This website began as a personal journal more than 20 years ago. That journal morphed into this website so I could share this spectacular terrain. Yes, some people will complain that I've made the Wasatch more crowded—I doubt that's true. However, I do believe the best way to protect these beautiful mountains is to have more people fall in love with them. Ski tracks will melt or be covered with fresh snow—ski lifts and mountain homes will remain forever.
The real authors of this guide, the folks who really deserve the credit, are the people who shared their knowledge of the Central Wasatch with me. Special thanks goes to the Wasatch Powderbird Guides, Mark White (UAC Observer), Jimmy Collinson (backcountry explorer and life-long patroller), Drew Hardesty, Craig Gordon, Brett Kobernick, Evelyn Lees, and Bruce Tremper (UAC Forecasters), Jake Hutchinson (Canyons Ski Patrol and avalanche educator), Brandon Dodge (Brighton Ski Patrol), Peter Schory and Randy Trover (Snowbird Ski Patrol), Ian Reddell and Caleb Merrill (Solitude Ski Patrol), Paul Diegel (Utah Avalanche Center Executive Director), Liam Fitzgerald (Snowbird Snow Safety Director for 27 years, UDOT Director of Avalanche Safety), Greg Dolhausen and Chris Covington (UDOT), Bruce Engelhard (guide and avalanche educator), Howie Garber (Wasatch photographer), backcountry skiers Adam O'Keefe, Andy Rosenberg, Bill Hunt, Brad Barlage, Fred Staff, Marc Barlage, Rip Griffith, Rob Stutchbury, Tom Moyer, and many others.
Thank these folks when you see them!
Steve Achelis
Beginner terrain
that is good as you develop your backcountry skills and when the avalanche danger is higher. Click for details.
Intermediate
terrain that requires more experience in skinning and skiing. Click for details.
Advanced terrain
that requires strong skiing and skinning skills. Click for details.
Expert terrain that is
challenging and a small mistake can have serious consequences. Click for details.
Extreme terrain
that includes insanely difficult chute skiing and beyond. Click for details.
The difficulty of this terrain
varies widely. Click for details.
This terrain hasn't
been rated. Click for details.
