Wasatch Ski and Split Mountaineering Course
Overview
Wasatch Ski & Splitboard Mountaineering Course, Utah
This three-day course is ideal for the experienced backcountry skier or rider looking to break into the world of ski or splitboard mountaineering. Participants learn what it takes to ascend and descend technical lines with oversight and mentorship from one of our experienced ski or splitboard guides, riding steep, technical terrain in the Central Wasatch, and walk away more confident in their basic mountaineering and navigation skills.
Ski Mountaineering Course at a Glance
- Location: Little and Big Cottonwood Canyons, Central Wasatch, Utah
- Length: 3 days
- Prerequisites: Advanced skiers and riders comfortable on steep, ungroomed and treed terrain
- Format: Zoom morning session, then a field skills day and two days on Wasatch ski mountaineering terrain
- Season: Winter and spring
- For: Experienced backcountry skiers and splitboarders breaking into ski mountaineering
What You'll Learn
- Avalanche search and rescue
- Ice axe techniques, rope management and snow anchors
- Steep skiing and riding techniques
- Booting and crampon use
- Skintrack setting and pacing
- Snowpack assessment and navigation
Course Format
Day one meets on Zoom at 8 AM to cover clothing, equipment, packing and current snowpack, then moves into the field to introduce rescue, ice axe, rope and anchor skills. Days two and three meet in Little or Big Cottonwood to put those skills to use on some of the best ski mountaineering terrain the Wasatch has to offer. See the Itinerary tab.
Who This Course Is For & Prerequisites
Participants should be advanced skiers or riders, comfortable with steep, ungroomed and treed terrain, and prepared to climb 4,000 to 6,000 vertical feet each day. Avalanche safety equipment is required.
Why Take This Course with The Mountain Guides
- Mentorship from experienced AMGA-trained ski and splitboard guides
- Classic Wasatch terrain minutes from Salt Lake City
- Confidence in basic mountaineering and navigation skills you can use on your own objectives
Check Availability
Course dates are posted in the Schedule tab as each season is confirmed.
Day 1
Meet on Zoom at 8:00 am to discuss clothing, equipment, packing and current snowpack conditions. We will transition to the field for the remainder of the day to review and introduce the following subjects:
- Avalanche search and rescue
- Ice axe techniques
- Rope management
- Snow anchors
Day 2 and 3
Meet in Little or Big Cottonwood to put our newly learned skills to use. Participants will have the opportunity to ascend and descend some of the most amazing ski mountaineering terrain that the Wasatch has to offer. Participants will also go over the following subjects in the park:
- Steep skiing and riding techniques
- Booting and crampon use
- Skintrack setting and pacing
- Snowpack assessment
- Navigation
Price: $1195 per person
CLICK HERE to check availability and sign up for a course.