Expanding the climbing community in Park City
Julia Salmi with White Pine Touring shares her love of rock climbing — both for fun and for work
Summer/Fall 2024
Written By: Leigh Wilson | Images: Gillian Hunter (Shot at Momentum Indoor Climbing)
It’s common for locals to say that they came to Park City for the winters and stayed for the summers. But for Julia Salmi and her family, it was the opposite. They escaped many hot Arizona summers with trips to Park City, and in the late ’80s, they made the move to Utah, which would prove to be life-changing for Julia. To this day, she is a “sucker for Utah adventure.”
While her parents dabbled in skiing, Julia learned the sport at a young age, and eventually, the mountain became her babysitter. She also remembers driving through Parley’s Canyon on trips to Salt Lake City and watching climbers. Fascinated, she bought some climbing books and tried it out. She was self-taught in the early days, but as she continued to pursue rock climbing, she found mentors who helped improve her skills.
Before long, Julia, her brother and her boyfriend started doing a lot of climbing in the Uinta Mountains, and even developed some new climbing areas, including multiple first ascents on Hayden Peak. When White Pine Touring expanded their permits to include the Uintas, they were looking for someone with intimate knowledge of the area. And with that, Julia’s guiding career was born.
Julia has been guiding for White Pine Touring since 2017. In the summer, she guides rock climbing and mountain biking tours, and in the winter, she is a cross-country ski guide.
When I asked Julia if she still gets out for fun, she answered “yes” without hesitation: “The more you do it, the better it is.”
While some athletes might lament the growing popularity of their sport, which can lead to crowds, Julia loves watching the next generation excel at climbing and is amazed to see where they are taking the sport. She has seen climbing become less of a fringe sport and more inclusive. New doors are opening. And with more people climbing, more routes are being discovered.
People like Julia are there to help anyone interested in climbing in and around Park City. While a trip to the climbing gym can give you a brief introduction to the sport, Julia says that going outside and being around someone who makes you feel safe and comfortable will increase your experience exponentially.
White Pine Touring’s climbing and mountain biking tours typically start in June but are weather dependent. At White Pine, every tour is private so clients can get the most out of their day and meet their objectives. All equipment is provided, as well as water and lunch, which is picked up at Samak Smoke House on the way to the Julia’s beloved Uinta Mountains.
