There’s a reason why skiers call it The Greatest Snow on Earth—Utah’s Wasatch mountains house the third snowiest place in the US. You too can find out just how perfect the powder is by joining a 3-day ski tour in the Wasatch backcountry along with like-minded women! This mountain range is Northern Utah’s backbone, and it really has it all: quick and easy access, heaps of snow with the annual average of 457 inches, incredible tree skiing, and very steep terrain—so much so, that even a book was written about it. Combined with a DPS factory tour, wine tasting, and different terrain options should you want to take it a bit more easy, consider this all-women backcountry adventure your perfect weekend getaway. Find out more about the best backcountry skiing locations in Utah from Willie Benegas, IFMGA Mountain Guide & AMGA Ski Mountaineering Guide.
Third snowiest place in the United States (annual average is 457 inches)
Quick and easy access from downtown Salt Lake City
Mellow glades, steep slopes, couloirs—the Wasatch Range has it all
The Wasatch Mountain Range defines Utah and puts it on the map as one of the best spots in the US for backcountry skiing. A three-day, all-women camp will show you just how special the powder is. Apart from two long field days, where your expert guide will assist you, you’ll also visit the DPS ski factory one day and relish charcuteries at a wine tasting the other. Not only will you work on your ski skills, but you’ll also learn about avalanche safety, terrain analysis, ski tour planning, and more.
Arrive to Salt Lake City on time and check into your accommodation. You’ll meet your guides and the rest of the group at 5 pm and go for a DPS factory tour. A trusted brand worldwide, DPS runs its state-of-the-art ski factory in SLC, and their vision is creating those perfect skis worthy of those who live and breathe the sport. You’ll then go through ski fitting, orientation, participant, and staff introductions.
Meals: Light refreshments and snacks at the factory
Have a hearty breakfast because you have a long day ahead of you. Meet for a morning meeting with your group, where you’ll review ski conditions and avalanche problems. Head to the field at 9 am—you can expect transceiver check, ski touring, snow assessment tools, and terrain analysis. You’re done at 4 pm, when you’ll go to a wine tasting paired with charcuteries at a private residence minutes from the trailhead.
Meals: Charcuteries at the wine tasting
Have breakfast before heading out to the field at 9 am. Once again, you’ll spend the whole day touring the Wasatch area along with your trusted guide, who will help you reach your objectives. After approximately 7 hours in the field, the tour comes to an end. Catch your flight back home or feel free to stay a bit longer and explore the area—just ask your guides for some tips!
What you get on this adventure:
What’s not included:
To enjoy this all-women backcountry adventure in the Wasatch, you need to be in great physical shape. You will be on your feet up to 7 hours a day for two days in a row. You will need to manage controlled desvents in variable conditions. All participants should feel comfortable on challenging blue or black-level resort runs and be able to carry a loaded daypack while skinning up variable degrees of terrain.
To participate in this tour, you need to have previous backcountry skiing experience. You will be skiing, touring, and summiting on glaciated terrain for up to 7 hours a day. Your guide will take care of the planning, oversee your technique, and teach you how to better manage the terrain. They also have the experience and avalanche training necessary to keep you safe. If you’ve never backcountry skied before, we suggest joining a guide for a day of guided backcountry skiing in the Wasatch Mountains.
For technical backcountry ski touring gear, you will need to bring:
For personal items, we recommend bringing:
All mandatory gear can be rented if you don’t have your own. Your guides offer rentals of everything you need for this backcountry ski camp:
There are also numerous ski rentals in Salt Lake City. If you need to rent gear, let us know and we can help make arrangements.
Group sizes and prices:
Backcountry skiing in the Wasatch Mountains can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements:
A 30% deposit to secure your place is due upon booking. The remaining amount is paid 3 months (90 days) prior to departure. Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the cancellation policy stated below applies.
Your Wasatch backcountry skiing tour begins in Salt Lake City, UT. Most people fly into Salt Lake City International Airport, and you can then take a taxi or a shuttle to your chosen accommodation.
Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet, whether that’s at the guide shop or a predetermined location. The guide will choose the appropriate terrain dependent on conditions and the ability of the group.
57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity.
We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, their guides, and the communities they’re traveling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in Utah, please refer to Utah’s COVID-19 traveler information.
Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!
