Ski Mountaineering Course

SKI & SPLITBOARD MOUNTAINEERING CAMP (3-DAY)

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.

Register here

COURSE DATES

Mar 18-20, 2027 (Thursday-Saturday)

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

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.

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. The program is offered in late winter when the Utah snowpack is typically deep and strong enough for ski mountaineering objectives.

SKI & SPLITBOARD MOUNTAINEERING CAMP LEARNING OUTCOMES

• 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

COURSE DATES DON’T FIT YOUR SCHEDULE?

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.

COST:

• $1099 plus tax

CAMP PREREQUISITES & SKILL LEVEL

• 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.

MEETING LOCATION: Meeting location is generally at the UMA Office in Cottonwood Heights or at a trailhead in Little Cottonwood Canyon or Big Cottonwood Canyon just outside Salt Lake City, Utah.

TRANSPORTATION & PARKING: Transportation will not be provided. Most canyon parking lots require a parking fee and we encourage carpooling for the overflow lot. Feel free to reach out to the other participants in your group to carpool.

• Register here or contact Utah Mountain Adventures:
• [email protected]
• 801-550-3986
• UtahMountainAdventures.com