Backcountry Skiing & Splitboarding
Friendly, professional UMA guides will share their knowledge and skills while leading you to bowls, glades, chutes and peaks covered in Utah’s famous soft snow. Quick access to spectacular terrain from beginner to expert level makes the Wasatch Mountains ideal for learning and practicing the art of backcountry skiing and snowboarding with a private guide.
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 skiing and splitboarding.
Lift-assisted or Canyon-to-Canyon tours from Alta to Big Cottonwood are a popular way to maximize the downhill riding on north-facing (cold snow) terrain. Fit and experienced ski and splitboard tourers can enjoy adventurous, aerobic days in the rugged Lone and Twin Peaks Wilderness areas.
Have Questions or Concerns?
- Call us at (801) 550-3986
- Email us at [email protected]
Prerequisites
- No backcountry experience is necessary.
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 backcountry tours take place in either Big Cottonwood Canyon, Little Cottonwood Canyon or Millcreek Canyon in Salt Lake City (expect to be in the field for 8 hours). Guests are expected to bring their own snacks, lunch and water (2 liters).
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]
BACKCOUNTRY TOURING EQUIPMENT LIST
- Non-cotton top and bottom base layer
- Puffy overcoat and/or other insulation layer (fleece, synthetic or down)
- Waterproof/windproof outer shell jacket and pants (or bibs)
- Wool socks
- Waterproof snow gloves and mittens (or a second pair of gloves)
- Lightweight gloves for uphill travel
- Warm hat and baseball cap
- Helmet (recommended)
- Sunglasses and goggles
- Sunscreen
- 1-2 liters of water (water bladders not recommended for winter use)
- Thermos of hot drink (optional)
- Sack lunch and snacks
- Ski touring or snowboard boots
- Alpine touring or telemark skis, or splitboard
- Skins
- Ski poles with powder baskets
- Beacon
- Shovel
- Probe
- Backpack (20-45 liters)
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.
Full Day (6-8 hours)
| 1 person | $550 / person |
| 2 people | $350 / person |
| 3 people | $300 / person |
| 4 people | $250 / person |
- Rates above are per guide and may vary accordingly.
- Keep in mind that certain objectives can only be accomplished with a low ratio and more than one guide may be recommended based on group size.
- Surcharge may be applied for technical descents and longer days.
- The price of single-ride lift tickets is additional for lift-accessed tours.
- State and local taxes will be added.
- Gratuity is not included.
Please see the Backcountry Skiing & Splitboarding section on our main FAQ page for common course questions.
