“Swift. Silent. Deep,” a movie that chronicles the history of the legendary Jackson Hole Air Force, is touted by the filmmakers as “the first true historical documentation of hardcore ski culture in the United States.” After watching the movie on DVD, I decided that statement is as true as the sun rises in the east….
Category: Skiing
Snowbird offers $20 discount on “red air” days
Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort has come up with a novel way to get people on the slopes and above the unhealthy air in the Salt Lake Valley. This “Red Air” discount of $20 off tram and chairs lift tickets on any day issued as a red air quality alert in Salt Lake County means…
Backcountry skiing the East Couloir of Kessler Peak
For moderate backcountry travelers, skiing the East Couloir of Kessler Peak can be a character building experience. First there is the steep 3,000 foot climb up a massive avalanche path called Argenta that leads to the top of Kessler. Then the couloir awaits. The East Couloir is something one may not ski normally due to avalanche danger….
Icelantic Shaman Skis demo review
While skiing at Alta during the New Years weekend, I was surprised to see that Icelantic Skis had set up a demo tent at the Collins base. Always one to try new things, compounded by the fact that I’ve always been curious about the strange shape of Icelantic skis, I didn’t hesitate to trade in…
Backcountry skiing Circle All Peak
Circle All Peak, located at Butler Fork in Big Cottonwood Canyon, is the first place I went backcountry skiing in Utah. As a result, it is still one of my favorite places to go, especially when the avalanche danger is high. Butler Fork has few large terrain traps, is at a lower elevation and there…
Building perfection one slope at a time
I grew up near Lake Tahoe So, of course why wouldn’t I learn to ski 600 miles away in Park City ? Even Utah’s license plate boasts the state has ‘the greatest snow on Earth.’ I’m nowhere near an expert skier, but come on! How hard can it be? Even if I fall I’ve got…
Backcountry ski touring at Catherine Pass
The winter season in Utah is in full swing after a huge December storm plus a holiday storm dumped tons of snow on the Wasatch Mountains. Right now, incredible powder can be found (if you get there early.) Catherine Pass, at the top of Little Cottonwood Canyon, is one such area that is located at…
Buy discount lift tickets and help the UAC
The Utah Avalanche Center, or UAC, is a vital, life-saving organization for anyone who enjoys winter recreation in Utah’s mountains. With an experienced team of expert avalanche forecasters, they work out in the field analyzing snowpack, making judgements about avalanche danger, then reporting back to all of us via their website and telephone hotline. Without…
Avalanche awareness course offered at Solitude
The Wasatch front is experiencing high avalanche danger this season, which is a good reminder that backcountry travelers need the knowledge and skills to stay alive in avalanche terrain. Backcountry skiing has exploded in the past few years, and in response it seems every ski resort, including Solitude, is hosting an avalanche awareness course. With…
First annual Freeride Avalanche Summit to benefit UAC
Snowbird and the Utah Avalanche Center are teaming up this year to present the first annual Freeride Avalanche Summit. The event will consist of two-day clinics designed for advanced and expert skiers and snowboarders who are looking to explore the backcountry and need professional instruction on avalanche awareness, safety and rescue.