Introduction to Backcountry Skiing Course

5.0 (2)

Location

Salt Lake County, Utah

Group Size

4 people per guide

Duration

8 hours

Intro Backcountry Course by Certified Guides

If you’ve never explored the backcountry of the Wasatch Mountains in Utah before, our introductory couse is the gateway for a new world of adventure!

This introductory 1-day tour includes instruction and tips on technique for learning needed backcountry skiing/splitboarding skills. See curriculum below under Course Details.

The skiing features gentle rolling terrain suitable for people of all abilities, and with any luck, some of Utah’s famous powder. The runs on this exciting day will vary from lower angle tree skiing on low-visibility days, to easy summits. You will get our top pick of panoramic views and fabulous descents – but with the very shortest approach. These ski trips are suitable for those who have never toured before, and depending on conditions, take place in either Little or Big Cottonwood Canyons. An average day will include time for lunch, and approximately 1,500 – 2,500 vertical feet of climbing over the course of six hours.

For a more detailed summary about a day backcountry touring with Wasatch Mountain Guides, read our summary. Much of the material in this article will be covered in this course. 

You'll love this course if you:

• Want to learn to ski tour and get away from the resort crowds
• Have some off piste experience, but yearn to dig into backcountry powder skiing

Course Details:

• Difficulty: No backcountry experience necessary; intermediate to advanced downhill ski ability and good fitness required
• Meeting Time: Generally 8am
• Meeting Location: Big or Little Cottonwood Park and Ride Lot, Alta or Brighton, depending on objective
• Curriculum:
  • The pre-trip plan
  • The basics of backcountry touring equipment
  • How to pack your backpack for efficient rescue use
  • Demoing and practice of a beacon search and rescue
  • Efficient uphill travel, including kickturns
  • How to avoid avalanche terrain
  • The skiing (safe zones and escape plans)
  • How to debrief after a tour 

Price per Person:

1:1 $475 ($500 weekend)
2:1 $325 ($350 weekend)
3:1 $275 ($300 weekend)
4:1 $250 ($275 weekend)

Max Client to Guide Ratio:

• 4:1
• We can book groups larger than four and will add an additional guide to the group, keeping max client to guide ratio 4:1. Price remains at $250 ($275 weekend) per person