TREW Ambassador Cole Shaffer grew up gazing at the Wasatch Mountains from the Salt Lake Valley, captivated by their dramatic beauty. As he became more interested in ski movies and the inspiring lines being skied around the world, he began to look at these mountains in a different light. At a young age, Cole was unaware of how approachable they were, yet still gazed at them in awe often thinking, “How cool would it be to ski down those?” Little did he know, these mountains were a playground for some of the best skiers in the world.

Cole shares his love of the Wasatch alongside beautiful photos from Mack Lambert. Feast your eyes!!

From Cole: As I’ve gotten older and caught up in the fast-paced world we all live in, the Wasatch—specifically Little Cottonwood Canyon—has become a regular escape and a point of recentering for me. Nicknamed the “Avalanche Highway,” Little Cottonwood is unique because many of the faces reach over 11,000 feet, connecting directly to the road. These faces feature many aspects ranging from 30 to 50 degrees, which, while presenting challenges, also create the opportunity for easily accessible, insane skiing. It’s not uncommon for me to ski some of the classic peaks at the top of the canyon in the early morning, then swap my touring gear for a resort setup before the lifts start loading at Alta Ski Area.

I’m constantly humbled and inspired by the amount of talented and passionate individuals who make up the tight-knit but diverse community in this area. If you’re eyeing a sick objective or line, there’s a good chance someone relevant in the community has already skied it. This is a place where you can pursue something in the industry, connect with influential figures in the ski and snowboard scene, and push your backcountry skills to new heights. Many iconic moments have come out of this canyon, making it a consistent source of inspiration for me.

I first learned to ski at Alta when I was just three years old, so I feel a special connection to these mountains. When I reflect on the goals I have within my skiing and the ways I want to progress in the industry, I’m often filled with gratitude for the incredible role models I have in this community. I'm equally humbled by where I stand and reminded of how much further I have to go in my journey. The Wasatch is a place where anyone can come to grow as a skier, build a supportive community, and form a deep, spiritual connection to the environment. You just have to get past the crowds that now flock to the mountains alongside you.

This place demands respect—respect for the mountains, its conditions, and the people who share them. If you want to enjoy a long life of exploring these peaks, it’s essential to respect the terrain. Little Cottonwood Canyon challenges not only your skiing ability but also your knowledge and experience in staying safe and alive.

April is Earth Month! 

Join us in celebrating Earth Day all month long. We will be donating 10% of all profits from this month back to protecting + advocating for our public lands. Learn more here.

Photos taken by Mack Lambert!