caprio wrote:

Are there guides for hire, or is it safe for me to venture onto these
trails without prior knowledge?


Go with a reputable guide. There are many around SLC area. Otherwise
you'll end up as another statistic flattened by a back country
avalanche. Happens every year.

There are also some lift served back country skiing in Colorado.
Silverton Ski area has a single lift and offers guided back country
skiing. It is rated 100% expert skiers only and by reservation. Wolf
Creek, CO now has a lift serving its waterfall area that is all
ungroomed trails.