boots and skins, individually or as a package. In store, first come, first served. Open Monday to Saturday, 11am–6pm, so pick up the day before your trip — and on Saturday for a Sunday tour. No splitboards or avalanche gear.

evo Salt Lake City
660 S 400 W, Suite 300, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
385-379-3172
Backcountry ski and splitboard packages with boots and an avalanche safety kit (beacon, shovel, probe). Booking online ahead is cheaper than walking in.

Salty Peaks
3055 E 3300 S, Millcreek, UT 84109
801-467-8000
Touring skis, splitboards and avalanche safety gear, by the day or the week.

University of Utah Campus Recreation
1836 Student Life Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84112
Reservations 801-581-8516
Open to the public, with member and non-member rates. Touring skis, splitboards and avalanche gear. Snow rentals stop in mid-April.

Wasatch Touring
702 E 100 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84102
801-359-9361
A Salt Lake backcountry specialist. Call ahead to confirm what’s available to rent for your dates.

White Pine Touring — if you’re staying in Park City
1790 Bonanza Dr, Park City, UT 84060
435-649-8710
Alpine touring and telemark packages. No avalanche gear.

Buy, demo or get advice

Black Diamond Retail — 2092 E 3900 S, Holladay, UT 84124 · 801-278-0233

IME — International Mountain Equipment — 3265 E 3300 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84109

REI Salt Lake City — 3285 E 3300 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84109 · 801-279-2100. Also runs a rental shop; check what’s available for backcountry use.

Backcountry.com Retail Store — 2607 S 3200 W, Suite A, West Valley City, UT 84119 · 801-736-6665

A few things to know

Most resort rental shops carry downhill gear only, which won’t work for touring. Ask specifically for a touring or splitboard setup.

Stock and prices change through the season, so confirm with the shop when you book. If you rent from Skimo, White Pine, or anywhere else without avalanche gear, arrange your beacon, shovel and probe with us in advance.

Boots matter

Boot fit is one of the most important parts of your setup.

When renting, make sure the shop knows you will be touring uphill.

Before leaving, ask them to show you:

Skiers

• Touring mode
• Ski mode
• Heel risers
• Skins
• Boot walk mode

Splitboarders

• Touring setup
• Riding setup
• Skins
• Board assembly
• Collapsible poles

Five minutes in the shop can save a lot of time at the trailhead.

Before you leave home

The night before, check:

• Beacon
• Skins
• Bindings
• Boots
• Weather
• Food
• Water

A few minutes of preparation can prevent losing a day in the mountains.

Not sure about your equipment?

Send us a photo or description of your setup.

We would rather solve the problem before you arrive.

Rates and booking

All Wasatch Backcountry Ski & Splitboard Tours are private.

You ski with your own group—never a group of strangers.

Group size: 1–4 guests per guide.

The day is built around your group, your goals, and the conditions.

Rates

Full-day private guiding

Maximum: 4 guests per guide.

Rates are confirmed when we respond to your trip request.

What’s included — and what isn’t

Multi-day guiding

You can book more than one day.

Multi-day guiding works especially well if you want to explore more of the Wasatch or build toward larger objectives.

Once your guide knows how you ski or ride, your fitness, pace, and terrain preferences, later days can be adjusted accordingly.

Your program might combine:

• Powder touring
• Big Cottonwood Canyon
• Little Cottonwood Canyon
• Southern Wasatch terrain
• Lift-assisted touring
• Longer backcountry days

Tell us how many days you have and what you want to do.

How to request a trip

Send us:

• Preferred date or dates
• Number of guests
• Ski or splitboard
• Skiing or riding ability
• Previous touring experience
• General fitness
• Rental needs
• What you want from the day

We review your request and confirm guide availability.

Registration and payment

Once your trip is confirmed, we send you the Wasatch Mountain Guides registration and payment link.

Through that link you will:

1. Complete your trip registration
2. Complete the required acceptance-of-risk documents
3. Submit payment

You do not need to search for a registration page yourself.

Start with us. We will send you the correct WMG link once your trip is confirmed.

Ready to plan your day?

Send us your dates, group size, and a little about your skiing or riding experience.

We will take it from there.

More questions? Booking, payment, cancellation, insurance, age and tipping are answered in the General FAQ — US Adventures. Choosing between guided days, the Backcountry Ski Mentorship and Wasatch Ski Mountaineering — Classic Lines is covered in the Backcountry Skiing & Splitboarding FAQ.