Skiing Adventures USA

Lift Access Backcountry Skiing & Riding

Wasatch Mountains – Salt Lake City, Utah

6+ hours Group: 1–3 standard (contact us for 4+) From $250 per person

Wasatch Mountains – Salt Lake City, Utah

Some of the best skiing in the Wasatch lies just outside resort boundaries. By combining resort lift systems with short hikes and traverses, we gain speedy access to high alpine terrain and the Wasatch’s uppermost elevations. This style of skiing lets you maximize vertical, reach remote peaks more efficiently, and enjoy lap after lap of untracked powder with considerably less skinning.
Whether it’s a quick “one-up” ride to gain altitude before dropping into untouched bowls, or multiple lift laps linking sidecountry stashes, lift-access backcountry delivers the perfect balance of convenience and adventure.

All of our Utah backcountry trips are operated through Wasatch Mountain Guides (WMG), one of Utah’s most trusted guide services. Willie Benegas, IFMGA-certified mountain guide and co-owner of WMG, leads many of these tours alongside our team of AMGA-trained guides. With decades of experience in the Wasatch, our guides know exactly where to find the best snow while keeping your day safe, smooth, and unforgettable.

At a Glance
  • Difficulty: Easy to Hard (tailored to ability)
  • Vertical: Varies
  • Duration: 6+ hours
  • Meeting Time: 8:00 AM
  • Meeting Location: Cottonwood Canyon Park & Ride lots or resort accommodations
  • Venues: Big Cottonwood Canyon & Little Cottonwood Canyon
  • Season: December – March
  • Minimum Age: 10 (10–16 with parent; 16+ independent)
  • Group Size: 1–3 standard (contact us for 4+)
  • Lift Access: Single-ride passes included (see policy below); full lift tickets required for multi-lap sidecountry days
Private Tour Details

Location
Big Cottonwood Canyon or Little Cottonwood Canyon resorts, with backcountry access through designated gates.
Schedule & Meeting Location
Meet at 8:00 AM at the Park & Ride lots at the mouths of Big or Little Cottonwood Canyon, or directly at your resort accommodations. Expect 6+ hours in the field.
Guide/Instructor
You’ll receive a reminder email with your guide’s contact information prior to the trip. Your guide will reach out to review your skills and goals, discuss weather and equipment considerations, and finalize your meeting location.
Transportation & Parking
Transportation is not provided. Please plan to drive yourself. Resort parking fees may apply.

Who Can Join

Lift-access backcountry is ideal for skiers and riders who want to minimize uphill travel while maximizing powder turns.

  • Ability Level: Strong intermediate to expert downhill skiing or riding ability required. You should feel confident skiing all blue and most black runs, including ungroomed terrain.
  • Age: Minimum age 10. Ages 10–16 may join with a parent; 16+ may join independently.
Gear & Rentals

Required: Touring skis/boots or splitboard, skins, beacon, shovel, probe.
Available rentals: Avalanche safety kits (beacon/shovel/probe) through us; ski/board touring setups through partner shops in Salt Lake City.

Rates (6+ Hours)

Lift tickets not included for multi-lap days

  • 1 Person: $500
  • 2 People: $300 each
  • 3 People: $250 each

Please get in touch with us directly to arrange groups of 4 or more.
Lift Access Policy

  • Multi-lap sidecountry skiing requires a valid lift pass at Alta or Brighton.
  • Wasatch Mountain Guides provides:
    • Up to two single-ride passes at Alta (no restrictions).
    • One single-ride pass at Brighton (weekdays only).
Safety & Risk Management

Leaving resort boundaries involves inherent risk. All trips are led by AMGA-trained guides, under the supervision of IFMGA-certified guides. Each day begins with snowpack and avalanche assessments, with routes chosen to balance conditions, safety, and fun.

Do I need avalanche gear?
Yes. Rentals are available if you don’t have your own.
Do I need a lift ticket?

  • For single-lap outings: Wasatch Mountain Guides provides up to two single-ride passes at Alta (no restrictions) or one single-ride pass at Brighton (weekdays only).
  • For multi-lap sidecountry skiing: A full lift ticket/pass for Alta or Brighton is required and not included in the trip price.

How much hiking is involved?
Typically, 30 minutes to 2 hours total, depending on your goals. Lift access reduces uphill time significantly.
Can we focus on education?
Absolutely—your guide can incorporate avalanche awareness, route-finding, or ski-touring techniques into the day.

Some of the best skiing in the Wasatch lies just outside resort boundaries.

By combining resort lift systems with short hikes and traverses, we gain speedy access to high alpine terrain and the Wasatch’s uppermost elevations.

Book Trip
Group:
1–3 standard (contact us for 4+)
Duration:
6+ hours
Skill:
Easy to Hard (tailored to ability)
Dates:

December – March

Pricing

Pricing is a typical estimate, final quote will be provided after receiving your inquiry.

Some of the best skiing in the Wasatch lies just outside resort boundaries.

By combining resort lift systems with short hikes and traverses, we gain speedy access to high alpine terrain and the Wasatch’s uppermost elevations.