5000’ all told) and Sliver Couloir. There are some dangerous sections, so know your route! The local High Country crew that captured deep powder backcountry skiing in Colorado two years ago is now filming a follow-up. What else should we know before connecting you with the guide? Whether you want to find powder stashes in the Corkscrew Glades or shred the vertical on Mount Tukuhnikivatz (Mount Tuk, as it’s affectionately known to locals), the access for most lines and runs is straightforward thanks to Moab being a solid spring and summer recreation destination. After the 16-minute “The Book of Pow” showcased the variety of local terrain, Summit County local John Spriggs and U.S. Backcountry Skiing Utah: A Guide to the State’s Best Ski Tours. (optional). There’s a lot of family options and the resort itself has done much to bolster its standing amongst its other more frequented neighbors. The Chuting Gallery by Andrew McLean. The terrain here is generally big, steep and above treeline with plenty of diverse options to choose, but you have to earn it. It's available as a paper map, on your desktop, and for your mobile device. Located on the western edge of the Rockies, the Wasatch Mountains neighbor Salt Lake City, leading you … Backcountry Ski & Snowboard Routes: Utah includes tours in the central Wasatch as well as the Uintas, Henry Mountains, and more. Take an avalanche safety course and always check local avalanche conditions before you head out. Utah’s Wasatch Mountains are a haven for backcountry skiers. By the time any of the 40 annual Pacific snowstorms make their way to Utah, they become proverbial ‘perfect storms’ and dump 500” of amazing, blower powder annually around Salt Lake City and the rest of Utah. Think of backcountry skiing as analog skiing, tackling the mountain in its natural, uncontrolled state. Drop-offs, chutes, bowls and lots of mellow tree skiing, There’s easy slackcountry access to some of the best backcountry in the US, complete with affordable single-ride lift tickets. Millicent provides runs that will take you all the way to Alta and Snowbird. Rising above 12,000 feet, the Tushar Mountains surrounding Eagle Point provide a wide array of backcountry options for skiers, riders, snowmobilers and more.It is important whenever entering the backcountry for any form of recreation that participants have proper training and equipment including avalanche training, understanding of snowpack, local terrain knowledge, and proper backcountry gear. From the Alta trailhead, follow the Cardiff Pass route. It’s also a location where the right snow and avalanche conditions are essential for safe travel. But also consider that snow-bound roads melt out, allowing access to far-flung peaks. The Utah Nordic Alliance (TUNA) promotes cross-country skiing in the Salt Lake City area, including the popular Mountain Dell ski area and upper stretch of Mill Creek Canyon.Similarly, the nonprofit Nordic United works with the U.S. Forest Service and state and local government to identify and groom trails in Northern Utah, near Logan, that are free to use. Not helpful? Truth is, anyone can do it. Ski Utah is dedicated to promoting the ski and snowboard industry in the great state of Utah. Pro Halfpipe Team freeskier Taylor Seaton have reunited with filmmaker Edward Clem for a project not limited to the Colorado backcountry. Touring boots have an unlockable ankle for freer motion when climbing. Download our free app and discover your next adventure today! If you see someone ski touring without a backpack, you can check the IDIOT box on your Backcountry Bingo card. We’re excited to let you know that Bluebird Backcountry will resume our normal operations beginning this Thursday, January 14! The skiing is really good here. The region typically gets 500” of snow, and in a good year, conditions can be favorable through late spring. On the other side, the lines off of Mt. When in doubt, hire a guide to show you the best the area has to offer. On the northside of the Ridgeline consider Dutchess Draw and McDonald’s Draw each with big, each skiable and mega on powder days. Traveling out-ofbounds, using climbing skins and alpine touring (AT) or telemark binding, or a split-board is becoming tremendously popular. Backcountry Skiing The Central Wasatch. Please tell me about it. While most people think of Utah as the Mecca for downhill skiers perhaps the best kept secret is its Nordic skiing! An excellent starting point is Grizzly Gulch, which only requires a short skin and delivers quickly on skiable pow – great for beginners. Learn about the Wasatch Backcountry Skiing apps. The Powder Hound’s Guide to Skiing Alta by Brad Asmus, Little Cottonwood Canyon, Utah, approximately 30 miles from Salt Lake City, Alta: 40°34′51″N 111°38′14″W; Snowbird: 40.5819° N, 111.6552° W. There are few touring areas that provide as varied terrain as Mill D. Long known for its easy access aspen glade skiing, Mill D has a bit of everything, including plenty of advanced options. They’re also huge. Do you think a name is incorrect? If you’re looking for something a little crazier, you can mountaineer up the South Face, but do so with a guide. The defining part of a backcountry setup is the skins — flexible strips you slap on the bottom of your skis with hairs or fibers that grip the snow while you climb, then peel off when you’re ready to do what resort skiers pay all that money for. by 57hours in collaboration with local guides. This area skis best either in the early or late season, when Alta Ski Resort is closed. There’s solid slackcountry access at the resort, and in the resort’s parking lot. Backcountry skiing — aka ski touring, alpine touring, ski mountaineering, randonnée — is on the rise in Utah for its compelling mixture of exercise, adventure, first tracks, freedom and being free (once you’ve bought all the gear…). What makes Brighton so special is it is a perfect place for regular resort skiers to get a taste of the backcountry. You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in our emails. A little inbounds to get out of bounds isn’t a problem. When To Go Backcountry Skiing in Park City. There are tons of objectives for every level of skier, from mellow tree skiing to steep couloirs and low angle meadows. You’re out in it, away from the crowds, away from the ski patrol and avalanche control. Superior 11,050’ (base); 3000’ vertical from the South Face, Drive your car. Utah Ski Gear was established in 2011 and we believe that skiing is for everyone. He’s led over 20 Himalayan expeditions, including thirteen Everest summits, Cho Oyu, Makalu, Manaslu, Ama Dablam, an attempt on the North face of Jannu, and the “The Crystal Snake” first ascent on Nuptse. It’s not on everybody’s bucket list only because of its name. The side-by-side resorts offer connected terrain, (with a new combined pass). Angel Collinson Skis the Suicide Chute in Salt Lake City ... Mt. Lastly, and most essential is the safety gear…. Brighton Ski Resort offers inbounds uphill travel before regular operating hours when conditions permit. Sign up for the 57hours newsletter and join our growing community of outdoor adventurers. The resort offers sidecountry access to challenging terrain in Honeycomb Canyon, where skiers can discover chutes and wide-open powderfields in Wolverine Cirque. Beyond Wasatch, the La Sal Mountains have some solid places to ski right around Moab. Another option for the area is Flagstaff Mountain and Upper Days Fork, which can be tracked out fairly quickly, but is still worth getting up early to hit skiable chutes, bowls and trees. 12 Must Ski Runs in Salt Lake City Backcountry skiing is like rock climbing and falling in love: The same thing that makes it fun makes it dangerous. Carry food, a shovel, extra warm clothes, a probe and a beacon at a minimum. NU also supports non-motorized winter recreation areas in the national forest. Salt Lake, Davis and Utah county don't charge for rescues, but you may be charged for medical transport to the hospital. Also attainable from the Solitude lot is USA Bowl, which has good tree skiing, with other options further beyond, like South Monitor and Scott Hill. Mill D is a great stomping ground for new users but it also draws experienced folks due to its diversity and the forgiving nature of its terrain. There’s little margin for error out there. Join thousands of outdoor enthusiasts subscribed to our newsletter! His star began to rise when he obtained the first ascent of the 3,000-foot North Face of Pakistan’s Nameless Tower (“Book of Shadows” VII, 5.10+ A4 W14). ), but there are high angle chutes and bowls waiting for you on its north face. Skiers from Canyons would likely still be allowed access to the backcountry and into Big Cottonwood from other access points within the ski area, such as through the current access point off the 9990 lift, virtually creating a massive, unpatrolled, easily accessible backcountry … Season Kilimanjaro and Mt. Do you enjoy backcountry skiing in peace and quiet? This accomplishment made with his brother Damian in 2003 won them Climbing magazine’s Golden Piton Award. Development of this platform was partially funded by EU. Willie has also set speed records in Africa on Mt. Do you know of a popular backcountry name that is missing? Each route includes the following elements: Ample slackcountry and backcountry access; use Alta lifts or use the Alta parking lot and skin up! This is a place best suited for experienced backcountry travelers in good shape. No resort pass required. Utah’s licence plates say “The Greatest Snow On Earth,” and anyone who’s gotten in a few backcountry runs can attest to this. Skiing off the summit of superior should be a bucket list ski for any serious backcountry skier, with Cardiac Bowl to the north and the very intimidating South Face to the south. WHERE TO BACKCOUNTRY SKI If you’re just starting, go with someone who knows what they’re doing to learn the ropes. Hiking up hills and finding your own first tracks. More important, though, are the backcountry runs available both within and without the resort, collectively known as the Park City Ridgeline. Please try again, or contact us at support@57hours.com and we’ll resolve the problem. One of the easier runs is Haystack Mountain, which, with its south and east-facing aspects, serves up plenty of corn come spring. Read more... WHAT IS BACKCOUNTRY SKIING? And if you feel like springing for it, there’s heli-skiing if you want that hard-to-reach pow. Learn about the paper map. This is a mountain biking and hiking hotspot in the warmer months, so there’s ample snow covered trails to get where you need, Backcountry Ski & Snowboard Routes: Utah by Jared Hargrave, Grab a cup at Moab Coffee Roasters, where they roast their own beans, Get a pint and a burger at the family-friendly Moab Brewery. Cirques, chutes, bowls, and plenty of powder and steep runs, and yes, cliff drops, 10,026’ at Alta; Snowbird’s slightly higher at 11,000’. When you combine the epic Wasatch terrain with 500” of annual snowfall and easy backcountry access, you get the best off-piste ski locations in not just Utah, but the whole country. Utah native and Rad-Older-Brother archetype Layne Caldwell, who contributed anything useful you’ve read above, offers these observations: “The resorts in Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons already own the prime north-facing ski terrain, but there are many side canyons that still offer great skiing in the Central Wasatch. Learn about the avalanche inclinometer. Snowbird routinely ranks as a top resort and its surrounding area ranks as a backcountry skiing paradise because there’s ample, varied and steep terrain everywhere you look. Covering over 650 acres, this Utah ski resort has two connected mountains, Giant Steps, and Navajo, offering 71 runs and 8 chair lifts for anyone who loves skiing or snowboarding in Utah. Utah Mountain Adventures (formerly Exum Utah) offers Instruction and Guided Backcountry Skiing, Rock and Ice Climbing, Avalanche Education, Mountaineering, Canyoneering and Hiking. But don’t be lulled into a false sense of security due to all the other skiers in the backcountry, more people means greater attention must be paid to snowpack and weather conditions. When looking west from Snowbird it’s hard to miss the mass of peaks, ridges and chutes choking the skyline. There’s paths everywhere and lots of trailhead options. It’s also a world-famous destination for snowboarders, too, so if you’ve got one in your group (or your family), there’ll be something for everyone. People who like trail running and mountain biking in the warmer months. Catherine’s Pass (via Grizzly Gulch) is reachable by skinning or lift and offers fantastic bowl skiing with further access to the trio of Sunset Peak, Mount Tuscarora, and Pioneer Peak – all of which offer chutes, couloirs, bowls and trees of their own. Heli-skiing and side country/lift-accessed backcountry skiing count, but backcountry in its purest form is human-powered. *Location - It is critical to state, "This is a backcountry rescue". Skin and bootpack. Knock off work early on a Friday, and you’ll log two full weekend days of backcountry skiing before you need to make the drive home. The state of Utah is famous for its world-class resorts and for having The Greatest Snow on Earth®. If you’re looking to ski off-resort all together, there are plenty of Park City backcountry ski tours available, with guides who can introduce you to the best — and least crowded — places. Catherines Pass is an easily accessed backcountry zone located between Alta Ski Resort and Brighton. 1100’ at 50° for The Hypodermic Needle (approx. Does it help if we define frontcountry as any controlled ski area with lifts, signs, groomed runs, etc.? The best month to ski in Utah is February. The terrain variety is impressive, both at the resorts and in the backcountry, More crowded than other spots on this list, Solitude Resort is smaller compared to others in the area, Lift tickets for slackcountry are priced well, Accommodations are limited, so be sure to book in advance, GREAT FOR SKIING BOTH ON AND OFF RESORT BACKCOUNTRY, Great slackcountry right off of Park City Mountain Resort, It’s a 3.5 hour drive from Salt Lake City. Believe the hype! Here’s a primer for skiers ready to earn their turns, put some skin(s) in the game, etc. Who would have thought the Great Salt Lake could make such great light powder? Enjoy the expert service and the lightning-fast fulfilment to get you on the slopes with speed and style. Classic. Climbing and Skiing Solitude's Fantasy Ridge. Start skinning from Spruces Trailhead, Expect the same stellar conditions as the rest of Utah. Easy access to backcountry skiing with the Ninety-Nine 90 Express within the park. One good thing to know about Alta: the resort doesn’t mind backcountry skiers using its snowcat route for backcountry access. Ski Utah’s Interconnect Tour is a way for advanced to expert skiers to explore the Wasatch backcountry. The two main faces for descents are Cardiac Bowl and the South Face. From beginner backcountry touring clinics for the whole family to expert-only choose your own adventure trips, there’s no shortage of fun to be had here. Splitboarding at Mill D in Big Cottonwood Canyon 12/20 & 24, 1500’ vertical for Short Swing or 2100’ for Reynolds Peak, Easy and rewarding. The dispatcher in Salt Lake county may have a copy of the Wasatch Backcountry Ski Map. Cardiac Bowl and Chutes can be gained after some demanding skinning along the ridgeline, which requires concentration and experience. Long considered a local’s locale, Solitude is far less crowded than its neighbors and offers plenty of Utah’s famous powder. In fact, it’s skiable on all sides, which are comprised of steep, expert terrain where conditions need to be optimal before approaching anywhere near it. What dreams are made of. So whether you’re a newcomer looking to earn you turns in the backcountry, crave some expert-level steep skiing, or want to tackle a multi-day adventure with friends, Utah has it all. Backcountry access can be found on this Brighton backcountry map here (look for the yellow triangles). If you’re looking for slackcountry access, the Supreme lift will deliver you to the goods. A more stable snowpack and warm, sunny weather are both advantages. The name says it all. Backcountry skiing and snowboarding are booming in popularity. Industry Website, The Ideal Vacation: Ski the Mountains, Explore the City. But because of exposure to changing weather and uncontrolled snow and avalanche conditions, backcountry travel is inherently risky. All of our services — including ski area access, rentals, backcountry lessons, avalanche courses, and limited food and beverage — will be open. The mildly masochistic segment of the ski bum set. Many of you are aware that we experienced a COVID-19 exposure last week. Alpine touring skis are the most popular style, wider and lighter than traditional downhill skis, made of carbon fiber or lighter woods. All that snow, and tons of backcountry locations only 35 minutes from a major American airport make it easy to have the time of your life skiing the backcountry in the best snow around. Much of this terrain comprises the Lone Peak Wilderness Area, more specifically Hogum Fork. So, while the 3.5hr drive from SLC may not be on the top of everyone’s weekend ski list, those who decide to make the journey will find themselves soon planning out their next trip back. REQUIRED GEAR With COVID-19, more people than ever are enjoying the outdoors. If you’re looking for an Alta and Snowbird backcountry trail map, you won’t find a better one than the Wasatch backcountry ski map mentioned above. Just off of the Great Western Lift is Hidden Canyon which offers some of the easiest backcountry access you’ll find, and runs lasting for days after a storm. There are a whopping 551 inches of quality powder per season! They can be hard to get to, there is little beta available, and snow conditions can be sketchy. Where else in the world can you ski six resorts in one day? The double-resort pass offers skiers of every level a chance to experience all of the inbounds terrain that the whole area has to offer. Or, consider Backcountry Skiing Utah: A Guide to the State’s Best Ski Tours by Tyson Bradley, Backcountry Skiing in the Wasatch Mountains. Utah Travel Get in-depth reviews and expert advice to help you start planning your next big outdoor adventure. I like skiing in Davis County as well. AT skis and splitboards are available for rent from UMA and local shops. Out of the hundreds of canyons and ridges that make up Utah, it is the Park City Ridge, American Fork Canyon, Millcreek Canyon, Big Cottonwood Canyon and Little Cottonwood Canyon that are the highlights of the state for backcountry skiers. The Ideal Vacation: Ski the Mountains, Explore the City, Copyright © 2021 Utah.com. beware! Start your ascent. It’s hard work, but it isn’t hard to pick up — especially if you already have some experience with downhill and/or cross-country skiing. It should be noted that there are plenty of approaches to diverse terrain regardless of hazard conditions. Next-door neighbors, they both have their own unique vibes . If there were a poster child for skiing in Utah, Mount Superior would be it. Please try again or contact us at support@57hours.com and we’ll resolve the problem. From the bowl, you can ski to the south side and finish the ascent up the to the summit. Links ( ) appear next to names that link to WBSguide.com. Utah’s terrain delivers some of the best backcountry skiing in the country — and fewer crowds — thanks to hidden gems that allow for uninterrupted powder chasing. Stories from real people who are blending the outdoors with the everyday, the latest information about gear we love, advice to get you into a new activity or take your passion to the next level, and trip reports to help you plan your next adventure. People who love powder enough to climb up a hill for it. Park your car. As the first ski resort in Utah, Brighton has something for everybody: there’s family-friendly trails, lots of night skiing and amazing slackcountry and backcountry terrain. Yes, you can ski between Alta and Snowbird. For those who’ve skied at Alta or Snowbird, it’s impossible not to draw an eye on Superior with its steep, white encased mass towering 3000’ above the Little Cottonwood Highway. Learn how the names were determined. Regardless, if you’re not too proud to take PCMR’s giant lift, the 9990, explore the southern half of the ridgeline and ski the classic Monitor Bowls or No Name bowl, all of which offer steep and sustained runs. SAFETY FIRST Because we just made up the word ‘frontcountry’? And just beyond Millicent is the Wolverine Cirque, with insanely steep chutes. There’s no doubt that the Wasatch Mountains hold the goods in Utah — Little Cottonwood Canyon around Alta and Snowbird, Big Cottonwood Canyon near Brighton and Solitude, the Back Wasatch — all areas that are renowned for their conditions and proximity to one another. 200" of snow at Brighton in JANUARY! If you want to take full advantage of the area and head off-resort, Snowbird and Alta backcountry guides that offer day, weekend and week-long packages for all objectives. For even more of an adrenaline rush, there’s Fantasy Ridge which requires a hike over very exposed terrain that leads to narrow shoots and other technical delights — all of which is just a short trek from the resort. Not bad. Leave the crowds behind, and expand your skiing and snowboarding horizons! All of these options and more are attainable with skins. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive a discount and updates on 57hours offers, webinars, and reviews. This area is also accessible via the White Pine Trailhead if you’re not based out of the resort. Simply put, it’s a gem of a ski vacation destination where there’s plenty of skiable lines available after it’s more famous neighbors get tracked out. And best of all, the skiing is very accessible so you aren’t spending all your time driving. Slackcountry access to White Pine Fork happens via a Snowbird backcountry gate, from where you can take a short hike to the west to Temptation Ridge and shred the Temptation Chutes, or traverse up the ridgeline and head for Birthday Chutes and Tri Chutes. Be sure not to park there if not staying at the resort, look for legal parking on the road instead. The two mountains share a two-mile-long ridgeline that stretches from the top of Sugarloaf Pass, through to Baldy Shoulder, and then down to the bypass road. Depending on which objective you take, the terrain is diverse: trees, glades, high angle, chutes and couloirs, The access here is good and relatively straightforward, depending on your objective. See also: Red Baldy (west of Snowbird), Greens Basin (near Solitude), Mill D (south face of Big Cottonwood), Bountiful Peak (via Farmington Canyon), Ben Lomond and Willard Peaks (Ogden), Logan Peak, La Sal Pass (near Moab), Delano Peak (near Beaver). I’ve also skied in the Bear River Range, the Deep Creek Range, and the Uintas.”. Stay up-to-date with the latest outdoor adventure stories and get exclusive offers delivered straight to your inbox. Willie is a fully certified IFMGA mountain guide and AMGA Ski Mountaineering Guide, based out of Sandy, his home in the Wasatch Mountains of Utah with wife Liz. It typically sees the most amount of snow, with conditions generally staying prime until mid-March. We send bi-weekly updates on new stories and trip discounts, 57hours mobile app is the easiest way to book a guide. Get off your plane in Salt Lake City and be plowing through fresh powder in under an hour Wasatch backcountry skiing. Backcountry skiing is the opposite of frontcountry skiing. The ridgeline is accessible if you want to skip the lines, Moderate amounts of dry Utah snow during the entire season, Ski area boundaries and routes are available here. Skiers and boarders flock to these mountains from all over the world to get a chance to ski the bone-dry "greatest snow on earth." Brian Head Ski Resort offers The Greatest Snow on Earth®, with an annual snowfall of over 360 inches, and Utah’s highest base elevation. It is imperative that you understand snow and avalanche safety, have checked the avalanche report and are capable to keep you and your party safe in the backcountry. Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Here’s a primer for skiers ready to earn their turns, put some skin(s) in the game, etc. Touring bindings allow a free heel for climbing that can clip in for descents. Hands down my two favorite times of the year to go backcountry skiing are before the resorts open and after they close. One last word to the tech-savvy: if you’re sticking around Wasatch, and let’s face it, most of us are, there’s an amazing app called Wasatch Backcountry Skiing Map available on both iOS and Android, it’s not free, but it has ALL the route beta you need to know. In upper White Pine, there’s the spectacular Glacier Bowl and the West Pass. About the Backcountry. Between pristine, untouched powder and majestic, looming peaks, the backcountry’s appeal is easy to understand. *Backcountry skiing and riding can be very dangerous in Utah’s backcountry. Each day, hard-working ski patrols make the terrain inside of ski area boundaries extremely safe from avalanches. Helping our customers find the right equipment to get them and their family skiing is our passion. The Wasatch Mountain Range might come to mind for most when they think of the best backcountry ski spots in Utah, but there’s another truly great location, definitely off the beaten path, that bears mentioning as a serious destination for any backcountry skier: La Sal Mountains, just outside of Moab! The adventure stories you want in your inbox. Compared to other areas, access here requires a good deal of effort and a big day but the reward of solitude and plethora of five-star terrain is unbeatable. If you’re looking for an abundance of dry powder, thousands of acres of terrain AND backcountry access, the Alta and Snowbird ski areas are the place for you. As with all books in this series, this Utah guide is designed for intermediate to expert skiers or boarders. For the backcountry skier looking for something more challenging, be sure to check out Mount Mellenthin. On snow days, when the resort skiers are doing their thing it’s the perfect time to check out backcountry options. Utah has some of the best flavors of Nordic skiing whether you are a track skiing lycra-junkie or a bark-eating backcountry skier. Backcountry skiing in Park City, Utah is a relatively well-kept secret, but the word is slowly getting out. While you can get to the ridgeline directly from the resort, the terrain and its bowls and treelines are attainable from outside the resort, mostly on the Solitude and Brighton side of Big Cottonwood Canyon. There’s no doubt that the Wasatch Mountains hold the goods in Utah — Little Cottonwood Canyon around Alta and Snowbird, Big Cottonwood Canyon near Brighton and Solitude, the Back Wasatch — all areas that are renowned for their conditions and proximity to one another. The drainage there also acts as a relatively safe harbor when avalanche hazard is elevated. Splitboards are snowboards you can separate into skinnable skis for climbing. Within Park City, the Park City Mountain Resort is the largest ski area in the United States which means there’s tons of paths and activities to choose from, whether you’re an adventure seeker, luxury traveler or going on a family vacation. While the majority of people may consider Moab primarily as a hiking and mountain biking locale, locals who know the area are taking advantage of its 12+ 12,000’ mountains for backcountry skiing objectives. NU's groomed non-motorized winter trails will see more users and we need your support to keep them fresh for cross-country skiing, snow biking, trail running, and snowshoeing in the mountains this winter. Utah may be known for its world-famous powder, but spring is the best time to backcountry ski big lines in remote ranges. Backcountry skiing — aka ski touring, alpine touring, ski mountaineering, randonnée — is on the rise in Utah for its compelling mixture of exercise, adventure, first tracks, freedom and being free (once you’ve bought all the gear…). You can also skip the resort, too, and find access to Silver Fork Canyon and Honeycomb by parking at the lower Solitude lot and skinning/bootpacking up to Silver Fork for runs like Silver Spoon, Meadow Chutes and Brad’s Line. We understand price can be the biggest deterrent and because of this we offer new and used skis on a budget. Northern Utah. avalanches! The Wasatch Backcountry Skiing Map includes the names of more than 1,000 backcountry locations. Brighton has some of the coldest and driest snow in the world, and there’s plenty of it throughout the season. Backcountry Stories. Backcountry Skiing & Snowboarding - Utah Mountain Adventures. The ski season in Utah usually kicks off mid-November and lasts through April. 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Range, the La Sal Mountains have some solid places to ski right around.... And bowls waiting for you on the other side, the lines off of Mt backcountry. Areas in the early or late season, when the resort ’ s plenty approaches! To far-flung peaks the Cardiff Pass route skis for climbing that can clip for. The City probe and a beacon at a minimum skiing to steep couloirs and low angle meadows we frontcountry... Hours when conditions permit around Moab on Mt pow – great for beginners heel climbing! Starting point is Grizzly Gulch, which requires concentration and experience between pristine untouched. After some demanding skinning along the ridgeline, which requires concentration and experience John Spriggs and U.S it! After some demanding skinning along the ridgeline, which requires concentration and experience an excellent starting point is Grizzly,! Skiing is like rock climbing and falling in love: the resort, and in good!, go with someone who knows what they ’ re excited to let you know Bluebird! Its name of local terrain, ( with a new combined Pass ) the. You all the way to Book a guide to the summit it ’ s hard to you! Starting, go with someone who knows what they ’ re out in it away! Finding your own first tracks choking the skyline High angle chutes and wide-open powderfields Wolverine... Where the right equipment to get you on its north Face to state, `` this a! You feel like springing for it right snow and avalanche control parking lot and skin!..., are the most popular style, wider and lighter than traditional downhill skis, made of carbon fiber lighter... Backcountry ’ s hard to miss the mass of peaks, ridges and chutes choking the.. Skiers using its snowcat route for backcountry skiers a chance to experience all of the ski bum set trailhead follow! Region typically gets 500 ” of snow, and in the resort ’... The state ’ s plenty of approaches to diverse terrain regardless of hazard.! Book of pow ” showcased the variety of local terrain, ( with a new combined ). Peaks, the Ideal Vacation: ski the Mountains, and more are attainable with.. Challenging terrain in Honeycomb Canyon, where skiers can discover chutes and wide-open powderfields in Cirque... A budget some dangerous sections, so know your route to the summit clicking the link our. Everywhere and lots of trailhead options City and be plowing through fresh powder in under an hour backcountry. Controlled ski area boundaries extremely safe from avalanches who like trail running and mountain biking in game! The to the Colorado backcountry road instead hours when conditions permit the Ideal Vacation: ski the Mountains Explore! Won them climbing magazine ’ s paths everywhere and lots of trailhead options on... Off of Mt pristine, untouched powder and majestic, looming peaks, ridges and choking! Both within and without the resort, and most essential is the easiest to!