Frequently asked questions

We send a full checklist when you book. The essentials:

• Touring skis or splitboard, skins, and touring boots
• Avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe (we can help you find rentals)
• Layers: base layer, insulating jacket, waterproof shell, warm hat, two pairs of gloves
• Goggles, sunglasses, sunscreen
• Small pack (around 25–35 L), at least 1 liter of water, and lunch plus snacks

We provide harnesses, helmets, ropes and technical gear. Bring comfortable clothing you can move in, a light jacket, approach shoes or sturdy sneakers, water, lunch and sunscreen. Bring your own climbing shoes if you have them; otherwise tell us your shoe size.

Broken-in hiking shoes or boots, a rain jacket, a warm layer, sun hat, sunscreen, at least 2–3 liters of water, and plenty of food. Trekking poles are helpful on descents. We carry a first aid kit and navigation tools.

We provide technical climbing gear and can lend some items. For ski touring, we will point you to local shops in Salt Lake City that rent touring setups and avalanche rescue gear.

It depends on the trip. As a rough guide:

• Intro climbing: general good health is enough.
• Ski touring and intro to backcountry: you should be comfortable hiking uphill for 2–4 hours with breaks.
• Peak scrambles: these are strenuous, often 4,000+ feet of elevation gain at altitude. Regular hiking or running beforehand makes a big difference.

Be honest with us about your fitness — we would rather pick a great day you enjoy than a big day you suffer through.

You should be comfortable skiing most black runs at a resort and able to handle variable snow. For the intro day, confident blue-run skiing is usually enough.

Trailheads in the Cottonwoods sit around 7,000–9,000 feet and summits reach over 11,000 feet. If you are visiting from low elevation, consider scheduling an easier day first and drink plenty of water.

We regularly guide teenagers and can run family climbing days for younger kids. Tell us ages when you inquire and we will suggest suitable options. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Most trips meet at a park-and-ride lot near the mouth of Big or Little Cottonwood Canyon, where it is easy to park and carpool up the canyon. We confirm the exact location and time a few days before your trip.

Both canyons can be very busy, especially on winter weekends and powder days, and traction or tire requirements sometimes apply. We plan early starts and carpool from the meeting point to reduce the hassle. Allow extra time to reach the meeting point.

We keep groups small. Exact limits depend on the activity and terrain — for example, multi-pitch climbing is typically one guide to one or two climbers.

You will need to get to the meeting point. From there we usually carpool to the trailhead.

Send us a message through the contact form or email wasatch.guiding@gmail.com with your dates, group size and interests. We will reply with availability, a suggested plan and a quote.

Safety comes first. If weather, avalanche conditions or other hazards make the planned trip unwise, we will suggest an alternative objective, a different date, or cancel. If we cancel for conditions, you can reschedule or receive a refund as described in your booking confirmation.

Plans change. Let us know as early as possible. Our cancellation terms are spelled out in your written booking confirmation; in general, more notice gives you more flexibility to reschedule or receive a refund. Ask us before booking if you would like the details.

Yes. Like most outdoor guiding services, we ask every participant to review and sign a participant agreement before the trip.

Tipping is never required but is appreciated if you had a great day.