Articles Related To: Skiing

Until Next Year!

Does your type of ski really matter? What I've learned...it does!

I've always had the mindset that you get really good boots and then just get some cheap skis. Well...I've changed my mind! The last couple of years, we've got our rentals from Ski N' See. I've learned a lot! First, you do want good boots. I'd spend a bit of money on boots. If your feet hurt, forget it...your day is ruined. When you go into get rentals, you'll want to talk about boot options. If you have a narrow foot or wide foot, it will make a difference. Race type boots tend to be more narrow. Let's face it, most of us aren't racers. I tend to like a lower on the calf boot with a wider fit. Feels a little bit more comfortable for me. As for the kids. When they are little, a rear entry boot is better. I had a talk with the manager of Ski N' See about boots for kids. Kids need comfortable boots that go on quick. The rear entry boots don't have all the buckets across the top. I asked Ski N' See about that and they said until they get a little older and are really doing some big turns and more agressive turns, they don't need them. I noticed some kids in Em's class had them. Both my kids had the rear entry and they were fine. (note the picture)

The Saturday Adventure at Park City...AWESOME wrap!

After 10 weeks of a great program for Emily, her Saturday Adventure at Park City Mountain Resort (PCMR) is over. It was everything I thought it would be and more. There are events in your kids life you will remember and look back on...this is one of them for us.

It started back in early January with a placement day. Em was placed in a class with kids of equal ability and she developed new friends and especially a true trust and bond with her instructor, Lacey. Every Saturday we got up really early, packed the car and made the journey to Park City. I packed the car with enough stuff that my husband asked "are you going skiing or camping?" The class started at 9:15 and didn't end until 3 PM. A big day for a little girl and a big day for this Mom bonding with her 3 year old, just turned 4, Brennan. Of course, this program isn't for everyone. If you're a visitor to Utah, you obviously are going to do a one day or multi day lesson for your child. If you are a seasonal or local Utahn, this is the program for you! I've done many lessons and programs over the last couple of years. They are all different and have different things to offer. This program proved to be all the good things in one. We were lucky to have been placed with Lacey. I can't say enough about the role of a good instructor. It either makes or breaks a child. If they bond, have trust and have a big smile at the end of the day...you scored! We scored in Lacey. I found the combo of caring and tough love a great balance.

Bren turns 4 and becomes a Bambi at Deer Valley, Emily does the Park City Nastar course and talking green trails at the resorts!

So, ski season is winding down and the kids have done so well! Brennan turned 4 this week and it opens up a whole new set of lessons he can enroll in! Most resorts keep the kids 3 and under in a daycare setting with a one hour lesson. Brennan did that at Deer Valley earlier in the season when he was a Fawn. Now, he is a Bambi! This is a big deal! A one hour lesson as a Fawn and in the daycare or a 2 1/2 hour lesson as a Bambi in Bambiland! He was excited and felt pretty big about the situation. We dropped Emily off at Park City for her Saturday Adventure in which she takes part in the Nastar course (video to follow) and Bren and I head over to Deer Valley. The beauty of Utah and Park City is that you can do that. There are 3 resorts in the area close by...The Canyons, Deer Valley and Park City Mountain Resort.

Bring Newbies Skiing

Phat Tuesday and the Overlap of Winter and Spring

Spring is coming to Utah. Which usually means, yup, more Winter. I can hardly wait.

Extend your Utah ski vacation and head to Moab!

Utah is an unbelievable state in that you can go from an 11,000' mountains in the north to red rock country in the south. Utah has the most National Parks in one state of any other state in the union. Within a 3-4 hour drive of Salt Lake City, you can be in the most amazing red rock country and the best mountain biking in the country. March is also a great weather month in Utah. On average, it is the second snowist month. Skiing is awesome, with huge bases at the resorts and it's not too cold. It is also a month where the valleys start to warm up, the days get longer and southern Utah is pushing 70 degrees. So, after you've done your ski vacation, take 3 extra days and drive down to southern Utah. You won't be disappointed and you'll be planning a quick return!

So, with that said, we did our Saturday skiing at Park City. Emily continues to do great in her Saturday Adventure program! Also, Brennan is up and running on the green runs like a champ. More on this in the next blog.

Lines In The Snow

What's the funniest random thing you have ever heard while waiting in a line? Come on, post it in the comments.

Brenny and Mom ski The Bird and talking Utah weather

I'm going to cover 2 different topics. A quick synopsis of my background: I am a Meteorologist. I have been in the broadcast industry for nearly 20 years (OK, I'm aging myself) and until recently, worked full time as the main Meteorologist for the Fox affiliate here in Salt Lake. I know do freelance weather for the local NBC affiliate in SLC. I'm telling you this because I'd like to give you a little info on SLC weather and a little mountain Meteorology and why Utah really has "The Greatest Snow on Earth".

Second topic will be one of the best ski days I've ever had! A powder day at Snowbird with a 3 year old staying on the Chickadee lift and watching him have such a great time! A mother/son day of skiing and lunch...doesn't get any better or make me more proud!

Why Demo Skis?

How Do Your Ski Boots Fit?

Em does an obstacle course, Bren does Sig 3 and talking daycare!

For weeks now, I've talked about the weekly ski programs the kids are in at Park City Mountain Resort. Emily continues to do so well in her Saturday Adventure and Bren did another Signature 3 class. I'll give you a quick update with some cute video and then I want to talk a little about daycare since that is so important if you are an out of town visitor and have little guys.

Are You In?

Kids FINALLY hit the slopes together at Brighton!!

This blog is short and sweet! After a great year of lessons last year for Emily and a GREAT start for Brennan this year, I got the kids up the Majestic lift at Brighton. It was kind of fitting since their first lessons were at Brighton last year! I'm not going to mention that when Brennan got to the top, he decided he was done skiing.

Enjoy!

Sundance 2012

Getting Nordic With White Pine Touring

While the bro-bras blabber about how fat their rocker skis are, the Nordic skier focuses on technique more sublime, like how to glide across the snow on skis that are about 40mm wide underfoot.

The BIG Saturday Adventure Program at Park City

We are lucky to live in Utah! The program I'm going to tell you about is either for those that live here or winter here in Utah for 10 weeks. Basically, it is a 10 week program for 5-6 year olds. It is called the Saturday Adventure. It takes place at Park City Mountain Resort. I'm going to say right now....Emily is very lucky! How many kids at 5 years old get to ski every Saturday from 9:15-3pm? In fact, how many Moms get to ski every Saturday? I'll give you a hint...not many and not me!

A day at Sundance...a place of beauty!

There are so many choices of ski resorts in Utah. That is what is so special! From the Park City resorts to Ogden Canyon to southern Utah. But, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful is Sundance. There is a reason Robert Redford picked this location. I have to admit, I've not skiied here a lot. I'm also a big hiker and one of the greatest Utah hikes is Mt Timpanogas. It is the face you see at Sundance when you are skiing. Now sure, there are bigger resorts, but if you're looking for a relaxed day of skiing, great food and stunning views...head here.

Family Christmas Traditions....our Christmas Eve at Alta and Snowbird

First Chair at Eagle Point

I was there, dude. First Chair at Ski Eagle Point.

The first ski day of the season...take it EASY on the little guys and FREE skiing under 6!

The snow has arrived in full force and we're looking at a pretty great start to the season and hopefully a good snow year thanks to La Nina. That is a discussion for another blog.

So, we've rented the skis and we're ready to head out. Now, I'm not as mobile as my other fellow bloggers. With my equipment, Emily's, Brennan's and 2 kids in tow....it takes us awhile. The key is to pick a day when everyone is rested and happy....otherwise, you'll be very crabby by the end of the day :)

I thought I'd take Emily first alone. Just to get her "ski legs". What's that? Well, for those of you who have skied before, it is the first day of the season to take it easy and sort of "remember" how to ski. After our very successful season last year with Emily, I thought, no biggie...she's ready to go straight up the lift. NOOOO! Last run of last year was down the tram at Snowbird. For those that haven't skiied much, it is a challenging run for us adults let alone the kids.

Renting skis and getting the season started

There are 2 options with skis; season rentals or daily rentals. Season rentals are normally done in the fall. You rent for the whole season for a very decent price. If the kids feet grow, head back to the shop and they'll swap out your skis/boots. Also, you get free wax when you need it. Definitely the way to go with kids! After all, it's about saving money, isn't it? To buy them skis each year when you can't even keep them in shoes is hard to do. If you do daily rentals, I've got a deal for you! Ski n' See will give you an extra 25% off your daily or extended daily rental at any of it's locations if you go onto the rental page and in the promo code, fill out PRIMARY for the month of December. There are several different levels of skis to rent. The price of the daily rental depends on what skis you want. If you're like me, you don't really know the difference. The demo skis are the newest and best technology of skis. If you want to save some money, you can rent the sport package.

Powderhound Cat's Snowy Thanksgiving!

Getting There: The Cottonwoods

Which Utah Ski Resort Is For You?

A little bit of weather and a whole lot of little kids!

I'll do a little intro for those that didn't follow my blog last year. My name is Jodi Saeland and I am a Mom first and foremost and a Meteorologist second. A year and a half ago I decided to leave my Broadcasting job for the stay at home Mom job. Wow! Big shout out to all the Moms out there! Hardest, yet most rewarding job there is. I have recently started back to work on a minimal basis as a broadcast Meteorologist once again. So, I will be sharing my weather knowledge of this winter with you all.

The other part of my blog will be the trials of teaching, or continuing to teach, my kids to ski.

Introducing Powderhound Cat