COVID-19 has certainly changed the way we can enjoy ski resorts this winter. From mask requirements to social distancing in lift lines, the ski season not only looks different, but it feels off as well. One of the biggest changes is the lack of indoor seating at some resorts, which has forced skiers to tailgate in the parking lot. Tailgating has always been a tradition, especially in the warmer spring months. But with Coronavirus raging and nowhere on-mountain to sit and eat, it’s time to up your tailgating game.
Tailgating at Solitude
The tailgate scene in the Moonbeam parking lot at Solitude Mountain is going strong. You can either grab and go some food at the lodge to eat outside, or you can prepare a feast at your own car or truck. Your vehicle has everything you need: a place to sit, stereo for music, and a heater if it’s really cold. You also have the best views alongside camaraderie with fellow tailgaters. Here are a few ways I’ve been upping my tailgating game this season.
Bring a propane stove
To cook up a hot meal at the car, you’ll need a small stove. There are many choices out there, depending on what you’d like to prepare, or if you’re feeding the whole family or a bunch of friends. I usually grill brats and hot dogs on my Camp Chef Rainier 2X Combo stove. It has a grill/griddle on one side, and a burner on the other for heating up some chili or soup.
If you need to make a lot of food for a big group, Camp Chef offers the Explorer Stove. With two 30,000 BTU burners to boil water and cook food, you’ll never lack for power, even on a freezing day. You can add accessories to it, like grills, a BBQ box, even an Artisan Pizza Oven!
If you want a fast lunch to hurry back onto the slopes, a Jetboil is the way to go. Quickly heat up some water for instant noodles, and for some hot cocoa for the kids.
Don’t Eat Like a Caveman
If you’re going to cook on a stove or grill, you’ll need proper dishware. Be sure to pack forks and spoons (or use the plastic silverware from the takeout places that’s filling up space in a drawer).
For bowls, nothing beats RIGWA Life. These bowls are made from double-walled stainless steel, are vacuum sealed, spillproof with an airtight lid, and keeps hot food hot for up to 4 hours. To save time, I’ve cooked up some noodle soup at home and brought it to Solitude in a RIGWA bowl. After skiing the whole morning, I returned to my truck and the noodles were still piping warm.
Other must-haves are a good insulated bottle like HydroFlask, and camp mugs (I adore my Miir Camp Cup).
Get Comfortable
To truly enjoy an epic tailgate session, you’ll want to hang out a while and enjoy your meal. Lightweight and foldable furniture will turn the parking lot into an outdoor living room. Pack some camp chairs to sit in, like the new Klymit Timberline camp chairs. They fold down small for easy transport, yet have a high back to support the head and neck.
A table is a must. I like the Camp Chef Sherpa Camp Table and Organizer. This thing is legit: not only is it an aluminum tabletop, but it also packs four storage bags underneath to keep everything you need from silverware and plates to paper towels and ingredients. You can even fit a small stove in the space.
Of course a large cooler is a requirement for cold sodas or beer. Utah’s own Blue Coolers are rotomolded to keep ice up to 10 days. The mid-size 30 quart is big enough for a day-tripping family.
Stay warm
If you’re going to eat outside, you’ll need to bring some gear to stay warm; this is especially important if you have kids. First, leave some down jackets in the car. After working up a sweat on morning runs, you’ll get cold real quick while standing in the lot making lunch. Slip on a nice puffy, like the Arc’teryx Thorium AR Down Hoodie, and you’ll be able to hang out on the tailgate in cozy comfort.
Blankets are another good choice to bring along. While sitting in your camp chair, throw a blanket over yourself to ward off winter’s chill. I’m a huge fan of the Klymit Versa Luxe Blanket. It’s filled with synthetic insulation and lined with high-loft fleece. Hand and foot pockets essentially allow you to wear the blanket so it’s easy to wrap up inside it.
If you’re really adverse to sitting in the cold, take along a small heater like a Mr. Heater Buddy. This is standard gear for ice fishers, and they know how to sit in the cold all day. Set the heater up and saddle up close to keep your appendages warm while you eat.
Make it a party
When the weather is warm, the tailgating becomes an afternoon party. Liven your space up with a canopy tent and music from a portable speaker. Hoist a flag to claim your spot and advertise your location to friends. If there’s enough space, you can even bring games like corn hole or ring toss for entertainment between runs.
Have fun and be safe
These are just a few suggestions for a successful tailgating experience at Utah’s ski resort parking lots. I’ve employed everything over the years, from sack lunches to elaborate chef-level meals. However you choose to make the most of mealtime in the mountains, be safe, stay within your social pod, and do your part to keep the ski resorts open for the rest of the season. Because spring is the best time to tailgate, so let’s make sure we have a late season to enjoy.