Backcountry beta request

[midwest skier]

I’m planning a trip with a friend for mid January. We’ll be driving from Madison to Jackson and Alta and whatever is along the way. We’ll probably spend a few days at resorts and lift-accessed backcountry, but we’re interested in a couple backcountry trips-maybe a few days. We’re researching possible trip routes in the Teton Pass and SLC areas or anywhere else with challenging skiing with reasonable access. Both of us are advanced skiers with AT gear; I took a level on avy course and my friend has a lot of mountaineering experience. Does anyone have any suggestions of areas, routes, or guidebooks or maps that would help? Thanks~
Carl

[AltaPowderDaze]

Chuting gallery by andrew mclean, touring the wasatch vol II. They are good books for the slc canyons. If you have any questions on they tours in there (length, fun, rope to bring?) just ask. I'm in the bc here a lot, so if you're heading this way let me know and I'll take you out or point you in the right direction.

[Trackhead]

As far as the Wasatch goes, just head up LCC and park at Alta any day of the week and follow your skin track of choice. There are always herds of folks skinning up bright and early opposite Alta. Tons of good (crowded) BC terrain in this area, easy access, easy logistics, etc.

Think Days Fork, Silver Fork, Grizzly Gulch, Cardiac Bowl, Cardiff Fork.

The Wasatch Touring book has lots of good photos and good beta for getting around.

And last, but not least.

SLC Avi Center

Give 'em a call every morning you go out. They update their recording at 7:00 AM.

[fez]

Originally posted by Trackhead
As far as the Wasatch goes, just head up LCC and park at Alta any day of the week and follow your skin track of choice. There are always herds of folks skinning up bright and early opposite Alta. Tons of good (crowded) BC terrain in this area, easy access, easy logistics, etc.

Think Days Fork, Silver Fork, Grizzly Gulch, Cardiac Bowl, Cardiff Fork.

The Wasatch Touring book has lots of good photos and good beta for getting around.

And last, but not least.

SLC Avi Center

Give 'em a call every morning you go out. They update their recording at 7:00 AM.

just watch out for hellgate.

[AltaPowderDaze]

yeah, I went in there without a rope after I dislocated my shoulder and had a fun time skirting the 150 footer skiers right. even though I was in pain I just couldn't resist the powder.

[fez]

i found two guys getting ready to ski it about 10 years ago. asked them if they knew where they were. explained the reason there were no tracks in there. they skied somewhere else.

[AltaPowderDaze]

It is helpful to know where you are. I kinda knew where I was heading, but thought there was a way out before getting into the last chute below the bowl. My partner and I got out ok, but after we got to the bottom of superior we saw two more tracks following ours. Couldn't find them anywhere, but I bet they were cussing up a storm.

BTW, there's a pic of me coming out of the last chute on my site.

[Hammertime]

Originally posted by AltaPowderDaze

BTW, there's a pic of me coming out of the last chute on my site.

LCC BC B D DL WTO shcinzzle! Are you sponsered?

[AltaPowderDaze]

Not even close. Just like to do fun things in the bc and catch a few pics to post on a free msn site.

[13]

Go with a local.

[LCC]

Originally posted by 13
Go with a local.

More true words could not be spoken...

[midwest skier]

Are there any good detailed topo maps of the LCC area, or any ariel photos of decents? These wood be neccesary for someone new to the area.

[Trackhead]

Are there any good detailed topo maps of the LCC area, or any ariel photos of decents? These wood be neccesary for someone new to the area.

There used to be a cool poster of Big and Little Cottonwoods, ariel view-black and white. Had all the peaks, etc named.

All you need is the touring book described earlier. Tons of good photos. Don't worry about topos, you won't need 'em with all the killer photos.

Couple ideas here.

Mt. Superior

And for your mountaineering friend.....
Pheifferhorn

[AltaPowderDaze]

The Pfeifferhorn from maybird/hogum ridge. You can see the lower section of the NW Couloir. This is in early April this year.

[AltaPowderDaze]

.

[cololi]

Any of the local outdoor stores carry a map that has good aerial images on one side and topos on the other for about 10 bucks. They also show the popular bc routes. Best of all, post here when you get out there are more than enough of us who travel in the bc. IF you have good beacon skills and aren't a total tool, most people will let you join them.

[gramps]

The Alpentech maps are awesome, if you just want something cheap you can buy for your visit.

[Hacksaw]

Originally posted by midwest skier
Are there any good detailed topo maps of the LCC area, or any ariel photos of decents? These wood be neccesary for someone new to the area.

Check out http://www.avalanchemapping.org

They have a map with most of the major avalanche paths in LCC. But, use the map as only a guideline. Exact conditions need to be assesed when your actually there.

Cheers,
Halsted

[Trackhead]

After all this quality beta being thrown in your direction, I would expect nothing less than a complete TR of your BC adventures when you return to your homeland.

May the snow be deep and the slabs asleep when you arrive.

[AltaPowderDaze]

forgot to mention that rei has some sick topo maps that you can actually custom make and print on water/weatherproof wax paper. use the touch screen and pay $7. and you can do it at any rei.

[13]

I repeat: Go with a local.