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.
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.
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!
BOOK NOW
Backcountry
Skiing
$ 400
Starting Rate per Person
POPULAR
Level 1
Avalanche Course
$ 495
Starting Rate per Person
Backcountry Ski
Moutaineering
$ 400
Starting Rate per Person
-
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.
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.
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.
Experience The Wasatch Mountains
Services
Backcountry
Skiing
$ 400
Starting Rate per Person
POPULAR
Level 1
Avalanche Course
$ 495
Starting Rate per Person
Ski
Moutaineering
$ 400
Starting Rate per Person
-
MOUNTAINEERING