Man hikes, skis the highest peak in each county in Utah

Man hikes, skis the highest peak in each county in Utah

(Photo courtesy of Mark Hammond)


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LA SAL MOUNTAINS — Utahn Mark Hammond finished his quest to hike and ski down all the highest peaks in each county in Utah earlier this month.

Hammond's fascination of landscapes and love for backcountry skiing prompted him to try new places and inspired him to create the goal. The first peak reached was Mount Nebo at 11,929 feet. However, it wasn’t until Hammond completed Bridger Peak at 9,255 feet that he decided to create the goal. His venture culminated at the La Sal Mountains, with a summit of 12,721 feet.

“I knew I could do it late in the season and still be able to ski to the car," he said. "Since the peaks are over 12,000 feet, they hold good snow late in the year.”

Summiting and skiing down the 26 different county peaks took over two years to complete, a feat many believe he is the first to accomplish. None of the peaks were less than 9,000 feet and many were higher than 11,000 feet, Hammond said. Uintah County's Eccentric Peak reaches 12,276 feet high, which Mark said was the hardest.

“(It was) over 30 miles roundtrip, breaking trail by myself and difficult snow,” he said.

Mark Hammond skiing Willard Peak. (Photo: Mark Hammond)
Mark Hammond skiing Willard Peak. (Photo: Mark Hammond)

Taking advantage of weekends with good weather, Hammond completed one peak once or twice a month.

“You only have a window from January to May, where there is good enough conditions to ski these peaks,” he said.

In the future, Hammond plans to hike and ski the peaks in Nevada and complete a list of runs throughout the Wasatch Mountains mentioned in the book, "The Chuting Gallery: A Guide To Steep Skiing in the Wasatch Mountains."

When not skiing, Hammond enjoys running ultra marathons and rock climbing.


Carlos is a student at Utah Valley University and currently works as a news writing intern for KSL.com. You can follow him on Twitter at @Car1osBaquerizo or email him at carlosbaquerizo@ymail.com.

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