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Skiing through Utah’s Backcountry

Students left the resorts behind to explore fresh powder in Utah’s mountains
For the second year in a row, a group of Trinity students and teachers flew to the Rocky Mountains in January for a backcountry skiing adventure through Trinity’s Global Engagement program. 

With the help of stellar guides, six students and two chaperones spent three days skiing Utah’s backcountry. Leaving the resorts meant that each downhill run was preceded by long uphill hikes in order for the group to fly down fresh, pristine snow.

Before the Titans took to the snow capped mountains, the guides walked them through the avalanche forecast and made sure everyone was comfortable with their safety gear. They also taught everyone how to transition their skis and snowboards between hiking and downhill mode.

Their very first hike took an hour, but they were rewarded with a slope of fresh, untouched snow all to themselves. Day two started before the sun rose. “On our way up, the moon was still visible while the sun slowly came up over the ridge we were making our way towards. We skied a treed meadow ending up on a snow-covered lake,” said Allison Minehart, Trinity art teacher and trip chaperone.

“We were fortunate with the weather, getting fresh powder to enjoy both in the resort and for all three backcountry days,” Minehart said. “We had bluebird days for two out of the three days and found out that Utah really does have spectacular snow with great views… Those new to powder skiing got great practice for the rest of the trip, while those with a little more experience got in time on higher angle slopes.”

Minehart became a certified Wilderness First Responder in 2014 upon receiving the Faculty Discovery Award, so the group also spent some time practicing wilderness response skills and simulating an avalanche rescue. “We split into two groups and learned how to dig emergency snow shelters,” Minehart said, “[then] practiced hiding, searching, and digging out buried beacons, honing skills to complete a quick rescue.”

After three days in the backcountry, the group spent their last night in Utah bonding over arcade games and glow in the dark mini golf. 

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Trinity strives to give students opportunities to be citizens of the world. Through global engagement, students grow confidence and practice lifelong skills such as navigating new places and problem solving both abroad and Stateside. Read more about Global Engagement here.
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