Ski Utah Blog - Related Articles
Showing 10 articles out of 77.
Photos from the 4 Area Interconnect Tour
Posted by The Ski Utah Yeti on February 5, 2010
When people talk about the Ski Utah Interconnect Tour they usually think of the 6 area tour that goes through Deer Valley, Park City Mountain Resort, Solitude, Brighton, Alta, and Snowbird. But the 4 area Interconnect Tour going through Snowbird, Alta, Brighton, and Solitude offers an arguably better backcountry experience. Check out the photos from yesterday's 4 area tour.
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?
Favorite Runs
Posted by Ray Grass on January 26, 2010
I rode up the lift last week at Park City Mountain Resort with a gentleman from California who is planning a move to Park City. Jeremy Ranch was, at that point, his area of choice -- convenient, mountain setting, quiet and no traffic problems, “nothing like California.’’
He asked the question: Which of the Utah resorts is my favorite?
Having skied all 13, I had to honestly tell him I liked them all and for varying reasons . . . the larger resorts for variety and long runs, smaller resorts for atmosphere and well established runs.
I told him I’ve had great skiing at all. Oh, I’ve had bad days when temperatures were below zero, high winds and blinding snow. But, even on those days I’ve enjoyed the skiing.
Personally, I like to ski different areas. Each has a look and feel of its own. It’s also fun to sample their signature meals.
He then asked if I had a favorite run. Tougher question. All total there are nearly 1,200 runs at the 13 Utah areas.
One thing I’ve done, and repeat on occasion, is make sure I ski a resort’s signature run. They all have one.
Five years back a group of five of us, led by Nathan Rafferty, now president of Ski Utah, skied 11 of Utah’s 13 resorts in a single day. We tried as best we could to hit the signature runs.
That, I would say, was one of my more incredible ski days.
Looking at some of the signature runs I’ve skied, I’d place Alf’s High Rustler at Alta at the top. Ski magazines have listed it as one of the country’s best with a “perfect fall line.’’ It’s steep and not easy to reach, but it is truly an exciting run.
Good skiers will like the Great Scott run at Snowbird. This wide open bowl has a 45-degree slope, making it one of the steepest runs in North America. Personally, though, I like Chip’s Run. It offers open bowls, tree-lined trails, moguls, groomed meadows and hairpin turns -- all within one run.
Jupiter Bowl is considered the signature run at Park City and I love the bowls and chutes in the area, but for absolute splendor I love Hidden Splendor. It is really a fantastically beautiful run.
The signature run at Solitude is Challenger and up the canyon at Brighton Sunshine. Challenger is, as the name suggests, a steep, challenging run. Sunshine is more of an intermediate run with incredible views.
If you want to get a greater appreciation for Olympic downhillers, test your nerves on Snowbasin’s signature run, the Grizzly Downhill, better known as the men’s downhill run for the 2002 Games. I can’t imagine skiing the run without a speed check.
One of my most memorable powder runs was in Powder Mountain’s Weber Bowl. It’s a wide open bowl with a 30-degree pitch, which makes it perfect for flowing turns on good powder days.
One of the runs at Deer Valley I enjoy most, and it’s considered its signature run, is Stein’s Way, named after the legendary Olympian Stein Eriksen. Why? Because it’s long, 4,500 feet, and has a slope perfectly suited for his classy, giant-slalom-style turns and my not-so-classy GS turns.
And, talking about GS turn, the signature run at The Canyons is 94 Turns. It got its name from the fact a good skier can make 94 GS turns from top to bottom. I made a few more.
Favorite runs? Impossible to say. There are simply too many really good runs and for one reason or another I’ve enjoyed them all.
Have you got a favorite? I’d love to know. Maybe there are great runs out there I haven’t skied.
Sometimes a little bribe helps....a 2 year old lesson at Brighton
Posted by Jodi Saeland on December 21, 2009
After a successful lesson with Emily at Brighton, we decided to give it a try with Brennan. Since we had success with Gina, I requested her to teach Brennan. With the little guys, it's all about FUN. Let's make it FUN. Emily was easy, bonded with Gina and took off. Could Brennan do that? NOOO! Gina greeted him and was happy and friendly; Brennan turns his head and wouldn't look. Ok, now what...we've driven all the way here, I am a DEDICATED Mom and don't even have my skis. It is an ugly inversion in the Salt Lake Valley and we can breath easy up in the mountains. (That whole inversion thing is for another blog.) Brennan gets a little stuffed horse to bond with..it's working! We head outside and grab the skis to walk to the lift. Of course, I carry him since he won't look at Gina. How many of you have one like this? :)
2 good things: he has his boots on and is standing in the snow. No to the skis yet. You have to ask yourself if they will do better with or without you. We try with at first since he likes Mom around. Not working...so I get out of sight. Still not working. Gina is VERY patient and now at least he's talking to her, but laying in the snow. I head back and decide it's time for ultimatums. He likes to be outside, doesn't want to go home. I give him a choice...put skis on and go up lift like a big boy or go home. Well, no choice there...on go the skis and mission accomplished.
Now, if you've ever watched your little guy or gal at 2 go up a big lift..well, let's just say I was so proud. He slid his feet up to the lift, Gina lifted him on and I now had the little horse and camera in hand as Brennan was heading up the mountain.
I watched as Gina had his hands and was having him slide his feet. The edgie wedgies were on and he was trying. (more on different types of edgie wedgies in another blog). Finally, Gina put him between her legs and held him under his arms and away they went down the hill. He wasn't crying, he held his weight up and was willing to go again. Gina said at that age, the toughest thing is their balance. She said it was good he held his own weight vs just leaning on her. OK, if you've ever tried to ski down a hill holding a child...takes certain muscles...of which I don't have...so THANKS GINA! So, work on balance with your little ones...slide their feet around outside...even at your house or the bottom of the ski hill. Let them get used to the feel of it and walking in skis.
One more time down, stuffed horse goes this time. After that, he's done. Gina promised hot chocolate, so good incentive. And of course...the button! I refered to the button in the last blog...a reward for their efforts. They get stickers every time they accomplish something. Brennan... well, he slid his feet, wasn't quite stopping, but got on the lift. In my opinion, a success. I don't think I could have gotton him on that lift. If you're a great skier and have the strength and patience and if your child will listen to you, give it a go. I'm thankful that Brighton had taken Brennan as a 2 year old. No, he's not potty trained, no it wasn't for longer than an hour; but at that age, those little legs are tired. If you come to Utah and wonder if YOUR 2 year old can try this, let me know. Give them a call at Brighton and set up a private lesson. I can now try to work on his sliding around. How much did he grasp...I think he remembers because he's mentioned his skiing. Emily is going again and he wants to go too. A good sign!
Have a wonderful Christmas...we'll be celebrating it in the mountains. More snow is headed our way...I made a deal with Mother Nature and Santa. ( I have that power as a Meteorologist:)
Emily's first ski lesson at Brighton
Posted by Jodi Saeland on December 16, 2009
I've talked with many of the resorts as to the best approach to getting Emily started and on her way to the best experience. All agree, lets start with a private lesson. Brighton has been talked about as having a great ski school for the little ones. The WONDERFUL thing about Brighton, is they WILL take Brennan at 2 years old! I am VERY excited for that one, but that will be another blog. As long as it is a private lesson, they will take a 2 year old out and encourage the parent to attend to learn how to teach the little guy.
There are 2 options for lessons, a private one on one with an instructor or a group lesson. I'm excited for the group lesson because it is a weekly lesson you can sign up for in which the child will have the same group and instructor every week. Like being in school, they learn to trust the instructor and get to know the kids in the class. I think it makes for a bonding experience and at times, a good competitive day for them.
One thing to think of BEFORE you sign up...is my child better in the AM or PM. I did PM, but Emily did get a bit tired and cranky...such is a 4 year old. Something to think about for future planning. Also, make sure they've eaten, gone potty, had enough to drink... Since it was a snowy day, I had a long johns layer and another layer underneath her jacket and snowpants. I didn't hear any complaints, so I think I had the clothing right on. With the helmet, no hat was needed. And of course we had the "gobbles".
Our lesson was at noon and as we approached the ski school, Gina met us outside as Emily took a spill in the snow from the walk from the car. Another no-no, don't walk in ski boots from the car...leads to lots of complaints. Just put them on when you get to the building. Emily has had male instructors in the past and asked if she'd have a "boy or girl". Now, if your child relates better to one vs the other, request that. Emily is at the age where she knows the difference, so she was quite excited about Gina. One thing I noticed right away, Gina got down to Emilys level, gave her a big welcome, got her excited and then we went in to get prepared. Like any teacher, to establish the trust is very important. So far, so good. Emily put her ski school apron on, Gina and I exchanged phone numbers and away I went for some "mommy" time. Emily headed to the bunny hill.
After an hour, Gina called to say they were taking a hot chocolate break and Em was doing great and had already been on the chairlift!! First time at Brighton, first chairlift. Now I've not skiied a lot at Brighton, but can I say "one of my best ski days in quite awhile"! Yes, I live in Utah, so yes, I'm a ski snob. There has to be fresh powder and the right conditions. It was! I am now a convert to skiing during the week, less crowds so shorter walk from the car, no lift lines and you have many runs almost to yourself. I don't know much about skis, but my new Volkl demo skis from Ski' N See were great. They were a bit wider, so I felt my turning was a little better.
Back to Emily...I meet her as she's headed out for another run. Gina gets her on the lift and gets her off by doing the "superman"....a way to get her to lean forward to get off vs leaning back and trying to hoist her off the lift. She used an "edgie wedgie". It is a conector that you put on the tips of the skis to hold them together and to get the kids to do the "pizza pie" or a wedge as they go down. Come on, we all still do that on occasion when stopping. It is a great gadget I need to learn a little bit more about. Em comes down the hill doing her "pizza pie" and I am impressed! She's not scared and she's doing it! I don't think at 4 I would have been doing that! Gina cheers her on all the way down. I have been told by some that the harness you connect to the kids isn't the way to go as it pulls them back instead of forcing them forward in the ski stance. Let me know your thoughts on this one.
Another question, 1 hour vs 2 for the kids.Em did 2 and I think for the first time out, too much. We'll try one next time until she gets better. She was tired, laying in snow and ready to be done. Brighton also does a little button badge for the kids. Everytime they learn a new thing on the badge, they get a sticker. We all use positive reinforcement at home and this worked. Em wanted her stickers. She'll bring back her badge next time. She's put it in her "special" box on her dresser at home. Even though Em was tired and getting cranky, Gina took her inside, looked at books, cheered her on and I feel she had a great positive experience. I'd like to use Gina again and have her take Brennan out for the first time. If you do find an instructor you like, get their name and you can request them again the next time you go out.
Mission accomplished, one lesson down and a great experience for Emily. Brighton certainly lived up to the reputation I've always heard about with the ski school. We'll be back in the next week. Another great thing, Brighton has a program where kids under 10 ski FREE with a paying adult. We're all under a budget and this gets you out with the kids to practice. They also do many charitable events throughout the year. Check out their web site. Also, note the lift ticket prices....AFFORDABLE! Night skiing is offered as well. They are known for being a snowboarders mountain, but as a skier...I had a great time!
Check in in the next week to see how the 2 year old lesson goes. Should be fun. I am just so excited I don't have to teach Brennan from scratch. He will learn skills from Gina to get us on our way.
Let me know your thoughts on edgie wedgies, 2 year old lessons, great experiences!
Quad Wednesdays At Brighton benefits Utah Food Bank
Posted by The Ski Utah Yeti on December 14, 2009
Brighton, UT (December 14, 2009) - Brighton Resort announces their 7th annual Quad Wednesday. For this Wednesday, December 16, skiers and snowboarders can purchase an area day pass for just $15.00 when they bring one full grocery bag of non-perishable food for a donation to the Utah Food Bank. For more information concerning types of food needed see the Utah Food Bank website at www.utahfoodbank.org Last year Brighton collected over 25,000 pounds of food. Don't miss this opportunity to help Utah's hungry and break last years total while having fun skiing and riding for just $15.00.
More Brighton Park Fun
Posted by The Ski Utah Yeti on November 30, 2009
Check out this video from the Brighton Park kids.
Brighton November from Cole Taylor on Vimeo.
Ski for Gold
Posted by The Ski Utah Yeti on November 23, 2009
Help Brighton and KSL fulfill the dreams of Special Olympians. All you have to do is form a team, raise some money, and reap the benefits. All you have to do is raise $30 and you'll ski for free. Go beyond that and it gets even sweeter.
Go here for details: http://www.skiforgold.com/
Quad Wednesdays At Brighton
Posted by The Ski Utah Yeti on November 23, 2009
Quad Wednesdays At Brighton. 4 Ski for the Price of One! That's $15 each. And to top it off the money goes to CHAIR-ity. Get it? Okay, not funny. But don't miss out. Here are the dates when Quad Wednesday are going down and who it benefits. Come on out, fill up a quad chair with your bro's and do something CHAIR-itable this holiday season.
Brighton is Open!
Posted by The Ski Utah Yeti on November 11, 2009
Brighton opened today and good times were had by all. With two lifts and a few runs open it was good to be back on the snow. The Brighton terrain park crew did a great job getting a selection of jibs and rails out. Burton Snowboards was also there doing board demos. Itching to ride? Get on up to Brighton and take a few laps and butter some boxes.
The weather patterns look like they are improving and we should get some real snow tomorrow, Friday night, and Saturday. Pray for snow!
