Utah
Skiing and Snowboarding
Explore and learn backcountry skills in the Wasatch with this private guided tour customized to you or your group.
The Wasatch Mountains offer some of the greatest snow in the country with 500 inches of annual snowfall, terrain options from beginner to extreme skier, and easy access to beautiful backcountry runs, the Wasatch has it all! You'll be guided by a local IFMGA/AMGA Certified Guide from the School for International Expedition Training. The guide will not only help you find some of the best runs in the Wasatch but also teach you skills to help you become a proficient backcountry skier- uphill skinning, avalanche awareness, downhill techniques in avalanche terrain, and much more. The Advanced/Expert option is for seasoned backcountry skiers/boarders that are looking to push their limits in big terrain and want to learn pro level skills from an internationally certified guide. Everything you'll need in terms of backcountry specific gear can be rented or is already supplied by SIET. Please see the gear list and rental options below.
There are two options for this private trip. If you are newer to backcountry skiing/splitboarding the novice/intermediate trip is a regular length day (6 - 8hrs), with 1,000 - 4,000ft of elevation gain. For those with more experience in the backcountry you can choose the advanced/expert trip for a longer day (8 - 10hrs), with 4,000 to 7,000ft of elevation gain.
Price is per person, based on the number of people in your group. Pick an option from the date range below.
- Novice to Intermediate Levels (regular length day, 1-4,000 feet of vertical, 6-8 hours)
- Advanced-Expert Levels (longer day, more intensive terrain, 4-7,000 feet of vertical, 8-10 hours)
Select Your Trip
Select Your Trip
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1
Day 1:
Meet up with your guide from SIET, review the plan for the day and do a quick gear check. Head into the field to explore new terrain and improve your avalanche rescue and awareness skills.
Trip Package Includes
- Professional instruction with a lead instructor who is AMGA Ski Certified
- Backcountry permits
- 20% off service and 10% off rental at evo SLC store
- 20% discount code for evo.com (exclusions apply)
Wasatch Range
The Wasatch Range is sculpted by glaciers, and receives heavy falls of snow in the winter, creating a very dramatic and impressive landscape. Due to its location, the range has low relative humidity during the winter months, giving the snow a dry, powdery texture which most of the local ski resorts call ‘the greatest snow on earth”. For the course we will be practicing our skills in the Little Cottonwood Canyon, and scouting out challenging, highly technical lines to apply our knowledge of rope work and snowpack assessments. Little Cottonwood Canyon is an incredible area, and the canyon is a glacial trough that was carved during the last ice age, 15,000-25,000 years ago. This is a perfect place to fulfil your dream of big mountain ski touring lines!
Trip Planning
This trip can be taken on alpine touring skis or splitboard. It is highly recommended that participants with touring gear have experience with their setup prior to taking the course and be comfortable in steep blue/black terrain at the ski resort.
Below is a list of required and recommended equipment for your adventure. This is the bare minimum for your average winter day, and if you tend to get cold in winter conditions, especially while not moving, be prepared and bring more layers. Dressing properly and having the correct equipment will help enable the guides to provide a safer and more fun experience for your group. In the mountains, the weather can be temperamental and can change quickly and drastically. Note that all optional technical equipment listed will be provided by SIET. However, if you plan on launching a personal trip after the course, we recommend purchasing these items to use for the course as it will allow you to practice with your own personal equipment in preparation for your adventures!
Required Equipment (Snow Safety Equipment rentals are available)
Optional Mountaineering Equipment
Snow Study Kit (optional)
Recommended Clothing
Other Recommended Gear:
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Where is the trip located?
Great question! Wasatch Range, Salt Lake City, UT. -
I need local accommodations. Do you have recommendations?
We recommend our newly opened evo Hotel in SLC, located at our evo Campus! https://www.evohotel.com/ -
What COVID-19 policies do you have in place?
SIET has a detailed COVID-19 Operations Plan which will be covered prior to the trip. All participants must fill out a pre-trip COVID-19 questionnaire/agreement. Classroom lectures will be held via Zoom instead of in person. -
Do I need any prior training to participate in this course?
No previous training is required to take part in this course. However your ability to enjoy the adventure depends on your health and fitness, thus it is recommended that you are in good physical condition. -
How physically fit do I have to be for this course?
Because this trip is customized, you can work out with your guide how strenuous you would like the day to be. -
Who are the guides?
SIET guides are highly experienced instructors that have been trained by the American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA), the American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE), or the American Avalanche Institute (AAI). They are some of the best, most highly trained and experienced instructors in the country! -
Are rentals available?
Yes, rental gear is available and can be rented directly through the evo SLC Campus store, as well as SIET. Please inquire for pricing.
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What if I need to cancel?
evo will refer to the SIET cancellation policy. If you need to cancel your trip, please submit your notification in writing. Your trip will be cancelled from the date you receive written notice from SIET. You will be assessed a cancellation fee according to the following schedule: More than 60 days from trip departure - $100 registration fee. 60 days or less from trip departure - 100% of trip cost. -
What if I need to change the dates of my trip?
All date changes must be received in writing. There will be a fee of $100 for date changes. Any date changes can be difficult and is subject to all additional incurred expenses as assessed by SIET. Changes will be made at the sole discretion of SIET and may not be possible. Date changes are for credit only (no refunds) and valid for 6 months from written change notification. -
When and how do I meet up with the group?
You will receive detailed instructions regarding when and how to meet the group from SIET. -
What is the maximum number of guests on the trip?
There is a maximum of 5 guests for this private guided tour. The guest to guide ratio is 5:1. -
Is there a minimum age required for this trip?
You must be 18 years or older to attend this course. -
Is transportation provided?
Transport is not provided; bear in mind that all wheel drive and/or chains are sometimes required by law in the Wasatch.
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