Wasatch Ski Mountaineering Descents
The Wasatch is stacked with legendary ski descents — from the airy summit of Mount Superior to the steep couloirs of Wolverine Cirque, the bold apron of the Pfeifferhorn and the classic lines of Stairs Gulch and Coalpit Headwall. Whether you’re chasing powder or a technical mountaineering adventure, UMA guides can tailor the day to match your experience, fitness and goals. These full-day private outings combine efficient uphill travel with high-consequence descents, offering a true ski mountaineering experience in Utah’s premier backcountry terrain.
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.
Many Wasatch summits and couloirs offer world-class ski and snowboard mountaineering and exciting descents. UMA guides know when the conditions are right and how to get in and out of steep and technical terrain while minimizing effort and risk. Ascents may require an ice axe, crampons and rope, and a few descents include rappels or belayed skiing.
The options listed below are some, but not all, possible alpine climbs and descents. Contact UMA to customize your outing.
Popular Wasatch Ski Mountaineering Objectives
- Wolverine Cirque Couloirs
- Mt. Superior’s SE Face
- Coalpit Headwall
- Pfeifferhorn NW Couloir
Have Questions or Concerns?
- Call us at (801) 550-3986
- Email us at [email protected]
Prerequisites
- Generally, a previous UMA skills class and/or tour is a prerequisite.
- Previous backcountry experience is required.
Skill Level & Fitness
- Expert downhill ski ability and good fitness are required.
Private ski mountaineering tours most often take place in 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]
Ski & Splitboard Mountaineering 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 or mittens
- Lightweight gloves for uphill travel
- Leather-type gloves for climbing rock and clipping through carabiners
- Warm hat and baseball cap
- Helmet (climbing or ski type)
- Sunglasses and goggles
- Sunscreen
- 1-2 liters of water (water bladders not recommended for cold days)
- Sack lunch and snacks
- Ski or snowboard boots
- Alpine touring or telemark skis or a splitboard
- Ski poles with powder baskets
- Climbing skins
- Beacon
- Shovel
- Probe
- Backpack (~25-45 liters) that can carry skis or a splitboard
- Ice axe (preferably light and short)
- Crampons (lightweight, 10-point style preferred)
- Ski or splitboard crampons (depending on conditions)
- Harness (preferably one that can be put on with skis on)
- Belay device/locking carabiner
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 | $600 / person |
| 2 people | $400 / person |
| 3 people | $350 / person |
| 4 people | $325 / 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 & Spliboarding section on our main FAQ page for common course questions.
