The Utah 2009-10 ski season may have been less than desirable as compared to previous years, but if one knew where to look, then lots of powder could be found in the Wasatch backcountry while the resorts looked bare as a bone. Despite the lack of blower powder shots during epic dumps, there were still…
Tag: Skiing
Clik Elite SLR ChestPack review
Photography has been one of my passions for years, which I guess is good since it’s what I do for a living. But even during my off time I always have a camera at the ready in case I see a cool shot. Recreating in the Utah outdoors presents uncountable opportunities for photography, especially while backcountry skiing in the Wasatch Mountains. For years I used a small point-and-shoot digital camera on ski-tour excursions, but those types of cameras never had the chops to capture good photos of my friends skiing by. Frustrated by too many images of skier’s backsides exiting the frame, I decided I needed a digital SLR, pronto.
Skiing without puking at Solitude
Location: Solitude Mountain Resort, Utah Activity: Skiing the first time in over a year. If you’re a fair weather skier, read on. If you ski no matter what the conditions, stop now or you might want to throw your old rear entry boots at me. I could lie and say I’ve done tons of skiing…
The Dude abides at The Big LePowSki 2010
The Big LePowSki, despite the creative reference to the cult-classic movie, “The Big Lebowski,” can’t be any further from what “The Dude” would probably consider a good time. Something tells me the Jeff Bridges character would rather go bowling with a White Russian in hand than go skiing, although the bath robe may be an awesome-looking outer layer for skiing…
Backcountry skiing the north face of Mount Superior
Mount Superior is a beautiful peak that towers over Alta on the north side of Little Cottonwood Canyon, and the massive south face is one of the most classic backcountry descents in Utah. Often times, when getting a late start on a sunny day, the south face gets baked and wet slide activity becomes a visible concern. So the other option is…
‘Signatures’ film review
“Signatures,” the second film from Sweetgrass Productions, is a ski movie that I’ve wanted to see for a long time. I finally had the chance to sit down and watch it recently, and the wait was totally worth it. “Signatures” is the polar opposite of your typical ski movie. It’s like a breath of fresh…
Travelocity Gnome comes to Utah… and there was much rejoicing
Have You Seen This Gnome? Maybe you haven’t heard yet – but it was the closest outcome since the over-under poll for toilet paper! Right now Travelocity’s famous roaming gnome is experiencing several of Utah’s cultural hot spots including Deer Valley near downtown Park City. Facebook voting for the little guy’s winter trip ended Wednesday…
Tree skiing in Beartrap Fork: A photo essay
On days when the avalanche danger is considerable or high, there are few places to go backcountry skiing where it is safe. Generally, low angle slopes with lots of trees that anchor the snowpack are the only option. One place that is a good choice for a safe tour is in the aspen groves that…
Snowbird offers free backcountry awareness clinics
Considerable avalanche danger in the Wasatch, along with three fatalities just this week, means it’s time to step back and rethink how to travel safely in the backcountry. One way of doing this is to attend one of Snowbird’s free backcountry awareness clinics. Whether you’re a newbie or a backcountry veteran, it’s always a good…
Black Diamond shows off new Efficient Series of backcountry gear at Winter OR
Black Diamond showed off tons of new and exciting gear at the 2010 Outdoor Retailer Winter Market, and the buzz around the Salt Palace floor was the company’s new lineup of backcountry skis and boots called the Efficient Series. In Fall of 2010, four new boots and six new skis will join the already impressive…