Alta Summer Road

The typical uphill access at Alta, used for inbounds and backcountry terrain.
Easy Resort Ski Touring
- Distance
- 5.4 km
- Ascent
- 548 m
- Descent
- 28 m
Get your fix and stay fit for touring with these inbounds uphill routes near Salt Lake City.
Resort Ski Touring, Ski Touring Easy, Moderate, Difficult
Even though the Wasatch backcountry is second to none––with plentiful access, boundless terrain, impeccable snow, and a long season––there will always be times when going into the backcountry is not the best option. It might be avalanche danger, snow or weather conditions, or simply your schedule for the day, but sometimes an inbounds lap is just the thing to satisfy your touring itch.
There’s no shortage of ski resorts in the Wasatch either, with untold thousands of visitors flocking to them each winter. Unfortunately, these resorts are built for vacationing crowds and are much less accommodating to the local skimo scene, so uphill travel is severely restricted in most places. Nonetheless, there are still ways to skin on piste, if you know where and when to go. It’s important to observe the rules in place, in order to preserve and hopefully expand the access currently offered. You should always research approved routes and current policies before you go uphill at any resort.
That’s why we’ve compiled this guidebook, showing designated uphill routes throughout the Wasatch. You can tap on any track for more information, including links to the relevant policies. We hope you’ll use this guide to get on the snow safely, efficiently, and legally whenever it’s not the right day for the backcountry. But because many of these routes can be used for backcountry access as well, the decision to leave the resort is up to you. So whether you’re gearing up for a big day among the peaks or simply showing up for a fitness lap after work, these resort routes can be your gateway to ski touring in the Wasatch.
The typical uphill access at Alta, used for inbounds and backcountry terrain.
Easy Resort Ski Touring
Inbounds uphill route at Brighton Resort, with option to exit through a backcountry gate.
Moderate Resort Ski Touring
Access from Brighton to backcountry zones like Patsy Marley and Wolverine Cirque.
Moderate Ski Touring
The single designated route for skinning at Park City Resort.
Easy Resort Ski Touring
Early or late season uphill access at Alta, taking Collins Gulch toward Mount Baldy.
Moderate Resort Ski Touring
Designated uphill travel route at Snowbasin ski resort.
Moderate Resort Ski Touring
The full ski tour without a snowcat ride, over James Peak and down K2 Ridge to Paradise lift.
Difficult Resort Ski Touring
Skip the cat skiing reservation by skinning to Lightning Ridge on your own power.
Difficult Resort Ski Touring
Skin uphill during any time of day at Beaver Mountain.
Moderate Resort Ski Touring
18 routes · Resort Ski Touring · Ski Touring
8 routes · Freeride Skiing · Ski Touring