Location: Lava Hot Springs, Idaho Activity: Soaking my aching muscles in mineral hot springs and doing nothing else. Every year I ask my husband what he wants for his birthday, but this year I decided to make the decision for him. I told him we were going to take an overnight trip to someplace we’d…
Tag: trip report
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…
Want to live the Olympic dream? Here’s how:
Admit it. You’ve watched the Olympics and thought ‘I could do that.’ Well, guess what? You can! The Utah Olympic Park, located a few minutes from downtown Park City, lets couch potatoes experience their favorite cold sports firsthand. You may remember watching the park on NBC during the 2002 Winter Olympics. (Has it really nearly…
Two days in Mill D: A ski tour photo blog
Skiers like to say, “even when the skiing’s bad, it’s good.” In the case of backcountry skiing in Utah during a low snow year, a little creativity and knowing where to go can yield nice results; such as soft snow weeks after the last major storm. Even if there isn’t a face-shot in sight, being…
A contrast of conditions in Grizzly Gulch
After backcountry skiing in Grizzly Gulch twice in the last week, the difference in snow conditions was stark. The lack of snow, coupled with both sunny and cloudy days, wreaked havoc on the quality of the snowpack. The first day was bluebird with fine, recrystalized powder that was days old. There were a few sun-crusted…
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….
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…
First day photos from Snowbird
Snowbird officially opened today! They’ve started up the chairlifts at 9am and skiers can now start making turns under the Gadzoom and Chikadee lifts. Snowbird officials hope to open even more terrain before Thanksgiving weekend, depending on any storms and colder temperatures in the forecast. Snowbird is currently charging an early-season price of $52 dollars…
‘Tis the season to mountain bike Moab (video)
The holiday season is nearly upon us, and the northern Utah valley’s may have seen the first major snowstorm of the winter, but southern Utah is still alive and kicking. Moab remains sunny and dry with temperatures in the 50’s in November, so Jared Anderton went with some friends to try and hold on to mountain bike season just a bit longer.
Mountain biking Fruita’s Kessel Run (video)
As a continuation of yesterday’s post about mountain biking in Fruita, Colorado, here is a helmet-cam video of what we all considered to be the highlight of the entire trip. Kessel Run. Located in the Bookcliffs area of Fruita on 18-Road, Kessel Run is a rush. Although it’s not technically difficult, it still forces you to hone in on your bike-handling skills on countless twists and turns through a banked creek bed