Free Telemark and AT Demos at Alta This Sunday

Don't take a chance on purchasing a ski or boot without a bit of research. To get exactly what you want, you can't beat a free demo.

On December 14th, Salt Lake City's Wasatch Touring hosts their annual Tele and AT Demo, which features a large array of skis, boots and bindings to try for free for one day at Alta Ski Area. Manufacturers set up large tents at the base of Alta's Collins chairlift, and guests register on the spot with a valid photo ID. They're then free to wander from tent to tent, trying different telemark and alpine touring skis, boots and bindings to their heart's content for no charge other than a valid lift ticket or season pass.

Park City Mountain Resort Trail Advisory

What: Crescent Chair Lift Construction Update: Trail Advisory for Mid-Mountain Trail and Crescent Mine Grade

Park City Mountain Resort will be flying in lift towers for the new Crescent Chair Lift on Thursday, September 4 and Friday, September 5, 2008. The Mid-Mountain Trail and Crescent Mine Grade will remain open and staffed on both sides of the impacted trail during construction, but temporary closures will take place. During the unloading of lift towers the temporary closure could be five to 15 minutes long.

Park City Mountain Resort asks all riders and hikers to follow any instructions they receive from resort staff. This request is for the safety of riders and hikers as well as our employees. Additional updates will follow as conditions and construction continues.

When: Thursday, September 4 after 1 PM and Friday, September 5 starting at 8 AM (weather permitting)

Where: Park City Mountain Resort – Mid-Mountain Trail and Crescent Mine Grade – Park City, Utah

Experience Sundance by Moonlight

Complete your evening at Sundance with a Full Moon lift ride.

What a great and romantic idea for a fun summer evening. The full moon rides are only offered when there is a full moon (duh!) and those dates remaining for this summer are:

• Sept 15, 16, 17
• Oct 13, 14

The service runs from 9-11pm. Bring a bottle of wine and some cheese and bread, maybe even a musical instrument and enjoy.

36th Annual Snowbird Oktoberfest

Festival Includes Live Music, Dancing, Authentic Food, Children’s Activities

Snowbird, Utah – Snowbird’s annual Oktoberfest celebrates its 36th anniversary this year with seven weekends of fun beginning Saturday, Aug. 23. More than 70,000 visitors are expected to enjoy the live music, dancing, authentic German food and children’s activities taking place at Snowbird every Saturday, Sunday and Labor Day through Sunday, Oct. 5.

Oktoberfest features live musical performances each day in the Snowbird Event Center tent from acts including The Bavarians and Salzburger Echo. Visitors will find art for all tastes at “Der Marktplatz,” where more than 35 local and regional artists display and sell handmade arts and crafts. Oktoberfest food includes bratwurst, sauerkraut, apple strudel, pretzels and Bavarian roasted almonds. Local Utah breweries will also be featured.

Admission to Oktoberfest is free. Hours are noon to 6 p.m.

Special Oktoberfest entertainment and activities for children include Shan the Juggler/Magician, Dale the Yo-Yo Man, face painting, caricature artists, and more.

Visitors can also catch the Alp Horns on Hidden Peak throughout Oktoberfest. A Tram pass is $18/day or $12 for a single ride with discounts for children, seniors and with Oktoberfest meal purchases.

In addition, Snowbird will also be offering a variety of summer activities for all ages. The Tram, Peruvian Express Chairlift and Tunnel will be open for scenic rides throughout Oktoberfest. Other activities include the new four-station climbing wall, ZipRider, Alpine Slide, Bungy Trampoline, Kid’s Inflatables, Mechanical Bull, horseback and ATV tours, mountain biking and scooters, and lots of hiking options. All-day activity passes are $36 for adults, $19 for children under 75 lbs. For more information, please visit www.snowbird.com.

For more Oktoberfest information please call the Snowbird Event Hotline at (801) 933-2110 or visit www.snowbird.com. “Stay and Play” lodging packages are also available starting at $75 per person/double occupancy, including breakfast and an all day activities pass. Contact Central Reservations at (800) 453-3000 for more details.

Sundance Food and Wine Festival

Great food, award winning wines, the mountain air, what more could a person want?

When: August 30, 2008, Noon – 4pm
Where: Ray’s Lawn, Sundance Resort

Tickets: are $75 and include access to all vintner and restaurant booths. Please purchase tickets in advance. Last year’s event sold out and this year’s event is expected to be even bigger. Tickets can be purchased by calling 866-717-9089 or email boxoffice@sundance-utah.com.

Read More.

1,200-year-old pit house is discovered in Utah

A remarkable archealogical find near Kanab, this pit house believed to be 1200 hundred years old was discovered by a road crew. Read more.

OGDEN VALLEY FALL TOURS & EVENTS SCHEDULE

This list from the Ogden Valley Business Association has some great ideas for fall fun in the mountains.

Deer Valley Events for the rest of the summer

Deer Valley has put together this list of the goings on at the resort for the remainder fo the summer. Have fun!

Snowbird hosts Uah’s oldest bike race

30th annual bicycle hill climb and ultra-widowmaker is Saturday, Aug. 16

Snowbird, Utah – For the 30th straight year, some of Utah’s fastest bicyclists will be racing up Little Cottonwood Canyon in the Snowbird Bicycle Hill Climb. The event is the oldest bike race in Utah, challenging riders with a 10-mile course that ascends 3,500 vertical feet.

This year’s race, which takes place on Saturday, August 16, has been re-routed due to construction on 9400 South. Participants will begin at 8 a.m. at the Swamp Lot on 8099 South Wasatch Blvd. and ride along Wasatch Blvd. to North Little Cottonwood Canyon Road and the mouth of Little Cottonwood Canyon before continuing up to Snowbird Ski & Summer Resort.

“The Bicycle Hill Climb holds a special place in Snowbird’s history,” said Snowbird President Bob Bonar, who has ridden in the race numerous times. “It’s become a summer tradition for many riders and we look forward to carrying on this legacy for years to come.”

Participants who complete the Bicycle Hill Climb have the option of jumping on their mountain bikes and continuing up to Snowbird’s Hidden Peak to complete the Ultra-Widowmaker portion of the course. The Ultra-Widowmaker is a grueling 4-mile climb over 3,000 vertical feet to a peak elevation of 11,000 feet, offering spectacular views of the Wasatch Mountains and Salt Lake Valley. Both races will conclude with an awards ceremony at the base of Snowbird at 10:30 a.m., featuring prizes, a raffle and live music.

Later in the day, the Tour of Utah bike race will be concluding its fourth day of riding at Snowbird. Heralded as the most challenging portion of the five-day race, the Queen Stage starts in Park City and travels over five substantial climbs and a total of 98.1 miles before ending at Snowbird.

For registration information on the Bicycle Hill Climb and Ultra-Widowmaker, visit www.snowbird.com. Spectators are encouraged to come up to Snowbird to cheer on family and friends. Vehicle traffic in Little Cottonwood Canyon will be restricted beginning at 8 a.m.

Snowbird will also be offering a number of summer activities throughout the weekend, including Tram and Peruvian Chairlift rides, the new four-station climbing wall, ZipRider, Alpine Slide, Bungy Trampoline, Kid’s Inflatables, Mechanical Bull, horseback and ATV tours, biking and hiking. For more information, please visit www.snowbird.com.

DEER VALLEY RESORT OFFERS NEW SERIES OF GUIDED HIKES

Free, guided, historic hikes will be offered by Deer Valley Resort on four Sundays this summer: July 20, August 17, September 14 and 21. Hike organizers will highlight some of the area’s mining history along the way, and participants are encouraged to share their own knowledge of local history, too. Read more here.

July Events in Utah

SLTrib.com has a list of some of the great happenings along the Wasatch Front for this upcoming holiday weekend. And I have gethered a list of even more stuff for the month of July throughout the state.

Visit Sunnyside to see bighorn sheep

This story on utah.gov points out that the town of Sunnyside (about 20 miles east of Price) has an active herd of the bighorns. They typically hang out all summer bdfore heading for their winter digs. Best time to see them is late afternoon until dark.

Interesting Outdoors Events

I just saw this list at SLTrib.com and there are some really interesting outdoor events coming up. Some of the fun things are:

National Get Outdoors Day. A nationwide campaign to encourage families to get outdoors with their children to have some fun and to instill a love of nature and an interest in conservation. Outdoor agencies and outfitters will be showing their wares and children will be able to ride the tram or climb the climbing wall for free. June 14, 11a.m. to 3 p.m, Snowbird.

Paddle demo day. REI will be at Liberty Park with the latest in paddling boats and gear. All skill levels are welcome, no registration required. June 14 from 8 a.m. to noon, southeast corner of Liberty Park.

The 4th annual Swaner Nature Festival. Music, nature walks, an art contest and classes (wildlife photography, GPS101...) June 21, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m, Park City, www.swaner ecocenter.org

The 15th annual Antelope by Moonlight Bike Ride
Ride your bike around Antelope Island (at night) dressed up like you favorite creature of the night. July 18, starting at 10 p.m.

Free Clinics at REI. Throughout the summer, REI will be hosting Best of the Wasatch Hiking clinics and on June 19, Author Greg Witt (60 Hikes Within 60 Miles: Salt Lake City)will be on hand to discuss hidden treasures of the Wasatch.

More events for the summer in Utah can be found here.

SUV vs F16

Check out this picture and story. And the people in the car made it out alive.

Wild Outdoors Festival This Weekend

When: June 6-7, 10 am – 8 pm

Where: Thanksgiving Point’s Electric Park

Admission:

• $15 for adults (ages 13+)
• $10 for children (ages 3-12)
• $10 for senior citizens (ages 65+)

What: This fun festival will highlight all things outdoors. Sponsored by Backcountry-Utah.com, there will be demos, live entertainment, food and some of Utah's top authors signing and discussing their books (I will be there with Backroads of Utah.)

For more info, see http://www.wildoutdoorsfestival.com/

2008 Community Fishing Guide Now Available

While getting away from it all to a quiet mountain lake or remote reservoir is what fisherman dream of, heading down to the community pond with your kids in tow can be just as enjoyable. And fishing with the wee ones will not only get them outdoors but foster in them a love of nature and a store of fond memories of fun with the family.

Utahs DWR (Division of Wildlife Resources) has a webpage with articles on what you need to know about fishing in Utah and a downloadable pamphlet with directions to the ponds they have stocked with fish for this fun family activity.

Take a Vacation in Utah -- save gas and travel dollars and support your economy

A recent article in the Salt Lake Tribune suggests that we stay in Utah this summer and keep our vacation dollars in the state. With rising gas costs (and that affects airline ticket prices, too) it just makes sense to stick close to home. After all, we have so much here that you probably haven't ever seen (or haven't visited in a long while.)

The most popular places such as Zion National Park, Arches National Park or Lake Powell are only a taste of the beauty and diversity Utah has to offer. How about some of the lesser-known places like Capitol Reef or the San Rafael Swell?

Need an idea? I have just the prefect book to get you started: Backroads of Utah! And with my article on finding the cheapest gas in Utah, you'll be all set to go.

Find Cheap Gas in Utah

Gas prices are out of control. So much so that you think twice before going for a Sunday drive, or running into town for a Big Mac Attack. Maybe there should be a resurgence of the corner grocery store so you can get what you need without using gas to get there.

Find Gas Cheap In Utah has a list of links where the prices around the state are at their lowest. Give these gas stations your business; not only to save yourself some money, but to support them so they can continue to offer the lowest prices.

Heroes Among Us - Crandall Canyon Mine Disaster Memorial

Heroes Among Us is a new memorial to the men who lost their lives in the Crandall Canyon Mine disaster. Former nurse and now full-time sculptor Karen Jobe Templeton was selected as the artist to sculpt the monument that will reside on the road to the mine, in full view of the schoolyard where the families gathered to await news of their loved ones. Read more about the monument and Karen at http://www.sltrib.com/ci_9365045 and visit her website at http://www.templetonsculpture.com/

How to Correctly Pronounce Utah's Names and Places

Several of the words and place names we Utah'ns say every day might give a newcomer pause as to how they are correctly pronounced. Here is some help with a few of them. I also made an mp3 to help in case you want to actually hear them.

Touring Salt Lake City

Got friends in town and want them to get a great view of downtown Salt Lake City? Or maybe you have lived here for years, but would just love to learn some interesting facts about downtown's buildings and history. Or maybe you are new to town and want to get an overview of what is here.

Here are some of the ways you can tour the city in style.

Nine Mile Canyon Rock Art in peril

This story on preservation.org talks about how all the trucks going in and out of Nine Mile Canyon for natural gas exploration are causing a drastic increase in the amount of flying dust. That translates to damage to rock art made thousands of years ago.

Despite the fact that Nine Mile Canyon was included on the National Trust for Historic Preservation's list of America's 11 Most Endangered Historic Places in 2004 because historians and concerned citizens were afraid of this very thing happening.

If you care about the rock art (a part of our heritage), send your comments to the Bureau of Land Management today at UT_Pr_Comments@blm.gov and copy the National Trust at crc@nthp.org.

Canyons of the Wasatch Front

Ever wonder where City Creek Canyon or Rose Canyon were? Salt Lake county has several canyons you might not be aware of. Or even if you have heard of them, maybe you don't really know where they are. Here's some help.

I'm Back

I took the winter off to write a book (Hobby Farming for Dummies) so this website hasn't had much attention for awhile.

But now I have some time again and am slowly filling in all the holes. The Getting Around Utah section is where I am starting and I've put up a few articles there. Check them out!

Utah Ski Resort Closing Dates

Alta 4/13 (reopen 4/18-20)
Brian Head 4/13
Beaver (closed 3/29)
Brighton 4/20
The Canyons 4/13
Deer Valley 4/13
Park City Mountain Resort 4/13
Powder Mountain 4/13
Snowbasin 4/20
Snowbird 5/26
Solitude 4/13
Sundance 4/5
Wolf Mountain 4/12

Backroads of Utah is out!

My new book -- Backroads of Utah-- is out!

The official press release follows:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Maurrie Salenger,
Marketing Manager
(612) 344-8154
msalenger@mbipublishing.com
http://www.mbipublishing.com/

Backroads of Utah takes you on a roadtrip through the natural and historical wonders of one of the most beautiful and varied states in America .

Known for its canyons and breathtaking views, its whitewater rivers and Wild West outposts, its tranquil lakes and fantastic rock formations, Utah is one of the most beautiful and varied places on the planet.

Backroads of Utah takes you to every corner of this spectacular state, from Dinosaur National Monument to Rainbow Bridge , from historic squares to outlaw hideaways, from the vaulting natural arches of Arches National Park to the exquisite formations in Timpanogos Cave . Utah , home to five national parks, seven national monuments, and six national forests, has something for every traveler.

Whether you're seeking adventure or the quiet contemplation of nature, an immersion in history or a taste of culture, the backroad adventures charted in this book will take you where you want to go. Theresa Husarik's inviting text and lovely color photographs offer a thorough overview of Utah 's landscapes, its legacy, and its people. With detailed travel directions and maps, as well as entertaining sidelights from the state's history, this handy guide to Utah 's justly famous attractions and lesser-known gems makes a perfect companion for any traveler in the Beehive State .

About the Author : Theresa A. Husarik is a writer, photographer, and Utah resident with a love of travel and the outdoors and nearly twenty years of experience exploring the nooks and crannies of her home state. Her images and articles have appeared in numerous publications worldwide, and since 1997, she has produced about.com's Salt Lake City web site (SaltLakeCity.about.com).

Backroads of Utah: Your Guide to Utah's Most Scenic Backroad Adventures by Theresa A. Husarik
ISBN-13: 978-0-7603-2956-6
Retail: $21.95US · $23.95CAN · £14.99
Softbound / 8.5 x 11 / 160 pages / 125 color & 25 b/w photos, 7 maps
Pub Date: April 2008

Available in bookstores everywhere or through http://www.voyageurpress.com/.

For trade inquiries, contact us at trade@mbipublishing.com or (800) 458-0454.

About Voyageur Press
Voyageur Press, an imprint of the Quayside Publishing Group, features books about nature and the environment, American heritage, country life, crafts, trains, boats, sports, collectibles and travel.

An imprint of the
Quayside Publishing Group
400 First Avenue North, Suite 300
Minneapolis , MN 55401 USA
Phone: (800) 328-0590
Fax: (612) 344-8691

What's One Word for "Skiing and Snowboarding"?

Come up with one and win great prizes and some notoriety.

Is there one word out there that describes both skiing and snowboarding? The industry is lazy looking for an alternative to the three-word, 21-letter standard. In an effort to coin this new term, Ski Utah and Winter at Westminster, a ski season exchange program at Salt Lake City's Westminster College, have teamed with The Addictionary, an online dictionary of made up "werds", for the 2008 Ski/Snowboard Lingo Contest.

There are two goals and two chances to win: to add to the general glossary of skier and snowboarder lingo and name the best new werd for 2008, and to come up with that one werd - the mighty catch-all, the great equalizer, the big peacemaker - that describes both skiing and snowboarding in one fell swoop. There will be one winner in each category.

The Ski/Snowboard Lingo contest runs from February 4 to March 4, 2008. The winners will be chosen by a panel of celebrity judges, including: Annie Fast, Executive Editor of Transworld Snowboarding magazine; Derek Taylor, Editor of Powder magazine; Nathan Rafferty, Ski Utah President; Kendall Card, "powstash"; Kristen Ulmer, professional skier; and Julian Carr, professional skier.

The prize for the best new werd for "skiing and snowboarding" is a Spring Ski Trip to Utah for two in April '08, sponsored by Ski Utah and participating Utah resorts. The prize for the best new general ski/snowboard werd will be two day passes at The Canyons Resort in Park City, and 10 T-shirts featuring their winning word.

"For years people have had to classify 'skiing and snowboarding' as two separate words," said Rafferty. "We hope this contest might help us find one single word which describes both of these great downhill snow sliding sports."

For more information or to enter the contest, visit www.addictionary.org/Browse/ContestWords/19

Fifth Annual Backcountry Awareness Week is Feb. 4-10, 2008

Snowbird, Utah – Utah’s unparalleled avalanche education and awareness program continues this winter with the Fifth Annual Backcountry Awareness Week Feb. 4-10, 2008. The event features snow safety clinics, on-snow demonstrations, avalanche transceiver drills and an evening fund-raiser featuring New York Times bestselling author David Oliver Relin.

Three Backcountry Awareness Week clinics will be held at Snowbird Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 9-10. A snow safety clinic with Exum Utah’s Tyson Bradley will be offered from 9-11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 9, and will include an all-day Tram ticket and lunch for $59. From 1-3 p.m. Saturday Eric Murakami of Backcountry Access will lead a free advanced beacon course. Wasatch Backcountry Rescue President Dean Cardinale will conduct a hasty search clinic from 9-11 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 10, that will include an all-day Tram ticket and lunch for $59.

David Oliver Relin, author of the runaway New York Times bestseller “Three Cups of Tea,” is the keynote speaker at the fund-raising evening Friday, Feb. 8. Relin will present his experiences writing and reporting the book, show slides from his travels to the Karakoram Himalaya and discuss the work of Greg Mortenson with the Central Asia Institute and the current crisis in Pakistan.

In addition to Relin’s presentation, the fund-raising evening includes dinner, drinks, a book signing and a silent auction. The benefit dinner will take place in the Cliff Lodge Ballroom from 5:30-9 p.m. A ticket to the event is $75 and tables of eight are available for $700. Exclusive front-row seating is available for $250 per ticket and $1,600 per table. For reservations call (801) 933-2147.

For further information, visit www.snowbirdrc.org. To register for Backcountry Awareness Week clinics or the evening fund-raiser, contact Snowbird’s Activity Center at (801) 933-2147.

New digital map shows landslide hazards in Utah

An article in the Tribune alerted me to this new map from the Utah Geological Survey that shows areas where landslide hazards may exist throughout Utah.

UGS is charging $19.95 for the map, which is available at the Natural Resources Map & Bookstore, 1594 West North Temple, Salt Lake City (801-537-3320 or 1-888-UTAHMAP; geostore@utah.gov). The map can also be viewed on the UGS Web site at http://geology.utah.gov/online/m/m-228.pdf.

National Geographic Channel Comes to Utah

Beginning Friday at 7, the cable channel will air a three-part series, called "Dogtown", profiling the efforts of southern Utah's Best Friends Animal Society to rescue seemingly hopeless dogs, giving them the medical attention they require and putting them up for adoption as pets. SLTrib.com has the story.