What’s the first sign that winter is coming? Why, the Utah Avalanche Center Fundraising Party of course! Mark your calendars for Thursday, September 13th from 6-10 p.m. This year is the 25th anniversary of the party, and boy what a party it is. If you’ve never been and are a backcountry skier in Utah, then…
Category: Backcountry
Upcoming events from the Utah Avalanche Center
It’s so hot right now that you’re probably not thinking about ski season. But now is the time to mark your calendars as two events from the Utah Avalanche Center will be here before you know it. Black Diamond Fall Fundraiser One of the biggest UAC fundraising events of the year is the annual Black…
Backcountry Skiing at Idaho’s Pioneer Yurt
“Is it possible these mountains are more beautiful than the Sawtooths?” I wonder aloud. It feels like I’m speaking sacrilege, but the view from where I am standing put the debate in my head. Jagged peaks, wide open bowls, and steep couloirs spread out before me in a real-life panorama. Hyndman Peak, Old Hyndman, and…
Backcountry Touring at Idaho’s Galena Pass
If you’ve already got a copy of Backcountry Ski and Snowboard Routes: Utah, then you know that the Beehive State has plenty of amazing touring options. But sometimes, you just need a road trip. My wife, Jess, and I wanted to get out of town and sample some new zones, so we pointed the car…
Wasatch backcountry skiing conditions report: 03-18-18
A nice refresher storm swept over Utah this weekend, bringing much needed snow. The high, March sun did a number on the snow quality. So this latest powder dump made for ideal ski conditions in the Wasatch backcountry. We toured around high and mid-elevation slopes in the Cottonwood Canyons the last two weeks and the…
Ski Utah Powder Alert issued for this weekend
It may feel like spring as I write this, but Ski Utah issued a Powder Alert for Thursday, March 15th through Sunday, March 18th. A big storm is on its way to the Wasatch that may result in over two feet of powder. A week-long warm spell has made flowers bloom in the valley, and…
Tour the backcountry at Bonanza Flats
You may have heard about Bonanza Flats, but have you ever backcountry skied there? Well on Saturday, March 10th you’ll have your chance with the Tour Bonanza Flats event. The Wasatch Backcountry Alliance, Cottonwood Canyons Foundation and Utah Open Lands have teamed up to present a celebration of our unique Wasatch Backcountry. Join one of…
Wasatch backcountry skiing conditions report: 01-23-18
A big, cold, all-too-anticipated winter storm arrived in Utah over the weekend. Judging by the crowds at Wasatch resorts and in the backcountry, you’d have thought it hadn’t snowed in a year. Well, actually that’s not too far from the truth. The result is every close-to-the-road open face on every aspect we could see was…
Backcountry ski rescue gear you didn’t know you need
Backcountry skiing is dangerous. Avalanches are our primary concern, so we gear up with beacons, probes, shovels and airbag packs. But what about conventional injury? Do you pack what you need to treat broken bones, debilitating illness, or have the means to move an immobile victim out of harm’s way? I experienced this scenario on…
Wasatch backcountry conditions report: 01-14-18
I took my first backcountry tour of the season yesterday. That is a pathetic fact considering it’s mid-January and I wrote a freaking guidebook about backcountry skiing in Utah. But I have much to blame, especially everyone’s favorite thing to blame – the weather. With the slow start to the season and a shallow snowpack,…