Wednesday, April 8:

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Late afternoon pickup and transport from SLC to Alta. (~ 45 min.)

Early arrivals should check out the Front Climbing Gym, and can be picked up there or at the airport.

Welcome dinner and evening orientation at the Chalet.

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Thursday, April 9 & 

Friday, April 10 & 

Saturday, April 11:

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Three full days of guided backcountry and lift-assisted ski touring in the heart of the central Wasatch. 

 

This is the peak of the spring ski season, and conditions may range from stormy powder to sunny corn, and sometimes both. Our premier location at the base of Alta offers immediate access to both touring and lift-served terrain, and a variety of options for all conditions.

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Tours may range from full days in the backcountry with early starts for fresh powder, or end-of-day ‘dusk patrols’ for late day corn and sunset. We also have the option to combine early half-day tours in the backcountry, with some afternoon time for ‘free skiing’ in-bounds at Alta.

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We’ve arranged a well-appointed 5+ bedroom, 5 bathroom chalet, with a spacious open living and dining area, a thoughtfully designed staging/equipment room to get us all in & out of the door on time, and a slopeside hot tub for the evening soak. Access to backcountry and lift-accessed terrain is right out the door.  Mount Superior’s South Face looms large in the huge gable window, and the spacious living room is a comfortable place to relax, rest and refuel. Meals will be catered.

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Sunday, April 12 (EASTER)

Depart. Early morning shuttle to SLC airport. 

Optional shuttle to SLC after skiing on the evening of Saturday, April 11 for night flights.

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TOURS

Actual objectives each day will be subject to conditions, group ambitions and the guide’s judgement. Each morning we’ll have an early group meeting to look at conditions, review the weather and avalanche forecast, and cover our plans for the day. Some options may include: 

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Door-to-door backcountry tours along the upper Cottonwood Canyons divide, linking desired aspects, snow quality and terrain features on an all-day tour. There may be options for integrating single lift-rides along the way.

 

​A ‘Bi-Canyon’ tour, departing on ski from the Chalet and chasing dry powder on the northern aspects- a key strategy in springtime- over the Little / Big Cottonwoods divide, and eventually down and out to Big Cottonwood Canyon and a van shuttle back to the Chalet.

 

A Ski Safari style tour, connecting the Cottonwood’s best lift-served resort terrain and amenities with backcountry touring. This is a great option if snow conditions favor the resort accessed terrain, but touring allows us to travel the range and explore the terrain between the resorts. ​

 

A Big Mountain tour, with a short van shuttle to the trailhead and an all-day tour up  into White Pine or Red Pine canyons to higher alpine terrain around the Baldy peaks. 

 

A Ski Mountaineering ascent & descent of iconic Mt. Superior, with an early morning ascent of the East Ridge and the possibility of corn snow on the south side, or powder on the north side​.

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Skier Prerequisites:

This camp is for strong intermediate to advanced skiers. Skiers must provide their own ski touring equipment: boots, touring skis, climbing skins, backpack, shovel, probe, avalanche transceiver and appropriate clothing. (A limited number of transceivers are available for rental.)

 

Participants should have prior experience with lift-served and backcountry skiing, and some prior practice with their own touring equipment and climbing skins. Skiers do not need to be experts, or perfect skiers- in fact, this is an excellent opportunity to immerse and improve all-around skills— but skiers should at a minimum be able to confidently turn and stop under control in varied resort and backcountry conditions, have some practice skiing up and down and the transitions between, and the fitness to ski or hike uphill (at a moderated, ‘all-day’ pace.)

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What’s included:

• One vehicle transport (from and to) the SLC airport and Alta. You will NOT need to rent a car and drive up canyon. Alta is approximately 45 minutes door-to-door from SLC.

• Shared accommodations in one of 5-6 private bedrooms in the chalet 

• Three days’ ski touring with AMGA Certified / IFMGA Licensed Mountain Guides (via the Certified Guides Cooperative)

• Simple catered breakfasts, trail snacks and dinners while at the Chalet 

• Lift-access passes (as needed) on the three ski tour days

 

What’s not included:

• Personal travel to/from SLC 

• Meals and beverages while touring through ski areas or at apres ski pub visits

• Lift tickets for any personal skiing on arrival day (4/8) or departure day (4/12)

• Additional alcoholic beverages (outside of meal service)

• Personal travel insurance is strongly recommended. Reservation deposits after Feb. 8 are non-refundable.

 

Cost: 

$2000 /person

 

A 50% deposit is required at time of booking. Full payment is due after March 8. No refunds for cancellation (except in case of emergency); although credit for future programs may be granted. Personal travel insurance is strongly recommended.

Rooms and beds (ranging from the master bedroom to the basement bunkbeds) will be allocated on a first-come, first serve’ basis.

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Certified Guides Cooperative

This camp is offered on the Wasatch National Forest through the Certified Guides Cooperative. This camp is also open to additional IFMGA or AMGA Ski Guide members of the Certified Guides Cooperative, and to their client partners who are interested in joining this accessible and unique experience.

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To learn more or make a reservation, contact Jesse.

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