Wasatch Guiding

Trips & Programs

Guided trips in the Wasatch

Every trip can be booked privately or as a small group. Prices below are rough estimates to help you plan; we confirm an exact quote once we know your date, group size and goals.

A skier turning through deep powder below snow-plastered trees in the northern Wasatch backcountry December – April

Backcountry ski touring

Tour into the side drainages and ridgelines of Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons for quiet, untracked skiing. We pick the zone each morning from the current avalanche forecast, weather and your group’s ability — anything from mellow low-angle glades to bigger lines when conditions and experience allow.

Season
Roughly Dec – Apr, snow permitting
Length
Half or full day
Level
Confident intermediate skiers and up
Estimate
Starting around $300–$450 per person (group); private rates on request

What a day looks like

  • Meet near the canyon mouth, check gear and transceivers, and talk through the plan.
  • Skin up at a steady, conversational pace with breaks to look at the snowpack and terrain.
  • Ski one or more runs, regrouping at safe spots, then return to the trailhead by early afternoon.

You will need touring skis or a splitboard, skins, boots, and avalanche rescue gear (transceiver, shovel, probe). Not set up yet? Ask us about local rental shops.

Mount Superior’s snowy face above Albion Basin at Alta, Little Cottonwood Canyon December – March

Intro to backcountry: avalanche-aware touring day

A gentle, hands-on first step for resort skiers and riders curious about the backcountry, or newer tourers who want a structured day. The emphasis is on learning: how the gear works, how to move efficiently uphill, and how to make conservative terrain choices. It is a great complement to — not a replacement for — a formal avalanche course.

Season
Roughly Dec – Mar
Length
Full day
Level
Comfortable on blue and black resort runs
Estimate
Starting around $250–$400 per person (group)

What a day looks like

  • Gear and transceiver basics in the parking lot, then a short tour on low-angle terrain.
  • Uphill technique: kick turns, pacing, and transitions.
  • Reading the avalanche forecast, spotting avalanche terrain, and companion rescue practice.

We can point you toward formal avalanche education providers if you want to keep going.

The glacier-carved mouth of Little Cottonwood Canyon, seen from Wasatch Boulevard April – October

Rock climbing on Little Cottonwood granite

Little Cottonwood Canyon has some of the finest granite in the West: clean cracks, slabs and long moderate routes a few minutes from the road. We run days for complete beginners through to climbers who want to step onto classic multi-pitch routes with a guide.

Season
Roughly Apr – Oct, weather permitting
Length
Half or full day
Level
No experience needed for intro days
Estimate
Starting around $200–$400 per person (group)

What a day looks like

  • Intro days: knots, belaying, movement on slab and crack, and lowering on top-ropes.
  • Progression days: placing gear, anchors, and multi-pitch systems.
  • Multi-pitch days: a classic moderate route chosen for your experience and the conditions.

We provide harnesses, helmets and ropes. Climbing shoes can be provided for intro days — let us know your size.

Sundial Peak rising above Lake Blanche in summer, Big Cottonwood Canyon June – October

Summer hiking & peak scrambles

Some of the most rewarding days in the Wasatch are on foot. We guide big hikes and non-technical to mildly exposed scrambles to summits above the Cottonwoods, handling navigation, pacing and route-finding so you can enjoy the views. Popular objectives include:

  • Mount Superior — a steep, scenic ridge scramble above Alta.
  • Pfeifferhorn — a long day past Red Pine Lake with a rocky summit ridge.
  • Broads Fork Twin Peaks — a big, strenuous climb with huge views over the valley.
Season
Roughly Jun – Oct, once snow melts out
Length
Most are full days (6–10 hours)
Level
Fit hikers; some routes involve exposed scrambling
Estimate
Starting around $150–$300 per person (group)

What a day looks like

  • Early start to beat afternoon thunderstorms, which are common in summer.
  • Steady climbing with regular breaks; we turn around if weather or timing calls for it.
  • Summit, then a careful descent — usually the part that tires legs most.

These are strenuous days with significant elevation gain at altitude. See the FAQ for fitness guidance.

Fresh snow on the cliffs and ridges of Big Cottonwood Canyon near the canyon road Year-round

Private & custom trips

Want something specific? We put together private days for families, friends, work groups and individuals: a skills day before a bigger trip, a first climb for the kids, a ski tour with a friend visiting town, or a route you have been eyeing for years.

Season
Any time of year
Length
Half day to multi-day
Level
Built around your group
Estimate
Quoted per trip — ask us

What a day looks like

  • Tell us your goals, experience and dates.
  • We suggest a plan and an honest read on what is realistic for the season.
  • We confirm logistics, gear and a meeting point a few days ahead.

Group size limits depend on the activity and terrain; we will tell you what works.

About the estimates

The price ranges above are rough planning figures, not a published rate card. Final cost depends on group size, trip length and the guide-to-guest ratio the terrain requires. Permits, rentals and transportation may be extra. We will always confirm a quote in writing before you book.

Planning a day in the Wasatch?

Tell us what you have in mind, roughly when, and who is coming. We will reply with honest advice on conditions, a suggested plan, and an estimate.

Send an inquiry Email wasatch.guiding@gmail.com