Wasatch Backcountry Alliance

Wasatch Backcountry Alliance (WBA) is the recognized voice for the backcountry community involved in human-powered winter recreation in the Central Wasatch Mountains. We work to protect undeveloped terrain and access, primarily for the sake of winter recreation on public lands outside of the ski resorts.

WBA advocated for the backcountry community free of charge for our first 10 years. We built a respected reputation among stakeholders and helped safeguard backcountry terrain and access in the Central Wasatch. We can no longer sustain our efforts on volunteer time and have leveled up our efforts to protect the backcountry by hiring a paid director. 

We strive to make the most efficient and effective use of your generous donations and are eager to grow our impact. Here are some achievements since we organized to preserve areas in the Wasatch for winter recreation. 

• Lead Stop Interconnect & Stop ONE Wasatch campaigns, as we as aiding efforts to save Bonanza Flats
• Promote grassroots public transportation solutions through our Backcountry Shuttle
• Seek parking options for backcountry users with decision-makers
• Participate in the Central Wasatch Commission and other committees to share our voice in protecting backcountry access/areas
• Install and collect usage data through our winter Trail Counting Program
• Communicate through media outlets to promote the importance of backcountry terrain in the Wasatch
• Engage in meetings with mayors, resort managers, the Forest Service, congressional & local representatives
• Play an active role in the UDOT Little Cottonwood Canyon EIS process and efforts to prevent the gondola 
• Work to gain back public access in Cardiff Fork 
• Host Powder Parties, WBA member events, and member meetings
• Launched our WBA Membership Program
• Publish The Uptrack podcast episodes 
• Maintain community outreach and education through social media, our website blog, and email newsletters
• Learn more about our recent accomplishments in our 23-24 Season Report

We have been a powerful volunteer-run organization over the past ten years, and are looking forward to what we can accomplish with more focused efforts. We are making a difference! Thank you for being a part of our efforts to protect the Central Wasatch.