Winter is here—and it’s delivering, as we continue to see historic snowfall at Utah’s resorts this January. I know I'm supposed to be a rough and tumble Yeti, but seriously, could I get a snowblower to help manage all this snow piling up around my cave? Let’s keep the excitement rolling and the snow falling. I have another healthy dose of fun to get you ready to hit the mountains.
Welcome to the fourth edition of Yeti High-Fives—a bi-weekly installment of what’s happening and what’s cool in the land of The Greatest Snow on Earth. It's an honor to have you here. Follow along all winter long as me, the Yeti shares my best tips, local vibes, and promises not to share my bad breath.
Coolest Video
In case you’ve been under a rock the past few weeks, here’s an edit highlighting the insane conditions we’ve received this month. The video features Eric Balken skiing fresh tracks around several Utah resorts including Alta, Brighton, the Wasatch backcountry, and Southern Utah. If you haven’t booked your trip out to Utah this season, this video will have you checking your frequent flier miles in no time.
New Follow on Instagram:
Wray Sinclair is an outdoor adventure and lifestyle photographer currently based out of Salt Lake City, Utah. Born and raised in Virginia, upon turning 18 he packed his bags and moved to Utah to pursue photography and a marketing degree at the University of Utah. His photos have gained international recognition with awards in Red Bull Illume and the International Photo Awards. Locally his ski photography has been recognized with the winning portfolio in the Ski City Shootout. Give him a follow at @wraysinclairphoto.
Gear Up
This is the bleeding edge of technology that can change the way we play in the mountains and so simple to use that even a Yeti can use.
Mountain Hub is a free community-based mobile and web app that allows outdoor enthusiasts and professionals a platform to share and observe, crowd sourced information about any outdoor activity. Users can quickly search for up to date real-time information about conditions, hazards, points of interest and more. The robust mapping platform geo-locates user observations on a global map that can be accessed around the world. With over 150 organizations in 40+ countries using the platform, Mountain Hub allows outdoor communities globally to submit and review real-time information. Users span from recreational outdoor enthusiasts to professional ski patrollers at resorts like Park City, Snowbird and Deer Valley, elite Mountain Guides of the AMGA, National Parks like the Grand Teton, and brands like POC, Skullcandy and Scott. Platform available on Android, iOS, and Web.
"Mountain Hub provides an engaging network for people to discover, experience, and share real-time information in the outdoors."
Mmmmmm Coffee
Who's Yeti to slurp down the best new brew in the state? And even better, this caffeine is on wheels. Grab your daily dose of caffeine at Dose SLC, a mobile specialty coffee shop dispensing delicious beverages to residents of and visitors to the Wasatch front. Find Dose SLC every morning at Smith’s on Bengal before hitting the slopes. #DoseSLC is ready to help fuel your powder days!
Hot Dates
The second annual Wasatch Yeti Bash is taking place February 3-4, 2017. It will include a winter arts market, community bike ride, yeti yoga, s'more roasting, First Friday Art Stroll, sports expo, Sweaty Yeti fat bike race, live entertainment and more! Click here for the tentative schedule of events.
Perfect, I have the dress code covered with the fur, just wonder if I'm allowed in any of the theatres? Sundance is here. January 19- 28th head up to Park City to check out the scene for independent filmmakers. Sundance Institute is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the discovery and development of independent artists and audiences. Through its programs, the Institute seeks to discover, support, and inspire independent film and theatre artists from the United States and around the world, and to introduce audiences to their new work. It also has over 46,660 attendees (2016), making it the largest independent film festival in the United States.
FIS Freestyle Ski World Cup Event: February 1–4
I wonder when I'll receive an honorary invite to show off my aerial prowess and command of the moguls? Seriously though, this signature Deer Valley Resort event returns for the 18th year.
In The News
While I like keeping my powder stashes a secret, I'm of course super proud of my home and honored to have three resorts in the Wasatch named in the Top 10 Ski Resorts in North America For 2017 by Forbes Magazine. Among the list are Snowbird (#2), Alta (#3) and Park City (#9).
Thanks for reading. If you see the Yeti out on the slopes, be sure to return the favor of a high-five and use #SkiUtah to share your videos and ideas for future installments of this column.
