We offer this adventure through our partner, Wasatch Mountain Guides.
Overview of Guided Alpine Climbing in the Wasatch Mountains
Our stunning Wasatch Range adventures our permited via our partner Wasatch Mountain Guides.
The Wasatch Range contains several major canyons, and a lot of micro zones. When combined with the accessibility of Salt Lake City, the alpine peaks of the Wasatch Mountains provide one of the best training grounds for the highest peaks in the world.
Explore the high quality alpine routes of the Wasatch Range with one of our guides, who know the area like the back of their hand. Try one of our epic one to twoday traverses! Or an ascent of the South Ridge of local emblem Mount Superior. Depending on the time of the year and the conditions, Superior can be a full day of relatively easy alpine rock climbing in a stunning alpine environment, or a tougher snowier day filled with a range of challenges that will require a strong desire to succeed!
Pricing
One Day Traverse:
- 1:1 $525 ($550 on weekend)
- 2:1 $100 extra for additional climber
- Max client to guide ratio is 2:1
Two Day Traverse:
- 1:1 $1000
- 2:1 $500 extra for additional climber
- Max client to guide ratio is 2:1
Routes
Routes include the South Ridge of Mount Superior, Toledo Ridge, Pfeifferhorn, plus more depending on your experience and goal. Contact us to begin planning!
Pfeifferhorn
The North Ridge of the Pfeifferhorn is considered one of the best mountaineering routes in Utah and can be ascended any time of year, but many prefer to treat it as a stout winter mountaineering challenge. This mixed granite and snow ridge rises directly to the striking 11,326 feet / 3452 meters symmetrical summit in the heart of the rugged Lone Peak Wilderness. In the winter, the approach is on skis or snowshoes, and we usually do the trip in two days.
Day 1 begins at the base of Little Cottonwood Canyon with a gear and weather check and discussion about the adventure to come. We then drive up to Little Pine Parking Lot and start hiking up to Maybird Gulch on skis, split-board or snowshoes. Our approach takes 3-6 hours. Setting up camp for the night at 10,000 feet under the North Ridge, we have dinner and prepare for the the next day.
Our base camp is typically just under the North Ridge.The impressive North Ridge has some moderate technical rock climbing, but most likely the ascent will be done on crampons, because we will probably find ice and plenty of snow on the route.
The next day we have breakfast before sunrise and start hiking up the the ridge (skis, snowshoes or crampons depending on conditions), where we cache our skis or snowshoes to begin our alpine route. Once on the ridge, we set up anchors and your guide will lead the climbing, protecting the route. After enjoying spectacular views from the summit, we descend back to camp via the head wall, pack the tents and hike or ski back to the car.
We generally return to Salt Lake City at the end of Day 2.
Location
Wasatch Range, Utah, USA
Length
1-2 Days
Prerequisites
Excellent physical condition, a knowledge of mountaineering techniques and previous alpine and rock climbing experience ideal. Climbers should be comfortable on 45 degree snow and ice slopes and climbing on exposed ridges.
Cost/Pricing
Guide Ratio: 1:1, 1:2
Max: 2 climbers
Two days: $1000 for one person, $500 for an additional person
One day speed: $525 per person, $100 extra for additional climber
Includes:
- Certified Mountain Guide(s)
- All meals while in the mountains
- Camping and cooking gear for the group
- Technical gear for the group (ropes, hardware, harnesses)
- Some climbing gear for each member (snowshoes, ski poles, ice axes, helmets, beacons)
- Private ground transportation throughout the trip from Salt Lake City Hotel or Airport
- Communication equipment
Does not include:
- Any hotel accommodations e.g. in Salt Lake City
- Climbing/trip insurance and rescue expenses as needed. Any cost if a climber abandons the trip.
- Customary guide gratuities
- Personal meals out of the mountains e.g. any meals in towns / restaurants
- Any other expenses occur beyond BBE control due to changes in the itinerary or clients needs
- Personal gear for each member (boots (rentals available), crampons (rentals available), gloves, backpack, layered clothing)
- Plane tickets
- Park fees
Skills Practiced:
- The selection and use of personal equipment, ropes, knots and harnesses
- Crampon use and snow climbing techniques, ice axe positioning, and self arrest techniques
- Route finding and hazard assessment including a discussion of objective vs. subjective hazards
- Proper clothing and climbing gear for survival in the high mountains, mountain weather, alpine ecology, avalanche hazard assessment, and Leave No Trace ethics
Travel Insurance and Rescue Insurance
We require the purchase of insurance plans to protect you from the unexpected. Please consult with your insurance company with any specific questions, regarding coverage, and policy details, and if you have any questions contact our offices.
Mountain Snacks
We recommend that you bring snacks to supplement the mountain lunches for 3 days. Take snacks that you genuinely enjoy. Eating well is the key to maintaining your strength while in the mountains. And in order to combat the loss of appetite at altitude, it is best to have a variety of foods from which to choose, from sweet to sour to salty.
Pricing
Pricing is a typical estimate, final quote will be provided after receiving your inquiry.
Willie proposed the right climb and competently guided us with a high level of empathy and diligence.
Thanks again for a great day out on the mountain!
–Martin D.
Alpine Climbing
My husband and I had an incredible day with Willie climbing the South Ridge of Mt. Superior.
Willie's experience, knowledge and ability to assess our comfort and abilities were fantastic. Never did we feel unsafe or worried; we both just kept thinking how much fun we were having.
–Katie D.
Wasatch Alpine Climbing