avalanches! 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. Because we just made up the word ‘frontcountry’? 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. Hiking up hills and finding your own first tracks. Backcountry skiing and snowboarding are booming in popularity. Some people gravitate toward the resorts since they’re bound to be in the areas with the most snow, though you’ll want to check their policies on walking up the hill. 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. Located on the western edge of the Rockies, the Wasatch Mountains neighbor Salt Lake City, leading you … More important, though, are the backcountry runs available both within and without the resort, collectively known as the Park City Ridgeline. From the bowl, you can ski to the south side and finish the ascent up the to the summit. You’re out in it, away from the crowds, away from the ski patrol and avalanche control. Backcountry Skiing Utah: A Guide to the State’s Best Ski Tours. Links ( ) appear next to names that link to WBSguide.com. 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. Utah has some of the best flavors of Nordic skiing whether you are a track skiing lycra-junkie or a bark-eating backcountry skier. When To Go Backcountry Skiing in Park City. SAFETY FIRST There’s paths everywhere and lots of trailhead options. Brighton Ski Resort offers inbounds uphill travel before regular operating hours when conditions permit. They’re also huge. 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. 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. REQUIRED GEAR Kilimanjaro and Mt. 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. For the backcountry skier looking for something more challenging, be sure to check out Mount Mellenthin. Helping our customers find the right equipment to get them and their family skiing is our passion. From the Alta trailhead, follow the Cardiff Pass route. Skin and bootpack. 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…). Alpine touring skis are the most popular style, wider and lighter than traditional downhill skis, made of carbon fiber or lighter woods. More stuff. Think of backcountry skiing as analog skiing, tackling the mountain in its natural, uncontrolled state. Pro Halfpipe Team freeskier Taylor Seaton have reunited with filmmaker Edward Clem for a project not limited to the Colorado backcountry. 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. Easy access to backcountry skiing with the Ninety-Nine 90 Express within the park. Utah’s remote desert ranges, like the Stansbury Mountains, Henry Mountains and Abajo Mountains, are not generally thought of as backcountry skiing destinations. They can be hard to get to, there is little beta available, and snow conditions can be sketchy. We understand price can be the biggest deterrent and because of this we offer new and used skis on a budget. 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. 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. What makes Brighton so special is it is a perfect place for regular resort skiers to get a taste of the backcountry. Backcountry Skiing & Snowboarding - Utah Mountain Adventures. Where else in the world can you ski six resorts in one day? It’s also a location where the right snow and avalanche conditions are essential for safe travel. 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. WHERE TO BACKCOUNTRY SKI 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. If you’re just starting, go with someone who knows what they’re doing to learn the ropes. And best of all, the skiing is very accessible so you aren’t spending all your time driving. Many of you are aware that we experienced a COVID-19 exposure last week. Take an avalanche safety course and always check local avalanche conditions before you head out. Start your ascent. About the Backcountry. Utah’s licence plates say “The Greatest Snow On Earth,” and anyone who’s gotten in a few backcountry runs can attest to this. The South Face of Mount Superior is perhaps the closest to Alaskan-style skiing that Utah has to offer. 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). Get off your plane in Salt Lake City and be plowing through fresh powder in under an hour Wasatch backcountry skiing. The ski season in Utah usually kicks off mid-November and lasts through April. Touring bindings allow a free heel for climbing that can clip in for descents. 5000’ all told) and Sliver Couloir. 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. This area is also accessible via the White Pine Trailhead if you’re not based out of the resort. This area skis best either in the early or late season, when Alta Ski Resort is closed. Brian Head Ski Resort offers The Greatest Snow on Earth®, with an annual snowfall of over 360 inches, and Utah’s highest base elevation. You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in our emails. Touring boots have an unlockable ankle for freer motion when climbing. In upper White Pine, there’s the spectacular Glacier Bowl and the West Pass. Much of this terrain comprises the Lone Peak Wilderness Area, more specifically Hogum Fork. While there’s plenty for families to do here while on vacation, the advanced and expert skiers here will have plenty of terrain to carve and shred, both on and off-piste. Do you think a name is incorrect? I like skiing in Davis County as well. While most people think of Utah as the Mecca for downhill skiers perhaps the best kept secret is its Nordic skiing! Splitboards are snowboards you can separate into skinnable skis for climbing. Who would have thought the Great Salt Lake could make such great light powder? Beyond Wasatch, the La Sal Mountains have some solid places to ski right around Moab. We send bi-weekly updates on new stories and trip discounts, 57hours mobile app is the easiest way to book a guide. Backcountry skiing is the opposite of frontcountry skiing. Utah may be known for its world-famous powder, but spring is the best time to backcountry ski big lines in remote ranges. It's available as a paper map, on your desktop, and for your mobile device. Leave the crowds behind, and expand your skiing and snowboarding horizons! Truth is, anyone can do it. 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. Here’s a primer for skiers ready to earn their turns, put some skin(s) in the game, etc. All rights reserved. "If you ski, ride, or hike in the Central Wasatch, you should own the Wasatch Backcountry Skiing Map." 1100’ at 50° for The Hypodermic Needle (approx. The adventure stories you want in your inbox. Willie has also set speed records in Africa on Mt. Backcountry skiing in Park City, Utah is a relatively well-kept secret, but the word is slowly getting out. All of these options and more are attainable with skins. The two main faces for descents are Cardiac Bowl and the South Face. 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. 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. 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. The name says it all. Next-door neighbors, they both have their own unique vibes . 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. Yes, you can ski between Alta and Snowbird. Do you enjoy backcountry skiing in peace and quiet? People who love powder enough to climb up a hill for it. The local High Country crew that captured deep powder backcountry skiing in Colorado two years ago is now filming a follow-up. With COVID-19, more people than ever are enjoying the outdoors. Please try again, or contact us at support@57hours.com and we’ll resolve the problem. Learn about the Wasatch Backcountry Skiing apps. What else should we know before connecting you with the guide? 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. 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. 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. 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. Park your car. 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. 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. The summit ascent requires a lot of care and preparation (cliffs! Development of this platform was partially funded by EU. AT skis and splitboards are available for rent from UMA and local shops. 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. There’s solid slackcountry access at the resort, and in the resort’s parking lot. 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! Backcountry Stories. After the 16-minute “The Book of Pow” showcased the variety of local terrain, Summit County local John Spriggs and U.S. Read more... WHAT IS BACKCOUNTRY SKIING? 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. All of our services — including ski area access, rentals, backcountry lessons, avalanche courses, and limited food and beverage — will be open. Cardiac Bowl and Chutes can be gained after some demanding skinning along the ridgeline, which requires concentration and experience. No resort pass required. Utah Travel 12 Must Ski Runs in Salt Lake City Get the latest ski gear at Backcountry.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. The skiing is really good here. (optional). 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. On the other side, the lines off of Mt. Utah Mountain Adventures (formerly Exum Utah) offers Instruction and Guided Backcountry Skiing, Rock and Ice Climbing, Avalanche Education, Mountaineering, Canyoneering and Hiking. Not bad. Get in-depth reviews and expert advice to help you start planning your next big outdoor adventure. On the northside of the Ridgeline consider Dutchess Draw and McDonald’s Draw each with big, each skiable and mega on powder days. WHO BACKCOUNTRY SKIS? Backcountry access can be found on this Brighton backcountry map here (look for the yellow triangles). 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. If you’re looking for slackcountry access, the Supreme lift will deliver you to the goods. It’s not on everybody’s bucket list only because of its name. Northern Utah. There are tons of objectives for every level of skier, from mellow tree skiing to steep couloirs and low angle meadows. Carry food, a shovel, extra warm clothes, a probe and a beacon at a minimum. If you see someone ski touring without a backpack, you can check the IDIOT box on your Backcountry Bingo card. beware! The dispatcher in Salt Lake county may have a copy of the Wasatch Backcountry Ski Map. 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. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive a discount and updates on 57hours offers, webinars, and reviews. 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. Who is backcountry skiing right for? The point of backcountry skiing is you can pretty much go anywhere you want (though private property laws still apply…). Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Climbing and Skiing Solitude's Fantasy Ridge. One of the easier runs is Haystack Mountain, which, with its south and east-facing aspects, serves up plenty of corn come spring. There’s a lot of family options and the resort itself has done much to bolster its standing amongst its other more frequented neighbors. Best either in the early or late season, when Alta ski resort and.! Get to, there ’ s Wasatch Mountains are a track skiing lycra-junkie a. And lighter than traditional downhill skis, made of carbon fiber or lighter.. ( approx Pine, there is little beta available, and reviews ski without! 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