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A sleigh ride and dinner...family fun at The Canyons
Posted by Jodi Saeland on March 12, 2010
After a big day of skiing, now what do you do with the kids? Going out to dinner can be challenging with little guys if they're anything like mine...sitting still for 5 minutes at a time and then wanting to "get down" and hoping they don't break something. If you're vacationing, you always have your eye out for somewhere that is family friendly and has a louder atmosphere so it will drown out the noise coming from your own table.
I would definitely suggest the Sleigh ride and dinner at the Cabin Restaurant at The Canyons. The Canyons is the largest resort in Utah and is constantly expanding it's wonderful facilities. I have to admit I've not done a lot of skiing at The Canyons, but can tell you it has top notch facilities. Once you pull off the main road into Park City, you can park in a parking lot and take a Gondola right up to the resort. No lugging your skis and kids all over through parking lots...up you go!
Since we arrived after ski hours, we parked very close to the base of the resort and were told to meet just outside of Docs. We knew we were going on a sleigh ride, so we were dressed like we were heading to Mt Everest for a hike. There are several different times you can choose from; from before sunset to after sunset. Since there was a full moon, I was hoping to get a glimpse on our ride. The high clouds kind of did away with that wish. As we're waiting for our escort, we can see the horses and sleigh up the hill a bit. Yea!! Here comes our "cowboy" to get us; chaps and all. We walk a little ways up the hill and load the wagon. There are 2 other families with us. Blankets are provided, so we can sit back and watch our 2 Belgians pull us up the mountain. If you've never been to a ski resort after hours, it is so peaceful! Everyone has gone home and it's just you. The sound of the horses pulling us in the sleigh and wait...we spot a moose having his dinner up the mountain! Our driver was very friendly and of course it was a wonderful 30 minute ride through the resort with the kids. A great activity and not too long for the kids.
We're dropped back off where we started, kids give horses a hug and now it's time for dinner. Now, I am not an eater. Meaning, I eat to survive, not to "dine". Pizza and french fries are fine with me. Heading to the Cabin Restaurant, I can tell we're not having pizza :) A very warm atmosphere with a rustic feel and it is comfortable and kid friendly. Since we have the sleigh ride/dinner package, dinner is already decided for us. Good with me, I don't have to think. A beautiful 4 course meal; Butternut squash bisque I would highly recommend, cheese fondue, a roasted meat platter with 4 different types of meat served with potatoes, veggies and mushrooms (my favorite). Now that I'm stuffed, the desert is a pastry from the Chef. The kids have their own menu to choose from; of course the platters have more than enough for all of us. Now we need to just get our tired, stuffed bodies back to Salt Lake :) If you don't have the kids, there is a bar area where there was live music playing and a very festive atmosphere.
A great family friendly night! Great food, enjoyable sleigh ride and you could do it as a family vs trying to find a babysitter. After all, if you're on vacation as a family you need those places that welcome that. Well worth the price for an enjoyable evening! If you have other family friendly restaurants, activities you'd like to share, let me know.
Sweet Spring Powder at the Bird
Posted by The Ski Utah Yeti on March 8, 2010
Have you skied powder lately? Well, there is plenty of it to be found in Utah. Check out this video shot this past weekend at Snowbird. And, don't forget that you could still win a free trip to come ski with me by becoming a fan of the Ski Utah Yeti page on Facebook by Wednesday, March 10!
Ski extravaganza at Deer Valley
Posted by Jodi Saeland on March 7, 2010
After 6 Friday afternoon lessons at Deer Valley, we have arrived at the Ski Extravaganza. It is the last day of lessons and the kids put on a little show for the parents to show them what they have learned during their time. It is a beautiful day at Deer Valley and I've decided to take Brennan out to the moving carpet to see if he'll do a little skiing as well. After lugging all our equipment in and getting Emily sorted out, me and Bren head out. First off....way overdressed. Ok, up the hill we go anyway to get to the beginner area. I've done everything right...had snacks, water, change pants...what could really go wrong. Yep...you guessed it....he doesn't want to go! We go up once and he lays down on the ground and won't move. He's sweating because I've overdressed him and he's done before we started. Again, a lesson I've taught throughout my blog to everyone but myself, DON'T try to teach your 2 year old to ski. Get an instructor. At this age, if they don't want to do it...game over! So, we decide to lounge in the sun and wait for Emily's show to begin.
The show is for all the Bambi and Reindeers. Since Emily is 4, she's still a Bambi so she has had her lessons with Myles and one other little girl which has been nice. I've blogged about the whole program in a previous entry, but it really is nice to have the 2 on 1 lesson at this age. The kids get a lot of attention and can really learn almost one on one the correct techniques. If you can't quite afford a private lesson, this is definitely the way to go. Also, gaining the trust of the same instructor week after week, a good relationship is built. The kids get to know the routine of the day and can concentrate on building their skills vs wondering what is happening next.
After me and Brennan have had our sit time, let the show begin. I still have my ski boots on; so does Brennan. We stop to say hi to Ruby and then off we go.
A successful 6 weeks at Deer Valley and I would recommend it to anybody who has the time to bring the kids. It is well worth it and definitely an experience I won't forget. Thanks Myles...our Australian instructor at Deer Valley for the winter. Deer Valley employs many seasonal workers from Chile, Australia and New Zealand. A great global flare for the thousands of visitors every year. It also is a great place in the summer to mountain bike and hike as well. I would definitely check it out in the off season. It is quiet with beautiful scenery and you may have the mountain to yourself
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! 
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.
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.
The Big LePowSki Returns to Brighton Feb 26-27.
Posted by The Ski Utah Yeti on February 22, 2010
The event kicks off on Thursday, February 25th with the Winter Wildlands Alliance Backcountry Film Festival at the State Room on 638 S. State Street Salt Lake City. This film festival highlights backcountry ski and snowboard films. $10 per person and all money goes to the Winter Wildlands Association. Must be 21 or older to attend.
On Saturday February 27th the clinics kick into gear at Brighton Ski Resort with a morning and afternoon classes including: Avalanche Beacon Workshop, Backcountry Basics, Freeride Film Workshop, Freeride Photo Workshop, Freeride Workshops, Park Tricks, Splitboarding 101, Steeps Clinics, and women specifics Clinics. Registration is $75 and can be done at www.thebiglepowski.com. If you want to get a leg up on learning new skills for the backcountry this is a great place to start.
Finally on Saturday February 27th, don't miss the The Big LePowSki / Salt Lake Shoot Out Party to Benefit The Billy Poole Fund. Located at Club Elevate in Salt Lake City (149 W 200 So), the party features a silent auction that benefits the Billy Poole fund, live music, and features the work of photographers from the Salt Lake Shoot Out. Tickets are $10 and go to the Billy Poole Fund.
If all that wasn't enough to get you to attend, check out this video from last years event.
Big LePowSki 2009—Brighton, Utah from Black Diamond Equipment on Vimeo.
Clothes, snacks and tips I've learned skiing with the little ones
Posted by Jodi Saeland on February 13, 2010
Everyone heads to the slopes to have a good time. With little ones, this means also staying warm enough, being well fed and NOT tired.
As far as clothes go...I go the cheap route. At least when they're 4 and under. I take Em to her lessons and see a lot of the kids outfitted from head to toe in designer gear. Not us... we have Target brand all over. You know it is hard enough to keep the kids in shoes, pants, socks from year to year let alone jackets and boots. So, I decided that for the first few years, we'd get our snowpants and boots from Target. Ok, I know it's not cool, but up until now; they've worn their winter gear about 10 times max. Now that Em is a skier, we're going for the big time next year! This time of the year is the BEST time to shop. All the winter stuff goes on sale and you can stock up for next year so your kids don't have to wear the Target brand. By the way, snowpants and boots aren't that warm. Check out Ski n' See. They post new deals every week and if you keep up on it, you can really save a lot over time. After all, we can't afford the $150 ski pants for our kids; but keep an eye on end of the year sales and it is worth it as they are waterproof and much warmer than my generic brands; but they've worked until now.
As far as underlayers, I would invest in a good long john, underwear every year. Layering is best. Patagonia makes a nice underlayer and is worth the money. Get the tops and bottoms. Ski n' See will have a variety to choose from. You can wear them even on a day in spring/early summer in the mountains if it's cool. If you're like me, you justify expensive clothes if you can pass them down to another child. Since we have cheap snowpants, I also put another fleece-like pant over the long johns to ensure they stay warm.
Socks.... had a bad experience to start and then found the RIGHT sock. We got a Euro brand. They are long..you don't want short socks as they bunch up right at the ankle where the ski boot hits and causes pain. Also, get one with a good elastic on the top. They will stay up all day. NEVER cotton. Good socks...another important investment. If the kiddos have cold feet or sore feet...miserable day for all. Another tip... put sock OVER the long johns and pull the long johns up a bit over the ankle. If that bottom cuffed part is at their ankle....pain...it bunches when you tighten the ski boot.
On top... good jacket. No, we didn't go Target with the jacket. Make sure it is waterproof. You can buy up a size and get 2 seasons of wear out of it. Put the long john layer on and maybe a sweatshirt/sweater over that. If they get too hot, they can always take their sweater off; if you don't have it...too cold...miserable.
ALWAYS get a helmet. When we were fitted with our skis at Ski n' See, we also were fitted with helmets. They will help you find the right fit for your kids. They won't need a hat as the helmet is lined. Get them a gator. It is a fleece piece that slides over your head and you wear at your neck. Keeps the neck warm and you can pull it over the cheeks as well. An inexpensive must have for every skier. They will also need goggles (gobbles as Emily calls them). Your retail person will also help you find the right fit for the kids. You don't want them too big.
Mittens....probably the most frustration I've had. Which are the best, which don't work. How many of you have lost mits, bought them and put them in a bucket? Let's count how many $$ you've spent and continue to spend on these!! My pick...Scott. Don't get the zip ones on the side...it is impossible to zip them over the jacket. Em has some old Scott ones that are long with no zips and gadgets. They have a big elastic so you can put their hands in and then stretch the elastic like crazy to go up and over the jacket and 1/2 way up their arm to stay on. No falling, no losing them, no trying to put the jacket over the mits ...sorry, doesn't work. If you find these, buy 3!
Snacks....kids are always hungry. Emily woke me this morning to tell me "I'm starving to death". Since you are in the cold, I pack the pre-packaged cheese, cheese sticks. They go well in a pocket and stay cold. Trail mix in a baggie a good treat. They get peanuts, raisins and a little treat of m and m's. Anything like crackers, goldfish..no; they crumble up. Also, granala bars... turn into weapons. Come on, you know you'll need a trip to the dentist after biting into one of those frozen bars. Fruit chews work well. Those little bags are small and fit into your pocket. After skiing, you can treat yourself to a yummy burger at the resorts or you can pack a cooler in the car with some sandwichs and have a little picnic when you're done. If your kids are like mine, they think that is great fun!
Nap before you go or get an early start. When they are tired..forget it! Make sure they are hydrated, but use potty before you start. Instructors are very good at taking potty breaks and making sure they have enough to drink. It is amazing how people forget to drink plenty of water when out west. Remember...it's very dry here.
In the coming weeks, we are going to take part in some non-ski family activities. After all, those little legs get tired faster than our big legs and you still need to entertain them. Stay tuned for that and as always...if you have some great suggestions for gear; let me know. Happy shopping as the sales begin!
Emily continues her weekly lesson at Deer Valley. Her first blue run last week!! Will let you know how the finale goes. They will be doing a little show...I'll have video of that. In being creative and keeping Brennan busy while Em was skiing, we went to visit a fire station. 
Emily does her first green run and Brennan..isn't sure at Brighton
Posted by Jodi Saeland on February 3, 2010
I've been waiting and the wait is over. Emily is doing the greens!! My goal by the end of the season was for her to do some green runs with me and we're already there!! It was such a proud moment!! We went up to Brighton because we decided to give Brennan another go at the skiing thing. As in previous blogs, I mentioned we bonded with Gina as an instructor. I cannot stress enough the importance of finding a good instructor and sticking with him/her. Get a lesson, get their name and stick with the same person if possible. Especially when they are young. Brennan doesn't trust very many, so important for him. I also thought the green runs are so nice at Brighton. If you find runs you are comfortable with and know well, that is the best place to go when taking the little guys on your own.
Brennan got to ski school and was ready to go ahead with Gina once again. Emily was very excited to show Gina what she's learned in her lessons at Deer Valley the last few weeks. Most of the resorts with have a cheaper lift ticket you can purchase for just the beginner runs which is a savings on a family if you know you or your kids are not going to ski the whole mountain, purchase the 1-2 lifts ticket and get your feet wet first on the mountain and then maybe the next day you can get a regular priced ticket. You can also get discounted tickets at many places before you head up to the mountain including ski n' see. It will save you a few dollars.
Emily and I headed up the beginner lift so she could show Gina how she was doing and also to see how Brennan would do. Emily "didn't want any help, I can do it myself", so I helped her on the lift and off, but that was it. It had also started to snow...so SCORE for me! We get to the top and Brighton has a wonderful setup with Polar Bear wooden cutouts. It is something for the kids to head toward while skiiing down the mountain...practicing turns, slowing... Emily did this early in the season with Gina and they named the polar bears. Miss "I remember everything" remembered this and when we were all off the chairlift, she made a point of calling out the names. Also, "Gina, watch me". Meanwhile, Gina is trying to control Brennan. He doesn't really want to stand up, just wants to be held up by Gina. A task with the 2 year olds. Gina got clever toward the bottom and just stood him up and of course he can do it. We all have that child who can convince us they need "help" when really they are capable of doing it themselves. This is why an instructor is good...you get frustrated, they don't. Thanks Gina!
After seeing Brennan sort of "do his thing", Gina said she felt Em was ready for the lift. So, Majestic...here we come. As we're skiing away from the beginner run I hear Brennan say he needs "a little rest". Good luck! Highest lift Emily has been on and she's looking down and getting a little scared. Under Majestic is the 1/2 pipe and all the rails and snowboard fun. I'm trying to explain we are not going down there, not even Mommy is doing that. But, in a 4 year old mind, that's scary! We get to the top, BEAUTIFUL snow falling...love the Utah powder.. and away we go. Emily is confident! Not crazy daring, but sure of herself. Awesome! We go down this green slope and see maybe 2-3 people, snow is falling and Emily is doing great. Great tree lined run, beautiful and great for our first run. I'm so proud, I could burst!
I get a text from Gina; they're back in the ski school room. Brennan is done. That's ok. Em and I arrive to Gina looking at books, drinking hot chocolate and Bren is happy as can be. He did ok and as well at 2 as expected. Now if he would just be more independent... Maybe next time. Again, every experience he has is great. DON'T push, don't criticize, just encourage and make it fun and he'll want to come back. Gina has been great at that and I think it is one of the reasons Emily is doing so well.
I've been asked what is the best age. My answer...it depends on the child. I would say 4. Try at 2, try at 3 and be assured at 4 they are ready. I think by the exposure at 2 and 3; even for an hour here or there to put it in their head; but at 4 they are really ready to try and will remember from the years before. If your child is more independent, they may do well and take off earlier, but I feel 4 has been a great age. Emily was on skis at 2 and 3, but something clicked this year.
I have one question as you watch the videos of the kids. My husband and I had a discussion as I was filming Em skiing ahead of me . As a parent, do you go in front of them or behind? My husband thinks in front; I'm not sure
Next blog...let's talk what clothing is good/bad and what about snacks?
Trying out daycare with one child while keeping an eye on the other in ski lessons...
Posted by Jodi Saeland on January 28, 2010
Brennan has not been a daycare child. We've been fortunate that one parent has stayed home. For those that have boys...don't know if yours are like mine... but there is a little separation anxiety. A GREAT place to take them is to Deer Valley. Brennan has been there a few times and all experiences have been very positive. The good thing is that the child care and the ski lessons are in the same place. Once you register your child-have emergency contacts in mind and any allergies. What made me very comfortable is the security. You get an "invisible" stamp on your hand. In order to move into the child care area, your hand will be scanned and there is a person that must "buzz" you in through the door. As a parent, this makes you feel very secure.
There is a general play area with lots of ride on toys, jungle gym and everyones cubbys. There are indivual rooms for the age of the child in a different area. Since Brennan is still 2, we head to the Big Tot room. Problem...it is nap time at 12:30 and he isn't interested. Now, if everyone else is sleeping and your child doesn't, there are movies and quiet time to be had. Bren found all the trucks and toys and was happy until I was leaving. OH OH!! Scream!!!!!!!!!!! I'm thinking "please don't wake everyone up". I left and was informed he didn't cooperate too well. But, with professional caregivers, they did their thing and I was able to go out to ski-sorry guys.
The child care facility is a great option for those that have young ones and want to spend the day skiing. They will take them as young as 2 months! You drop them in the AM before the lifts open and pick them up by 4:30. They will also coordinate with ski school. If you have a 3 year and they are potty trained (sorry Brennan, not yet), there is a Fawn program. This is an hour long private lesson coordinated with the day care staff. Your child can get out and get the feel of their skis and boots.
Since Emily is in the weekly lessons, she is doing her thing in the Bambi program. Quite a blustery, snowy day, so she just stayed on the bunny hill. But...doing great!! Love the fact that it is one instructor to 2 kids. Next lesson...straight to the green slopes with the "big boys".
Couple of hints on equipment. First off, make sure the boots are fitting correctly. When we were fitted at Ski n' See, they took the childs liner OUT of the boot and then put it on. You can see if there is enough room in the boot. You don't want it too big as their foot will move around. When it's snowing, get your child a gator! If you don't know what that is...find out!! Ski n' See will have plenty! It is like a big fleece "sock" around your neck. NEVER use a scarf. Would be scary to imagine what could happen if those dangling ends got stuck.
So, next week...off to the green slopes for Emily and she just got a fresh wax on her skis. With our season rentals at Ski n' See, they do it for free!! Can't beat that.
Skiing is awesome now with all this new snow!! I've been trying to get out as much as possible. Carrying kids and equipment...I'm tired before I start. Ok, say it...I must be out of shape. That's why at Deer Valley, you get the shuttle from the parking lot!
Utah sets Winter Dew Tour attendance mark!
Posted by The Ski Utah Yeti on January 21, 2010
Thanks to the 30,000 fans who represented a record crowd this past weekend at Snowbasin resort. Did you miss out on the action? Don’t worry, Ski Utah did the Dew Tour, check out the video.
Powder Day Video
Posted by The Ski Utah Yeti on January 21, 2010
January 20th was a great 15 inch powder day. More snow is on the way!
