Skimo Race Training
Skimo competition involves racing uphill and downhill on lightweight specialized skis. Fast, efficient climbing on skins, low-energy, high-speed downhill skiing, booting up steep terrain, use of fixed lines and quick transitions from ascent to descent modes are keys to success. Spend a day or more honing these skills and related endurance techniques with a private UMA guide to improve your racing and/or to maximize your ski mountaineering efficiency.
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 skimo race training.
These trips are oriented toward backcountry skiers new to racing or seeking to enhance existing skills. Your private UMA guide will provide instruction and strategies to improve your performance in ski mountaineering competitions.
Have Questions or Concerns?
- Call us at (801) 550-3986
- Email us at [email protected]
Prerequisites
- Some 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 skimo tours take place in either Big Cottonwood Canyon or Little Cottonwood 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 (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
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]
UMA reserves the right to cancel or shorten the course if fewer than 2 participants register.
Skimo EQUIPMENT LIST
- Non-cotton top and bottom base layers
- Puffy, hooded overcoat and/or other insulation layer (fleece, synthetic or down)
- Waterproof/windproof outer shell jacket and pants
- Wool (and liner) socks
- Waterproof snow gloves and mittens or spare gloves
- Lightweight climbing and/or fleece gloves
- Warm hat or balaclava for under your helmet
- Baseball cap (optional)
- Sunglasses and goggles
- Sunscreen
- 2 liters of water (water bag/bladder not recommended)
- Lunch and quick energy snacks
- Crampon-compatible mountaineering boots with a rigid sole
- Mountaineering crampons (non-rigid, 10-point lightweight designs are ideal)
- Gaiters
- Mountaineering axe
- Backpack (25-45 liters)
- Harness
- Belay device
- Helmet
- Beacon
- Shovel
- Probe
- Snowshoes and poles (check with your guide if necessary)
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
Utah Mountaineering Guide by Michael R. Kelsey
Recommended Map
Hiking The Wasatch: The Official Wasatch Mountain Club Trail Map for Tri-County Area by the Wasatch Mountain Club & University of Utah Press
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.
