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!

Mount Superior | Utah

Backcountry Skiing in Mount Superior

5.00 ()

From $500 ()

Duration

1 day

Season

Mid-November through March

Intro
Itinerary
Brochure
Guides
Reviews
Things to know

Highlighted in the iconic compilation 50 Classic Ski Descents of North America, Mount Superior is considered to be the crown jewel of the Wasatch. And rightly so: the 2,900-foot descent is an unparalleled off-piste experience, but Mt. Superior and the area around it offer so much more for total novices and experts alike. You’ll find anything ranging from mellow slopes and bowls to narrow couloirs and exciting chutes for skiers and riders looking for a challenge. Heading out with guides who know the area like the back of their hand is the best recipe for a perfect day of shredding powder. Find out more about why Mount Superior is one of the best backcountry skiing locations in Utah by Willie Benegas, IFMGA Mountain Guide & AMGA Ski Mountaineering Guide.

Download itineraries

Available itineraries

Private Intro to Backcountry Skiing

Novice backcountry skiers will enjoy several runs on Mount Superior. Routes will explore various aspects and approximately up to 3,000 feet of skinning and skiing. You’ll have plenty of time to pause and enjoy the amazing scenery the Wasatch Range has to offer! Let a guide show you the best spots, educate you on backcountry safety and level up your skills and knowledge.

A Customized Day of Private Guided Backcountry Skiing

Mount Superior skiing delivers quick access to spectacular terrain from beginner to expert level routes. The Wasatch Mountains are ideal for learning and leveling up your technique of backcountry skiing and snowboarding. With an itinerary customized to your objectives, it’s your choice between options like large, open bowls, perfect powder skiing or taking on the Cardiac Chute.

Advanced Tours & Ski Mountaineering

There’s no shortage of steep, technical and challenging terrain in the Wasatch Mountains. Popular ski mountaineering objectives at Mount Superior include the Wolverine Cirque and Tuscarora, Southeast Face, the Coalpit Headwall, Twin Peaks East Face, and more. Outings can include rappels or belayed skiing. Pros show you the thrill and foundations of ski mountaineering on this full day or private touring.

Backcountry Skiing in Mount Superior

Adventure Brochure

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If you have questions or need help with planning a trip, schedule a call with one of our adventure experts.

Meet your guides

5.00

Willie Benegas

IFMGA mountain guide

Based out of Sandy, Utah, his home in the Wasatch Mountains, Willie is the co-founder of Benegas Brothers Expeditions. 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

Todd Passey

Originally from Utah, Todd is a highly accomplished guide with an IFMGA certification along with certifications from the American Mountain Guide Association (AMGA) as a Rock Guide, Alpine Guide, and Ski Mountaineering Guide. Todd's extensive guiding experience spans numerous countries and all 7 continents. One of Todd's notable achievements is successfully ascending all Seven Summits, including Kilimanjaro in Africa (1 time), Elbrus in Europe (4 times), Aconcagua in South America (2 times), Denali in North America (22 times), Carstensz in Oceania (7 times), Vinson in Antarctica (24 times), and Everest in Asia (2 times). Currently, Todd Passey resides in Utah's Wasatch Mountains.

5.00

WMG is dedicated to demonstrating its passionate commitment to workplace sustainability, its deep-held understanding and love for nature, and a dedication to protecting the wilderness areas we all visit is taught on each and every WMG adventure.

5.00 (5 reviews)

Derek Wright (source: Google Reviews)

My wife and I took a private Backcountry Skills Course with Todd and Eric. We couldn’t have asked for better instruction and knowledge. They were both very accommodating and made sure we had the best snow. We skied fresh snow all weekend with spectacular scenery. It was so much fun. We felt safe the entire time and it was obvious Todd and Eric were very familiar with the terrain. We were very fortunate to have such experience guides. We asked for tips and feedback, and they delivered some great suggestions. We learned a lot, but most importantly, we had a blast. Certainly going back for more skiing and hope to get back in the summer for some of their climbing clinics.

Adam Wininger (source: Google Reviews)

Amazing back country experience in Alta. Really knowledgeable guides, literally some of the most knowledgeable in the world. Doubt anyone knows these mountains and reading terrain better than them. Felt very safe but also challenged. Strong workout too.`

Yijie Wang (source: Google Reviews)

We had a fantastic skimo experience with Todd and Willie in the Wasatch backcountry. They are very knowledgeable in the mountains and fun to ski with. I kept bugging them with all sorts of questions ranging from technical skills to safety travel in the avalanche terrains. They always patiently explained the details while guiding us through complex and exciting terrains safely. Not only did we enjoyed some steep skiing and powder laps but also gained a good amount of knowledge that can be applied in our future skimo adventures. It really doesn’t get any better than this. Thanks so much Todd and Willie!

Kathryn Horner (source: Google Reviews)

3 adults and 4 teenagers (12, 14, 15, 16 years) went out for a backcountry skiing day with Todd and Erik — it was “hard fun.” Beautiful terrain. Awesome communication. Good decision making. Thank you for a wonderful adventure!

Jeff Montgomery (source: Google Reviews)

Great day with Willie in Utah hero powder. Scheduling and accommodation to personal desires was easy and well handled. Ski day itself was outstanding. Highly recommend this team! Cheers

Things to know

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
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.
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
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
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 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.
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.
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!
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.
57hours partners with Redpoint Travel Protection, offering you a fully integrated program with a single point of contact for all your needs, from emergency services to travel assistance and protection claims. We highly recommend purchasing a comprehensive protection policy from Redpoint, which will protect you both before and during your travels. Before your departure, your investment is protected by the trip cancellation benefit. Once you depart, your policy provides coverage for trip interruption, medical assistance and rescue, baggage loss, trip delay, and more. Once you complete booking with 57hours, we'll create bespoke quote for you (and your group), making sure you're fully protected for the adventure ahead.