Classic Intermediate Tours — A full day chasing Wasatch powder on skins and turns

MOAB SKI FIELD GUIDE

Classic Intermediate Tours — A full day chasing Wasatch powder on skins and turns

An 8-hour, single-day guided backcountry ski and splitboard tour across Central Wasatch routes, focused on 3,000–5,000 feet of climbing and riding and guided skiing tailored to intermediate riders.

Classic Intermediate Tours — A full day chasing Wasatch powder on skins and turns.

Duration
1 Day
Location
Moab
Operator
Red River Adventures
Category
Ski
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Embark on an 8-hour, single-day backcountry ski tour through Utah’s Central Wasatch with Red River Adventures, following snow and conditions into classic bowls and chutes—from Days Fork and Silver Fork to the Cardiac, White Pine and Red Pine drainage—on routes tailored to the day and your ability.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE TERRAIN

Explore world‑famous Wasatch powder

Skiers and splitboarders spend the day in the Central Wasatch, accessing famed powder runs with relatively short, moderate approaches that have made this area renowned for backcountry skiing.

THE ASCENT

Serious vertical — 3,000–5,000 feet of climbing & riding

Tours are built around substantial uphill and downhill sessions, with total climbing and riding typically falling in the 3,000–5,000 foot range and options to bang out multiple laps when conditions allow.

THE GUIDES

Instruction woven into the day

Local professional guides lead the tours, offering route choice based on conditions and client requests while providing tips on technique and efficiency throughout the outing.

What the day feels like

What the day feels like

A Classic Intermediate Tour is a full, purposeful day: skin up moderate approaches, punch for a few thousand feet of vert, then pick lines from mellow powder laps to more technical steeps as conditions permit. Routes are selected to chase the best snow across Little Cottonwood, Big Cottonwood and adjacent forks, and the guide adapts the plan to snowpack and your group’s goals.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this tour suits — and who should look elsewhere.

1
Fit intermediate skiers and ridersBest for intermediate riders who are comfortable with backcountry touring effort and want varied powder runs; the day includes sustained skinning and multiple descents.
2
Advanced skiers seeking big verticalA good match for advanced skiers wanting 3,000–5,000 feet of climbing and the chance to seek out steeper, more technical lines when conditions permit.
3
Fit first‑timers to backcountry touringAppropriate for motivated, fit first‑time backcountry participants who can sustain the day’s climbs and follow guide instruction.
4
Active families with older kidsAges 10 and older.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Duration

This is an 8‑hour, single‑day guided backcountry ski tour; the operator tailors routes and the day’s flow to snow and client requests.

Meeting & Pickup

Most trips meet at 3653 Fort Union Boulevard (Cottonwood Heights, UT 84121); pick‑up may be available (complimentary or paid) depending on location—call the operator to discuss options.

Instruction & Guides

Local professional guides lead the day and provide technique and efficiency tips woven into the outing; route choices are guided by conditions and client preference.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How much experience should I have?

This option is for fit first‑timers or those who have some prior backcountry experience.

What terrain will we ski?

The group can ski terrain that fits your goals as long as avalanche and snowpack conditions allow.

Is instruction included?

Yes — your guide provides tips on technique and efficiency throughout the day.

How many runs will we get?

The number of runs depends on snow surface and avalanche conditions, but total vertical will typically be in the 3,000–5,000 foot range.

Can snowboarders join?

Absolutely — splitboarders are welcome; the program is led by a snowboarder.

Where do we meet?

Most ski trips meet at the base of Big Cottonwood Canyon: 3653 Fort Union Blvd, Cottonwood Heights, UT 84121.

Can I be picked up?

Pick up (complimentary or paid) is a possibility and depends on your location; generally pickups are possible from Cottonwood Heights through both Cottonwood Canyons and nearby ski resorts—call to discuss options.