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ALPINE TOURING

View the current conditions in the Tushar Mountains HERE

WHAT IS ALPINE TOURING?

Alpine Touring, also known as Backcountry Skiing, or Splitboarding involves skiing or snowboarding in unmarked, unpatrolled areas away from ski resorts, typically in the wilderness or backcountry. It requires specialized equipment including backcountry skis, bindings, and skins that allow skiers to climb uphill before skiing downhill. It can be a thrilling and rewarding experience, but also requires advanced skills and knowledge of snow safety and avalanche awareness.

IS IT YOUR FIRST TIME IN THE BACKCOUNTRY?

Utah Vivid Adventures is committed to the safety of our guests during trips in the backcountry. To enhance safety and awareness, we require first-time guests to complete a Partner Avalanche Rescue Training before participating in any guided alpine touring trips with our company. 

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Training Overview:

  • Duration: The Partner Avalanche Rescue Training is a non-certification training that typically lasts 2 to 3 hours.

  • Objective: The training focuses on essential concepts and practices related to avalanche awareness and partner rescue techniques in a backcountry setting.

  • Content: Topics covered include recognizing avalanche terrain, understanding snowpack and weather basics, using avalanche safety equipment (e.g., beacons, shovels, probes), and conducting efficient avalanche rescue operations.

 

We offer the option to book the Partner Avalanche Rescue Training by itself, or it can be added on to a Half Day Alpine Touring trip for a 50% discount off of the training.  The Partner Avalanche Rescue Training cannot be added on to a Full Day Alpine Touring trip. Please note that no skiing or snowboarding will take place during the Partner Avalanche Rescue Training.

WHAT'S INCLUDED:

Avalanche Gear

Alpine Touring trips include an avalanche safety package including: Beacon, Probe, and Shovel.

Guide

Utah Vivid Adventure Guides are experienced alpinists. 

Transportation

If you are staying in the Richfield area, a Utah Vivid Adventures guide will pick you or your group up at the location you are staying at, or the guide will arrange a meet up location.  The guide will then transport you or your group to the destination.

Custom Trip

Trips can be tailored to almost any comfort, or skill level.  Locations and routes will depend on the groups experience.

WHAT TO BRING

  • Appropriate winter clothing such as base layers, skiing socks, warm mid layer, waterproof shell and pants.

  • Ski boots with a walk mode, or Snowboarding boots for splitboarders.

  • 2 liters of water.

  • snacks or lunch

  • backpacks for carrying personal gear

  • Sun protection such as hats, sunglasses, sunscreen.

  • Alpine Touring skis, Splitboard and skins.

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ALPINE TOURING TRIPS

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  • Are there any physical requirements?
    We offer various trips ranging from easy to very strenuous. Minimally guests should be able to walk unassisted up to a mile on uneven and rocky terrain. For bike trips, guests must minimally be able to ride, pedal and balance unassisted on a bike.
  • Are there any height or weight requirements?
    No, however our largest harness size fits a 42” waist. We also have full body harnesses for small children.
  • Are the trips suitable for families/children?
    Yes, in most circumstances our trips can be catered to age and ability. Note that some activities may not be suitable for children under 5. If you have children under 5, feel free to contact us and we will help you determine if the trip is suitable for your family.
  • What if the weather is bad on the day of my trip?
    If we determine that the weather conditions make it unsafe or impractical to conduct the trip, we will offer you the option to reschedule or receive a full refund of your deposit and any other payments made.
  • What should I bring?
    1. Sturdy hiking shoes—running shoes with foam soles, or skate shoes are NOT a good option. 2. Plenty of water and snacks– we recommend 2L of water per person. 3. Backpack to carry your personal items. 4. Comfortable seasonally appropriate athletic clothing and layers – even in the summer, mornings can be chilly.
  • Should I tip my Guide?
    Tipping is always at the discretion of our clients, but if you feel that your guide has provided you with exceptional service and an unforgettable experience, we suggest a tip of 10-20% of the total cost of your trip. Of course, if you feel that your guide has not met your expectations or if you have any concerns about your trip, please let us know so that we can address the situation and ensure that you have a great time.
  • How does the pickup/drop off work?
    A Utah Vivid Adventures guide will pick you up at your hotel, Airbnb, or campground. If you are staying outside of our pickup area, your guide will contact you 24hrs prior to the trip and arrange a pickup location and message you a GPS location and description of where to meet.
  • What is the cancellation policy?
    a. Cancelations are allowed up to 72 hours before the start time of the trip/shuttle. In the event that you must cancel within 72 hours of the trip/shuttle you will receive a refund of 50% of the total cost of the trip. No refunds will be issued after, or on the same day of the trip. b. Rescheduling is allowed up to 24 hours before the start time of the trip/shuttle. c. If we determine that the weather conditions make it unsafe or impractical to conduct the trip, we will offer you the option to reschedule or receive a full refund of your deposit and any other payments made. We will not run shuttles on days where the trails are excessively muddy, in such a case you will be subjected to a full refund or the chance to reschedule.
  • Is Upper Spinal Tap included in the Half Day shuttle?
    No. We have an Upper Spinal Tap shuttle that drops off at the Upper Spinal Tap Trailhead. The Half Day shuttle only drops off along the lower trails.
  • What is the difference between the Pahvant Mountain Bike Shuttle and the Backcountry Shuttle?
    The Pahvant Mountain Bike shuttle is specifically for the Pahvant Mountain Bike Trail Network. The Backcountry Shuttle will pick up or drop off at any trailhead, launch or landing zone in the Fishlake National Forest.
  • How many rides can I expect to get on the Half Day Shuttle?
    the short answer is--it depends. Group size/ability will affect the speed of your group, as well as which drop off points and trails your group decides to ride. The drop off points vary from 15-40 minutes away from the trailhead.
  • Should I tip my Driver?
    Tipping is always at the discretion of our clients, but if you feel that your driver has provided you with exceptional service and an unforgettable experience, we suggest a tip of 10-20% of the total cost of your trip. Of course, if you feel that your driver has not met your expectations or if you have any concerns about your trip, please let us know so that we can address the situation and ensure that you have a great time.
  • Do I need special equipment for alpine touring?
    Yes, Alpine Touring requires specific equipment, including AT skis or splitboards, boots, bindings, climbing skins for traction on uphill slopes, and sometimes ski crampons for icy conditions.
  • How physically demanding is Alpine Touring?
    Alpine touring, especially at altitude can be physically demanding. While there are routes that are less physically demanding, it is essential to be in good physical shape.
  • Do I need to be an expert skier to try Alpine Touring?
    There are beginner-friendly Alpine Touring routes, however you must be able to ski a blue run in a resort in ungroomed or off piste conditions. If it is your first time in the backcountry, It's essential to take an introductory course to learn the necessary skills.
  • Can I use regular alpine boots for Alpine Touring.
    Regular alpine boots can be used in some touring bindings, however it is recommended that you use boots with a walk mode.
  • Where can I rent alpine touring skis, or splitboards?
    If you are visiting from the salt lake area, there are many options for renting alpine touring skis and split boards. If you are visiting from southern Utah, or Las Vegas, Tucker High Adventure Tours located at 399 N HWY 153 in Beaver, Utah has a variety of options for touring skis and splitboards.
  • What kind of terrain can I expect for my Alpine Touring trip?
    There are different options depending on your skill, physical condition and comfort level. Make sure you communicate to your guide what you would like out of the experience.
  • What clothing should I wear for my Alpine Touring trip?
    Dress in layers to manage temperature changes. Wear moisture-wicking base layers, insulating layers, and waterproof outer layers. Don't forget a helmet, gloves, and goggles.
  • Are alpine touring skis and splitboards provided by Utah Vivid Adventures?
    Alpine touring skis and split boards are NOT provided at this time.
  • Do I need avalanche safety training for Alpine Touring?
    Yes, it's highly recommended. Understanding avalanche safety, including how to use safety equipment like beacons, probes, and shovels, is crucial for backcountry skiing. We offer a "Partner Avalanche Rescue Training" for all first time visitors to the backcountry. We also offer an "Introduction to Alpine Touring" course as well.
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