Mt. Superior South Ridge (Spring/Snow)
The prominent South Ridge of the iconic Wasatch peak, Mt. Superior, rises steeply to the 11,050′ summit. During this alpine climb, you can expect outstanding views and fun climbing moves on high-quality mixed rock and snow. In winter and spring, snow adds challenge to this route, and climbing is done with crampons and an ice axe.
Course Dates
- Apr 17, 2027 (Saturday)
- May 1, 2027 (Saturday)
What Our Clients Say
Climbing Mt. Superior’s South Ridge rewards you with an exhilarating alpine experience — expect climbing terrain that blends technical movement with dramatic exposure. Typically, 1,000′ of exposed climbing along the knife-edge crest of Mt. Superior’s South Ridge is roped. Protection includes slings, passive protection, snow-pro, stoppers and cams. Guides may employ running belays, short-pitching and short-roping for security. Descent is generally along the easier East Ridge and down to Alta via Cardiff Pass.
Mt. Superior South Ridge Climb (spring/snow conditions) Outcomes
- Summit Mt. Superior via its more technical route
- Climb 4th and 5th-class rock and snow with crampons and an axe
- Negotiate a steep and exposed knife-edge ridge
- If conditions allow, glissade on descent
- Enjoy 360° views from 11,050′
Max Student : Instructor Ratio
2 : 1
Course dates don’t fit your schedule?
Any of our pre-scheduled courses can be run as custom outings. If you’re interested in a course but the dates don’t fit your schedule, please check out our private guiding options.
Course Prerequisites
- Rock climbing experience is required.
- Crampon experience is recommended.
Fitness & Skill Level
- This is an intermediate climb.
- Good overall fitness is required.
This full-day climb takes place on the South Ridge of Mt. Superior (expect to be in the field for 8-12 hours). Guests are expected to bring their own snacks, lunch and water (2-3 liters). UMA does not provide transportation. We encourage carpooling to help mitigate traffic in the canyons and crowded parking areas.
SCHEDULE & MEETING LOCATION
The usual meeting time and place are 7 am at Snowbird. Exact meeting times and locations will be provided to registered guests before the climb date.
GUIDE
You will receive a reminder with the contact information for your guide. They will contact you directly by email to confirm meeting time and location, as well as weather considerations and equipment needs.
TRANSPORTATION & PARKING
Transportation will not be provided.
How To Register
- Register Online
- Call us at (801) 550-3986
- Email us at uma@utahmountainadventures.com
UMA reserves the right to cancel or shorten the course if fewer than 2 participants register.
Mt. Superior South Ridge EQUIPMENT LIST (Spring/Snow Conditions)
- Non-cotton top – a sun shirt or hoodie will protect you from the intense sun
- Soft shell pants
- Puffy, hooded overcoat and/or other insulation layer (fleece, synthetic or down)
- Houdini or other windshirt (optional)
- Waterproof/windproof outer shell jacket and pants
- Waterproof snow gloves and mittens or spare gloves
- Lightweight climbing gloves
- Warm hat or balaclava for under your helmet
- Baseball cap (optional)
- Sunglasses
- Goggles (winter only)
- Sunscreen
- 2-3 liters of water
- Lunch and quick energy snacks
- Crampon-compatible boots
- Rock climbing shoes or sticky rubber approach shoes
- Gaiters
- Mountaineering crampons (non-rigid, 10-point lightweight designs are ideal)
- Mountaineering ice axe
- Backpack (25-45 liters)
- Harness
- Belay/rappel device and locking carabiner
- Helmet
- Beacon
- Shovel
- Probe
Please see our Winter/Spring Mountaineering Gear List & Rentals page for information on the items UMA provides and local shops where you can rent or purchase gear.
Recommended Books
Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills by The Mountaineers
Please see the Mountaineering section on our main FAQ page for common course questions.
What type of crampons should I use?
10-point, hinged, flexible, lash-on spikes made of light metal (including aluminum) are ideal and adaptable to almost any boot. Step-in crampons are fine, but they won’t fit on softer boots that lack heel and toe rands for attachment. 12-point water-ice crampons are fine, but heavier than necessary.
What type of ice axe and leash is best?
A mountaineering axe usually has a straight shaft (as opposed to the radically curved shafts and reverse-droop picks designed specifically for water-ice and mixed climbing). Some newer mountaineering axes include a bend only in the upper shaft, and this is fine. Preferred length is 50-75 cm.
Given that many Wasatch routes are on a mix of rock, ice, and snow, a shorter axe is easier to stow for pure rock moves. For this reason, a RETAINER leash connected to the harness is required so the tool can’t be dropped. The best type is a 5′ long, single-strand of 1/2″ webbing attached with a water knot on the pick side of the axe head. Wrist loops are for steep ice and are NOT helpful for mountaineering.
How old do I need to be to climb?
Participants must be at least 14 years of age to join a group course. For custom guiding and instruction, there is no age restriction.
Where do I meet my guide?
The guide will arrange a specific meeting location and time with you. Most commonly, this location is Snowbird Entry 4.
