Ski Utah Blog - Related Articles
Showing 10 articles out of 86.
2010 Utah Resort Closing Dates
Posted by The Ski Utah Yeti on March 20, 2010
Alta: April 18 with possible additional weekends
Beaver Mountain: March 28
Brian Head: April 18th
Brighton: April 18 weather pending
The Canyons: April 11
Deer Valley: April 11
Park City Mountain Resort: April 11
Powder Mountain: April 11
Snowbasin: April 8 weather pending
Snowbird: Memorial Day Weekend
Solitude: April 18
Sundance: April 4
Wolf Creek Utah: Closed
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
Be An Olympian
Posted by Ray Grass on March 4, 2010
Okay, you watched the Games from the sidelines. Now be an Olympian. Or, at least, try your hand at an Olympic sport.
Consider this: Get in a few days of skiing and when looking for something to do take a run down a bobsled track, a turn or two on the speed-skating oval, test a downhill course, surf a super halfpipe or ski and shoot on a biathlon course.
That’s the legacy left from the 2002 Olympics that Utah now offers.
I’ve sampled many and, believe me, I hold a lot more admiration for Olympians.
Here’s what’s available:
Ski the slalom and freestyle mogul courses at Deer Valley. Over the years a lot of people have come, asked about and headed in those directions.
Or, visit Snowbasin and take a breathtaking run on the men’s and women’s downhill and super-G courses. Believe me, it takes a lot of nerve not to check speed, even for the very best skiers, on those courses.
Four Utah resorts -- Brian Head, Deer Valley, Park City Mountain Resort and Snowbasin -- offer NASTAR racing where skiers and snowboarders can test their gate-running skills.
Slide into the Super Halfpipe at Park City Mountain Resort where the U.S. won all three snowboard medals in the men’s competition. Oh, and don’t expect big air and 180-degree spins on first or even 20th try.
Jump into a four-man bobsled, with professional driver, and enjoy the fast-track -- 80-plus miles per hour and 5-Gs in the turns -- on the sliding course at the Utah Olympic Park. Skeleton runs are available, but prior planning is necessary.
Take a spin on the short-track speed skating oval where Apolo Ohno trains on the ice at the Utah Olympic Oval.
Ski the northern resorts -- Snowbasin, Wolf Creek or Powder Mountain -- and then stop by the Ogden Ice Sheet and slide a stone on the Olympic curling ice. There are also other locations offering curling lanes in Utah.
There are three options for the biathlon at Soldier Hollow -- the introductory program with air rifle, the longer session, again with air rifle, or the full Olympic experience with a longer cross country test and shooting on the Olympic range with .22-caliber rifle.
Of course, the Olympic nordic tracks at Soldier Hollow, which drew positive mention from athletes in Vancouver, are open and a real eye opener.
So, of the 15 Winter Olympic categories held in Vancouver in February, it is possible to sample 11 of them between now and then in Utah.
Two of my most memorable experiences came on the downhill run at Snowbasin and the bobsled track at the Olympic Park.
The start house at Snowbasin sits on a cliff. There is no gradual acceleration. It’s zero to 80 in three seconds . . . if you didn’t check the speed, which I did.
As downhill courses go, this one is two miles long. The winning time was slightly more than a minute and a half, which meant Olympic speeds averaged more than 60 miles a hour — top to bottom, over jumps and through gullies and in turns that compressed skiers to half his standing height, all on snow as hard as a rock.
Come anywhere close to that time and you’ve got Olympic potential.
The bobsled run takes less than a minute, but you can feel every turn, every chatter in the ice and every bump on the sled. All passengers have to do is lean and try to catch their breath.
I recommend any of the Olympic opportunities, especially for those who lived the Olympics in Vancouver as I did.
To BCM
Posted by Ray Grass on March 2, 2010
In response, BCM asked about skiing Snowbird, then The Canyons and Deer Valley this week.
And, it sounds like a good plan to me. Deer Valley, Snowbird and The Canyons all have good snow. Over the past nine days I skied Deer Valley and Snowbird and snow conditions were excellent. When I checked Monday, Deer Valley and The Canyons are holding bases over 70 inches.
Supposed to snow Wednesday and Thursday and brighten up on Friday and Saturday. Nothing better than new snow over a groomed surface unless it’s two feet of fresh snow.
As for total snow ,a recent report said Snowbird is at 87 percent of normal. And, as Nathan Rafferty, president of Ski Utah, pointed out, “I’d rather have 87 percent of 500 than 110 percent of 300.’’ Point well taken.
If Utah has a normal March and April, resorts will likely hit their averages. Remember, last year Utah received something like 14 feet in 14 days in early April. Season total was around 700.
Reindeer Club At Deer Valley
Posted by Thomas Cooke on March 1, 2010
This short video pretty much tells the story of why Deer Valley's Children's programs are so popular with both kids and parents. The final day of my daughter's after school Friday program was dubbed the "Ski Extravaganza" and parents were advised to be there at 3pm sharp to enjoy the festivities. This was my daughter's 2nd season in the program, and she had graduated to the Reindeer, for 5 and 6 year olds. Most parents hopefully learn early on that when it comes to skiing, when your kid is happy, you are happy.
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.
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. 
The Amazing Utah Adventures of the Travelocity Roaming Gnome
Posted by The Ski Utah Yeti on February 10, 2010
Over 280,000 votes were cast and thousands of comments lobbied for
the two destinations, but at the end of the day, it was Utah which won
by a mere 0.02% of the votes. Who would have known that this bearded
garden Gnome was such a rockstar?!? The Gnome was enthusiastically
greeted by fans across the state and created quite a stir wherever he
went. The two-foot tall celebrity was given V.I.P. treatment and
sampled the best that Utah could offer.
The Gnome skied and snowboarded with Olympians in Park City, drove a bobsled, sun-tanned on Deer Valley's famous McHenry's beach and sampled spirits at High West Distillery. He hucked cliffs at Snowbird, rode the tram and relaxed at the Cliff Spa. In Salt Lake City, he boogied with the Jazz dancers and sang with the Mormon Tabernacle choir. He curled at the Utah Olympic Oval and drank beers with his friends at Squatters. The Gnome did all this and more, but his favorite thing about Utah was, "The locals and their Greatest Snow on Earth®."
Thank you to everyone for their support and for voting him to Utah!
To view photos and video of the Gnome's Utah experience log on to Facebook and view the 'Travelocity Roaming Gnome' fan page. And, when you do, don't forget to become Facebook friends with me, the Ski Utah Yeti!Skier's Menu
Posted by Ray Grass on February 3, 2010
A hamburger bun, thin slab of meat and you add the condiments -- mustard, mayo and, maybe, pickle relish. Fries were extra. That’s the way I remember ski-lodge lunches back when.
Now it’s Fresh Dungeness Crab Towers with avocado, tomato concasse, pea sprouts, cucumber, crispy spiced won tons, sauces of wasabi, ginger-soy and sweet chili -- for starters.
Then came the Vermont Cheddar Cheeseburger with Niman Ranch natural beef, accented with sauteed crimini mushrooms and onions, cracked wheat bun, RSC garlic-herb parmesan and shoestring fries. And if you’re not into beef, substitute a turkey or garden burger.
Any wonder why I look forward to lunch on the slopes these days.
Course, I’m talking lunch at Deer Valley. There are reasons the resort has been voted No. 1 for three consecutive years by readers and skiers of SKI Magazine.
And why it’s food service is voted No. 1, hands down, for both on the mountain and after hours year after year.
The skiing isn’t half bad either.
Between the skiing and lunch you couldn’t wish for a better ski day.
Two chair companions from Florida admitted as much. Gourmet dining at the ski area they hadn’t expect their first visit. This being their fifth, they’d come to “expect great dining” in their vacation ski package.
It’s fun being spoiled.
Waiting for lunch I made a dozen early runs. One skier from Chicago, who admitted to being publicity shy, in his 15th season back in Utah, said every year he comes to Utah he tunes up at Alta and Snowbird, then moves over the Park City resorts. Deer Valley he listed as a favorite. Solitude was on his schedule. Variety, he likes, and he gets it in Utah.
Funny how nowadays it’s so easy to make quick runs. With high-speed lift and groomed-smooth runs, there’s nothing to stop a skier but tired legs.
I started at 10 a.m. and by noon had the dozen runs in. It helps when the runs are groomed. I could never have done it before grooming and fast lifts.
Trouble with the menu at Royal Street in the Silver Lake Lodge at Deer Valley is choices. How do you choose from what “sounds delicious’’ to what “sounds just as delicious.’’
I had to choose between the Towers, Grilled Chicken Quesadilla with cilantro lime sour cream and avocado salsa and Roast Duck Spring Rolls with napa slaw, glazed cashews, coriander leaves, coconut-curry and mustard sauce.
For a main course, besides the burger, there was Tuna Tacos of grilled fresh ahi, mango-avocado salsa, southwest salad, chip of le mayonnaise and crisp corn tortilla shells.
Or, Asian Chicken Salad, Heirloom Tomato Fresh Mozzarella and Basil Panini or Maple Bacon BBQ Bison Burger.
And, for dessert, Dulce de Leche Cheesecake, Chocolate Paraline or individual Ice Cream Sandwiches with chocolate chip cookies and hot fudge sauce.
From the bar, there is the RSC Blueberry Mojite, the 2007 Park City cocktail contest winner. It starts with muddled blueberries and mint, Bacardi Silver rum, fresh squeezed lemonade, a splash of soda and a float of Myers rum. Or, the ski area favorite, Hot Buttered Rum. And, of course, a full list of wines and beers.
Oh, how things have changed -- for the better -- especially in the way of dining on the slopes. And the skiing isn’t half bad either.
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?
