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Run Names

The naming of backcountry ski runs isn't an organized process. Someone skis a run and gives it a name. That name then is shared with another backcountry user and the name spreads. Nearly simultaneously, or maybe decades later, someone else skis the same run, gives it a name, and that name spreads. The result is often multiple names for the same run. It is an organic and disorganized process.

The names on the Wasatch Backcountry Skiing Map are based on the earliest records available. That includes USGS maps, a map made by the Wasatch Powderbird Guides in the 1980s, Wasatch Tours, Backcountry Skiing Utah, The Chuting Gallery, Hiking the Wasatch, the UDOT Snow and Avalanche Atlas, and the Wasatch Ski Atlas. Additional location names were based on the Utah Avalanche Center's accident reports and snow observations, and on web articles about backcountry skiing in Utah. Most importantly, the names were reviewed by dozens of backcountry skiers and professionals (see the credits).

My goal was not to create names for backcountry locations, but rather to document and clarify existing names. When ambiguities were found, which was common due to the informal way that names are created, I sought consensus from multiple sources. Whenever practical, I've used the original names—just because someone doesn't know the original name of a run doesn't mean the name should be changed. If more than one name is in widespread use, I've tried to include both names in the map indexes.

I'm sure many people will be surprised when they encounter a run that they know by another name. If you think I'm mistaken or missing a popular name, please let me know!

Wasatch Backcountry Guide