Backcountry Skiing in Mount Superior

Things to know

• What’s included?

  What you get on this adventure:

  • • An experienced, certified ski guide with extensive knowledge of the area
    • 1 day of backcountry skiing

  What’s not included:

  • • Technical backcountry ski touring equipment
    • Transportation to and from Utah
    • Food and snacks
    • Accommodations
    • Guide gratuities — optional
• How fit do I need to be?

  In order to join your guide for a day of backcountry skiing in Mount Superior, it’s essential that you have a good fitness level. You’ll be covering at least 1,500 ft (457 m) of vertical climbing and you’ll be on your feet for a full day. 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.

• 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 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. There are also options for intermediate do expert skiers in Mount Superior, though

• What do I need to bring?

  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)
    • Ice axe (can be rented from your guides)
    • Crampons (can be rented from your guides)
    • Avalanche safety equipment (can be rented):
      • Digital, 3-antenna avalanche transceiver or beacon (guides can provide at no extra cost)
      • Lightweight snow shovel (guides can provide at no extra cost)
      • Avalanche probe (guides can provide at no extra cost)
      • Harness for glacier travel (for advanced touring, can be rented from your guides)

  For personal items, we recommend bringing:

  • • Ski touring backpack, around 30-40L (guides can provide at no extra cost)
    • Helmet
    • Sunglasses or ski goggles
    • Gloves and hat
    • Wind and waterproof shell jacket with hood (Gore-Tex recommended)
    • Ski pants (Gore-Tex recommended)
    • Down jacket or vest
    • Synthetic or wool base layers, underwear and socks
    • 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
    • Thermos with a warm beverage — optional
    • Lunch and snacks
    • First aid kit
    • Sunscreen
    • Camera — optional
• Can I rent equipment?

  All mandatory gear can be rented if you don’t have your own.

  • • Avalanche safety pack, including backpack, beacon, shovel and probe can be provided by your guides free of charge.
    • Alpine touring or telemark skis, splitboards, touring boots and poles can be rented from Ski ‘N See, Powder House Ski Shop, Canyon Sports, or many other rental shops in the Salt Lake City area.

  Ski rental locations are in and around 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

  Group sizes and prices:

  • • For private intro to backcountry skiing and a customized day of private backcountry skiing, the client-to-guide ratio is 4:1.
    • For advanced tours & ski mountaineering, the client-to-guide ratio is 2:1.
    • The cost per person decreases as the group grows, so it’s the perfect opportunity to hike with friends and family!

  Backcountry skiing in Mount Superior can be arranged for larger groups, in which case more guides would join the tour so that the client-to-guide ratio doesn’t change. Contact us to make arrangements.

  Min. age requirements:

  • • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
    • Minors may be permitted to join private tours on a case-by-case basis.

  If your group has skiers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

• Getting there and meeting location

  To get to Whistler, most people fly into Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC). The meeting point depends on the conditions and on your objectives, but you can count on it being near Salt Lake City. It’s either going to be Big or Little Cottonwood Park and Ride Lot, Alta, or Brighton. You can either rent a car or take a shuttle from the airport to your meeting point.

  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.

• Covid measures in Utah

  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!