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Posted by Staging on March 11, 2010

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Talk About Snow

Posted by Ray Grass on February 28, 2010

Snow we got. Not in record inches, yet, but Utah has snow.

I decided to do some checking after talking with out-of-town visitors on the lifts at Snowbird over the weekend.

More than once the subject of snow came up and in most cases it was followed by “That’s why we came to Utah.’’

Over the years, skiers and snowboarders have come to know that Utah has good snow.

At last count, Alta has received 325 inches of total snowfall this winter. Last year, on the same date, Alta had 407 inches of total snowfall. The long-term season average is 500.

Before the 2008-09 season ended, Alta would get nearly 300 more inches. If Alta gets even average depths for March and April, it will hit its average.

What stirred my interest was on one particular ride a couple from New York said they brought the family to Snowbird to “get out of mess back East and enjoy good snow.’’ The mess referred to, of course, is very cold and stormy weather, and heavy snow.

A man from California was in Utah for the good snow “and accessibility.’’ He was skiing Alta on Sunday, then heading for the Park City resorts. He like variety.

Another man from Florida said he came to Snowbird every winter, “because I know it has snow.’’

A woman from California asked questions about different resorts, best skiing, best dining, Salt Lake City, then said, “isn’t this snow wonderful?’’

And so it went. Snow was the common thread of conversation. And it was, this day, excellent . . . just enough soft snow over a packed base to hold a perfect edge.

At last count, Snowbird is holding a 91-inch base mid-mountain. Up the canyon a couple of miles Alta is holding a 93-inch base. Over on the Park City side, Deer Valley is at 74 inches, The Canyons at 71 and Park City Mountain Resort 75 inches.

So how does this compare with other resorts around the country?

To the East in Colorado, on the same day, Aspen reported 54 to 81 inches, Beaver 50, Copper Mountain 50 to 62 and Vail 48 inches.

In New York, Hunter Mountain showed bases of 60 to 110 inches and Whiteface Mountain, site of the 1980 Olympics, 30 to 43 inches. 26 of the state’s 34 resorts, however, are showing bases under 30 inches.

In New Hampshire, Attitash shows 24 to 36 and the highest number is Bretton Woods with 20 to 51 inches.

In Vermont, Stowe has a base of 36 to 60, Killington 42 to 54 and Sugarbush 38 to 66.

High marks this year are held in California. Alpine Meadows has a base of 94 to 152, Heavenly 53 to 82 and Mammoth 133 to 175 inches.

It should be noted here that along with the snow (inches) those visitors I talked with liked Utah’s snow (light and fluffy).

That’s another thing Utah is known for -- having the driest, lightest snow anywhere.

It has been a rather unusual year, however. Utah has had its knee-high powder days, but most of the storms have come frequently and left anywhere from 3 to 6 inches.

Which was the condition over the weekend at Snowbird . . . several inches of new snow over a groomed base.

It makes for a fun ski day. And that it was.

Brighton weekly group lessons....a well oiled machine

Posted by Jodi Saeland on February 27, 2010

Here we are the end of February and Emily has had quite a ski season. You know you're supermom when your kids start skiing more than you...you become the shuttle driver. But, I'm a very proud Mom as Em has done a great job this season.

We've had quite a few lessons, both private and group. Once the kids get comfortable on their feet, I would definitely recommend the multi-week lessons. They have the same kids and instructor each week. We just finished up Deer Valley, multi-week. That blog is coming.

Let's talk Brighton. A very well oiled machine with lessons as you've seen in previous blogs I've done. First off, you can register online. The great thing is...you do it before hand. You will pay for the lessons and then get your waiver in the mail to sign and mail back. This is great so you don't have to worry about paperwork and chaos on the first day. If you need equipment....no worries. Go an hour early to get and pay for your rentals. If you want to rent for the entire 5 weeks, you'll get a discount. You'll pay and get outfitted the first day. You'll return at the end of the lesson, but every other week; you just need to go pick up your rentals. You've already gone through the rental/pay line, so get your gear and go. No need to stand in the pay line. Nice when you have wiggly kiddos anxious to hit the slopes.

Emily is in the Little Rippers Camp. The great thing is, if parents want to ski while the kids are in lessons...you get a $7 discount. Adults can also get discounts on multi-week lessons for themselves or for some of the clinics going on. Nice! The parking lot is packed as it is a great Utah powder day! (yea for Mom) We still get a great park, put on our boots and away we go. As you approach the meeting area, it is so organized! A man greeted us with a clipboard, asked Em's name and told us we were in group 11 with Martha. Big numbers and letters line the area...yep, easy enough! dscn0851 (dscn0851) We greet Martha, meet the other kids, discuss Em's ability, get Marthas biz card so I have a cell number, get Em's skis on and away they go. Martha says "let's go group 11" and away they go like little ducks. There are 5 kids, Em being the youngest. (way to go kiddo) When you register online, you'll have the chance to make sure the kids get in the right group according to their ability. You want to make sure the kids are skiing with the right group. Don't overestimate their ability and then have them hold a group back. You want them to feel safe and have a great time. Brighton has other helpful hints.

Martha takes the kids on the beginner hill first to see how everyone skis. They want to make sure kids are in the right class for their ability. I also really like that the kids NEVER ride the lift alone. dscn0855 (dscn0855) Martha is the instructor and she has another gal, Sam, that skis along as well. I skied one run with them. Martha was in the lead and the kids followed her practicing their turns and techniques. Sam follows the last child down. This way if anyone falls, she can help them up and also to make sure nobody gets separated from the group. The video is below. I was skiing and filming, so you may need Dramamine while watching :) The kids do take a break for a snack, so make sure you give them a little money to grab a hot chocolate or snack. ( I forgot, sorry Em) There are some beautiful green runs at Brighton that are long and great for practicing. As you'll see in the video, tree lined and the kids even popped in for some tree runs. Wait...I can't even do that! dscn0863 (dscn0863)

I got great skiing in and Em had a good time. I picked her up where we started and off for hot chocolate. Molly Greens is a little A-frame restaurant. Fun atmosphere for apres-ski. Having a quick snack and watching the snow come down...a great end to a fun ski day!

Coming next...final day at Deer Valley and a great dinner at The Canyons! Also, check out the latest coupons at Ski N See.

Dreamy Utah Powder - 2-26-2010

Posted by The Ski Utah Yeti on February 27, 2010

Another great day in the Wasatch with amazing powder and great scenery.

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Ski Utah Lead Guide De Lovci Profiled in Salt Lake Tribune

Posted by The Ski Utah Yeti on February 25, 2010

deb (deb) Ski Utah's own Deb Lovci, our lead guide for the Interconnect Tour for the last 20 years, gets profiled in the Salt Lake Tribune.

Every morning, seven days a week, Deb Lovci's alarm clock goes off.

There's lots to do. She runs her own bed and breakfast in Park City. She teaches mountain biking, does winter triathlons and is a distance runner.

She's also the only female guide for the Salt Lake Interconnect, which she has done for 20 seasons.

"It's a great lifestyle," Lovci said. "My alarm goes off and I can't wait to go to work today."

Click here to read the whole profile.

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Snowbasin...it's worth the not so long drive

Posted by Jodi Saeland on February 23, 2010

dscn0846 (dscn0846) Living in the Salt Lake Valley, you get spoiled by a short drive up to the Cottonwood Canyons. So, when I decided to go to Snowbasin, I packed up the car with snacks, extra clothes and water like we were driving to St George. In just over an hour with mostly freeway driving, we were there. If you've never driven it, a beautiful drive with wonderful views through Mountain Green. No lines, blue skies and easy parking. I just have to say that with 2 kids and 3 sets of ski gear, it is a JOB to get us all to the door. Snowbasin has a GREAT solution. Little equipment trolleys. Now why doesn't everyone have these? You pull up to the curb and unload all your gear into the trolley and away you go. Saved my back and arms!!

We are set up with day care for the day. Brennan will stay for the day, Emily will be pulled out for a lesson with the ski school. I've mentioned before, Brennan doesn't do well in day care...I've taken a deep breath and gone to meet Becky. Wow! Brennan brings the walls down screaming and Becky is so lovely...she has him under control within 10 minutes. Now, that takes patience. The day care is open daily from 9-4:30 and you can bring in the kids as young as 6 months. They had lunch right away and settled right in. I was a little worried about Brennan. No need, Becky took the time to text me to tell me he ate good, was playing and even had a nap! Now that takes a patient person; thanks Becky for making our day a great experience with day care.

dscn0838 (dscn0838) Emily had a 2 hour lesson with the Grizzly Cubs. Her instructor picked her up at the day care and took her out for the group lesson. I caught up with her at the end and found out she went the Gondola! Wow, that is impressive! Her instructor said she did great and kept up with the other kids. Was a big workout as her legs were tired. Back to day care for a rest while I got one more run it. There are private lessons offered for 3 years old and up; make sure kiddos are potty trained. I took Brennan out on the tiny hill and he did great! All by himself. He comes back to day care to tell Emily... "Emily, I skiied really fast". It was so cute. I think with all the talk of Emily and her lessons and doing well, he felt left out. He needed to prove that he to was a skier. Hey, that's great motivation for him and makes me happy.

For those that don't know, Snowbasin hosted the downhill, Super G and combined events during the 2002 Olympic Winter Games. If you're looking for top notch dining and facilities, you'll definitely find them at Snowbasin. There are special events where the Gondola will bring you to the top for fine dining. This holds true during the summer on the weekends...I need to definitely head back for that under a full moon.

dscn0835 (dscn0835) If you're into tubing, there is a tubing hill as well Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. We haven't tried that yet. I didn't know if Brennan would be too young, but as long as he can ride alone...he's good. I would suggest using a helmet for the little guys.

If cross country is your thing; there is 26 km of trails. The best thing...they're FREE!! Yes, if you have your own equipment, give it a try or you can rent when you get there. I admire those who can cross country ski. It is hard! I may have to try again as it is great excercise!

I got a chance to get some good runs in. Most times, I was on the chair or gondola alone enjoying the silence and the scenery. It is wonderful to get up in the mountains on a blue bird day and just enjoy. I had a wonderful lunch outside at the top of the Needles Gondola. I was able to ski a lot of different runs all over the mountain including off the Strawberry Express Gondola. Big, wide open runs with amazing views.

So, the next time you're wondering which resort to head to...don't forget about Snowbasin. It's not as far as you think and you will be pleasantly surprised at the facilities, great snow and laid back atmosphere. dscn0830 (dscn0830)

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Share the Mountain

Posted by The Ski Utah Yeti on February 23, 2010

Share The Mountain is a winter mountain safety video presented by Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort.

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5th Annual Backcountry Film Fest

Posted by The Ski Utah Yeti on February 23, 2010

It's the 5th annual Backcountry Film Festival in Salt Lake City!

Time: 7pm doors, 8pm show; must be 21 years or older.

Tickets: $10 per person, all proceeds benefit WWA.

Buy tickets: At The Black Diamond Store (cash or check only (2092 E. 3900 South) or online at The State Room. Raffle tickets on sale the night of the show.

Join us for great backcountry turns with a calligrapher in Japan, a kangaroo in Australia, and of course on multiple continents with the guys at Powderwhore. Other films highlight fast grass and dirty corn in Vermont and the latest entry from Teton Gravity Research.