Backcountry Ski White Pine Fork
7 Miles
Snowboarding, Photography, Skiing, Snowshoeing, Hiking, Fitness
Intermediate
Spring, Autumn, Winter
Out-and-Back
Three 11,000 foot mountains cap the upper end of White Pine and the abundance of amazing wide open terrain and big mountains makes White Pine one of the greatest tours of the Wasatch.
The White Pine Trailhead is up Little Cottonwood Canyon on the south side of the road just before you get to Snowbird Ski Resort. The parking lot fills up very quickly so an early start is recommended. The skin track starts in the southwest corner of the parking lot near the bathrooms. You will follow the gradual trail around the bend until you reach a hard left trail that takes you into White Pine Fork. The trail to the right will take you around another bend into Red Pine Fork. There are a few different runs in the early portion of White Pine that are great for a quick tour (Scotties Bowl left or Pink Pine right); however, the most spectacular terrain is in upper White Pine (Glacial Bowl, Red Baldy, Lake Chute). Once you've toured into upper White Pine, you will see Red Stack and Red Baldy to your left and Glacial Bowl and Lake Peak to your right. All of these peaks are sure to give you an amazing adventure.
Overall elevation gain is about 3,150 with the tallest peaks reaching over 11,000 feet.
Make sure to check to avalanche forecast for the day before you ever travel in the backcountry. Avalanche terrain is abundant in White Pine. Know before you go!
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations.
