Another bluebird day in the Wasatch. The powder was going to be a bittrickier to find today. No worries, we had a plan. At 11:00am, JamiePierre and myself were to meet Ian Reddell, the director of BackTracks-a backcountry guided tour company based out of Solitude, UT. Ian,who is on the ski patrol at Solitude, had a great tour lined up for us.We started out towards Wolverine Cirque and before I knew it we were allstanding on top of the goods. Solitude and Brighton was right here, Altawas there, Park City over there, and below us were dozens of steepchutes and slots-our way down. Jamie dropped in, pointed it, and wasimmediately so far away he appeared as an ant from the perch we sharedjust seconds ago. Ian and I opted for a darker line, a place the sundon't shine.

We enjoyed deep turns down before we hit the wind and sun affected snowat the bottom. Ian made a call ahead and after a quick traverse out wewere at the base of Solitude where we strolled into the brand newCreekside Restaurant to enjoy the pizzas that were already steaming onour table. Boo yah. Ian explained that this was all standard issue foranyone on the tour. Lucky for us, our day was not over. A couple of liftrides over still untracked lines reconfirmed our belief that Solitudewas aptly named, but more importantly delivered us to our next launchingpoint, Fantasy Ridge. A no dickin' around hike lead us to the top ofSilver Fork Canyon where we skied and hiked a couple of pitches. Silkysmooth powdery vert with all types of air opportunities. Yes, theWasatch is for real. The terrain is so interconnectable it is foolish.Hook up with Ian and his crew and they will show you and yourbackcountry savvy friends a seriously good time. Just ask me.-G.S.

Details Details... Back Tracks Backcountry Tours. 801-534-1400 x 2225Full day tours include backcountry gear, lunch, snacks, and delivery tosome great runs. Custom tours also available. Prices depend on groupsize.

1st Row: (L to R) 1) Another one of the oversized ramps in the Wasatchbackcountry. 2) Ian Reddell with Wolverine Cirque in the background.Where do you want to go?

2nd Row: (L to R) 3) Chris and Matt Collins' backyard jibbing arena.Drop in from the hand made snow tower (not pictured) and session any oneof these three rails. 4) Wolverine Cirque. Pick a line, any line.