It’s not often that the Uinta Mountains get a new trail. Even more rare is a mountain biking trail. But both happened with the grand opening of the Slate Creek Trail, located at the Yellow Pine trailhead just up the road from Samak. The Slate Creek Trail is a 5-mile loop with a directional ascent…
Despite COVID-19, Utah Ski Resorts Set Record Highs
The COVID-19 pandemic shook up the ski industry. In the spring of 2020 when ski resorts shut down early for safety reasons, the industry was in a state of gloom. The next season saw resorts open, but with many restrictions including mask wearing, social-distancing on lifts, and outdoor dining. Nobody quite knew if skiers would…
Darn Tough Vermont Element Athletic Socks Review
Darn Tough Vermont makes, well, darn tough socks. Everyone knows that. I was first introduced to the company through their excellent and long-lasting ski socks. But now that mountain biking season is here, my sock needs go from thick and warm to lightweight and breathable. Thankfully Darn Tough Vermont has just the thing in their…
New Salt Lake Singletrack at Popperton Park a Shangri-la for Beginner Mountain Bikers
New trails are being cut in Salt Lake City, and some of them are open and ready to ride. A network of singletrack at Popperton Park in the foothills above the city is complete, and it’s a Shangri-la for beginner mountain bikers and kids. In total, there are three new mountain bike routes, as well…
“Mountain Bike: Park City” Guidebook Features Utah’s Best Singletrack
Mountain bike season is here, and that means it’s time to tune up your bike and start planning summer rides. Be ready with knowledge of where to go with my new guidebook, Mountain Bike: Park City. Published by Mountaineers Books, this guide breaks down the most fun bike rides in Park City’s complex network of…
San Rafael Swell a Spellbinding Place to Explore
The San Rafael Swell, located in Central Utah, is an often overlooked recreation gem. The Swell is a geologic maze of rock formations, canyons, plateaus and sagebrush flats. Through it all lies a network of dirt roads, 4×4 tracks, and singletrack trails that cater to every recreational discipline. In addition to outdoor fun, the San…
Friday Video: Can Dynamite Save You From an Avalanche?
Can dynamite save you from an avalanche? Anyone who skis steep slopes at resorts knows explosives are what makes avalanche terrain safe in-bounds. But what’s the science behind intentionally triggering avalanches? Why does ski patrol have to mitigate slides nearly every day to keep skiers safe? And what does the future of avalanche forecasting look…
Kahtoola EXOspikes Review
I’m going to tell you something crazy right now: I have never used crampons or spikes for winter/spring trail hiking. Yes, I have taken some falls. No, I never learned my lesson. Until this year, that is! As I am now trending towards the “old and frail” stage of my hiking career I figured it…
Family Friendly Skiing at Eagle Point Resort
Do you long for the old days of skiing? Do you miss a time when there were no crowds, the resorts felt small, and lift tickets came in the form of wickets you attached to a jacket zipper-pull? Well, those simpler times still exist at ski resorts like Eagle Point. I took my family to…
Friday Video: Alta’s Farmer Dave
If you’ve ever skied Alta, perhaps you’ve seen dozens of perfectly spooned ski tracks falling in a row across a slope. Those parallels of turns were “farmed” by Dave Van Dame, also known as “The Farmer.” Van Dame is an icon at Alta, with his recognizable, sun-faded red Marmot jacket. Ever more recognizable are the…