Mount Aire, located in Parley’s Canyon, is a moderate peak with an easy approach and numerous options for a fun descent. The climb up is somewhat mellow and relaxing, if you don’t mind a bit of bushwacking down low followed by an undulating ridgeline ascent to the summit. Add in the constant drone of cars and semi trucks on the interstate below, and you’ve got a bonafide urban ski tour.
The most common way to access the peak is to park at the Lambs Canyon exit off I-80 near Parleys Summit. Follow the skin track on the jeep trail that goes back down canyon to the west. After a short distance, go left (south) into the scrub oak forest when you see an opening in the thick brush. Navigation is tricky here, but there is usually a skin track in place. The route dips down into a gully system then back up the other side. From here, you actively ascend a broad shoulder of the mountain that connects to Mount Aire’s north summit ridge.follow this ridge as it undulates to the 8,621-foot summit.
At the top there are several choice lines to ski, like the north face or the wide chutes that fall from the east side. You can also pick off lines that spill from the north ridge.
If you ski the north slopes, you’ll have to skin back to the top of the north ridge for another lap or to return to the car. But the East Face is the main even here. Three distinct, steep runs spill from the summit with a sustained fall line that ends in the afore-mentioned gully system.
Ski down this drainage to return to your ascent route where you can backtrack to the car. Beware though, as it can be a heinous bushwhack, especially when the snow level is low. The return ends with a winding, bobsled-sty trail through scrub oak at the lower elevations.
Because of its location and ease of access, Mount Aire is ideal for a quick, before-work tour. As always, whenever in the backcountry, bring a beacon, shovel, probe pole and a buddy.
For more detailed description, a map and images, check out Backcountry Ski & Snowboard Routes: Utah, available from Mountaineers Books.
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