The Wasatch Ultimate Ridge Linkup (WURL) is an endurance test for Utah trail-runners. But that’s in the summer. In the winter, The WURL has never been done. The route is 58km of continuous ridgeline running/hiking/scrambling that forms a horseshoe around Little Cottonwood Canyon. Only the best athletes can complete the route in under 24 hours….
Tag: backcountry
Best spring backcountry ski routes in Utah
Utah may be known for its world-famous powder, but spring is the best time to backcountry ski big lines in remote ranges. A more stable snowpack and warm, sunny weather are both advantages. But also consider that snow-bound roads melt out, allowing access to far-flung peaks. This time of year, you may be tempted to…
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…
Helly Hansen Sogn Bib Shell Pant review
Stop me if you’ve heard this before: the winter of 2017-18 wasn’t exactly stellar here in Utah. Resorts had meager amounts of terrain open for the holidays, and touring season didn’t start until well into the new year (for me, anyway). When the snow finally came, the weather was variable, even by Utah standards. All…
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…
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…
Takeaways from the 2017 Utah Snow and Avalanche Workshop
The 2017 Utah Snow and Avalanche Workshop was held this year for the first time at Snowbird. I think it was the best one yet. I pondered why the venue change, as it limited the amount of participants (the South Towne Expo Center had plenty of room for everyone). But I suppose the aesthetics of…