Powder runs.
Red rock views.
No lift lines.
Private backcountry skiing and splitboarding above Moab — where the La Sal Mountains hold deep powder while desert canyon country stretches endlessly below. A combination that doesn't exist anywhere else.
Desert below.
Powder above.
The La Sal Mountains rise to 12,700 feet directly above Moab — and when winter arrives, they become one of the most distinctive backcountry experiences in North America. You're skinning through aspen groves and alpine ridgelines while looking straight down at the red rock canyon country you explored on foot in warmer months. It's genuinely unlike anywhere else.
Zero Crowds
While resort lift lines grow, the La Sals stay quiet. Your guide picks lines that locals know — terrain that sees few tracks and holds powder long after storms pass.
Desert-Alpine Contrast
No other ski experience puts you on snow-covered peaks with Arches and Canyonlands spread below. The visual is surreal — and the reason return visitors keep coming back.
Tailored to Your Group
Every trip is private. Your guide shapes the day around your skill level, fitness, and what kind of riding you're after — technical objectives, relaxed touring, or somewhere between.
Choose your
mission.
From a mellow first-time powder tour to a full alpine objective on a 12,000-foot peak, we match the terrain to your crew. All trips are private — just your group.
Geyser Pass Powder Tours
The gateway to La Sal backcountry. Geyser Pass delivers reliable snow coverage, open bowl descents, and sheltered tree runs — all while looking down at the red rock desert. Manageable approaches mean you're riding, not just hiking.
Mount Mellenthin Expeditions
At 12,645 feet, Mellenthin is a full alpine objective. Serious sustained vertical, technical line options, and summit views that stretch across three states — the kind of trip you plan and talk about for years.
Local Stash Sessions & Multi-Day Expeditions
Some of the best lines in the La Sals don't show up in any guide. After seasons of exploration, our guides know the north-facing slopes that hold powder for weeks, the hidden valleys you won't find on a map, and the aspect combinations that work best for each storm cycle. For groups who want to go deeper, multi-day expeditions open terrain that simply isn't reachable on a day trip — remote peaks, protected powder valleys, and the immersive experience of living in the mountains while the desert carries on below.
Every trip is private — built around your group, your skill level, and your goals.
Request Your Trip
When to come
for the goods.
La Sal snow season runs December through May most years. Each window has its own character — here's what to expect and who it's right for.
Fresh snow on fresh terrain. Shorter days limit the scope of objectives, but early season has an energy of its own — less predictable conditions mean your guide's knowledge of the mountain is especially valuable.
The sweet spot. Deepest snowpack, most stable weather windows, maximum day length for full objectives. February–March is when the La Sals show what they're truly capable of. Book early — this window fills up.
Extended daylight opens up bigger adventures. Corn snow — the freeze-thaw cycle that creates that buttery spring surface — is uniquely excellent at this latitude. Some of the best turns of the season happen in April.
We do not share real-time conditions publicly — call or inquire for current snow report.
Backcountry done
right.
The La Sal Mountains are genuine backcountry — remote terrain with real avalanche risk, desert-influenced weather patterns, and conditions that differ from typical mountain environments. That's exactly what makes the experience exceptional. And it's why the guide's local knowledge isn't a convenience — it's essential.
All guides hold AIARE Level 1 or higher certification with specific experience in La Sal Mountains snowpack and terrain. Daily avalanche condition assessment based on local data and aspect-specific knowledge — not generic regional forecasts.
Avalanche transceiver, probe, and shovel are mandatory for every guest on every trip — no exceptions. We'll help you source rentals locally if needed, and walk you through proper use before you leave the trailhead.
Desert proximity creates snowpack behavior that differs from typical mountain ranges. Our guides understand La Sal-specific weather patterns, know which aspects hold stable snow longest, and always have backup plans when conditions require a change of objective.
All tours operate with wilderness-first-aid trained guides, satellite communication for remote areas, and detailed emergency evacuation planning appropriate to La Sal terrain and proximity to Moab resources.
"Our guides don't come to Moab for a season. They stay because the La Sals offer riding they can't find anywhere else — and that local depth shows in every trip we run."
Gear, logistics,
handled.
We coordinate everything — trailhead access, route timing, weather monitoring, and gear guidance. You show up ready to ski. Here's what you'll need to bring.
Your Essential Gear
What We Take Care Of
Real trips.
Real reactions.
"The La Sal backcountry ski day was incredible — desert views from the top of a powder run. Nobody else was doing this. Only possible with a local guide."
"I've skied a lot of backcountry. The La Sals are in a category of their own — powder with canyon country below. Our guide knew every line and made it feel completely dialed."
"We came to Moab for the desert, had an extra day, and ended up skinning the La Sals. Best surprise of the trip. The guide made it feel totally safe and incredibly fun."
"March conditions were perfect. Our guide picked a line we never would have found ourselves and we had it completely to ourselves. The red rock views while skiing are something I'll never forget."
"We did a two-day combo: MTB day one, backcountry skiing day two. Evan planned everything and the contrast between the two experiences was mind-blowing. Couldn't have asked for more."
Three steps to your
powder day.
No complicated booking flow. Tell us about your group and what you're after — we'll come back with a trip proposal within 24 hours.
Send an Inquiry
Tell us your dates, group size, skiing/splitboard experience, and what kind of trip you're imagining. The more you share, the better we can tailor the day.
We Build Your Itinerary
Within 24 hours, we'll send a proposed plan — terrain options, timing, and what to expect based on your group and the season. Happy to talk it through by phone.
Show Up & Earn Your Turns
We handle logistics, route selection, and safety. You show up with your gear, a good attitude, and ready legs. We take care of the rest.
Prefer a quick call?
📞 435.260.7066Plan Your Trip
We'll respond within 24 hours with availability and options.
Good questions
deserve straight answers.
Planning a backcountry ski trip involves a lot of specifics. Here's what people ask most before booking.
You should be a confident intermediate to advanced skier or snowboarder — comfortable on varied terrain and reasonably fit for uphill travel. Prior backcountry experience is helpful but not required; your guide covers avalanche safety fundamentals and touring technique before you leave the trailhead. We customize the terrain to match your group's ability.
Avalanche transceiver, probe, and shovel are required for all participants on every trip — no exceptions. If you don't own avy gear, we'll point you to the best local rental sources in Moab before your trip. Your guide will do a thorough gear check and walk you through transceiver use at the start of the day.
Absolutely. Mixed ski/splitboard groups work great in most La Sal terrain — we choose routes that flow well for both disciplines. Just let us know your group's setup when you inquire so we can pick the right objectives for everyone.
February through March is typically peak season — deepest snowpack, stable weather windows, and optimal avalanche stability. Good riding extends from December through early May in a solid snow year. Spring corn (April–May) offers excellent conditions with longer days. Contact us for current season conditions before booking.
Yes — multi-day combinations are one of our specialties. A common favorite: mountain biking or canyoneering one day, La Sal skiing the next. The desert-to-alpine contrast between the two experiences is genuinely memorable. Let us know what other activities interest you and we'll build a multi-day itinerary around your dates.
Safety determines every go/no-go decision. We monitor conditions continuously and maintain backup objectives for every trip. If avalanche risk or weather exceeds acceptable margins, we'll adapt the route, choose safer terrain, or — when necessary — reschedule. We never push into unsafe terrain for the sake of the plan.
We don't rent gear directly, but we coordinate with trusted local shops in Moab who stock backcountry-specific equipment — AT skis, splitboards, touring boots, and avy safety gear. We'll point you to the right source when you book and help ensure your setup is appropriate for the terrain.
The powder
is waiting.
Private guided backcountry skiing and splitboarding in the La Sal Mountains above Moab — where red rock desert meets untracked alpine snow. An experience that exists nowhere else.
📞 435.260.7066Fully permitted · AIARE-trained guides · Private tours only · Moab, Utah