Explore Guided Backcountry Ski Tours in the Wasatch Mountains Near Salt Lake City
Discover world-class ski touring and alpine travel in the Wasatch Range of the United States with expert guides who live and breathe these mountains. From Big Cottonwood Canyon and Little Cottonwood Canyon to Mill Creek Canyon, Cardiff Fork, and Guardsman Pass, our guided trips focus on exceptional snow conditions, smart tour planning, and safe travel through complex avalanche terrain.
This region of North America is known for reliable powder days, steep fall-lines, and accessible trailheads such as White Pine Trailhead, Twin Lakes Pass, and Willow Heights. Our trips serve experienced backcountry skiers, splitboarders, telemark skiers, and alpine touring enthusiasts seeking a meaningful and rewarding backcountry experience.
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Private Guided Ski Touring Experiences
Every trip is privately guided and custom-built around your goals, ability, and current avalanche conditions. Routes may include classic day backcountry objectives like Cardiff Pass, USA Bowl, Reynolds Peak, Mount Superior, Gobblers Knob, or terrain in Mill B, Willow Fork, and Beartrap Fork depending on slope angle, stability, and weather.
Approaches vary from skin-from-the-car access to lift-assisted entry points near major Mountain Resort areas such as Alta or Brighton Resort when objectives align. Lift tickets are never required unless explicitly requested as part of a custom itinerary.
​Snowpack Awareness, Terrain Choice & Avalanche Risk Management
The Wasatch is famous for deep snow, but it also demands respect. Our guides actively contribute to and monitor avalanche forecasts from the Utah Avalanche Center and adjust plans based on snow conditions, wind loading, and recent avalanche activity. Education is integrated naturally into the day, helping every backcountry skier better understand avalanche hazard, route selection, and safe travel protocols.
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Daily avalanche forecast interpretation
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Terrain assessment and slope angle management
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Safe travel through avalanche terrain
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Group spacing and decision-making techniques
Who These Tours Are Designed For
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Skiers transitioning from Mountain Resort terrain to the day backcountry
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Splitboarders seeking guided powder routes
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Advanced skiers pursuing ski mountaineering objectives
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Travelers looking to maximize limited time with local expertise
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Trips can be full-day or tailored shorter outings depending on fitness, snow stability, and goals. We also accommodate mixed-discipline groups including alpine touring skis and telemark skis.
Local Knowledge That Elevates Every Tour
Our guides have deep familiarity with Wasatch terrain—from Days Fork and White Pine Fork to Dog Lake, Oingo Boingo, and the Main Chute (post season). This local insight allows us to adapt quickly to changing avalanche conditions while still delivering quality skiing.
Unlike destination-only operations, The Backcountry Pros maintain active seasons across Utah, including ski touring, rock climbing, and ice climbing, reinforcing year-round mountain judgment and route familiarity.
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Private Group Ski Touring
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Ski or split-board tour (with skins) to the best snow and terrain that we can safely explore on the given day. For each guided group, we take pride in custom tailoring every trip around the needs and desires of the group. We can focus on skiing and riding powder; skiing steeps; or teaching and refreshing techniques to help you become more proficient in the mountains. Access to tours depends on the groups’ objective. Many outings might start by skinning from the car at roadside, while others might gain the high country first by ski lift* or helicopter* before taking runs or putting skins on.
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* = At additional cost. Access from Alta and Brighton at discounted rates. Heli access available here: Heli Rates
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Available: November - June
Trip Duration: 6-9hrs
Group Size: 1-6
Guide Ratio: 4:1
Experience:
-Minimum of Advanced downhill skiing/riding ability
-Backcountry experience is NOT required
-Good level of fitness
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Rates:
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Group Size
1 2 3 4 - 6
Days
1 $550 $325pp $250pp $225pp
2 $1025 $588pp $450pp $400pp
3 $1,450 $800pp $625pp $525pp
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•Longer trips available upon request
Frequently Asked Questions
Is avalanche training required?
Formal avalanche courses are recommended but not required. Many guests choose guided tours to build avalanche skills through real-world exposure and mentoring.
Where do tours typically start?
Common access points include Big Cottonwood Canyon, Little Cottonwood Canyon, Millcreek Canyon, and Guardsman Pass, selected based on conditions and objectives.
How do you choose routes?
Route selection is based on avalanche forecast data, recent observations, snow conditions, group ability, and desired terrain style—whether powder skiing, steeps, or technical ski mountaineering.
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Can beginners join?
Skiers and snowboarders should have a strong downhill skiing or riding foundation off trail before getting out on a tour with us. Tours are appropriate for motivated skiers and rider new to backcountry travel who want professional guidance, safer terrain choices, and structured learning.
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Why Ski with The Backcountry Pros
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Certified, experienced mountain guides
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Local Wasatch Range expertise
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Private guiding only—no mixed groups
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Strong safety culture grounded in avalanche forecasting
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Custom tour planning for every objective
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Whether you’re visiting from back east, the West coast, Jackson Hole or live along the Wasatch Front, our goal is to deliver memorable, confidence-building days in the mountains.
Ready to plan your tour? Contact The Backcountry Pros to discuss conditions, objectives, and availability.