Skiing in Utah

After 4 busy days at Outdoor Retailer, I headed to the mountains to ski. This is my 4th trip to Salt Lake City but the first time I’ve ventured outside the city. It’s about time! My friend and roomie for the show was planning on meeting friends to go skiing and she invited me along — thanks Julie!

After picking up rental skis from a shop behind our hotel, we leave the bowl of Salt Lake City and drive up into the mountains. It takes us about 40 minutes to reach the ski hill. Julie regularly skis at Tahoe and her friend is a ski bum here in Utah, so I was a little intimidated since I’m an average skier and it’s been years since I’ve hit the slopes. Even my clothes feel out of date!

When we arrive at The Canyons, nothing matters any more. It looks like a postcard, with big, fat snowflakes falling as we take the gondola to the base. The skiing is fabulous — hardly anyone around and lots of powder. Now, powder is pretty well unknown to an Easterner like me so I find it hard work. I manage to stay upright, but not without considerable effort.

After a couple of hours, we take a break to have a bite to eat. The rest of gang heads out for one more run or two before the lifts close. I bow out; I’m pooped and it’s been such a great day, I don’t want to ruin it with an overtiring last run.

Instead, I go shopping and find a great gift for a friend who is taking care of Nikita the dog. Then, I chill on a sunny patio with local craft beer in hand — not much could be better than this!