Salt Lake City is your launchpad to the legendary Wasatch Mountains — home to world-class Salt Lake City rock climbing, deep powder skiing, and some of the best backcountry terrain in North America. Our expert-led Salt Lake City adventures and courses are built for both locals and travelers who want real outdoor experiences, just minutes from downtown.
Backcountry ski tours and guided climbing in the Wasatch Mountains
Avalanche education taught by seasoned local professionals
Access incredible terrain just 20 minutes from Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City sits at the gateway to the Wasatch Mountains, where world-class climbing, skiing, and ice routes rise directly above the city. With trailheads just minutes from downtown and the airport less than a 1/2 hour away, it’s one of the most convenient mountain hubs in the country.
From steep quartzite walls in Big Cottonwood Canyon to Little Cottonwood’s legendary granite cracks, the Wasatch offers endless rock climbing opportunities. In winter, deep Utah powder fills the backcountry, perfect for ski touring, powder laps, or preparing for bigger ski mountaineering goals. When the temperatures drop, frozen waterfalls form into striking ice climbs, making the Wasatch a year-round training ground for adventure.
Whether you’re in town for business, vacation, or just passing through, our guided Salt Lake City trips put you right in the heart of the action.
Salt Lake City offers year-round mountain sports. Here’s when we think it is best: Backcountry skiing peaks mid-December to March with good bases and deep powder. Ice climbing is best in January and February. The rock climbing season lasts longest, April to early November most years, due to the tremendous amount of terrain available. We can climb in the shade or sun, at high elevation or low, depending on weather and conditions.
Salt Lake City is a perfect base for Utah adventures. Within a few hours, you can reach Arches, Canyonlands, Zion, Capitol Reef, and Bryce Canyon—great for extending your trip. Locally, explore Antelope Island, Park City, or the surreal Bonneville Salt Flats, all within an hour’s drive.
Options range from hip downtown hotels to affordable Airbnbs near the foothills. For easy access to climbing, skiing, or meeting guides, consider downtown, Sugar House, or near Big & Little Cottonwood Canyons in Cottonwood Heights. These areas offer quick routes to the canyons, I-80, and our meetup spots.
Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) has direct flights from most major cities and is just 15 minutes from downtown by car or TRAX light rail. Renting a car is recommended; there’s so much to see. Ride-shares work well in town but can get pricey on longer trips.
Most of our trips meet at the base of Big Cottonwood Canyon, 3653 Fort Union Blvd, Cottonwood Heights, UT 84121. However, depending on where you’re staying and the trip you’re doing, we may arrange to meet you elsewhere or even pick you up from your accommodations.
We offer guided rock and ice climbing, backcountry ski tours, and avalanche education courses based in the Wasatch Mountains.
Absolutely. All our climbing and ski touring trips are private. This allows you and your group to climb or ski at your ability without worrying about keeping up or slowing anyone down. Avalanche courses can also be booked for private groups.
Group trips are available only for avalanche, mentorship and instructional courses—not for guided climbing or ski touring.
Yes! We teach AIARE Level 1, 2, and Rescue courses in the Wasatch near Salt Lake City throughout the winter season.
We offer adventures for all skill levels. Share your background and goals with us, and we’ll pick the routes or plan the tour.
