If you are in SLC, Black Diamond headquarters is in your neighborhood and is probably the best shop you can possibly go to to get backcountry gear of any sort. I have been using their gear almost exclusively for the past few years and have yet to be let down in any way. Definitely start out with a shovel (metal), probe (~300cm), saw, pack, and beacon. Packs and beacons are pretty subjective, so try to go test some out before commiting to buying one. A top of the line beacon isn't going to do your partner much good at all if you don't know how to use it.
If you are seriously looking into touring, I would definitely recommend a pack with an avalung. The merits of an avalung are debatable since you may or may not get to use it in the unfortunate case that you do get caught, but it certainly isn't a bad thing to have. I'd check out either the 32L Covert or 32/42L Anarchist for that--I have the 42L Anarchist and it is perfect for all-day trips.
For skins, check out BD or G3, and just make sure they are wide enough to cover the tail of your ski.
And as far as bindings go, you can worry about that for days and days and never reach a definite conclusion. Basically, get dukes if you are doing short sidecountry trips, fritschi/naxo if you are doing day trips, and dynafit if you are planning on getting way out there.
The amount of research and care you take getting gear will pay off tremendously once you get out into the backcountry because you have to depend on it all day, every day. It's september, so you have plenty of time to figure out exactly what you will need--you'll probably get a couple things off just because it's your first time, but don't worry about it too much. Feel free to PM me if you have any specific questions.
