Ski Utah Blog - Articles by Author Chris
Showing 10 articles out of 14.
Snowy Surprises at Alta
Posted by Chris on August 6, 2009
I woke up late this morning and had to sacrifice my ritualistic snow report session in order to get my roomate to work in time. I had heard from friends that Tuesday was a blue sky powder day and that there might be some snow left for me on Wednesday morning.
To my suprise, I arrived at Alta's Wildcat base on snowy roads and 3 inches of fresh snow dusting the cars parked in the lot. By the end of the day we were skiing on 9 inches of fresh with pockets of thigh and waist deep powder in the trees and chutes. The best snow was found by taking the high traverse from the Collins lift to High Rustler and High Nowhere.
Here are a few pictures from our escapade:
Snowy Surprises at Alta
Posted by Chris on January 28, 2009
I woke up late this morning and had to sacrifice my ritualistic snow report session in order to get my roomate to work in time. I had heard from friends that Tuesday was a blue sky powder day and that there might be some snow left for me on Wednesday morning.
To my suprise, I arrived at Alta's Wildcat base on snowy roads and 3 inches of fresh snow dusting the cars parked in the lot. By the end of the day we were skiing on 9 inches of fresh with pockets of thigh and waist deep powder in the trees and chutes. The best snow was found by taking the high traverse from the Collins lift to High Rustler and High Nowhere.
Here are a few pictures from our escapade:
a great day to be skiing at Snowbird
Posted by Chris on January 8, 2009
Fresh snow, warm weather, and blue skies made Wednesday a great day to be skiing at Snowbird.
Here are a few of the pictures I took of my friend, Tim, at Snowbird.
Paradise Found at Powder Mountain
Posted by Chris on January 5, 2009
Ever seen the movie Out Cold? The line "Don't Go Changin'" pretty much sums it up. It's the kind of place where the employees are more excited to be there then you can even imagine (And they are just about the only people you are going to run into on the Mountain). It's just the way I picture Alta about 30 years ago.
The last few runs were spent collecting faceshots in Powder Country, an area of 1,200 additional acres that are serviced by a shuttle bus.
It's going to be a very white Christmas at Snowbird
Posted by Chris on December 22, 2008
With 12 inches of fresh powder within the last twenty-four hours, today's conditions at Snowbird couldn't have been better. Well, that's almost true. They are actually going to get even better!
The National Weather Service is predicting another 4-8 inches of snow from the southwest before tomorrow morning.
After that passes, another storm is expected to bring us snow from the northwest on Tuesday afternoon. But wait, 
The bottom line is that it is going to be a very white Christmas at Snowbird. One you won't want to miss.
If you can't make it out here in the next few day's, don't fret, there is more snow on its way. January is destined to be an amazing month. Get the hookup with Snowbird's January Ski Free Special.
This "Hot Deal" includes accommodations and two Tram and Chair passes per night of stay. *Rates start at $135 per person per night based on double occupancy.
Powderhorn Lift Open at Solitude
Posted by Chris on December 15, 2008
The storm that hit on Friday and Saturday dumped over 10 inches of fresh powder on the Wasatch Front. Anticipating a great day of skiing, my buddy and I grabbed our gear, packed the car, and headed up to Solitude Mountain Resort.
We got word that the Powderhorn lift had opened for the first time this season. Strapping on our skis, we headed up the lift and found exactly what we were looking for. No lines and lots of powder. The next few hours were spent blissfully frolicking in the deep mellow powder of Rhapsody, Paradise, and Diamond Lane.
After a solid day of skiing, we headed into the Argenta Pub at the Moonbeam Lodge. The argenta pub is a cozy little place to enjoying some local beers and catch up on NFL Football while you wait for those toes to warm up.
While there may be lots of fresh snow the next time you head up Big Cottomwood Canyons, keep in mind that early season conditions do exist. So, take it slow and enjoy the ride. It just might save you a few trips to the ski shop.
Snow and Demo's at The Canyons
Posted by Chris on December 14, 2008
With plenty of snow in the air and on the slopes, the Canyons had their annual demo day. At the event, skiiers and snowboarders were able to try out this seasons newest gear for themselves.
Despite cold tempatures, the mood was festive and the turn out was big. With 13 vendors, this years demo day was the biggest ever. These Included:
Atomic, Rossignol, Volcom, Marker, Salomon, Nordica, K2 Skis, Goode, Never Summer, Forum, Roxy and Lib Tech.
A Bluebird Welcome in Utah...
Posted by Chris on December 8, 2008
- A Bluebird Day
Last week I moved back to Utah for the winter. I can't explain how excited I am to be here agian. It is going to be a great season.
After taking care of some essential business, it was time to dust off my skis and head up Little Cottonwood canyon to Snowbird.
It couldn't have been better. The sunny weather and blue skies we're perfect for an early season day on the slopes. The snow was good and the views were inspiring.
With two storms coming in this week and a solid base, it shouldn't be hard for everyone to find some freshies. Get psyched, grab your skis and hit the slopes. It's time for some skiing!
- The Tram
Sunshine and Powder at Sunshine and Powder at Solitude
Posted by Chris on January 26, 2008
Not only is Solitude known for its peaceful serenity, but it also has a reputation for its meticulously groomed runs, abundance of tree skiing, its wide open bowls. We spent our first two runs on Parachute and Milk Run which we accessed from the Powder Horn lift. These runs are where incredibly steep slopes, cliffs, and an ancient forest combine to hide deep powder pockets for days after a storm.
After that, we headed over to the famous Honeycomb Canyon via Summit
lift. We didn't need to go far to find open bowl powder skiing. The
first run off the Summit lift, Black Bess, produced amazing results and
after my second turn I was beginning to chock on a mouthful of the
finest Utah powder. Two-thousand vertical feet later we were at the 
Solitude has the convenience of being right by the city, but gives you the feeling that your not. It is a unique place in the world of skiing, with stellar views and fun runs, not to mention the untracked powder that lasts for days.
Park Peek @ Brighton
Posted by Chris on January 18, 2008
It
hadn't snowed in a few days so Bryce and I decided that it was about
time for a park day. We drove the 25 miles from Salt Lake City to Brighton Ski Resort.
The weather report said that it would be cloudy but when we got up to
the mountain it was once again puking snow. Not the best conditions for
a park day but still fun. We got our lift tickets, grabbed our Bluehouse Demo Skis and then 
The sweet thing about the way the 4 parks are set up at Brighton is you can hit them all in one top-to-bottom run off the Crest Express Lift. Getting off the lift you'll start out in the My-O-My and then head over to the Candyland park. If you stay straight and cut through the trees at the end of the Candyland park you will end up in upper and lower Majestic, with the choice of skipping out on lower Majestic to hit the half pipe (the half pipe isn't open yet).
Regardless of what park you hit, you are destined to find tons of rails, wall rides, and special features unique to Brighton. The park crew does an excellent job of maintaining their park and is always mixing things up. The best way to find out what features are currently present is by going to Brighton's Terrain Park website.
If you get ever get sick of the park, and trust me, you won't, head over to the new Milly Express lift and jib the numerous natural features on that side of the mountain.
