Wasatch
Backcountry
skiing

As local Wasatch Backcountry Skiing Guides, we choose to call the Wasatch Mountains our home for good reason – we have the greatest snow on earth with easy access to unrivaled backcountry skiing. And with an average annual snowfall of over 500 inches, we can almost guarantee a phenomenal day of skiing.

 
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What our Clients Say...

I remember one time when Todd and I were climbing Tower Ridge on Ben Nevis. I tested a rock by pulling down on it. When I stepped on the rock from a different angle, however, the entire formation came out and I was airborne. My fall wasn't long because the rope had been taut. All I remember saying was "Well, that's interesting.". Todd said nothing, except later he said "That's what a guide and a rope are for." It was all in a day's work for him. When I think about it, I guess I owe my life to him.
Tower Ridge
Todd always makes every trip fun, challenging and memorable. I have never seen anyone who works so hard but somehow makes the entire trip seem so effortless and relaxing. The most important thing to consider when you chose a mountain or climbing guide is how they will react when things don’t go according to plan — as can happen on any trip dependent on weather and geography. For those situations, Todd is the best. Level headed, always considering risks and safety before making decisions. I have trusted him with my life and would trust him with it again and again.
Mt. Everest
I've climbed mountains on three continents with Todd for the last 11 years. I always go back to him because he is safe, strong and technically proficient, he paces himself by his client's ability, he is a source of endless stories, and we talk about a lot of things other than climbing. I am happy in his company and feel younger than my years.
Todd Passey opens doors. He is confident and comfortable. Decades of climbing have given him friends around the world. When you are with him you feel part of the inner circle of guides.
Todd's ability to work with grown-ups - not all of whom behave like adults all of the time - comes from his background of working with dead-end and disadvantaged kids. He is friendly and direct. He knows when to relax and lay back and when to assert himself for safety's sake.
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Why Wasatch?

EASY ACCESS

Less than 30 minutes from the Salt Lake City airport, Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons serve up world-class backcountry skiing. There is literally no approach to most of our skiing, once we clip into our bindings we skin uphill. Every foot of elevation we gain climbing up is enjoyed with great turns on the way back down.
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VARIETY OF SKI TERRAIN

The Wasatch Mountains provide have the option of using lifts to access the backcountry. Snowbird and Alta sit at the top of Little Cottonwood canyon and Brighton and Solitude at the top of Big Cottonwood canyon. Having these major ski areas adjacent to great backcountry skiing terrain can open up some interesting options for those with lift passes. Plus, trail heads in both canyons provide unbeatable access to just about anything a backcountry skier could want or need… More than most could ski in a lifetime!​
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IMFGA Certified, Wasatch Local Ski Guide

We chose the Wasatch Mountains are home and we know the mountain like the back of our hand. Plus, with over 20 years experience as a professional mountain climbing and ski guide. You'll be sure to push your limits, maximize your skills and all while staying safe.
Spend a week at Wasatch Mountains Backcountry Ski Getaway

IMFGA Ski guides in Wasatch join you for Wasatch Backcountry Skiing.

Wasatch Mountaineering

Cottonwood Canyons

BI-CANYON TOURS

Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons are both major roads that run parallel to one another in an east west direction, split by a prominent ridgeline. This geography makes it possible to use public transportation to do bi-canyon tours. These bi-canyon tours let us see lot’s of terrain, ski more down hill than we climb up, and ski all slopes with northern aspects. These are fun diverse ski tours with vast options for all types of skiers.
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BIG COTTONWOOD

The compact mountain range offers a a huge variety of ski terrain for backcountry skiers. From Big Cottonwood canyon to the Park City ridge line is full of mellow glades suitable for newer and intermediate backcountry skiers as well as providing safe terrain on high avi days. “Big” as it’s often referred to, is not all mellow Glades though, it also offers big objectives like Mount Raymond and technical descents like the Whipple couloir and more.
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LITTLE COTTONWOOD

Little Cottonwood, in general is bigger, steeper more rugged terrain. “Little” is where we find lots of our ski mountaineering terrain. Peaks like the Pfeifferhorn and Mount Superior, as well as big lines like the Hypodermic Needle and the Coal Pit head wall. We could go on and on, but the point is, there is something for everyone. The Wasatch is truly a Backcountry skiing mecca.
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HEre's what our Clients Say

I remember one time when Todd and I were climbing Tower Ridge on Ben Nevis. I tested a rock by pulling down on it. When I stepped on the rock from a different angle, however, the entire formation came out and I was airborne. My fall wasn't long because the rope had been taut. All I remember saying was "Well, that's interesting.". Todd said nothing, except later he said "That's what a guide and a rope are for." It was all in a day's work for him. When I think about it, I guess I owe my life to him.
Tower Ridge on Ben Nevis
Todd always makes every trip fun, challenging and memorable. I have never seen anyone who works so hard but somehow makes the entire trip seem so effortless and relaxing. The most important thing to consider when you chose a mountain or climbing guide is how they will react when things don’t go according to plan — as can happen on any trip dependent on weather and geography. For those situations, Todd is the best. Level headed, always considering risks and safety before making decisions. I have trusted him with my life and would trust him with it again and again.
Mt. Everest, Sardinia, Canada
I've climbed mountains on three continents with Todd for the last 11 years. I always go back to him because he is safe, strong and technically proficient, he paces himself by his client's ability, he is a source of endless stories, and we talk about a lot of things other than climbing. I am happy in his company and feel younger than my years.
Todd Passey opens doors. He is confident and comfortable. Decades of climbing have given him friends around the world. When you are with him you feel part of the inner circle of guides.
CEO
Todd's ability to work with grown-ups - not all of whom behave like adults all of the time - comes from his background of working with dead-end and disadvantaged kids. He is friendly and direct. He knows when to relax and lay back and when to assert himself for safety's sake.
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Wasatch mountain Archives

Wasatch Backcountry Tours - In the Company of Guides
Wasatch Utah Ski Guide - In the Company of Guides
Wasatch Backcountry Ski Guide - In the Company of Guides

Wasatch Backcountry Skiing Details

There is a good reason we make our home here in the Wasatch. The snow is the greatest on earth, and the access to great backcountry skiing is unrivaled. With an average annual snowfall of over 500 inches, we can almost guarantee a phenomenal day of skiing. When people ask me what is my favorite place I have been, I often respond; “Skiing in the Wasatch!”

Less than 30 minutes from the Salt Lake City airport, Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons serve up world-class backcountry skiing. There is literally no approach to most of our skiing, once we clip into our bindings we skin uphill. Every foot of elevation we gain climbing up is enjoyed with great turns on the way back down.  Explore The Wasatch Mountains with ITCOG

Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons are both major roads that run parallel to one another in an east west direction, split by a prominent ridgeline. This geography makes it possible to use public transportation to do bi-canyon tours. These bi-canyon tours let us see lot’s of terrain, ski more down hill than we climb up, and ski all slopes with northern aspects. These are fun diverse ski tours with vast options for all types of skiers.

We also have the option of using lifts to access the backcountry. Snowbird and Alta sit at the top of Little Cottonwood canyon and Brighton and Solitude at the top of Big Cottonwood canyon. Having these major ski areas adjacent to great backcountry skiing terrain can open up some interesting options for those with lift passes.

Many trail heads in both canyons provide unbeatable access to just about anything a backcountry skier could want or need… More than most could ski in a lifetime! Learn more

The Wasatch mountains are a compact mountain range, but they offer up a huge variety of ski terrain for backcountry skiers. Big Cottonwood canyon to the Park City ridge line is full of mellow glades suitable for newer and intermediate backcountry skiers as well as providing safe terrain on high avi days. “Big” as it’s often referred to, is not all mellow Glades though, it also offers big objectives like Mount Raymond and technical descents like the Whipple couloir and more.

Little Cottonwood, in general is bigger, steeper more rugged terrain. “Little” is where we find lots of our ski mountaineering terrain. Peaks like the Pfeifferhorn and Mount Superior, as well as big lines like the Hypodermic Needle and the Coal Pit head wall.

We could go on and on, but the point is, there is something for everyone. The Wasatch is truly a Backcountry skiing mecca.

RECOMMENDED Avalanche Level 1 Training Course in the Wasatch Mountains

Our specialty is private backcountry ski guiding… But that’s not all we are good at. If you want instruction, we offer that too. We offer Avalanche courses and intro to backcountry skiing instruction. In addition, if you are preparing for a big trip like the Haute Route in Europe or Skiing the Grand, we are your guides. Get in touch, we are happy to discuss and plan for any of your needs.

Skis With Alpine Touring bindings

We recommend a touring ski with a waist between 105cm and 116. Skis should be equipped with touring binding, preferably tech style bindings.

Climbing Skins

Skins need to be in good condition and cut to fit your ski.

Ski Touring Boot

Boots need to be compatible with your bindings. Boots must have a walk mode.

Ski Crampons

Ski Crampons must be compatible with you bindings and ski waist width.

Boot Crampons

We highly recommend aluminum crampons. Make sure they work with your ski boots.

Harness

Harness must fit over ski clothing, be light weight and in good condition. You should also have 2 locking carabiners and a belay device.

Ice Axe

Ice Axe needs to be light weight and short (Less than 55cm).

Ski Backpack

A good ski pack should be light weight and have a dedicated pocket for your avalanche rescue gear and be between 35-50 liters.

Avalanche Rescue Gear

You will need a shovel and probe. The Shovel should have an extendable handle, an aluminum blade and fit into you pack without sticking out. Make sure your probe is in working order.

Avalanche Beacon

Your beacon should be a modern digital beacon. Come with new batteries in your beacon.

Ski Helmet

While we don’t require you to ski with a helmet we do highly recommend it.

Beanie

Light or medium weight beanie.

Buff/Neck Gaiter

We recommend a lightweight buff as it has many uses.

Goggles

We really like goggles with changeable lenses for use in bright and low light. They should also be compatible with your helmet.

Sun Glasses

Even if you always prefer to ski in goggles, sun glasses are needed for the up. Goggles will get fogged with sweat.

Warm Gloves

How warm depends on you. We recommend a durable well fitting ski glove.

Light Gloves

Lighter weight gloves are recommended for hiking up to reduce sweating.

Hard Shell Jacket

Waterproof/breathable jacket with ventilation.

Light Insulating Jacket

Breathable light insulating jacket.

Mid to Heavy Insulating Jacket

When temps are cold, you will be happy for a nice warm jacket.

Top Base Layer

We really like sun hoodies.

Ski Pants

We recommend a light option or a more waterproof option.

Bottom Base Layer

Bottoms.

Ski Socks

We prefer light weight socks.

Sunscreen

50 SPF or greater. Make sure your tube is not old as sunscreen can lose it’s effectiveness over time.

Lip Screen

Make sure it has SPF.

Small First Aid Kit

This should contain blister repair material, over the counter pain killers and a few bandaids. We will have a full sized med kit on the boat as well as field kits with the guides.

  • Your guide will contact you no later than the evening before your trip to discuss the days plans.
  • For a full day of skiing, plan on 8+ hours out. Bigger objectives can take between 10 and 12 hours.
  • A typical day: Guides will meet clients in one of the Park and Ride parking lots. From the meeting area (guides will tell you where) you will go up one of the canyons together in the client vehicle or public transportation.

*Please note, because of insurance reasons we are not able to transport clients in guide vehicles.

Before You Head Out
  • The guide will do a verbal gear check and confirm that waivers have been signed.
  • The guide will inform you what to do incase of emergency.
  • The guide will give you an overview of the day with estimated completion time.

Your day will usually end where your day began (at one of the parking lots or at your lodge). Directions to parking areas where we often meet. Alway confirm meeting place with your guide.

Maps/Locations

Wasatch Backcountry Skiing 2019 price: $400 per person $100 per person for each additional person up to 4. We maintain a ratio no greater than 4 clients to 1 guide. Contact us for courses and group pricing.

Included in Price:
  • IFMGA/AMGA certified guide
  • Liability Insurance
  • Upon request we will provide a Back Pack with Beacon, Shovel and Prob.
  • Unforgettable day in the Wasatch Backcountry
Not Included in Price:
  • Transportation or cost of public transport
  • Lift ticket is needed
  • Tips for the Guide

In the Wasatch we operate under the permit of our partners at Wasatch Mountain Guides LLC.  Todd Passey is a Co-Owner of Wasatch Mountain guides

Dates*

Dec 2020 – May 2021

*Custom dates available

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Price

1:1 guide to skier ratio: $400

1:2 $265 per person

1:3 $220 per person

1:4 $200 per person

*max ratio 1 guide to 4 skiers

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Avalanche Level 1 Course

The Wasatch Backcountry, Utah
Jan - Mar, 2021
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Limited

YOUR TEAM

Meet The Team
We specialize in designing custom and private trips, perfect for you or a group. Our team of highly experienced, certified, professional guides will teach you the skills, and lead you there and safely home.