Ski Utah Blog - Articles by Author Jason
Showing 10 articles out of 10.
From the Midwest to the Mountain West: Snowbird First-timers
Posted by Jason on January 10, 2009
Living in Utah has more privileges than I can count on all the fingers and toes in my household (we've got an even 100). Because we recognize how awesome it is to live and ski in Utah, we do our best to spread the word to extended family--encouraging them to come out for a ski vacation
This week, three teenage Minnesotans showed up at the airport--eager for their first time on Utah's slopes. Their regular hill is Great Bear Recreation Park in Sioux Falls, SD--all 200 vertical feet of it. I've skied there with them and it's a surprisingly-vibrant ski scene, but nothing compared to what goes on here in Utah.
With eyes as big as dinner plates, these guys snapped pictures of every mountain in sight. "Jason, what's that mountain's name? Jason, where are the ski resorts?" These endless questions were then followed by, "This is unbelievable!"
After they had a great day of riding just the three of them at Sundance on Friday, I was anxiously planning to show them the ropes at Snowbird today to let them get a taste for Utah's gnarliest terrain and to experience the 3200 jello-leg-inducing vertical feet.
You've got to remember that these kids live in America's heartland, but love snowboarding with a passion. This was a trip of a lifetime and Utah's ski resorts are the perfect playground--stuff these kid's dreams are made of.
The conditions at Snowbird were outstanding and the crew had an absolute blast. Without question, this has been the greatest snowboarding experience of their lives. The smiles on their faces were hard to miss.
Sharing the stoke of Utah skiing and specifically showing the awesome terrain at Snowbird is a ton of fun. Who are you going to share it with?
Still got great turns at Solitude Mountain Resort
Posted by Jason on December 28, 2008
If you're wondering where the pow stays untracked for awhile, well, with a name like Solitude, it's a safe bet. With all the snow that's been hitting the Wasatch, there's been great turns to be had at every resort, but I'm always stoked to get on the swings at Solitude in the days after a storm passes.
Arriving at the lifts, we were greeted with no lift lines on a Saturday no less. The lack of lift lines isn't all that surprising... it's the norm at Solitude. Not once did we wait in a line all day.
After a quick warm-up, we lapped Evergreen and kept finding pockets of untracked, so back we went. With an traverse that's not for the faint of heart, many skiers don't make it all the way to the goodies, but those who stay on target were rewarded with lap-after-lap of cut up and pockets of untracked pow--not bad... not bad at all. An excellent way to round out the week.
- Empty Swings at Solitude Resort
- Evergreen Holds the Goods
(Apologies for the camera phone pics... Trust me, it's still good up there.)
Snowbasin Resort's Recession-busting Ski Season Deals
Posted by Jason on October 9, 2008
Snowbasin Resort, home of the 2002 Olympic downhill races and still one of the sleeper resorts in the Wasatch, announced a handful of recession-busting deals for the upcoming ski season. There's no doubt that Utah's ski resorts will be feeling the pinch of the downturn in the economy (aren't we all?), so creativity will be key to maintaining skier visits this winter.
I'm looking forward to a few days on the hill at Snowbasin this winter. The last time I skied at Snowbasin, we enjoyed excellent snow and virtually no lift lines--on a Saturday! The hill is phenomenal and has only been improving year-after-year.
If you live north of Salt Lake, Snowbasin should be your resort of choice. And, if you're coming to Utah on a ski vacation, don't forget to add The Basin to your "must ski" list.
Shoulder-season Recession-buster Deals Going on Now
The “In Between Season”, at Snowbasin Resort will provide a change of pace for dining options, however, with 5 inches of snow received at Needles Lodge last weekend, maybe it is not the “In Between Season ,”but the beginning of the season!!
New this Fall, Earl’s Lodge servery will be open from 9 until 5 for breakfast (breakfast served ALL DAY!!) and lunch on Fridays and Saturdays with an updated children’s menu as well as Daily Specials.
On Saturday Nights from 5 until 9, award winning cuisine will be offered in the Huntington Room of Earl’s Lodge. Wrapping up the week end will be Northern Utah’s favorite, Sunday Brunch in the Huntington Room at Earl’s Lodge. A new addition on Sundays’--Soup and Snacks in the Cinnabar Lounge with flat screen TV.
Recession-buster Deals for the Ski Season
Opening Day 'Stuff the Gondola' Rally: Opening Day, typically Thanksgiving Day (or earlier), the first 50 skiers/riders to board the gondola will receive an all-day lift pass for any day of the 2008-2009 Season (non-refundable). Can you say stuff the gondola!?!?
First Time Skier/Rider: The first package is the Lucky 13 in association with Ski Utah. The last 13 days of January, learn to ski or snowboard. Lift ticket, $13.00 Ski Lesson, $13.00 Rentals $13.00–-all available for the Lucky 13 package price of $39.00. This is a great opportunity to help those non-skiers in your life start sliding on snow.
Skiers/Riders Instruction: The Snowbasin Learning Center Recreation Program (on selected dates) offers 4 lessons for 8-17 year olds for $150.00 and for Adults $200.00. Reservations are recommended. There's never a better time to improve your skiing--no matter your skill level.
Midweek Season Pass: Midweek (Mon-Fri) Season Pass price will remain at $750.00 Available Now Fri-Sun 9-5
Two-for-One Tuneups: Recession Busting Solution for those wanting to tune up their skis. Bring in the first pair for a full tune ($47.00 or more) and get the second one FREE (Of equal or less value FREE) in our fully equipped tune shop located in the Grizzly Center. (Begins October 18th through November 23rd.)
Free Snowbasin Poster: While checking out the new arrivals of merchandise at the Snowbasin Ski Shop, receive a Snowbasin Exclusive Poster, designed by local artist, Steve Johnson with any purchase over $100 or more. (Starts now Ends day after Thanksgiving)
More Info: Visit Snowbasin.com
Three Reasons to Ski Snowbird on May 1, 2008
Posted by Jason on May 1, 2008
16" of new at Snowbird and it's May 1. MAY FIRST! Remember that "April showers bring May flowers" stuff? Well, the flowers aren't blooming because it's still snowing! I tried to tell myself that work was more important. Really, I did. But it's too much, I can't take it any longer. Mental anguish is setting in.
If you're feeling much the same, there is a cure. Go to Snowbird now!!! Drop what you're doing, start coughing, take a LONG lunch, whatever...just go! You can pull it off, I know you can! I've done it before, trust me.
Three reasons to ski have added up to tip the scales.
Reason #1
Reason #2
Reason #3
My cousin just called from the Peruvian Lift at Snowbird. The conversation was something like this:
"Dude, get out here! It's awesome, regardless of what the calendar says. [hoots and hollers in the background] It's skiing like 2", thigh shots are the norm, the occasional face shot and it's not nearly close to being tracked out...oh yea, and it's still dumping. Hey, gotta go, my phone is getting snow all over it. Later"
I'm out!
Alta... Meet Alta
Posted by Jason on March 16, 2008
Alta Ski Area really is "A Place for Skiers" in every sense. Known for their standoff-ish (according to snowboarders) ski-only image, legendary expert terrain and bottomless face shots, Alta is in touch with the hand that feeds them. That hand comes in the form of skiers of all abilities and walks of life. And, in this case, my 2-year-old daughter, Alta, was introduced to skiing at Alta completely for free.
Now, many resorts offer free tickets to kids under 5 with a paying adult ticket, but Alta takes it one step further than that. Their learning area rope tows are free all day long and Sunnyside Lift--a great beginner lift--becomes free for all skiers after 3:00 pm every day of the season. So, a 9-5 working stiff like myself can slip out a bit early with my daughter and hit the slopes after 3:00 pm completely free. So we did.
I'm getting ahead of myself there a bit since this was Alta's first time on a real ski hill. We've tooled around in the backyard and she's mastered that, but this was the day for her to get more vert on those little Volkl's in one run than we can in 20 runs in the backyard.
Suiting up at the Albion Base Area, it was hard to wipe the grin off her face. "I'm going skiing with Daddy," she beamed as we posed for pictures. My little red puffball was skiing with her daddy for the first time of many hundreds in the future.
The weather didn't cooperate so well for a little skier like her. With 14+ inches of new and an untracked learning area, it was a challenge, but it certainly didn't dim her spirits. At this point, I was just thrilled to have her sliding on snow--even if she didn't get the whole "make a pizza with your skis" process just yet. I'm guessing mostly because pizza for her is a whole bunch of tiny squares, not a pie-shaped piece. We'll have to come back and work on that.
As we slogged our way up and down the Grizzly Tow in whiteout conditions, there was no way to wipe the smile off either of our faces. Two laps were all either of us could take, but Alta is now officially a skier. And what better place to ski for her first time than the resort that carries her name... Alta, A Place for Skiers.
Solitude's Evergreen Area Should be Called Everwhite
Posted by Jason on February 23, 2008
With a 120-inch mid-mountain base, 412-inch total snowfall to date and 7-inches of pow in the past 24 hours, Solitude Resort was primed for the picking. Driving up Big Cottonwood Canyon, the road was fairly clear as this storm was a tad warmer than other recent storms have been. The sloppy-wet snow in Salt Lake City translated into some well-needed snow in the Wasatch. While it's really only been a little more than a week since the last snowfall, it seems like a month.
In the parking lot, the decision begins... super-fat Black Diamond Zealot skis or only sorta-fat Scott Mission skis? Hmmm... I opt for the Scott Missions with their 90mm waist and shapely profile to not only float in the powder, but also lay down perfect railroad tracks on the groomers. These have a similar profile to the Ski Utah-approved Rossignol Scratch Brigade or Brigade Pro skis.
Though Solitude is well-known for it's hidden powder stashes, the groomers turned out to be impeccable, thus paving the trail back to the lift. Our first ride up Sunrise Chair was completely solo--nobody in sight. We were anxious to hit the Summit lift and see the conditions in Honeycomb Canyon. After one lap in Honeycomb, we decided to maximize our powder time by lapping the Summit Chair.
Our mission turned into one of traversing further and further into the Northeast-facing Evergreen area. A relatively quick traverse into this area pays back in spades as we continued to find untracked stashes weaving in and out of the pines. Evergreen can be steep and tight in spots and the traverse unforgiving, so staying on top of your game is the best option. Luckily, we were typically the only ones on the traverse, so the bumper cars scenario that often characterizes short and sketchy traverses was avoided.
Traverses weed out the weak and reward the diligent and the Traverse into Evergreen is one that not many take, but those who do can enjoy some of the best turns on the mountain. We were rewarded with mostly untracked turns lap-after-lap. That is why I like to call Solitude's Evergreen Area, Everwhite.
Going Deep in Mineral Basin at Snowbird
Posted by Jason on January 13, 2008
I've had a few turns in Snowbird's Mineral Basin over the years, but they've been of the sun-crusted, mogul-covered type. I've heard of the face shots and bottomless untracked powder that can be had in Mineral Basin, but to me, it was always just a dream. Could it ever be as good as people have told me? Could I ever time it just right to be there when the rope drops and the frenzy starts?
Snowbird, like Alta, gets tracked out pretty fast on a powder day. And, they both have their share of traverses that weed out the undetermined and reward the stalwart. This was a day of persistence, powder and payoff.
I dropped in with top-to-bottom face shots, then continued for lap after lap of waist-deep powder. I now know how good Mineral Basin can be.
The following shot was taken on the way up Mineral Express lift at 1:30 pm--still plenty of pow to be had!
Alta Ski Resort on New Year's Day
Posted by Jason on January 1, 2008
After days and days of cold, snowy weather, New Year's Day turned out to be bluebird and much warmer. Along with most resorts in the state, Alta Ski Area began digging out and re-opening some of the best terrain on the mountain. At Alta, the best terrain is never just under the liftline--it's always after pushing your way on a long traverse that sometimes ends up being more like a Chinese Downhill.
With most resorts digging out from storm after storm, Alta began opening up some of the best terrain on the mountain. We showed up just in time to enjoy the great terrain and snow off the backside traverse into the East Greely area.
Having just missed the opening of the backside traverse, we were left to ski sloppy seconds and search for the untracked in the trees and more difficult areas to access. Lap after lap off the traverse and into Gunsight and Glory Hole gave up some of the finest turns of the day.
The next time you're at Alta, don't forget to test your skills on the myriad of traverses... you'll be glad you did. Conditions are stellar and we're looking at a few days of sunshine before we enter another storm cycle.
Sundance Resort: Local but Far Away
Posted by Jason on December 28, 2007
The local crowd at Sundance is always strong. With two large universities (BYU and UVSU) and many growing families looking for an inexpensive and fun place to ski, Sundance has a lot to offer. When you try to compare Sundance with other resorts to the North, there's a huge X-factor that Sundance has going for it. That X-factor is the sheer beauty of the place.
During my college days, I had two years with a full season pass to Sundance, so I know the place pretty well. Hitting it again today conjured up many of those long-forgotten memories like seeing Robert Redford standing in a lift line, watching the kids from the Sundance Ski Team rip up the mountain (US Ski Team Member, Steven Nyman grew up skiing at Sundance) and hucking off what we call Bishop's Rock.
Just 15 minutes from Provo and Orem, Sundance is a great local's hill with plenty going for it. The upper mountain houses some great glades, groomers and some great bowl skiing off the summit. Though it only tips the scales at 450 skiable acres, there's enough variety and amenities to keep the whole family entertained--all for a reasonable $45 lift ticket (only $35 midweek non-holiday!).
If you hit it on a cold (4 degrees in the parking lot today) or snowy day, you'll likely have the entire upper mountain to yourself--like we did. The little secret of Sundance is when we get the occasional southern storm. Instead of pummeling Little and Big Cottonwood, Sundance and Deer Valley are the ones that get pounded from the southwest flow. So, check the weather... if we're getting snow from the south, hit Sundance and you'll have one of the most beautiful resorts in the state all to yourself.
Deer Valley Opens Lady Morgan Express Lift
Posted by Jason on December 27, 2007
Immaculate corduroy, impeccable service, short lift lines, amazing turkey chili, fast lifts and tree skiing--all great ways to describe the experience you'll have at Deer Valley Resort. Consistently rated at the top of Skiing Magazine's Top 10 Resorts (Rated #1 This Year), Deer Valley is the destination for those seeking the ultimate skiing experience.
When anyone asks me why I like skiing at Deer Valley so much, I tell them all about the great tree skiing and hidden powder stashes throughout the mountain. Most folks at Deer Valley don't stray too far from the groomers--leaving untold stashes for the adventurous. Deer Valley already had great tree skiing and all-new for 2008 is the Lady Morgan Express Chair--providing access to over 200 acres of steep, gladed terrain with 1150 feet of thigh-pounding vertical.
We were on hand to witness the ribbon-cutting and created a quick video of the highlights. Check it out:
If you're heading to Deer Valley this season, be sure to hit Lady Morgan for some phenomenal Utah tree skiing.
