Backcountry skiing in Salt Lake City offers a unique and accessible experience, with the Wasatch Mountains providing a diverse range of trails for skiers of all skill levels. From beginner-friendly routes to extreme, technical lines, the region’s backcountry skiing opportunities cater to a wide variety of adventurers.
What are the Top-Rated Trails for Backcountry Skiing in Salt Lake City?
- Twin Lakes Pass from Brighton:
- Distance: 2.8 km
- Ascent: 405 m
- Descent: 21 m
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Access: Brighton
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Features: Access to backcountry zones like Patsy Marley and Wolverine Cirque.
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Virginia Slims:
- Difficulty: Difficult
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Features: Fun dogleg chute next to Old Growth chute in Cardiff Fork.
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Major Tom:
- Difficulty: Extreme
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Features: Steep and sporty couloir in a remote corner of the Wasatch, requiring rappels to navigate.
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Medusa’s Face:
- Difficulty: Extreme
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Features: Coveted and rarely skied lines in the Wasatch Mountains.
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Scotty’s:
- Difficulty: Difficult
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Features: Classic north-facing roadside attraction in upper Little Cottonwood Canyon.
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Memorial #3:
- Difficulty: Difficult
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Features: Classic steep lines on the backside of Mount Olympus with large dramatic rock-lined walls.
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Tolcat Canyon:
- Difficulty: Difficult
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Features: Large and prominent chute that splits the N and S summits of Mount Olympus.
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Stairs Gulch:
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Features: 4,000 feet long, with a combination of steep, technical chute and flat, more mellow finish.
What are the Cross Country and Nordic Skiing Options in Salt Lake City?
- Millcreek Canyon: Groomed for Nordic skiing purposes, providing a pleasant exit option for up-and-over ski tours originating in Big Cottonwood Canyon.
- Big Cottonwood Canyon: Offers a vast diversity of terrain suitable for ski touring and is a hot spot for expert skiers and beginners alike.
Are there any Dog-Friendly Backcountry Skiing Spots in Salt Lake City?
Yes, Millcreek Canyon allows hiking and ski touring with dogs, making it a popular local haunt for Salt Lakers.
What are the Trail Access and Safety Regulations for Backcountry Skiing in Salt Lake City?
- Access: Many trails are accessible from trailheads, with some requiring a short hike or Nordic skiing to reach the backcountry.
- Safety: It is essential to consult the Utah Avalanche Center website for critical avalanche safety information before venturing out. Always carry standard avalanche rescue gear and know how to use it.
What are the Seasonal Considerations for Backcountry Skiing in Salt Lake City?
- Best Time: Backcountry skiing in Utah typically starts in mid-November and lasts through April, with February being the best month for skiing.
- Snow Conditions: The region typically gets 500 inches of snow, with conditions generally staying prime until mid-March.
References:
- FATMAP: Ski Touring Routes in Salt Lake City, Utah – FATMAP. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://fatmap.com/discover/united-states-of-america/utah/salt-lake-city/ski-touring/routes
- 57hours: The Best Backcountry Skiing Locations in Utah for 2023 – 57hours. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://57hours.com/best-of/backcountry-skiing-utah/
- Visit Utah: Backcountry Skiing & Snowboarding – Visit Utah. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.visitutah.com/things-to-do/backcountry-skiing.