Top 16 'Powder-and-Peace' Backcountry Ski Tours to do in Utah's Wasatch Range this Winter - Goh Ling Yong
There's a reason they call it "The Greatest Snow on Earth®." Here in Utah, we're blessed with a unique meteorological phenomenon that delivers heaps of light, fluffy, low-density powder. While the resorts are world-class, they also come with lift lines, tracked-out slopes by 10 AM, and the constant buzz of a crowded mountain. For those of us seeking a different kind of experience—one filled with quiet solitude, untracked lines, and a deep connection to the mountains—the Wasatch backcountry is our sanctuary.
The Wasatch Range, rising dramatically from the Salt Lake City valley floor, is a backcountry skier's paradise. Its accessibility is unparalleled; you can go from sipping coffee downtown to skinning up a world-class tour in under 30 minutes. It's a sentiment Goh Ling Yong and I share: the real magic happens when you earn your turns, breaking trail through silent aspen groves and topping out on a ridge with panoramic views as your only reward. This is where you find the perfect blend of powder and peace.
But before we dive in, a crucial reminder: the backcountry is not a resort. It's a wild, uncontrolled environment where you are responsible for your own safety. This list is a starting point, not a substitute for proper training and preparation. Always carry an avalanche beacon, shovel, and probe, and know how to use them. Take an AIARE 1 course, ski with experienced partners, and check the Utah Avalanche Center forecast every single time you go out. Now, let's explore some of the finest powder stashes the Wasatch has to offer.
1. Grizzly Gulch
Location: Little Cottonwood Canyon
Difficulty: Beginner / Intermediate
Grizzly Gulch is arguably the most popular backcountry zone in the Wasatch, and for good reason. Located just past Alta Ski Area, it offers incredibly easy access to a huge variety of terrain. From low-angle meadows perfect for your first-ever tour to steeper, north-facing tree shots, Grizzly has something for everyone. The main skin track is usually well-established, making for a straightforward ascent.
The classic lap is a simple up-and-down on the main apron, offering about 1,000 vertical feet of fun, open skiing. For those looking for a bit more, you can continue up towards Twin Lakes Pass, which opens up options to ski down into the Solitude side or drop into the more committing Michigan City Bowl. The accessibility means it can get crowded, but the sheer amount of terrain helps to spread people out.
Pro Tip: This is the perfect zone for a "dawn patrol" before work or a quick afternoon lap. Because of its popularity, it's also a great place to practice rescue scenarios and get comfortable with your gear in a relatively safe and populated environment.
2. USA Bowl
Location: Big Cottonwood Canyon
Difficulty: Beginner
If you're looking for a perfect introduction to Wasatch powder skiing, USA Bowl is it. Directly across the street from the Solitude Mountain Resort entrance, this tour features a mellow, consistent pitch and a wide-open face that’s forgiving and incredibly fun. The approach is simple, following a skin track that winds gently through the aspens at the base before opening up into the bowl itself.
The run is not particularly long, but it’s ideal for dialing in your powder turns and building confidence. The slope angle rarely exceeds 30 degrees, making it a relatively safe choice on days with moderate avalanche danger (always check the forecast!). It’s a fantastic spot to take someone on their first tour or to simply enjoy a few laps of stress-free powder.
Pro Tip: The south-facing aspect means this zone can get sun-affected quickly. Aim to ski it soon after a storm for the best, coldest snow quality before the sun turns it into heavier "cream cheese."
3. Cardiff Pass
Location: Big Cottonwood Canyon
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cardiff Pass is a Wasatch classic and serves as a major hub for accessing some of the best terrain in Big Cottonwood Canyon. The tour starts at the Spruces campground and follows a well-trodden path up Cardiff Fork. You'll pass historic mining ruins on your way to the pass, which sits between Mount Superior and Cardiff Peak.
From the pass, the world is your oyster. The most common descent is back down the way you came, offering a fantastic 2,000-foot run through open bowls and glades. More advanced skiers can use the pass as a jumping-off point to ski the south face of Superior (experts only!) or venture deeper into Cardiac Bowl and beyond. The views from the top, looking down into Little Cottonwood Canyon, are simply breathtaking.
Pro Tip: The skin track up Cardiff Fork has a few steeper sections. Make sure your kick-turns are dialed in. This area is known for significant avalanche activity, so scrutinize the forecast and be aware of overhead hazards from the large peaks flanking the canyon.
4. Pink Pine Ridge
Location: Little Cottonwood Canyon
Difficulty: Intermediate
When the avalanche danger is high and you're looking for safer, sheltered terrain, Pink Pine is a go-to. Located near the White Pine trailhead, this tour involves a mellow approach up the summer road before branching off and ascending a beautiful, forested ridge. The skiing is primarily through perfectly spaced pine and aspen trees.
The beauty of Pink Pine is its versatility. You can take short laps in the lower-angle trees or push higher up the ridge for longer, steeper pitches. The trees provide excellent protection from the wind and sun, preserving soft snow for days after a storm. It’s a zone that offers peace and quiet, away from the more crowded bowls of Grizzly Gulch.
Pro Tip: Navigating the forest can be tricky if you’re unfamiliar with the area. It’s easy to get drawn too far down-canyon on the descent. Pay close attention to your route on the way up, or use a GPS app to ensure you end up back at the trailhead.
5. Patsy Marley
Location: Big Cottonwood Canyon
Difficulty: Intermediate / Advanced
Patsy Marley is a big, beautiful peak that offers one of the longest and most rewarding descents in the Brighton area. Accessed via the Grizzly Gulch skin track, you continue past the turn-off for Twin Lakes Pass and head up the ridge towards the summit. The ascent is significant, but the payoff is a massive, 2,500-foot open face.
The main bowl of Patsy Marley faces northeast, which helps protect the powder from the sun. The pitch is sustained and exciting, offering plenty of room to open up your turns. In the springtime, this face provides some of the best corn skiing in the Wasatch. The panoramic views from the summit, stretching across the entire central Wasatch, are second to none.
Pro Tip: This is a big objective in serious avalanche terrain. Do not attempt this without a stable snowpack and a solid understanding of the day's avalanche problems. The ascent along the ridge can also be exposed to wind, so be prepared with appropriate layers.
6. Mount Wolverine Cirque
Location: Little Cottonwood / Big Cottonwood Canyons
Difficulty: Intermediate / Advanced
Offering perhaps the best "effort-to-reward" ratio in the Wasatch, the Mount Wolverine Cirque is easily accessed via the backcountry gates at Brighton or Solitude. Mount Wolverine Cirque is a personal favorite, and I know Goh Ling Yong agrees it's one of the best 'bang-for-your-buck' zones in the Wasatch. A short skin or bootpack from the top of the Milly Express lift at Brighton puts you on top of a cirque loaded with amazing lines.
The classic descent is down the wide-open Wolverine Bowl, but the cirque is home to several famous lines like The Scythe, The Roman's, and The Pencil. These chutes offer steeper, more technical skiing for advanced riders. The north-facing aspect keeps the snow cold and deep, making it a prime destination on a powder day.
Pro Tip: Because it's lift-accessed, this area sees a lot of traffic. Get an early start to score fresh tracks. Remember that once you leave the resort boundary, you are in the backcountry and need all your safety gear and knowledge.
7. God's Lawnmower
Location: Little Cottonwood Canyon
Difficulty: Intermediate
The name says it all. This zone is famous for its perfectly spaced, low-angle aspen trees that feel like they were designed specifically for skiing. Located in the USA Bowl area (see #2), you simply push a little further up and to the skier's right to access this gladed paradise.
Skiing through God's Lawnmower on a powder day is a truly sublime experience. The gentle slope allows you to maintain a perfect rhythm, weaving effortlessly through the trees. It’s an ideal spot for building confidence in tree skiing or for enjoying a relaxed but incredibly fun lap when conditions are right.
Pro Tip: The entrance can be a little tricky to find your first time. Scope it from the road on your way up the canyon. It’s the prominent aspen grove just to the east (down-canyon) of the main USA Bowl.
8. Argenta
Location: Big Cottonwood Canyon
Difficulty: Advanced / Expert
Argenta is a legendary, north-facing slide path that drops right to the canyon road. It’s a serious line for experienced backcountry skiers only. The tour starts from the bottom and involves a long, steep ascent up a thickly forested ridge to the east of the slide path itself.
The reward for the grueling climb is a 3,000-foot, wide-open shot that is as thrilling as it is beautiful. The consistent, steep pitch and cold, north-facing snow make for an unforgettable descent. However, Argenta is a massive avalanche path and should only be considered during periods of high stability. It has a fearsome reputation that must be respected.
Pro Tip: Do not park at the bottom of the slide path. Park at one of the designated pull-offs further up or down the canyon. The ascent is a workout; bring plenty of water and be prepared for a long day.
9. Mount Superior, South Face
Location: Little Cottonwood Canyon
Difficulty: Expert
Often called the "King of the Wasatch," the south face of Mount Superior is one of the most iconic backcountry lines in North America. It looms directly over the town of Alta and the canyon road, its 3,000-foot face a constant temptation for expert skiers. The ascent is typically made via the Cardiff Pass approach.
Skiing Superior is a rite of passage, but one that requires perfect timing and conditions. The south aspect means it is highly susceptible to sun and warming. Skiing it too early can mean hitting hard, icy conditions; too late, and you risk wet slide avalanches. When timed perfectly for "corn" snow in the spring or on a rare, stable winter powder day, it's the run of a lifetime.
Pro Tip: This is not a line to be taken lightly. Many accidents have occurred here. Go with an experienced partner, start extremely early (pre-dawn), and be prepared to turn back if conditions are not absolutely perfect.
10. Neff's Canyon
Location: Millcreek Canyon
Difficulty: Intermediate
For those looking to escape the crowds of the Cottonwood Canyons, Neff's Canyon is a fantastic alternative. This long, north-facing canyon offers solitude and holds cold, protected powder long after storms. The approach is longer than most Wasatch tours, which helps to keep the crowds thin.
The skin up follows a summer trail before breaking out into a series of beautiful meadows and bowls. The classic descent is from the upper bowl, known as "The Tuba," which offers a great, sustained pitch. The skiing on the way out through the lower-angle trees is also fantastic. Neff's provides a true "wilderness" feel just minutes from the city.
Pro Tip: The longer approach means you should budget more time for this tour. Given its remote feel, it's extra important to be self-sufficient and have a solid group you trust.
11. Mount Raymond
Location: Big Cottonwood Canyon
Difficulty: Intermediate / Advanced
Mount Raymond is a prominent peak that splits Big Cottonwood and Millcreek Canyons. The tour begins at the Butler Fork trailhead and involves a steady climb through beautiful forests before a final, open push to the summit. The views from the top are some of the best in the area.
The primary descent follows the same path, offering over 3,000 feet of varied skiing. You'll start in the open bowl below the summit before diving into fantastic tree skiing through aspens and pines all the way back to the trailhead. It’s a full-value tour that will leave your legs burning and a smile on your face.
Pro Tip: The upper bowl is exposed to wind. Assess wind slab problems carefully before dropping in. The trail breaking can be strenuous after a big storm, so it’s a good one to do with a strong group willing to share the work.
12. Red Baldy
Location: Little Cottonwood Canyon
Difficulty: Advanced
Accessed from the White Pine trailhead, Red Baldy is a high-alpine objective that feels more remote than it is. The tour takes you up into the Pfeifferhorn-Red Baldy basin, a stunning area of rugged, impressive peaks. The ascent to the summit of Red Baldy is a good workout, culminating in a spectacular ridge.
From the top, you have several descent options. The most common is the southeast face, a wide-open bowl that drops back into the basin. For experts, the north-facing chutes offer steep, challenging, and often-deep powder skiing. This is a tour for those with strong fitness and solid mountain sense.
Pro Tip: This zone is high and exposed. Pay close attention to the weather forecast and be prepared for rapidly changing conditions. Strong winds are common along the upper ridges.
13. The Y Couloir
Location: Little Cottonwood Canyon
Difficulty: Expert
The Y Couloir is a Wasatch ski mountaineering classic. This aesthetic line is clearly visible from the Snowbird tram and splits into a prominent "Y" shape near the top of the couloir. The approach starts at the Tanners Flat campground and heads up the drainage towards the imposing north face of O'Sullivan Peak (also known as "The Fin").
The ascent typically involves a long bootpack up the couloir itself. An ice axe and crampons are often mandatory, especially in the early season or spring. The skiing is steep, sustained, and exhilarating, with the narrow walls of the couloir amplifying the sense of speed and exposure. Skiing the "Y" is a major accomplishment for any Wasatch skier.
Pro Tip: The entrance to the couloir can be guarded by a cornice. Be sure to assess it carefully from below and have a safe plan for entry. This is a no-fall zone; only attempt it if you are completely confident in your steep skiing abilities.
14. The Hypodermic Needle
Location: Little Cottonwood Canyon
Difficulty: Expert
As the name implies, the Hypodermic Needle is a thin, steep, and intimidating couloir. Located on the north side of the Tanners Gulch drainage, it's considered one of the classic test pieces of Wasatch ski mountaineering. It's a line for experts who are comfortable with extreme exposure and technical skiing.
The approach is similar to the Y Couloir, but you branch off to the east. The climb up the couloir is a long, arduous bootpack. The descent is extremely narrow at the top before it opens up slightly. It requires precise, controlled jump turns in a high-consequence environment. Skiing the Needle is a badge of honor in the local community.
Pro Tip: This line rarely holds enough snow to be skiable. It requires a deep, stable snowpack. Many who set out to ski it end up turning back due to poor conditions. Be patient and wait for the perfect window.
15. Tele-Trees
Location: Big Cottonwood Canyon
Difficulty: Beginner / Intermediate
Another fantastic option for storm days or when avalanche danger is elevated. Located near the Solitude Nordic Center, Tele-Trees provides acres of low-angle, sheltered tree skiing. The name is a bit of a throwback, but the terrain is perfect for any type of backcountry setup.
The approach is short and simple, making it easy to yo-yo multiple laps in a day. You can find pockets of untouched snow here days after a storm. It’s a relaxed and fun zone that’s all about enjoying the simple pleasure of floating through deep powder in a quiet forest.
Pro Tip: This is a great area to work on your tree skiing technique without the intimidation of steeper slopes. Practice looking ahead and planning your line a few turns in advance.
16. Pfeifferhorn, Northwest Couloir
Location: Little Cottonwood Canyon
Difficulty: Expert
We end the list with a true giant of the Wasatch. The Pfeifferhorn is one of the most rugged and recognizable peaks in the range, and its Northwest Couloir is listed in the book "Fifty Classic Ski Descents of North America." This is a serious ski mountaineering objective that requires a full skill set.
The tour begins at the White Pine trailhead and involves a very long approach (5-6 miles) just to reach the base of the peak. From there, a technical bootpack with crampons and an ice axe is required to ascend the couloir. The descent is a magnificent 2,000-foot plunge down a steep, aesthetic line with the entire range sprawled out below you. This is a full-day adventure you will never forget.
Pro Tip: This is not a "day-of" decision. Plan this objective carefully, get a very early start (well before sunrise), and be prepared for a 10-12 hour day. Your fitness, technical skills, and mountain sense must all be razor-sharp.
The Wasatch Range offers a lifetime of backcountry adventures, from gentle powder fields to a-list couloirs. This list is just a taste of what’s out there waiting for you. Remember to always prioritize safety, continue your education, and respect the mountains. The combination of pristine powder and profound peace is an experience that feeds the soul.
So, what are your favorite Wasatch tours? Did we miss any of your go-to lines? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below
About the Author
Goh Ling Yong is a content creator and digital strategist sharing insights across various topics. Connect and follow for more content:
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