Trip
Utah
Ski & Snowboard
Questions? Let us help! Call us at
1-866-386-1590
1-866-386-1590
A ski mountaineering course designed for experienced skiers/riders who dream of the wildest lines in the Wasatch and beyond!
The Wasatch is one of the best training grounds in the world for serious ski mountaineering objectives. SIET has designed this course to give intermediate/advanced backcountry skiers the chance to progress to the next level and learn the technical skills they need to attempt high consequence ski mountaineering descents. Our courses have small ratios so that each student receives the coaching they need. If you comfortably ski black diamonds at your local resort, frequently ski in the backcountry, and if you think you’re ready for steeper and more technical terrain, this course is for you!
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Itinerary
Itinerary
Note that the itinerary is subject to change due to inclement weather, unsafe route conditions, determined in the guide’s best judgement, or any other reasons beyond our control.
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1
Day 1:
You’ll learn about avalanche mitigation strategies for high consequence terrain, work on steep skiing techniques, practice fundamental technical skills (knots, hitches, devices, anchors, etc), and learn about group management in difficult terrain. The accessibility and high concentration of steep terrain found close to the road in Little Cottonwood Canyon make this a perfect venue for this day. -
2
Day 2:
We will focus on the repetition of fundamental ski mountaineering skills- anchoring, belaying a skier, managing steep entrances, rappelling, etc. Our objectives will be a little bigger than the previous day. The exact location for this day is to be confirmed. -
3
Day 3:
Now to put your old and new skills to the test! The goal is for students to apply their new skills to some of the most complex lines in the Wasatch. We will set our sites on some of the more challenging, highly technical objectives where rope work and snowpack assessment will be critical. Big lines such as the NW Couloir of Pfeifferhorn, the Hypodermic Needle, South Ridge of Superior and others have been objectives of past courses.
Trip Package Includes
- Professional instruction with a lead instructor who is AMGA Ski Certified
- Backcountry permits
- 20% discount code for evo.com (exclusions apply)
Trip Package Does Not Include
- Airfare
- Transportation to and from the trailhead
- Hotel accommodations
- Meals
- Personal gear (See FAQ for rental options)
- Guide gratuities
- Travel insurance (we recommend World Nomads)
Additional Notes
Please note that to take part in this course you must have completed Avalanche Course Level 1 and Rescue Course. Participants should also be comfortable skiing black diamond terrain, have the ability to skin up a minimum of 3,000ft in a day and be completely competent with alpine touring equipment.Questions? Call or email us!
Area Information
Wasatch Range
The Wasatch Range is sculpted by glaciers, and receives heavy falls of snow in the winter, creating a very dramatic and impressive landscape. Due to its location, the range has low relative humidity during the winter months, giving the snow a dry, powdery texture which most of the local ski resorts call ‘the greatest snow on earth”. For the course we will be practicing our skills in the Little Cottonwood Canyon, and scouting out challenging, highly technical lines to apply our knowledge of rope work and snowpack assessments. Little Cottonwood Canyon is an incredible area, and the canyon is a glacial trough that was carved during the last ice age, 15,000-25,000 years ago. This is a perfect place to fulfill your dream of big mountain ski lines!
Gallery
Gallery
Trip Planning
Trip Planning
This course can be taken on alpine touring skis or splitboard. It is highly recommended that participants with touring gear have experience with their setup prior to taking the course and be comfortable in steep blue/back terrain at the ski resort.
Below is a list of required and recommended equipment for your adventure. This is the bare minimum for your average winter day, and if you tend to get cold in winter conditions, especially while not moving, be prepared and bring more layers. Dressing properly and having the correct equipment will help enable the guides to provide a safer and more fun experience for your group. In the mountains, the weather can be temperamental and can change quickly and drastically. Note that all optional technical equipment listed will be provided by SIET. However, if you plan on launching a personal trip after the course, we recommend purchasing these items to use for the course as it will allow you to practice with your own personal equipment in preparation for your adventures!
Required Equipment
Required Mountaineering Equipment:
Optional Mountaineering Equipment
Snow Study Kit (optional)
Recommended Clothing
Other Recommended Gear
FAQ
FAQ
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I need local accommodations. Do you have recommendations?
We recommend Extend Stay America, it's close to the mountains without the mountain town prices. evo also has a new SLC Hotel opening up in winter 2021, so if interested let us know and we can keep you posted on whether it will be open for your course dates! -
What COVID-19 policies do you have in place?
SIET has a detailed COVID-19 Operations Plan which will be covered prior to the trip. All participants must fill out a pre-trip COVID-19 questionnaire/agreement. Classroom lectures will be held via Zoom instead of in person. -
Do I need any prior training to participate in this course?
Before taking this course, students should have acquired their Level 1 Avalanche Course, Rescue Course and it is strongly recommended to have one season of experience applying this learned knowledge. Participants should be comfortable skiing black diamond terrain and harder in western ski areas, and be competent with alpine touring equipment. -
What is the deposit amount to hold my space?
The deposit due at time of booking is $300. This includes a $100 non-refundable registration fee. Your balance will be due 60 days prior to your course start date. If you book your trip within 60 days of the course start date, full payment will be due. -
How physically fit do I have to be for this course?
This can be a physically demanding course, and your ability to enjoy the adventure depends on your health and fitness, thus it is recommended that you are in good physical condition. You should be able to travel uphill for 2,000-3,500ft each day of the course and still have plenty of energy left to ski/snowboard downhill. -
Who are the guides?
SIET guides are highly experienced instructors that have been trained by the American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA), the American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE), or the American Avalanche Institute (AAI). They are some of the best, most highly trained and experienced instructors in the country! -
Are rentals available?
Yes, rental gear can be secured through Skimo or Wasatch Touring. From February on we are excited to be able to offer gear rentals through our evo SLC Campus store (coming soon).
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What if I need to cancel?
evo will refer to the SIET cancellation policy. If you need to cancel your trip, please submit your notification in writing. Your trip will be cancelled from the date you receive written notice from SIET. You will be assessed a cancellation fee according to the following schedule: > More than 60 days from trip departure - $100 registration fee > 60 days or less from trip departure - 100% of trip cost. The course may also be cancelled due to bad weather, sickness, low enrollment, or other logistical challenges. Trip insurance is advised. -
What if I need to change the dates of my trip?
All date changes must be received in writing. There will be a fee of $100 for date changes. Any date changes can be difficult and is subject to all additional incurred expenses as assessed by SIET. Changes will be made at the sole discretion of SIET and may not be possible. Date changes are for credit only (no refunds) and valid for 6 months from written change notification. -
When and how do I meet up with the group?
You will receive detailed instructions regarding when and how to meet the group from SIET. -
What is the maximum number of guests on the trip?
There is a maximum of 10 guests for this course. The guest:guide ratio is 5:1, with groups of 10 being split into 2 groups due to COVID. Groups of 3 can book any available dates and the course will be customised for your group. This option is also open to groups of 2 at a higher cost. The course can also be run in 2 days. Please contact us to discuss options. -
Is there a minimum age required for this trip?
You must be 18 years or older to attend this course. -
Is transportation provided?
Transport is not provided; bear in mind that all wheel drive and/or chains are sometimes required by law in the Wasatch.
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Questions? Let us help! Call us at
1-866-386-1590
1-866-386-1590
Select Your Trip
A destination near you
Coming Soon
Trip
Questions? Let us help! Call us at
1-866-386-1590
1-866-386-1590
Select Your Trip
A destination near you
Coming Soon
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