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December through May
Book as many days as you want
Salt Lake City International Airport is a 45-minute drive from Alta
Utah’s Alta is not only one of the first skiing areas in the U.S., but is also next-door neighbors with Snowbird, offering two-for-one access for backcountry skiers. These renowned powder skiing destinations are defined by their vibrant mountain communities, perfect for family getaways and advanced skiers chasing remote routes. Backcountry beginners will adore the ample terrain, while more advanced skiers and riders can enjoy ski mountaineering, interconnected tours, and exhilirating descents. Start with easily accesses routes and work up to chutes, bowls and trees. Join a guide and find out why this is one of the best ski destinations in Utah!
A long ski season and world-renowned powder make this the ultimate ski destination
Perfect for family getaways and advanced skiers chasing remote routes
Gain double the backcountry! Side by side, Alta and Snowbird offers two-for-one access for backcountry skiers
No experience in the backcountry? This Alta backcountry tour is designed as a short ski camp that equips strong resort skiers for a thrilling day off-piste. Joined by local guides, you’ll gain great backcountry skiing opportunities, just outside Salt Lake City. Learn the foundations while gaining access to some of the best touring on the planet.
Not sure if you should hire a guide? Listen to our ambassador Greg Hill debate the ultimate question: To be guided or not to be guided?
Design a private tour for backcountry skiing in the unreal skiing conditions offered by the Wasatch Mountains. Backcountry experts will work with you to determine the perfect elevation, access points, long and even fall-lines, pitch, and tree cover. Experience deep, powder bowls to tranquil, glade skiing in an intimate group.
Depending on your objectives, full days may start earlier and end later, but in general, your day will look like this:
Maximize your lines with lifts providing speedy access to high-mountain backcountry terrain. You’ll reach the Wasatch upper elevations in order to stack vertical with less hiking or skinning. Grabbing a lift combines shorter hikes and traverses with untracked powder near Utah’s under the radar resorts.
Capable backcountry skiers interested in bigger objectives for a longer duration will enjoy these thrilling and challenging backcountry ski trips in Alta and Snowbird. You’ll face more hazard considerations but with more reward. Level up with fully customized trips with up to 8,000 feet of climbing and skiing over roughly eight hours.
Willie and Todd were attentive and set a perfect pace.
Even though we had not the best snow Todd was able to find some CV untouched Utah powder. Jacob was excellent in providing information beforehand. He provided me with a lot of good tips and advise. He was vey thoughtful to my needs. Would recommend 57 hours.
We had a great day backcountry skiing with Winslow. There hadn’t been any new snow in weeks and she knew right where to find the goods! She is clearly VERY knowledgeable about local conditions, safety and fun. She helped our group with technique when we needed it and had her eye on our fitness and skill the whole time. She took us skiing where we never would have gone on our own and made us feel comfortable when we were hesitant. It was an unforgettable day and I hope to ski with Winslow again soon!
A few years ago I was keen to start backcountry skiing but didn’t feel comfortable going by myself. I called INTOG who assessed my skill level and took me to an area of the Utah Wasatch that I’d have never dared go on my own. But I felt like I was in very capable hands with Todd Passey. I could tell he was assessing my fitness and skill the entire time we were out to ensure I could handle the terrain he was taking me into. He taught me lessons before leaving the parking lot right up until we were back at the car. He showed me how to use my beacon, how to skin with the least effort, how to kick-turn without falling over, and most importantly how to judge the snow to ensure we were staying in areas that were safe. I’ve gone out with INTOG several times since then. I’m comfortable doing it on my own now but still enjoy going out with Todd and team because each time I learn more, get more comfortable with the technical aspect of BC skiing, experience new hidden areas of the Wasatch, and…I simply enjoy being around the guides. They’re just great folks who push you to do things you didn’t think you could do, and they do it in a safe and comfortable way. My skiing has improved because of my time with them, and you can bet I’ll be back for more as soon as the snow starts flying.
I have ice climbed and skied with Todd. He is a great teacher and great company. A couple of years back we climbed the Great White Icicle in Little Cottonwood Canyon, Utah , which was a 5 pitch WI 2/3 climb with my wife Maria and Todd. It was a great experience and a nice introduction to water ice. Hope to get back to SLC sometime soon to do some climbing with a Todd – rock, ice or alpine. Todd and Winslow run a great outfit. Highly recommended!
He is extremely strong, experienced and he cares about you at all times. It is impossible not to feel happy and confident in Willie’s team and I would without hesitation go anywhere in the world with him.
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, guides and the communities they’re travelling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in the Salt Lake City area, please refer to the Utah Department of Health.
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!
What you get in this adventure:
What’s not included:
In order to enjoy this backcountry adventure, you need to have a moderate level of fitness. You will be on your feet for a full day. While there is terrain for all skill levels in Alta and Snowbird, you will need to manage controlled descents in variable conditions. All participants should feel comfortable on blue level resort runs and be able to carry a loaded daypack while skinning up variable degrees of terrain.
For the enjoyment and safety of everyone involved, participants must be approved to participate in advanced backcountry skiing tours either through a previous trip with the guiding service or through recommendations.
Backcountry skiing isn’t just for pros looking for the ultimate thrill ride, it’s also beginner friendly, meaning anyone with blue level resort experience can have fun in the backcountry. If you’ve never backcountry skied before, heading out with a guide is your best bet. They’ll take care of the planning, introduce you to the basics, like skinning uphill, and teach you how to manage the terrain. They also have the experience and avalanche training to keep you safe.
All mandatory gear can be rented if you don’t have your own. You can rent:
Ski rental locations are in Alta, Snowbird and Salt Lake City and should be picked up the night prior to your outing. If you need to rent gear, let us know and we can help make arrangements.
For technical backcountry ski touring gear, you will need to bring:
For personal items, we recommend bringing:
Groups and pricing:
Min. age requirements:
To get to Alta/Snowbird, most people fly into Salt Lake City International Airport. From there, you can rent a car or take a shuttle service the 45 minutes Southeast to Alta or Snowbird.
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. From there, you’ll head to your tour. The guide will choose the appropriate terrain dependent on conditions and the ski ability of the group.
Day Trips Cancellations
Fully refundable within the initial 48 hours from booking, unless the trip date is less than 7 days from the time of the booking.
Cancellations up to 7 days prior to the trip date are refundable 100%.
Cancellations within 7 days prior to the trip date are non-refundable.