Ski Utah Blog - All Articles
Showing 10 articles out of 788.
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.
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?
Utah Wins Travelocity Roaming Gnome Competition vs. Tahoe!!!!
Posted by The Ski Utah Yeti on February 3, 2010
It was a close and heated battle, but at 10:58 a.m. (MST) the Gnome announced he was headed to Utah!!
Of 285,482 votes, 142,709 (49.98%) of them went to Tahoe and 142,773 (50.01%) to Utah. Ski Utah wants to thank all of its fans who have tirelessly devoted their efforts to voting. There is no way we could have won this close competition without every single vote. We anticipate the gnome will arrive in Utah this Thursday evening for a whirlwind trip around the state. Looks like he might get some fresh snow during his stay as well. Where do you think the gnome should go on his Utah trip?
Your Style = Free Swag
Posted by The Ski Utah Yeti on February 2, 2010
- 5-day winter Utah getaway (includes airfare, lodging, lift tickets/rentals).
- Rossignol skis and bindings
- Lift tickets, lift tickets, lift tickets
Last Chance to Vote for Utah!
Posted by The Ski Utah Yeti on February 2, 2010
Voting in the Travelocity Roaming Gnome Cabin Fever Contest ends tomorrow. The Yeti thinks you should vote for Utah. Here's why:
Vote now! http://budurl.com/tvlygnome
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 vs. Tahoe: Vote Now!
Posted by The Ski Utah Yeti on January 27, 2010
Calling all Utah ski and snowboard fans!
The Travelocity Roaming Gnome is continuing his search for a cure to winter cabin fever, and he’s narrowed his choice between Utah (Salt Lake and its four world-class resorts) and Reno-Tahoe…and popular vote on the Gnome’s Facebook fan page January 27 through February 3 will determine where he skis this winter!
Voting on the Travelocity Facebook fan page (http://budurl.com/tvlygnome) lasts just one week, and the winning destination is revealed on the Wednesday voting ends. Immediately following the result of this contest, the Travelocity Roaming Gnome will travel to the winning destination to visit friends and locals, pose for pictures and participate in some of the most popular activities that resort has to offer, including skiing, ice skating, snowmobiling and snow tubing. As with all celebrities, he will have a "personal assistant" who accompanies him along the way.
Winning this competition could mean great things for Utah and its wonderful ski resorts. PLEASE VOTE TODAY!!! Please also feel free to email, tweet or Facebook this request to your friends. Every vote counts!!!
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.
Powder Day at the Canyons
Posted by The Ski Utah Yeti on January 26, 2010
The snow has been falling at The Canyons for a week straight! We have received over 56 inches in the last week, doubling our season snow pack for the year. The snow just keeps coming. Come ski the legendary Utah powder at the largest resort in the state, The Canyons.
