Included: An experienced, IFMGA or AMGA-certified ski guide with extensive knowledge of the area 1-day guided backcountry ski tour in the Wasatch Mountains Avalanche safety gear (transceiver, shovel, probe, and pack) if needed Not included: Ski touring gear (skis, boots, skins, and poles) Lift tickets for lift-accessed tours (for yourself and your guide) Transportation to the trailhead Lunch, water, and snacks Accommodation Anything not mentioned in the “Included” section above Insurance — recommended, available to add at checkout Guide gratuities — optional

How fit do I need to be?

In order to join a guided backcountry ski tour in the Wasatch, good fitness is required, along with intermediate to advanced downhill skiing ability . Some touring experience helps, but it isn’t required for every tour. Expect up to 5,000 vertical ft (1,525 m) of climbing and skiing on the standard tour, and up to 8,000 ft (2,440 m) on advanced tours. You’ll be on your feet all day, skinning uphill with a loaded daypack and skiing in changing conditions. For advanced tours and ski mountaineering, you’ll also need solid stamina, good skinning technique, and prior approval from your guides , through an earlier outing or a mutual contact.

What if I’ve never backcountry skied before?

Backcountry skiing isn’t just for pros looking for the ultimate thrill ride, it’s also beginner friendly, meaning anyone with a moderate fitness level and 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.

What about required equipment?

For technical backcountry ski touring gear, you will need to bring: Alpine touring skis, telemark skis or splitboard with skins (can be rented) Touring boots and poles (can be rented) Avalanche safety equipment (can be rented): Digital, 3-antenna avalanche transceiver or beacon Lightweight snow shovel Avalanche probe For personal items, we recommend bringing: Wind and waterproof shell jacket with hood (Gore-tex recommended) Ski pants (Gore-tex recommended) Helmet Synthetic or wool base layers, underwear and socks Down jacket or vest Gloves and hat One triple-action locking carabiner or two conventional locking carabiners Repair kit and Leatherman for your equipment (can be shared between several people) Water bottle and 1L of water Food you can eat on-the-go Sunglasses or ski goggles First-aid kit Sunscreen Daypack large enough to carry all items listed (around a 30-40L bag) Camera — optional

Where can I rent required equipment?

All mandatory gear can be rented if you don’t have your own. You can rent: Avalanche safety pack, including backpack, beacon, shovel and probe can usually be rented from your guides Alpine touring or telemark skis, touring boots and poles can be rented from Wasatch Touring and Outdoor Adventures Splitboards can be rented from Outdoor Adventures and Wasatch Touring Ski rental locations are in 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.

Group sizes and age requirements

Groups and pricing: Standard tours: up to 4 skiers per guide. Larger groups get an extra guide. Advanced tours and ski mountaineering: up to 2 skiers per guide. Ski touring in Utah’s Wasatch Range can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements. Min. age requirements: Everybody over the age of 18 is welcome to book this backcountry skiing adventure. Minors may be permitted to join private tours on a case-by-case basis. If you plan to ski with anyone under the age of 18, please contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

Getting there and meeting location

The starting point of your Wasatch backcountry ski tour is the Cottonwood Canyons, just outside Salt Lake City, Utah. To get there, most people fly into Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) . From the airport, it’s about a 30–45-minute drive to the mouth of either canyon. Renting a car is the easiest option, but there are also shuttle services and the UTA ski bus up both canyons. If you’re staying in Park City, plan on about 45 minutes to the trailhead. You will meet your guide at 8 am . The spot depends on the day’s objective, and your guide will confirm it the night before. The usual meeting points are: Little Cottonwood Park and Ride , at the mouth of Little Cottonwood Canyon (UT-209/UT-210) Big Cottonwood Park and Ride , at the mouth of Big Cottonwood Canyon (UT-190) Alta or Brighton ski resorts, for lift-accessed tours Near Provo , for tours in the Southern Wasatch Parking at both Park and Ride lots fills up fast on powder days, so give yourself some extra time. I dropped the old “FR021 before the Park City resort” directions because they didn’t make sense for Big Cottonwood. I added the UTA ski bus as a public transport option. It’s worth checking that link and the current season’s schedule before you publish.

Safety measures and insurance

We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout. Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.

Wasatch Mountains | Utah

Backcountry Skiing in the Wasatch Mountains

Name: Wasatch Backcountry Skiing - Guided Tours
Brand: 57hours
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (7 reviews)

1 day | Moderate to Challenging | 4.88

From $500 ()

Utah’s terrain delivers some of the best backcountry skiing in the country. Located on the western edge of the Rockies, the Wasatch Mountains neighbor Salt Lake City, leading you to champagne snow within an hour of your arrival. Every level of skier will find routes, including relaxed tree skiing, steep couloirs and low-angle meadows. Whether you’re new to the backcountry, looking for an expert-level challenge or want to tackle a multi-day adventure with friends, Wasatch has it all. Terrain ranges from relaxed tree skiing to steep couloirs, with plenty for intermediate skiers and seasoned ski mountaineers alike.

Adventure Highlights

Land at Salt Lake City Airport and be on the slopes within an hour
The season is long, and with 500 feet of snowfall annually, there aren’t many non-skiable days
The Wasatch Range stretches for 160 miles of pure adventure – the sheer vastness of the area ensures prime conditions and fewer crowds

Duration

1 day

Season

December through May

Group size

Up to 10 people

The adventure, day by day

Download itineraries

This full-day guided ski or splitboard tour in Little and Big Cottonwood Canyons is for intermediate to advanced skiers who want to explore the terrain that made Utah’s backcountry famous. Every day is tailored to the group, balancing great skiing with learning, efficiency, and sound decision-making. Depending on conditions and your level, we might tour classic Wasatch zones, lap lift-accessed sidecountry, or head for bigger objectives. Your guide chooses the plan each morning based on the avalanche forecast, wind, and the group’s fitness. Some touring experience helps, but it isn’t required.

What to expect

- Duration: About 7 hours
- Climbing and skiing: 2,500–5,000 vertical ft (760–1,525 m)
- Meeting time: Usually 8 am. Your guide confirms the exact time and meeting spot the night before.

Arrive at the trailhead about 15 minutes early. We start with a safety talk and beacon check, then skin up, plan our lines and escape routes, and ski. Many tours start in Little Cottonwood, drop into Big Cottonwood, and climb back over. Intermediate days usually include 3–5 laps. We wrap up with a debrief at the trailhead.

Possible objectives

- Mellower terrain: Flagstaff Mountain, Dog Lake and Mill D North, Days Fork, Grizzly Gulch, Butler Fork
- Intermediate: Cardiff Fork and Cardiac Bowl, Silver Fork, USA Bowl, Reynolds Peak, White Pine, Gobblers Knob
- Advanced: Mount Superior South Ridge, Wolverine Cirque, Broads Fork and Twin Peaks
- Southern Wasatch: Cascade Ridge, Provo Peak

This tour is for strong, experienced skiers and splitboarders ready for bigger, longer days in steep, technical terrain. We pick objectives based on current conditions and access, looking for good snow on a wide range of aspects. Along the way, your guide shares the skills behind every big day in the mountains: backcountry planning, weather and avalanche assessment, route selection, contingency plans, and group dynamics. It’s ideal if you’re working toward going out on your own, planning longer winter trips, or want to add rappelling and belayed skiing to your skill set. All clients need to be approved by the guides before booking.

What to expect

- Duration: About 8 hours
- Climbing and skiing: 5,000–8,000 vertical ft (1,525–2,440 m)
- Group size: 1–2 skiers per guide
- Technical skills: Some routes may involve crampons, an ice axe, a harness, belayed skiing, and rappels

Arrival and the safety routine are the same as on the other tour. Expect a long, demanding day that needs solid stamina and efficient skinning technique.

Possible objectives

Mount Superior (South Ridge and Face), Monte Cristo (Directissimo), routes on the Toledo Ridgeline, objectives in the Southern Wasatch, and more, depending on conditions and permitted access.

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Backcountry Skiing in the Wasatch Mountains

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Meet your guides

Seasoned pros, local legends, and passionate adventurers—your trip is in the best hands.

5.00

Willie

IFMGA mountain guide

Based out of Sandy, Utah, his home in the Wasatch Mountains, Willie is a guide and a co-founder of a guiding company. He’s an IFMGA Mountain Guide, AMGA Ski Mountaineering Guide and has been to the summit of Mount Everest 13 times. With a stack of accomplishments too long to list, if you’re looking for someone to guide you on the mountain, there’s no person more qualified or experienced than Willie.

5.00

Red River Adventures

In business since 2003, Red River Adventures have hosted over 85,000 guests and spent over 110,000 days in the field. They have extensive knowledge of and certification in whitewater rescue, climbing safety and technique, wilderness first aid, and CPR. Red River Adventures offer services from the top of Denali to the bottom of Grand Canyon, and are happy to take you on a unique trip.

What others say about this adventure

4.88 (8 reviews)

Reagan R.

Willie is one of the best mountain guides in the world.

He has the highest level of formal guide certification as an IFMGA guide. Willie is an expert in all climbing, skiing and mountaineering disciplines. However, it is Willie’s passion for the environment and for teaching that really separates him from other guides. Willie is a wealth of knowledge and skill, and he can help any adventure seeker have an epic trip in deep powder, on any rock or on any mountain.

Edwin R.

There's no one I'd rather go out with

Todd was very professional and extremely knowledgeable. We had an amazing time even though the weather did not cooperate. Todd made sure we got to ski and made the experience unforgettable. I’m glad someone like him exists in the skiing community to share his experience and skills. I would highly recommend him as a guide.

Paul K.

Highly recommended!

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!

Show all reviews

Things to know

Included:
- - An experienced, IFMGA or AMGA-certified ski guide with extensive knowledge of the area
  - 1-day guided backcountry ski tour in the Wasatch Mountains
  - Avalanche safety gear (transceiver, shovel, probe, and pack) if needed
Not included:
- - Ski touring gear (skis, boots, skins, and poles)
  - Lift tickets for lift-accessed tours (for yourself and your guide)
  - Transportation to the trailhead
  - Lunch, water, and snacks
  - Accommodation
  - Anything not mentioned in the “Included” section above
  - Insurance — recommended, available to add at checkout
  - Guide gratuities — optional
In order to join a guided backcountry ski tour in the Wasatch, good fitness is required, along with intermediate to advanced downhill skiing ability. Some touring experience helps, but it isn’t required for every tour. Expect up to 5,000 vertical ft (1,525 m) of climbing and skiing on the standard tour, and up to 8,000 ft (2,440 m) on advanced tours.

You’ll be on your feet all day, skinning uphill with a loaded daypack and skiing in changing conditions. For advanced tours and ski mountaineering, you’ll also need solid stamina, good skinning technique, and prior approval from your guides, through an earlier outing or a mutual contact.
Backcountry skiing isn’t just for pros looking for the ultimate thrill ride, it’s also beginner friendly, meaning anyone with a moderate fitness level and 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.
For technical backcountry ski touring gear, you will need to bring:
- - Alpine touring skis, telemark skis or splitboard with skins (can be rented)
  - Touring boots and poles (can be rented)
  - Avalanche safety equipment (can be rented):
    
    Digital, 3-antenna avalanche transceiver or beacon
    
    Lightweight snow shovel
    
    Avalanche probe
For personal items, we recommend bringing:
- - Wind and waterproof shell jacket with hood (Gore-tex recommended)
  - Ski pants (Gore-tex recommended)
  - Helmet
  - Synthetic or wool base layers, underwear and socks
  - Down jacket or vest
  - Gloves and hat
  - One triple-action locking carabiner or two conventional locking carabiners
  - Repair kit and Leatherman for your equipment (can be shared between several people)
  - Water bottle and 1L of water
  - Food you can eat on-the-go
  - Sunglasses or ski goggles
  - First-aid kit
  - Sunscreen
  - Daypack large enough to carry all items listed (around a 30-40L bag)
  - Camera — optional
All mandatory gear can be rented if you don’t have your own. You can rent:
- - Avalanche safety pack, including backpack, beacon, shovel and probe can usually be rented from your guides
  - Alpine touring or telemark skis, touring boots and poles can be rented from Wasatch Touring and Outdoor Adventures
  - Splitboards can be rented from Outdoor Adventures and Wasatch Touring
Ski rental locations are in 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.
Groups and pricing:
- - Standard tours: up to 4 skiers per guide. Larger groups get an extra guide.
  - Advanced tours and ski mountaineering: up to 2 skiers per guide.
Ski touring in Utah’s Wasatch Range can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

Min. age requirements:
- - Everybody over the age of 18 is welcome to book this backcountry skiing adventure.
  - Minors may be permitted to join private tours on a case-by-case basis.
If you plan to ski with anyone under the age of 18, please contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
The starting point of your Wasatch backcountry ski tour is the Cottonwood Canyons, just outside Salt Lake City, Utah. To get there, most people fly into Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC). From the airport, it’s about a 30–45-minute drive to the mouth of either canyon. Renting a car is the easiest option, but there are also shuttle services and the UTA ski bus up both canyons. If you’re staying in Park City, plan on about 45 minutes to the trailhead.

You will meet your guide at 8 am. The spot depends on the day’s objective, and your guide will confirm it the night before. The usual meeting points are:
- - Little Cottonwood Park and Ride, at the mouth of Little Cottonwood Canyon (UT-209/UT-210)
  - Big Cottonwood Park and Ride, at the mouth of Big Cottonwood Canyon (UT-190)
  - Alta or Brighton ski resorts, for lift-accessed tours
  - Near Provo, for tours in the Southern Wasatch
Parking at both Park and Ride lots fills up fast on powder days, so give yourself some extra time.

I dropped the old “FR021 before the Park City resort” directions because they didn’t make sense for Big Cottonwood. I added the UTA ski bus as a public transport option. It’s worth checking that link and the current season’s schedule before you publish.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.

Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.
- 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.

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