Expedition Training
Train for your next big objective — Rainier, Aconcagua, Denali, the Matterhorn and more — with a private UMA guide dedicated to you or your group. Customize a single-day, multi-day or overnight outing to focus on the skills you need most, from steep snow travel and rope systems to winter camping and summit efficiency. Common objectives include the Pfeifferhorn via the East or North Ridge, Red or White Baldy and Salt Lake Twin Peaks — ideal terrain for realistic, hands-on expedition prep in the Wasatch.
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 any and all aspects of climbing.
During a single-day, multi-day and/or overnight outing, customize your expedition training for your next objective with a private UMA guide. Build mountaineering skills, winter camp and/or climb a Wasatch peak or couloir in preparation for Rainier, Aconcagua, Denali, Matterhorn or other expedition climbing.
Common objectives include Red or White Baldy, Salt Lake Twin Peaks and the Pfeifferhorn via the East or North Ridge.
Typical Topics & Objectives
- Efficient loading and carrying of an expedition pack
- Sled rigging and hauling with snowshoes or skis
- Route-finding and avalanche safety
- Establishing a solid snow camp with deadman anchors and snow walls
- Cooking and comfort in a cold, snowy environment
- Ice axe and crampons skills and self-arrest
- Snow and rock protection, anchors and equalizing
- Crevasse rescue, raising systems and ascending a rope
- Use of running protection (pro)
- Short-roping and short-pitching
- Fixed line travel and use of ascenders
- Efficient travel on snow and rock in exposed terrain
Have Questions or Concerns?
- Call us at (801) 550-3986
- Email us at uma@utahmountainadventures.com
Prerequisites
- No previous mountaineering experience is necessary.
Skill Level & Fitness
- UMA can tailor custom guiding to your specific goals, levels and time frame.
- Beginner to advanced trips are available.
- Moderate to strong fitness is helpful.
Private mountaineering trips take place in one of Salt Lake City’s local canyons (expect to be in the field for 6-8 hours for single-day trips and overnight for multi-day trips). Guests are expected to bring their own snacks, lunch and water (1-2 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 8 am at the Big or Little Cottonwood Canyon Park & Ride lots, but these are subject to change. Exact meeting times and locations will be provided to registered guests before the course date.
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 uma@utahmountainadventures.com
Summer & Fall Mountaineering Equipment List & Local Rentals
Winter & Spring Mountaineering Equipment List & Local Rentals
Recommended Guidebooks
Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills by The Mountaineers
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 and breakfast and all team camping equipment are included in the overnight rate.
FULL DAY (6-8 HOURS)
| 1 person | $595 / person |
| 2 people | $395 / person |
| 3 people | $325 / person |
| 4 people | $275 / person |
OVERNIGHT FEE
| 1 person | $275 / person |
| 2 people | $175 / person |
| 3 people | $150 / person |
| 4 people | $125 / 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.
- State and local taxes will be added.
- Gratuity is not included.
Please see the Mountaineering section on our main FAQ page for common course questions.
