Utah Interconnect

[extreeski]

Hey, I plan on doing a four day weekend at Alta this season. Don't know the dates yet but was wondering, is the Interconnect worth it? I was thinking of skiing the weekdays of my trip at alta/snowbird or just alta. Then booking a saturday on the interconnect. Sunday back at the resorts.

Any advice?

Peace.

[Woodsy]

http://www.tetongravity.com/forums/s...t=interconnect

[Red Baron]

To add to that, I have not done it, but most people I know who have say that it involves more traversing and side-stepping, than actual powder skiing. Oh, and don't forget the $12 vourcher for lunch they throw in at PCMR...

The fact you get to ski 4/5/6 resorts in a day is cool, but apparently theres only one real stretch (on the Highway to Heaven) that you can open it up and have some fun. Like I said, no one says it's not a good experience, but there are many ski lifts involved, along with a bunch of groomers, so if you're looking for a true BC experience, you might not like it as much.

If you're not comfy with your BC skiils, you might consider a cat morning at Alta in Grizzly Gulch ($225) or the Solitude Backtracks program mentioned in the thread Woodsy linked you to.

[extreeski]

thanks guys.

I will look into both. I have backcountry skills, all my equipment, and avy training (basic) I appreciate the knowledget that its more of a traverse tour.

Now, how to get over to solitude from alta without a car in the early morning.

Or perhaps just bootpack it around alta and snowbird for a few days.

Hmm....

[Red Baron]

You could always take the bus; it'll take you a while, but it works...

Itinerary 1
Total Fare: $5.00
Total Transfers: 1
Total Travel Time: 1 Hour(s) 40 Minute(s) which includes 7 Minute(s) walking time

Depart from your starting location of ALTA SKI RESORT

1. Walk to stop located at ALBION BASE @ 15
2. Board Route #98 7200 S TRAX/Snowbird/Alta Down at 7:56 AM
3. Get off at stop located at 9400 S @ 2000 E at 8:36 AM

Then

1. Walk to stop located at 9400 S @ 2000 E
2. Board Route #93 10600 S I-15/Solitude/Brighton Up at 8:45 AM
3. Get off at stop located at MOONBEAM @ 12 at 9:29 AM

Walk to your final destination of SOLITUDE SKI RESORT

[extreeski]

U Rock!!! thanks for the info. i guess it would be possible. depends on where I stay. thinking of being car lesss so considering staying at alta lodge and travelling from there if needed.

[Woodsy]

U Rock!!! thanks for the info. i guess it would be possible. depends on where I stay. thinking of being car lesss so considering staying at alta lodge and travelling from there if needed.

you could skin up pretty easy, just ask at your lodge or when you call to inquire with Chris

[extreeski]

I appreciate all the advice. Seeing that its been a lousy year for avys I don't want to venture out unknowingly. Just smart. So that's why I've been researching the guided trips. A little bit pricey but you pay and tip guides because they know what they're doing. I have experience in the bc but really only in the pnw.

Thanks again.

[grizzle6]

At the risk of repeating what RB said, I will just add my .02. I work for Ski Utah and am always honest when talking to people about the Interconnect. It is a tour designed for the advanced skier in good physical condition to get out and have a cool, relatively mellow backcountry experience. It's not the gnar. It's not mad vertical. The view's are spectacular and it's super cool to get an idea of how closely connected the Wasatch backcountry is. It is designed for good skiers who don't have the knowhow or skills to get out in the backcountry for themselves. If you don't have any backcountry experience, or are just looking to bag 6 resorts in a day--this tour is for you. If you are looking for something a little more gnarly, with a little more vert, etc. you can always look up EXUM Mountain Adventures (or find a maggot with extra gear, etc.) That's all.

[extreeski]

Again

Thanks so much.

After perusing the exum site I think I like their style and plus I wouldn't have to go all the way to Solitude just to get a real backcountry ski(descent) experience. (Although I have had a day in honeycomb on aweekday that was beyond amazing) re: the interconnect, Yes the wasatch is beautiful but I need as much defiance of gravity through pow pow weightlessness and centrifugal force manipulation as possible. I am gonna contact exum this week.

Peace