February 2024 Update

Hello, fellow backcountry enthusiasts. February sure is off to a nice start with more goodies in the forecast! 

So far, 2024 has kept the Wasatch Backcountry Alliance on our toes between participating in coalition meetings to stop the gondola, Cardiff Fork access committees, recording podcasts, planning events, and working to keep our Backcountry Shuttle running. Read on to learn more.

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The Uptrack Podcast

We recently published a new episode on our podcast, The Uptrack. WBA Director Dani Poirier and founding president Jamie Kent discuss our Backcountry Shuttle Program, public transportation solutions, and how our community can stand up against the LCC gondola. Give it a like, subscribe, and leave a five-star review if you enjoy the episode! If there is another topic you would like us to feature on The Uptrack, email us at info@wasatchbackcountryalliance.org to let us know!

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Upcoming Events

WBA Trivia Night: So you think you know the Wasatch backcountry? Join us for trivia night to test your knowledge! Gather a team of four people and sign up for $50 per team. Winners will walk away with prizes and bragging rights. Proceeds go to funding the Backcountry Shuttle. Register now to secure your spot! Details: Thursday, February 8th from 7:00-9:00 PM at HK Brewing Collective Taproom & Bar.

Backcountry Film Fest: Did you miss the screening this past December? Now’s your chance to catch inspiring films, epic raffle items, and community. Details: Thursday, February 15th from  6:00-9:00 PM at Brewvies Cinema Pub.

Events

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Backcountry Shuttle

Due to a lack of funding, we are now running one shuttle each in Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons every Saturday. The shuttles will depart at 7:30 a.m. from Butler Elementary and pick up at 2:30 p.m. Please coordinate with your driver on the afternoon pick-up location.

We’ve set a fundraising goal of $10,000 to continue operating the Backcountry Shuttle this season and hope to add more route times back. Please donate what you can to keep this program going! Thank you to everyone who has utilized the shuttle this season. Please encourage family and friends to join you!

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Stop the Gondola

Whether you’ve been participating and following Utah Department of Transportation’s (UDOT) Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and their gondola proposal for years or you are new to learning about the issues, Wasatch Backcountry Alliance (WBA) wants to help inform and give you the tools to engage as a citizen. It’s no secret that Utah is a pro-development state; the governor and state legislators direct the state’s Department of Transportation in choosing and implementing projects. Now more than ever, we need to channel our anti-gondola efforts directly towards our legislators to remind them of its pitfalls.

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WBA Joins 1% For The Planet

WBA has joined 1% for the Planet as an environmental partner! 1% for the Planet connects environmental organizations with businesses that have pledged to donate 1% of their sales each year. This partnership connects WBA with like-minded businesses and provides additional support as we work to protect human-powered winter recreation in the Wasatch.

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Cardiff Fork

WBA is involved in the ongoing discussions concerning Cardiff Fork. Councilwoman Dea Theodore organized a committee, “Public and Private Access into the Backcountry,” and WBA is an active participant. The further into this territory we venture, the more complex it becomes. The drainage is a patchwork of private, Forest Service, and public utility lands, with mining surface and subsurface rights mixed in. Furthermore, agency maps are all different and often missing parcel information. It is a complicated and challenging situation, to say the least.  It’s not looking like a resolution will be reached this season, but WBA will continue to work towards a solution for backcountry users.

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Support WBA

Your support fuels Wasatch Backcountry Alliance to serve as the recognized voice for the backcountry community involved in human-powered winter recreation in the Central Wasatch Mountains. Consider donating or becoming a member today to help protect the Wasatch Backcountry. 

Through our membership program, we are on a mission to build a stronger community to help protect the places we love to recreate. For a minimum of $35 a year, your membership will fund current and future projects, while connecting you with fellow community members through social gatherings and education.