Articles

Backcountry Basics What does backcountry mean to you? Is it the areas that are only accessible by hiking or backpacking for several miles? Or, must you venture out on remote, super gnarly, high-clearance-only dirt roads? By definition, a backcountry area is a geographical region that is isolated, remote, undeveloped, and difficult to access. So the answers to the above questions are yes… but… there are plenty of backcountry areas in Utah that are fairly easy to access. And, thanks to the influence of social media, they are heavily visited by people who may not necessarily have the knowledge, skills, understanding, gear, etc. to be safe.

When most people think about winter recreation in Utah, skiing will likely be the first thing that comes to mind…and for good reason. Quick, easy access to The Greatest Snow on Earth makes Utah one of the best ski destinations on the planet. But skiing isn’t the only way to enjoy Utah’s mountains in winter. Snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and sledding have always been popular wintertime activities, and more families are catching on to these outstanding, cost-effective winter sports that don’t require pricey lift tickets or as hefty of an investment in gear.