This is an intensive, 3-day field-based course designed to take your backcountry ski/splitboard mountaineering to the next level.
A precursor for ski objectives in the Tetons, Rainier, Denali or the Alps, this ski mountaineering camp also enables participants to ski incredible peaks and couloirs in the Wasatch Mountains. We will teach and practice skills for safe climbing and skiing/riding on big and steep terrain.
From the trip description by Utah Mountain Adventures
On-snow support
- Independent: Below this trip's level of support
Ski or ride independently, without trip staff accompanying you on the mountain.
- Hosted: With your guide
Trip hosts ski or ride with the group, help everyone get oriented, and share local knowledge.
- Guided: Included
Professional guides lead the group and select suitable terrain and routes based on conditions and ability.
- Coached: Included
Professional coaches lead the group, select suitable terrain, and provide instruction and personalized feedback to help you improve.
- 3 days on snow with staff
- CourseGuides teach the proper techniques for the use of ice axes, boot and ski crampons, ropes, knots, anchors and rappelling.
- Backcountry guidingCamp objectives are dependent on weather, fitness, snow conditions, etc.
Terrain, ability and who it is for
- This is an advanced clinic.
- You must have solid downhill skiing/riding skills and seek out the advanced/expert, off-piste terrain at the resorts.
- You must have the ability to ski/ride in control and link turns in variable backcountry snow conditions with a pack.
- Previous backcountry skinning and booting experience, including on steep terrain, is required.
- You must be able to skin/boot uphill 3000’+/day for 3 consecutive days.
- Familiarity with using an ice axe and crampons is recommended.
- Knowledge of basic climbing knots and rappelling is recommended.
- Hiking, scrambling, mountaineering and/or rock climbing experience is recommended.
- Avalanche Level 1 or equivalent is recommended.
- This 3-day Ski & Splitboard Mountaineering Camp focuses on learning ski mountaineering skills and applying these to the ascent and descent of couloirs, such as those in Wolverine Cirque, and peaks like Toledo, Superior and the Pfeifferhorn. Camp objectives are dependent on weather, fitness, snow conditions, etc.
- The program is offered in late winter when the Utah snowpack is typically deep and strong enough for ski mountaineering objectives.
- Best practices for the use of boot and ski crampons and ice axes
- Self-belay and self-arrest with ice axe
- Rock and snow anchors and equalization
- Fixed and running belays
- Rappelling with skis or a splitboard on and without
- Glacier travel and crevasse rescue
- Knots and hitches for raising systems and lowering
- Belayed skiing and snowboarding
- Reading snow and terrain
- Improved skinning skills, including advanced kick-turns and self-belays
- Avalanche hazard evaluation and mitigation
- Steep skiing/boarding skills
- Sport
- Ski + Snowboard
From the trip description by Utah Mountain Adventures
What the price includes
Included
- Lesson
- This course includes 3 full days in the backcountry skinning and skiing/splitboarding (expect to be in the field for 6-8 hours per day).
Not included
- Meals
- Transfers
- Guests are expected to bring their own snacks, lunch and water (1-2 liters).
- Transportation will not be provided.
Not confirmed by the operator: Lodging, Lift pass.
Location
Getting There
Meeting times are usually between 7 am and 8 am. Meeting locations are provided to enrolled participants before the course date. This course takes place in either Little Cottonwood Canyon or Big Cottonwood Canyon in the Central Wasatch Mountains in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Transportation will not be provided. Most canyon parking lots require a parking fee.
UMA does not provide transportation. We encourage carpooling to help mitigate traffic in the canyons and crowded parking areas.
From the trip description by Utah Mountain Adventures
Pins show the approximate main trip area—not a route, meeting point, or full itinerary. Confirm exact locations in the company's trip details.
Dates and prices
- Mar 18 – Mar 20, 20272026/27 · 3 days1,099 USD$1099 plus tax per person; currency not named on the pageAvailableChoose these datesBook on company website
Published as "Mar 18-20, 2027 (Thursday-Saturday)".
Prices, taxes and fees, required extras, inclusions, availability, and booking terms can change. Confirm the current price and trip details on the company website; source last reviewed September 24, 2026.
Good To Know
Guides teach the proper techniques for the use of ice axes, boot and ski crampons, ropes, knots, anchors and rappelling. The course covers glacial navigation and crevasse rescue, belayed climbing and skiing, reading snow and terrain, avalanche hazard evaluation and mitigation, and steep skiing.
You will receive a reminder with the contact information for your guide/instructor.
Any of our pre-scheduled courses can be run as custom outings. If you’re interested in a course but the dates don’t fit your schedule, please check out our private guiding options.
From the trip description by Utah Mountain Adventures
Reviews
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