Overnight, Multi-day Ski Tours

UMA offers custom, overnight backcountry trips for two or more days. Mountaineering, winter camping, route-finding, avalanche safety, steep skiing and other skills can be included, depending on your goals.

Custom or private guiding means you have a guide dedicated to you or your group rather than being in a class or clinic that is open to other guests. UMA’s outstanding guides and instructors are available daily to lead climbs and help guests progress in all aspects of backcountry touring.

Have Questions or Concerns?

• Call us at (801) 550-3986
• Email us at [email protected]

Prerequisites

• No backcountry experience is required.

Skill Level & Fitness

• UMA can tailor custom guiding to your specific levels, goals and time frame.
• Intermediate to advanced downhill ski/riding ability and good fitness are required.

Private overnight, multi-day ski tours take place in either Big Cottonwood Canyon or Little Cottonwood Canyon in Salt Lake City. Guests are expected to bring their own snacks, lunches for each day and water (2 liters) for the first day.

SCHEDULE & MEETING LOCATION

Meeting times and locations should be discussed with your guide and depend on your objectives, preferences and where you are staying. The usual meeting time and place are 8 am at the Big or Little Cottonwood Canyon Park & Ride lots, or in the Cottonwood Canyons at your resort accommodations.

GUIDE/INSTRUCTOR

You will receive a reminder with the contact information for your guide/instructor. They will contact you to discuss your skills and goals, weather considerations and equipment needs, and to decide on a meeting time and location.

TRANSPORTATION & PARKING

Transportation will not be provided. Most canyon parking lots require a parking fee.

How To Register

• Register Online
• Call us at (801) 550-3986
• Email us at [email protected]

Overnight, Multi-Day Ski Tour EQUIPMENT LIST

• Non-cotton top and bottom under layers
• Puffy overcoat and or other insulation layer (fleece, synthetic or down)
• Waterproof/windproof outer shell jacket and pants
• Wool socks (one pair per day)
• Waterproof snow gloves and mittens, and lightweight gloves
• Warm hat and sun cap
• Thin hat or balaclava for under your helmet
• Sunglasses
• Goggles
• Sunscreen
• 2 liters of water (at least one wide-mouth Nalgene-type bottle; water bags not recommended)
• Lunch and quick energy snacks; drink mix (optional)
• Touring ski or snowboard boots
• Alpine touring, telemark skis or a splitboard
• Climbing skins
• Ski poles with powder baskets
• Helmet
• Beacon, shovel, probe
• Backpack (55- 70 liters)
• Sleeping bag rated to 0°F
• Lightweight inflatable sleeping pad and 1 or 2 foam pads
• Mug, bowl and spoon
• Headlamp with a fresh battery
• Toiletries

Please see our Backcountry Touring Gear List & Rentals page for information on the items UMA provides and local shops where you can rent or purchase gear.

Recommended Guidebooks

Backcountry Skiing Utah: A Guide to the State’s Best Ski Tours (Backcountry Skiing Series) by Tyson Bradley
The Chuting Gallery: A Guide to Steep Skiing in the Wasatch Mountains by Andrew McLean

Recommended Map

Wasatch Backcountry Skiing Map by Steve Achelis

Private guiding is customized to your personal needs and requests. The rate calculated will be based on the number of days out with the guide(s) plus the number of nights in the backcountry. Dinner, breakfast and all team camping equipment are included in the overnight rate.

FULL DAY (6-8 HOURS)

OVERNIGHT FEE

• Rates above are per guide and may vary accordingly.
• State and local taxes will be added.
• Gratuity not included.

Please see the Backcountry Skiing & Splitboarding section on our main FAQ page for common course questions.