Early Winter 2015 by Outdoor Sports Guide

EARLY WINTER 2015

VOLUME 33 ISSUE 6

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SKIING GREEN

40 Enthusiasts Ideas for Outdoor

Sustainable Resort Practices How You Can Make a Difference

Winter 5 Adventurous Activities for Non-skiers

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WHAT’S INSIDE EARLY WINTER 2015 VOL. 33 NO. 6 PUBLISHER // Dan Miller ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER // Paula Bell MANAGING EDITOR // Jenny Willden

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FEATURE Skiing Green How Utah is Keeping Winter Cool By Nick Como

HEALTH Banish the Winter Blues 6 Tips for Avoiding Post-holiday Blahs By Molly Newman

GEAR Holiday Gift Guide 40 Picks for Everyone on Your List

By Melissa McGibbon, Rebecca Petersen, and Jenny Willden

TRAILSIDES Wintry Wonders 5 Daring Snow Season Adventures By Alexa V. Morgan

GEAR OF THE YEAR Best in Skiing and Snowboarding Gear By Melissa McGibbon and Jenny Willden

LAST WORD Guide to Running in the Snow By Lora Erickson

// ARTICLES 6

STARTING LINE Editor’s Note, Deer Valley Celebrity Skifest, Snowshoe Stomp, U.S. Grand Prix, RUN SLC Race Series, Ogden Fat Bike Championships, The Bookshelf RESORT REPORT Holiday Activities at Utah’s Ski Resorts By Jenny Willden

Many of the activities covered in the Outdoor Sports Guide are action sports carrying significant risk of personal injury or death. Outdoor Sports Guide, including its writers, photographers and other staff and management, does not recommend that anyone participate in these sports unless they are supremely expert, knowledgeable about the risks and willing to personally assume all responsibility associated with those risks. Also, the views herein are those of the writers and do not

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CALENDAR

CIRCULATION MANAGER/OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR // Cynthia Bell Snow ASSOCIATE EDITORS // Melissa McGibbon, Molly Newman CONTRIBUTORS // Nick Como, Lora Erickson, Alexa V. Morgan, Rebecca Petersen ART DIRECTOR/PRODUCTION MANAGER // Jackie Medina GRAPHIC DESIGN // Leslie Hanna, Ken Magleby, Patrick Witmer REGIONAL ADVERTISING SALES // 801-467-9419 Paula Bell, Karen Malan, Paul Nicholas NATIONAL ADVERTISING SALES // Brook Gardner, Jeremy Solomon

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT // Jody Martin OFFICE ASSISTANT/DISTRIBUTION MANAGER // Jessica Snow Distribution Inquiries Call 801-467-9419 DISTRIBUTION // Paige Silva, Rick Springer, Jenny Willden Follow us on Instagram instagram.com/sportsguidemag Like us on Facebook facebook.com/outdoorsportsguide

ON THE COVER

Jacqueline Knutson enjoys a Wasatch wonder lap at Alta Ski Area. Photo Credit: Corey Kopischke, coreykopischkephotography.com

necessarily reflect those of the magazine’s management or ownership. Outdoor Sports Guide welcomes story, art and photo contributions. We will consider, but assume no responsibility for, unsolicited proposals, manuscripts, art and photographs; all such material must be accompanied by a self-addressed stamped envelope or it will not be returned.

other rights for resale, republication, etc. Outdoor Sports Guide is not responsible for unsolicited contributions, lost or damaged photo material. Send contributions to Outdoor Sports Guide, c/o Mills Publishing, Inc., 772 East 3300 South, Salt Lake City, Utah 84106, 801.467.9419; email editor@ sportsguidemag.com. For advertising information please call 801.467.9419 or email info@sportsguidemag.com.

MILLS PUBLISHING, INC. retains reprint rights, including affiliated internet site reprints, but contributors retain all

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2015-2016 NATIONAL OUTDOOR CHAMPIONS

SOUTHERN UTAH UNIVERSITY SUU.EDU

STARTING LINE FROM THE EDITOR I love snowy Utah winters spent riding powder in the Wasatch Mountains, but I know that aspects of my favorite winter pastime can have a negative impact on our climate and the planet. If you—like me—want to make skiing greener this winter, flip to page 10 for ways to reduce your impact while enjoying, and protecting, the Greatest Snow On Earth. Then check out our gift guide on page 16 to get your holiday shopping done fast; it’s filled with great ideas for travelers, campers, bikers, runners, babies, kids, and more. If you’d rather skip stuff this season and focus on experiences as gifts, read about five winter adventures that make snow season magical, not miserable, on page 20. Another alternative to gifting is celebrating the season at fun (and free) festive events at Utah’s ski resorts (page 8). Happy holidays! Jenny Willden

Comments, feedback, or complaints? Email editor@sportsguidemag.com.. Après ski at Deer Valley's Ice Bar

Salt Lake Jingle Bell Walk or Run for Arthritis Bring your bells and antlers to this run or walk for arthritis on Saturday, December 5 at Highland High School near Salt Lake City. Participate in competitive timed 5K, untimed 5K walk/run, or 1K kids’ run. Wear festive costumes and create a team so your friends can join you! Prizes for top fundraisers! arthritis.org/utah

New Year’s Revolution Run and Ride If you prefer indoor running for your New Year’s run, join 350 runners and walkers on January 1, 2016 for a fivehour indoor running party at the Utah Olympic Oval. You’ll do as many laps as possible on the indoor track and the person with the most laps wins. NEW for 2016: 5K at 7:00 a.m. Random prize drawings are also held throughout the event. Cyclists can also participate on indoor bikes at the Revolution Ride, or mix it up and do a bike/run combo. newyearsrevolutionrun.com

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Wasatch Citizens Cross Country Race Series TUNA (The Utah Nordic Alliance) hosts their popular Nordic races series beginning in December at major cross country ski venues along the Wasatch. Two classic and three free technique races are offered with categories for age, gender, and ability level, so all can participate and compete. Points are accumulated throughout the season with prizes awarded to top three skiers in each class. Race dates: December 19, January 2, 16, 23, and February 20. utahnordic.com

Sports-am Snowshoe Stomp 5K Race in snowshoes on wooded trails and across streams at Mountain Dell at this winter 5K race you can run with snowshoes or just running shoes. Kids can participate in a snowshoe 1K held before the main event. Race held Saturday, January 11, 2016. If you don’t own snowshoes, $10 rentals are available at REI for participants. Post-race hot chocolate and pancakes provided by Blue Star. sports-am.com

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Deer Valley Celebrity Skifest Olympic ski legends are paired with television and film celebrities at this annual invitational ski event to fundraise for the environmental group Waterkeeper Alliance, which supports and empowers Waterkeeper member organizations to protect communities, ecosystems, and water quality. Come watch these celebrities compete at the giant slalom ski races on Sunday, December 6 on the Birdseye ski run. dvskifest.com

Deer Valley FIS Freestyle World Cup Watch athletes from around the world compete in moguls, dual moguls, and aerials at this annual freestyle championship at Deer Valley on February 4-6, 2016. The fun begins with a FREE live concert on lower Main Street in Park City at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 3. Competitions held on Friday and Saturday nights and followed by fireworks. Free and open to the public. Hob knob with athletes and enjoy Deer Valley’s famous cuisine by purchasing VIP Freestyle Fest tickets that include a buffet and drinks inside a slopeside heated tent. deervalley.com

U.S. Grand Prix at Park City The longest running winter action sports tour, the U.S. Grand Prix, is hosting the second stop of their series February 4-7, 2016 at Park City Mountain Resort. Known for its pristine 22-foot tall halfpipe, Park City will be hosting halfpipe competitions for both snowboarding and freeskiing. FREE for spectators, and you can expect sponsor booths and giveaways at the event too. usfreeskiing.com/events/grand-prix-park-city-freeskiing

Run SLC Race Series Get a start on spring training and beat the winter blues with this races series by Salt Lake Running Company. All the races start and end at their Sugarhouse store and are open to all ages and abilities. Work your way up from the 5K to the 15K and receive a Run SLC stainless steel pint glass for each race you complete. Get a fourth pint glass for completing the whole series! Fully supported with traffic control and aid stations to ensure a safe and enjoyable run for all. After the races they’ll have music, local vendors, and food trucks in the parking lot. 5K February 6, 10K March 5, and 15K April 2. saltlakerunningco.com/runslc Ogden Fat Bike and Snowshoe Championships Head to Ogden’s Powder Mountain Resort on February 27 for this fat bike competition where amateurs bike twelve miles across Powder Mountain’s Hidden Lake area terrain while pro and open class riders complete over 18 miles. Spectators can enjoy free fat bike demos provided by Borealis and local bike shops, as well as an opportunity to win a fat bike. Participants and spectators get double the snow action as Powder Mountain is hosting the US National Snowshoe Championships the same weekend. usacycling.org and snowshoenationals.com The Bookshelf Backcountry Ski & Snowboard Routes: Utah Local outdoor journalist, Jared Hargrave, compiled nearly 100 backcountry ski routes in the Wasatch and Uinta ranges in his new book Backcountry Ski & Snowboard Routes: Utah. From pre-work dawn patrol to multi-day trips, Hargrave outlines detailed touring routes including driving directions, trail distance, skill level, estimated trip times, high point elevations, avalanche path notes, and more. His guidebook also includes resources for avalanche, weather and road conditions as well as land managers relevant to the routes, ski/snow reports, and general safety information with a foreword by one of Utah’s premier avalanche experts, Craig Gordon. Review by Melissa McGibbon. $21 mountaineersbooks.org

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THE BACKCOUNTRY SOURCE Featuring a huge selection of top brands and the largest TELEMARK, TOURING and SKI MOUNTAINEERING GEAR and CLOTHING, the Black Diamond store is your local source for all things backcountry. • Wide selection of skis, boots, bindings, splitboards and accessories from top brands • Technical and casual clothing for any weather conditions • Huge demo fleet and ski shop

For the best selection, friendly staff and local knowledge, visit the Black Diamond Store - your backcountry source.

BlackDiamondEquipment.com 2092 E 3900 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84124 801-278-0283 Mon-Fri 10-7 | Sat 9-7 | Sun 11-5

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RESORT REPORT By Jenny Willden Deck the halls on a mountaintop with our comprehensive guide to free Santa skiing, torchlight parades, Kris Kringle visits, and New Year’s celebrations at Utah’s fantastic ski resorts. Visit skiutah.com for more information on all resorts.

DEER VALLEY Santa Claus Visits Deer Valley Ski on Christmas Eve and visit Santa in the Snow Park Lodge area from 9:00–11:00 a.m. or from noon–1:30 p.m. in the Silver Lake Lodge area.

ALTA New Year’s Eve Torchlight Parade Ring in 2014 at Alta’s annual New Year’s Eve torchlight parade. The parade follows the main cat track from Watson Shelter to the base of the mountain. To participate you must wear goggles and be an intermediate skier or above. Lifts load at 5:15 p.m. The parade and fireworks begin at 6:00 p.m. Bring non-perishable items to donate to the Utah Food Bank. alta.com

Torchlight Parade Begins at about 6 p.m. (dusk) on December 30 on Bald Eagle Mountain’s Big Stick ski run. Complimentary hot cider and cookies will be served on the Snow Park Plaza. Snow Park Restaurant will also be open for dinner. For more information, call 435-649-1000. deervalley.com

BEAVER MOUNTAIN Beaver Mountain is closed Christmas Day, but open on New Year’s Day. skithebeav.com BRIAN HEAD New Year’s Eve Torchlight Parade Ring in the New Year in Southern Utah with an evening torchlight parade on the slopes. brianhead.com BRIGHTON RESORT Quad Wednesdays Ski or ride for just $20 on December 2, 9, and 16 with your donations. Bring toys for Utah Foster Care Foundation (Dec. 2), winter clothing for the Road Home (Dec. 9), and a bag of canned food for the Utah Food Bank (Dec. 16). Free Kids Learn to Ski Day It’s not a holiday event, but it’s worth mentioning that your kids who’ve never skied before can learn for FREE on December 12 or 13! With pre-registration, kids 10 and under receive a free lesson, lift ticket, and rental. Santa Skis Free Day Dress as Santa and ski for free on Christmas Day! Partial costumes don’t count, so come dressed head to toe as St. Nick to ensure you get a lift ticket! No limit on number of Santas! brightonresort.com

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EAGLE POINT The resort is open daily from December 19–January 3, 2016 for the holidays. eaglepointresort.com PARK CITY Santa Comes Down the Town Lift Welcome Santa, Rudolph, and the other reindeer to Park City on December 19 at 5:00 p.m. at the Town Lift Plaza. Free hot chocolate and cookies while you wait for Santa to fly in on the Town Lift. DecemberFest Returning this season, visit from December 19–January 3, 2016 for a 16day festival that includes morning and après musical acts, village entertainers, a tree lighting ceremony, 53rd Annual Torchlight Parade and Christmas Eve Celebration Get in the holiday spirit on Christmas Eve by listening to festive music while enjoying free hot cocoa and cookies on the Resort Plaza beginning at 5:30 p.m. after skiing. Then the ski and snowboard school will ski down the PayDay trail in a traditional torchlight parade. New Year’s Eve Celebration Participate in family-friendly activities on New Year’s Eve at the Canyons Village along with a concert, DJ, sleigh rides, and a massive fireworks display. parkcitymountain.com

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SNOWBASIN RESORT Christmas Eve Celebration Ski with Santa during the day, then enjoy a traditional Christmas dinner at Earl’s Lodge from 4:30–8:00 p.m. on Christmas Eve. Santa arrives at 6:00 p.m. for photographs. Dinner followed by a torchlight parade and fireworks at 6:30 p.m. No reservations accepted, so come early to get your spot. snowbasin.com SUNDANCE MOUNTAIN RESORT Holiday Happenings Take a skication from December 26– January 2, 2016 and enjoy free seasonal activities on resort property, including: holiday films, s’mores, cookie decorating, arts and crafts for smaller kids, and games. Available to all lodging guests. sundanceresort.com SNOWBIRD SKI AND SUMMER RESORT Highly Decorated Tree Lighting Ceremony This tree-lighting ceremony and musical program is held on December 19 from 4:00–5:30 p.m. and honors the service and sacrifice of our veterans, active military, and their families. Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade & Fireworks   Catch Santa and Mrs. Claus on the slopes from 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. on Christmas Eve. Then stick around for caroling and fire pits on the Plaza Deck from 3:30–5:30 p.m. Followed by the Torchlight Parade, fireworks, and Santa rappelling from the Tram at approximately 6:00 p.m. Candelight Christmas Eve Service held at 7:00 p.m. New Year’s Eve Torchlight Parade Enjoy fire pits, hot cocoa, and waffles from 3:00–5:00 p.m. on the Plaza Deck on December 31. Stay for the Torchlight Parade at approximately 6:00 p.m. followed by fireworks display and New Year’s parties in the Wildflower Lounge and Tram Club. snowbird.com

January Learn to Ski or Ride for $45! Snowbird Mountain School is offering first-time skiers and snowboarders an afternoon lesson, a Chickadee lift ticket and rentals all for just $45 during the month of January. Offer valid Jan. 3 -31, 2016 (excluding Jan. 15-18, 2016). Must pre-register a minimum of 24 hours in advance. Ages 7 and up.

Reservations: 801-947-8222 or mountainschool@snowbird.com.

Skiing Green

How Utah is Keeping Winter Cool Let’s face the facts: skiing, by its nature is tough on the environment. Unless your name is Brody Leven, and you are willing to hop a train, then ride a bike to a backcountry peak, which you’ll then climb under your own power, the rest of us mere mortals are going to have an impact on the nature we so seek. What’s a skier to do? Well, lest we stay at home, with the lights and heat off, the best we can do is make smart decisions that include Mother Nature.

CHANGE IS IN THE AIR In a bold move, Ski Utah announced a partnership with Protect Our Winters (POW) with the mission of raising awareness about climate change and unifying the winter sports community in the state of Utah. “As a leading advocate for one of Utah’s greatest assets, The Greatest Snow on Earth, and its $1.2 billion-dollar winter tourism industry, it’s a natural fit for Ski Utah to partner with POW,” said Ski Utah president and CEO, Nathan Rafferty. “POW has done an excellent job representing the global snowsports community in the fight against climate change. We look forward to supporting POW’s mission and raising further climate change awareness here in Utah.” Professional athletes have always been advocates of the wild places in which they ply their craft. Going beyond raising awareness via the usual social media channels, a consortium of athletes recently visited Capitol Hill in Washington DC to plead the case to lawmakers. The aforementioned professional skier, Brody Leven, applauds the Ski Utah and POW partnership,

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noting that “by partnering with Protect Our Winters, the conglomerate of resorts in Ski Utah is making one of the most important statements it can make: that they are concerned with the single biggest threat facing the ski industry future, let alone humanity. Accelerated climate change caused by humans can completely change Utah’s ski industry in our lifetimes.” Leven realizes that “as a professional skier, my job is supported, indirectly, by the number of tourists, recreational skiers, and ski sales that happen in any given season. So while I appreciate, yearn for, and seek the solitary experience of skiing outside of ski resorts, I understand the importance resorts serve in the snowsports industry.” WHAT RESORTS ARE DOING Utah is home to 14 resorts, and each and every one of them are committed to mitigating environmental impacts and protecting the slopes for future generations of shredders. From reducing emissions and promoting carpool and public transportation, as well as recycling programs are each a

Photo Credit: Justin Cash. Courtesy of Visit Salt Lake

By Nick Como

Photo Credit: Simon Evans. Courtesy of Visit Salt Lake.

Clint Butler and Sierra Quitiquit waiting for a TRAX light-rail train in downtown Salt Lake.

step in the direction of ensuring the Greatest Snow On Earth continues to fall on the Wasatch. Alta’s Environmental Center’s mantra of “People, Planet, and Profit” encompasses all departments of the ski area. By employing this triple-triple bottom line as a decision-making lens to guide strategies and management practices shows Alta’s commitment to the natural beauty that defines the Alta experience. Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort has been recognized both nationally and internationally for spearheading several environmental protection projects, including the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) 2007 Golden Eagle Award for Overall Environmental Excellence by a ski resort. The Bird was the first private landowner in Utah to help fund a mining-era clean-up effort to eliminate tailings that was affecting the American Fork watershed. In addition to the Golden Eagle award, Snowbird’s participation in the Pacific Mine reclamation project was recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Environmental Achievement Award and State of Utah’s Earth Day

Award. Along with a number of water conservation and quality projects, as well as mine restorations, the resort was lauded for its Peruvian Tunnel reduction to visual impact. Solitude Mountain Resort and Brighton Resort participate along with the other Little Cottonwood Canyon resorts to offer free UTA passes to all season pass holders. Eliminating cars on the road by putting powderhounds on buses from park-and-ride lots not only cuts down on emissions in the clean mountain air, but also eliminates traffic on canyon roads. UTA also runs a bus to the Park City area, which connects effortlessly with the free Park City bus and transit system. Sundance Mountain Resort purchases renewable energy credits so that 100% of energy use is offset by those credits— primarily wind energy. Walking around the base village, the resort vibe makes guests feel more in-tune with the natural environment, which is no accident. Solar panels, LED lights, reclaimed wastewater, and reduced waste are just some of the hallmarks of Vail Resort’s initiatives at Park City, which includes

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the Canyons Village area. “At Park City, we want to make sure that we are protecting and preserving the places we love to play for future generations,” said senior communications specialist Jessica Miller. A relative newcomer to the Utah ski industry, Vail has also been quick to look off-mountain to invest in the community, through its Epic Promise program. Almost 200 Park City employees worked on various water quality projects along East Canyon Creek near Mormon Flats, the Spring Creek Trailhead, and surrounding areas this fall. As a Sustainable Slopes participant, Deer Valley Resort is one of more than 190 resorts to endorse the National Ski Area Association’s (NSAA) Sustainable Slopes Environmental Charter for ski areas. Additionally, 100% of their off-road diesel vehicles run on biodiesel, highefficiency snowmaking air guns, and a comprehensive recycling program can serve as model to other resorts. “All ski resorts, whether on public or private land, are charged with being stewards of the land. It’s a responsibility that should not be taken lightly and we at Deer Valley certainly do not,” says Bob Wheaton, resort president

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Photo Credit: Adam Clark / Ski Utah

Fresh Utah Powder.

and general manager. “The truth is, we’ve kept sustainability in mind since the resort’s inception. The resort is committed to the environmentally friendly practices we have in place and we will continue to focus on adopting new, innovative programs.” Snowbasin diverts almost half of its trash into recycling and has switched from disposable to all reusable wares in their dining facilities. Plus, chefs create menus based on the seasonal ingredients available from a community supported agriculture program the resort participates in and meat is sourced from local farmers with sustainable operations. NO conversation about Snowbasin is complete without mentioning their bathrooms: they’ve converted all toilets to low flush; resulting in a 20% decrease in water usage resort wide. Other efforts include retro-fitting all lighting to low-energy LED lights, installing motion-activated exterior lighting, and replacing old, inefficient snow guns with Rubis Evo snow guns to ensure energyefficient snowmaking.

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WHAT YOU CAN DO By its nature, backcountry touring is clearly a less impactful choice when compared to resort skiing, but you likely still have to drive to the trailhead and use equipment that was manufactured somewhere. By making informed choices that support organizations who have the planet in mind we can help preserve the feeling of a carved turn and powder face shot for those we are borrowing the earth from. Of course, with a little bit of planning the driving component can be eliminated or reduced by carpooling, or using UTA buses out of Salt Lake, which stop at most major backcountry trailheads in both canyons. If you are up for ridesharing, you can take Uber to Snowbird, or use the “Canyon Carpool” Facebook Group to find a lift to the hill. Several local companies have taken the natural world into account when

choosing materials. For example, environmentally-minded Cotopaxi uses overrun fabric pieces from other brands to stitch together their packs. The Cottonwood Heights-based manufacturer insulates their outerwear and fleece products with sustainable llama wool. Pioneering freeskier, Julian Carr, is the brainchild behind Discrete, whose manufacturers use toxic-free dyes and organic cottons. Discrete is also exploring a potential partnership with local non-profit TreeUtah on a permanent campaign that would plant trees based on products sold. Utah is a “cool” place, literally and figuratively, for winter sports enthusiasts. Only through our collaborative efforts can we hope to keep it that way.

Nick Como escaped the skyscrapers of NYC for the tall peaks of the Wasatch. Climber, skier, canyoneer, mountain biker, and lover of food. Just don’t think of offering him pizza with pineapple on it.

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Sunshine and cardio are proven mood boosters.

Banish Winter Blues

6 Tips for Avoiding the Post-holiday Blahs By Molly Newman

Christmas may be the season to be jolly, but the wintry days that follow can wreak havoc on your mood. Short days, gray skies, and chilly temperatures compound the natural letdown after the whirlwind of holiday parties and time spent with friends and family. And stepping back onto the scale after bingeing on sweets for weeks can prove a downer, too. But even in the darkest, gloomiest days of the year, you can improve your mood naturally with these simple (and fun) strategies.

West offer plenty of dry, sunny days perfect for hitting the trails and soaking up that mood-boosting glow.

Feeling SAD? According to the National Institutes of Health, up to 20% of American adults may experience some symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) during the winter months, including fatigue, listlessness, craving sugary or starchy foods, and a tendency to oversleep. For most people, the best way to cope with this winter-onset depression is with increased exposure to sunlight. Fortunately, winters in the 14

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1. Light it up. Fight back against late sunrises and 4:00 p.m. sunsets with a dose of depression-blasting rays. Light therapy boxes, such as the SunBox Sunlight Jr., offer the same wavelengths as natural sunlight in a portable lamp that’s easy to set up on your breakfast table or work desk. Therapy is most effective when done in the early morning; start with brief 15-minute sessions and work up to 30- or 60-minute sessions if needed. Make sure to set a schedule you can stick to. Skipping as few as two sessions can reduce the treatment’s effectiveness. 2. Give yourself an uplift... literally. Another well-supported treatment for SAD is exercise: specifically, regular cardio workouts. But why slog through yet another treadmill session when there

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are so many more appealing indoor options? Make a big stretch out of your comfort zone by trying an aerial arts class. You’ll literally fly through the air circus-style (don’t worry—safety

harnesses are provided!) and improve your flexibility and core strength, all while having an awesome time. Invite a friend to join you, too. Research proves that people who exercise with friends

enjoy physical activity more and are less likely to slack on their workout schedules. In the Salt Lake City area, check out the offerings at Aerial Arts of Utah (aerialartsofutah.com). Start with a single class to get a feel for the moves, then move up to a 7-week session focusing on silks, trapeze, or AcroYoga. 3. Play in the sun. Want to fight post-holiday blues with a powerful combination of sunlight and exercise? Escape dreary skies with a race getaway in Southern Utah, where even short winter days are usually crisp and clear. Mark your calendar for the Canyonlands Half Marathon and 5K on March 12. This race winds along 13.3 miles of Highway 128 outside of Moab, one of the most beautiful byways in the state. Or, mix things up at St. George’s Road Race Duathlon, scheduled for February 27. Pick from the breezier Sprint course or the more intense Olympic course—each sandwiches a 10- or 20-mile bike ride between 1.5- or 3-mile running segments. 4. Snow day? “Snow” problem. Even cloudy or snowy days don’t need to interfere with your mood-boosting outdoor fun. Strap on your snowshoes and head to Squaw Peak for the Kahtoola Bigfoot Snowshoe Festival on January 30. Featuring the only snowshoe ultramarathon in the United States, this US Snowshoe Association Championship-qualifying event also includes shorter stretches for less hardcore athletes. Miss the thrill of speeding downhill? Let a little air out of your tires (29-inchers recommended) and take your bike to the slopes, or rent a fatbike from a local shop like Jans Mountain Outfitters (jans.com). Ski areas in Round Valley, Beaver Creek, and other areas welcome cyclists to their groomed trails. Just stick to the edges of the groomed areas and be sure to yield to slower trail users. 5. Get a diet makeover. Low levels of folate and Vitamin D, two essential trace nutrients, have been linked to winteronset depression. Boost your intake of both by increasing your consumption of fortified whole-grain products, dairy foods, egg yolks, and seafood. You may also try supplementing with SAMe, a chemical that occurs naturally in the body and that has been shown to help support healthy mood and fight symptoms of seasonal depression. 6. Know when to go pro. If your post-holiday funk stretches past Valentine’s Day, consider seeking professional treatment. Your primary care physician can refer you to a therapist with specific SAD experience. But for most people experiencing normal post-holiday, winter-onset blues, sunshine, exercise, and spending time outdoors with friends is the only prescription you’ll need to get your mood back on track.

Molly Newman lives in Portland, Oregon, where she hikes, walks, and runs whenever it isn’t raining—and often when it is. A contributor to Outdoor Sports Guide since 2009, she also hosts regular trivia nights and homeschools her two sons.

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TRI one or TRI them ALL! Hurry and register: Saturday, Jan 23 LIMITED # of ENTRIES Saturday, Feb 20 Last year this event Sold Out! Saturday, Mar 19

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SWIM - 15 Minutes BIKE - 25 Minutes RUN - 20 Minutes Swim in you own lane! Using LeMond spin bikes! Indoor climate controlled track!

8 Waves of 15 - 18 athletes per selected start time.

Event location: 5624 South Cougar Lane, Kearns, UTAH

You CAN make a difference! Some gifts come in boxes. Others come in bags. But this holiday season, the most meaningful gifts come in cans. So join Utah Food Bank this year in donating food, time or money to help Utahns facing hunger statewide.

•

Bring any bag filled with non-perishable donations to one of our statewide drop-off locations

•

Fill a virtual bag or donate online at utahfoodbank.org

SPECIAL THANKS TO:

Holiday Gift Guide

40 Picks for Everyone on Your List By Melissa McGibbon, Rebecca Petersen, and Jenny Willden

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OUTDOOR OPTIONS

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1. High Sierra Pack-n-Go 15L in a Bottle Kids and new hikers will love this 15-liter backpack packaged inside a 1000-ml bottle that fits in the backpack’s side pockets when unpacked. $25 highsierra.com

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2. Hults Bruk Salen Axe Avid campers need a powerful, light axe for chopping wood and making kindling. This axe has a hand-forged head made of Swedish steel paired with a comfortable American hickory handle. $78 hultsbruk1697.se

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3. Oboz Sawtooth Low Men’s and Women’s Shoe Keep your feet dry and prevent slipping in this hiking shoe. The waterproof

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TRAVELER TREATS

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1. Smith Rockford Aviators See your destination in a whole new light with a great pair of shades from Smith Optics. These aviators look great on men and women and are designed to fit comfortably and never catch your hair. $179 smithoptics.com 2. Cotopaxi Tianjin Unisex Vest This unisex vest from Utah-based Cotopaxi is filled with waterproof 600-fill down and covered in polyurethane-backed backed canvas fabric to keep the wearer dry and warm. $250 cotopaxi.com

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3. Osprey Ozone Convertible 22” 50L Carry-On Luggage For the smart traveler who prefers not to check bags, this luggage has it all.

4. The North Face Dolomite 20/-7 Double Sleeping Bag Cozy up in this two-person 20°F sleeping bag or keep it to yourself and sprawl to your heart’s content. Eco-insulated and highly compressible, it makes for a dreamy night’s sleep when camping. $159 thenorthface.com 5. REI Kingdom Sleep System Bring luxury into your tent. This queen-size air mattress includes an insulated top quilt, an attached top sheet, and a fitted mattress pad. There’s even an inflatable headboard. $239 rei.com

Detachable daypack, convertible main body, and enough clever organizational details to delight any Type A. $300 ospreypacks.com 4. Outdoor Research Women’s Placid Jacket Urban styling and a flattering cut make this jacket fashionable in the city, but the 700-fill power down and weather-resistant outer coating means it’s adventure ready too. $275 outdoorresearch.com 5. Ridgemont Men’s Mesa Shoe Looks like a classic sneaker, but hi-density rubber and a lugged vulcanized outsole make it ideal for off-roading. Day hike and city walk in it and skip packing extra shoes. $99 ridgemontoutfitters.com

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RUNNER REWARDS 1. Athleta Full Focus Sports Bra Whether she’s skiing, practicing yoga, or watching a movie, she’ll enjoy this go-to sports bra that’s breathable, supportive, comfortable, and stylish. $35 athleta.com

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2. Nathan Nebula Fire Headlamp with Crossover Kit Keep your favorite runner safe with this hands-free headlamp/bike light that turns on a safety strobe when it senses a car’s headlights approaching. $85 rei.com

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3. New Balance Vazee Pace Protect Pack Designed for winter, this lightweight trainer is made of closed, water-resistant

membrane, stable construction, and sticky rubber lugged outsole made it our favorite. $135 obozfootwear.com

{ Early Winter 2015 }

[ Gear

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mesh to keep feet dry. Built and cushioned for neutral runners. $120 newbalance.com 4. Brooks Women’s Seattle Tight Don’t let wet weather stop her run! Breathable wind- and waterproof panels provide protection and the two-pocket waistband fits a large smartphone. $160 brooksrunning.com 5. Brooks Men’s Drift Jacket If he runs in any weather, get him this seam-taped jacket. Keeps wind and moisture out while maintaining breathability and has water-resistant pockets. $135 brooksrunning.com

PEDAL PICKS

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1. Spurcycle Bike Bell Crowded trails can be cumbersome, but this bike bell lets others know you’re coming with a charming yet powerful sound that lasts three times longer than other bells. $39 spurcycle.com 2. Blackburn Designs 2’fer Bike Lights Switch from white 60-lumen front lights to red 20-lumen rear lights with the push of a button! Use flashing mode for increased safety. $45 blackburndesign.com 3. Chrome Base Cobra Men’s Bike Jacket Whether commuting or mountain biking, this urban-styled hoodie has you covered.

Made of technical fleece with a longer torso and arms for coverage with hidden back zippered pocket. $100 chromeindustries.com 4. Specialized Women’s Oura Bike Saddle A high-performance, comfortable bike saddle is on every cyclist’s wish list. The Oura is geometrically mapped, has titanium rails, and super-lightweight padding with gel inserts. $130 specialized.com 5. Pearl Izumi Elite Road IV Cycling Shoes The integrated micro-adjustable BOA reel closure, an adaptive fit system, direct-vent technology, and enhanced plate stiffness make these a sweet choice for any rider. $200 pearlizumi.com

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GADGET GIFTS

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1. Brunton All Day 2.0 Power Bank Essential power supply for all day and multi-day adventures. This GoPro compatible system allows for 5 ½ times the recording life, is waterproof to 130 feet, and charges phones with its USB port. $69 brunton.com

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2. ECOXGEAR Pebble Powerbank/Speaker Simultaneously charge devices and play music with this waterproof and shockresistant speaker. Over 50 hours of playtime. Bonus flashlight built in! $100 ecoxgear.com

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3. Motorolla Talkabout T460 Communicate off the grid with these 35-mile range two-way radios. Include

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1. Chia Bars Bite-size bars are a healthy addition to any stocking! Each gluten-free, vegan bar is packed with chia seeds, omega 3, fiber, and protein. Our fave is coconut. $22 for 15-pack healthwarrior.com

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STOCKING STUFFERS

2. Camp Chef Heat Resistant Gloves For the gourmet camp chef, these heatresistant leather gloves protect your hands and arms while cooking around the campfire and are great for stoking the fire. $17 campchef.com 3. Cairn Boxes Give your favorite adventurer a monthly subscription box of outdoor goods curated

weather channel, emergency alert button, rechargeable batteries, and flashlight. $79 motorollasolutions.com 4. Ollo Clip Active Lens Take your iPhone photos to another level with these Ultra-Wide and Telephoto lens attachments. Made for front and rearfacing cameras so you’ll take better-thanever adventure photos and selfies. $100 olloclip.com 5. Sony Action Cam X1000V / X1000VR 4K with Wifi & GPS Waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, enhanced full HD, an ultra-wide lens, and SteadyShot stabilization make this camera a must for anyone who likes to make their own action adventure movies. $299–$499 sony.com

for their interests. We’ve received tasty snacks, apparel, lanterns, dishes, and more. October box depicted. $25 a month getcairn.com 4. All Good Glass Gift Set Protect their skin naturally with a set stuffed in a glass water bottle. Includes: USDA Organic Lip Balm, Unscented Sunstick SPF30, Coconut Oil and Lavender Lotion Sample Packs. $36 elementalherbs.com 5. Olympia Flashlight Ideal for camping and emergencies, this 850-lumen flashlight lights up a whole campsite! Waterproof, freezeproof, USB rechargeable. $90 olympiaoutdoors.com

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{ Early Winter 2015 } 17

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BABY BONUSES (MOMS TOO) 1. Linge Mom & Me Ballet Flats Mom, baby, and kids will love these soft leather ballet flats. The ssupple leather lining and suede sole make them comfortable without socks. Adult $49, Baby/Kid $39 lingeshoes.com

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2. BoobDesign Once On Never Off Legging Bump or no bump, these leggings are soft enough to sleep in and just supportive enough to layer under your favorite tops. The high waist folds up or down as your fluxing waistline requires. Best of the best feature is the perfectly sized ankles; not so tight that you wage war to get them on but enough to stay in place. $59 shop.boobdesign.com

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3. Ciao! Baby Go-Anywhere-High-Chair Feed and corral your baby during outdoor excursions with this assembly-free high

chair that stashes in a carry bag like your camp chair. Includes vinyl tray. For children up to 35 pounds. $68 theportablehighchair.com 4. Patagonia Baby Down Sweater Babies are extra sensitive to cold weather; keep them cozy in this sweater stuffed with 600-fill Traceable Down. The DWR, weather-resistant shell fabric blocks wind and water. Sizes from 3 months to 5T. $99 patagonia.com 5. BoobDesign B-Warmer Fast Food Sports Bra Nursing friendly sportswear doesn’t exist. Empires have been built on wearall-weekend sports clothes, but nursing moms are out of luck. Until the Fast Food, which has soft nursing clips that unclip with one hand. It’s not only comfortingly convenient, but also incredibly supportive for high-impact activities. $89 shop.boobdesign.com

Never miss an episode of your favorite KUED and PBS Shows! Anywhere. Anytime. On Your Computer and Mobile Devices. video.kued.org

{ Early Winter 2015 }

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sportsguidemag.com ]

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CHILD CHOICES 1. KidzGear Bluetooth Headphones Make roadtrips a breeze with Bluetooth 4.0 wireless headphones designed to fit kids' smaller heads. Pair them with an in-car TV, tablet, or phone. $60 gearforkidz.com

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2. Keen Koven Low Waterproof Shoe Boys and girls will love this year-round hiking shoe with a lugged outsole for traction and waterproof, breathable upper. Secure lacing system means no more untied shoes! $65 keenfootwear.com

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3. Rollerblade Spitfire XT G Today’s Rollerblades are better than your childhood ones thanks to comfortable construction, lighter materials, and better support. This pair’s lower center of gravity improves their balance, control, and coordination. EPlus, they expand to fit four sizes! $80 rollerblade.com

4. Marvel Selk’bag for Kids If your little one loves superheroes, this walkable sleeping bag is the perfect gift. Choose from Spider-Man, Captain America, Iron Man, and The Hulk. Removable booties let kids use their Selk’bag anywhere. Ages 5 and up. 45°F rated. $99 selkbagusa.com 5. Kid-O-Bunk Ideal for camping, these kid cots pack down small and can be configured into bunks or a sitting bench and are simple enough for kids to put together themselves! The steel frame adjusts to uneven ground. Includes carry bags for easy storage and travel. Ages 7–12. $290 kidobunk.com

UNDER KIDS TEN AND

! E E R F I SK ildren ages ten and under Now at Brighton Resort, ch d by a paying adult! ski for free when accompanie

ESORT.COM

WWW.BRIGHTONR

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Gear ]

{ Early Winter 2015 } 19

Photo credit: Adam Barker, Courtesy of Visit Salt Lake

Wintertime fly fishing in Utah.

Wintry Wonders

5 Daring Snow Season Adventures By Alexa V. Morgan

BOBSLED, ZIPLINE, SLED AT UTAH OLYMPIC PARK The Utah Olympic Park (utaholympiclegacy.org/park), the legacy of the 2002 Winter Olympics, offers an array of winter sport activities at a world-class venue. Thrill-seekers can hop aboard the Comet Bobsled for the ride of a lifetime. A professional pilot takes three passengers down the original Olympic track, which navigates 15 turns in a hair-raising 78 seconds, reaching up to five G’s of force and speeds exceeding 60 miles per hour. Rides begin November 27 and run through the end of March. For a slightly less intense rush, fly

side-by-side on the Extreme Ziplines, two of North America’s steepest. Simply step off the top of the K120 nordic ski jump and let gravity take over as you fly down, reaching speeds up to 50 miles per hour. Or take snow tubing to an entirely new level on the smaller Nordic hills, which serve as the launching pads for the high-speed adrenaline rush of Extreme Tubing. Both activities open the day after Christmas to all visitors ages 5 and over. Take a break from the cold and go on an hour-long guided tour of the facility, reliving stories of achievement by the world’s most elite wintersport athletes at The Engen Museum.

Photo courtesy of Utah Olympic Park

The fun doesn’t have to stop when temperatures drop! Even if you don’t ski or snowboard, there are plenty of ways to enjoy winter in Utah. So bundle up and hit a trail, slope, or lake this winter for some of the most exhilarating outdoor activities our state has to offer.

Utah Olympic Park ziplining.

ICE AND WINTER FLY FISHING Of all Utah’s 45 Blue Ribbon fisheries, the angling at Strawberry Reservoir is the stuff of legend. The state record Bonneville cutthroat trout and Kokanee salmon have been landed on its shores. Ice begins to form in late December and holds through February. Continued on page 22

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Learn to tackle any terrain. ADULT SPECIALTY SKI INSTRUCTION PROGRAMS

MEN’S/WOMEN’S WEEKEND (ADVANCED BEGINNER & UP) January 29-31, 2016. Three full days.

Conducted by Deer Valley’s professional ski instructors, these innovative programs offer students a collaborative experience to hone specific skills. The programs offer stance, balance and alignment analysis and give skiers the chance to test-run different types of skis. Advance reservations are necessary. Lift tickets are included for the Mahre Training Center Ski Camps. Typical class size is from four to six students. Ask about our Children’s Specialty Programs as well.

Deervalley.com 435-645-6648 #SkiTheDifference

WOMEN ON WEDNESDAYS (ADVANCED BEGINNER & UP) January 6,13,20,27; February 3, 2016. Five consecutive full Wednesdays. MEN ON THURSDAYS (ADVANCED BEGINNER & UP) January 7,14,21,28; February 4, 2016. Five consecutive full Thursdays. STEEPS & STASHES (STRONG INTERMEDIATE TO EXPERT) March 4-6, 2016. Three full days. Co-ed participation. MAHRE TRAINING CENTER SKI CAMPS Three-day ski camps offered December 11-13, 2015, January 8-10, 2016 and February 26-28, 2016. Five-day ski camps offered December 14-18, 2015 and January 11-15, 2016. Participants must be 12 years or older.

Dinner and Sleigh Ride 159 W. BROADWAY STE 200 SALT LAKE CITY UTAH 84101

TEL 8 0 1 5 3 1 0 1 2 2 FAX 8 0 1 5 3 1 0 1 2 3

Client: Deer Valley Job #: 15-DEER-0288 File: 15-DEER-0288_AdultSkierServices_SportsGuide_Winter.pdf File Created: 10/07/2015 Agency Contact: Essie Nagler Phone: 503-517-2526 Email: essie.nagler@struck.com

+ + +

Four Course Dinner Hot Cocoa Station Publication: Sports Guide Champagne and Festive Cocktails Issue: NA Bleed: NA

Trim: 7.625”w x 5”h Wednesdays and Fridays

Live: NA 5:00pm | 6:00pm | 7:00pm Colors: BW (dinner to follow) rsvp@thejeremy.com or 435·649·2700

Nordic Skiing + + +

$14 Day Pass $10 After 2:00pm $6 Kids

Seven Days a Week 9:00am—5:00pm

Season Passes Available for as low $225* Nordic Track and Jeremy Ranch Grill open to the public Classic and Skate Tracks available

435·649·2700 www.thejeremy.com 8770 N. Jeremy Road Park City, Utah 84098 *incudes a Jeremy Ranch Social Membership

Book your stay at gooseberryyurts.com. Want a five-star dining experience with an adventurous twist? Yurt restaurants provide a feast for the senses.

Gooseberry Yurts under the stars.

Ice fishing isn’t highly technical and usually results in fast action and good catch rates, so it’s a great way to get kids hooked for life! Gear rental packages are available through outfitters like Utah Ice Fishing (utahicefishing.com), with locations in Park City, Salt Lake, Syracuse, and Ogden. If you’ve already got the tackle and the skills, the state park service sponsors a handful of tournaments with cash and prizes up for grabs at lakes along the Wasatch. Many fishermen grab waders and a pole, tie some flies, and head to the Provo or Weber Rivers in the winter to hook hungry trout. But the irregular shoreline and varying depths of the Flaming Gorge Reservoir combined with the consistent temperatures of the Green River’s tailwaters produces some of Utah’s finest cold-weather fishing opportunities. “Winter is my favorite time of the year to fish the Flaming Gorge area,” says Kevin Clegg, a fishing guide with the Flaming Gorge Resort (flaminggorgeresort.com) in Dutch John, “Between November 1 and March 1, it’s not uncommon to have the entire river to yourself.” The area’s largest fish typically emerge during the winter, Clegg says. And because the south end of the reservoir rarely freezes over, boating and ice or shore fishing are all viable options.

{ Early Winter 2015 }

[ Trailsides

YURT CAMPING AND DINING Yurts, known for their distinctive rounded shape and inspired by the traditional dwellings of Central Asia, are a cozy alternative to camping. Inside, digs range from the rugged to the opulent. The Summit Mountain Lodge and Resort’s (smlresorts.com) 14 yurts in Brian Head epitomize the glamping trend. Each is uniquely designed with luxury and comfort in mind. Amenities such as satellite TV, iPod radio, Wi-Fi, a minibar, and private baths, vary. A night in the Honeymoon Yurt makes for an unforgettable romantic getaway.

WINTER MOUNTAIN BIKING All-season riding isn’t just for fat bikers. Weather permitting, a handful of trails spanning the state from SLC to St. George are still accessible deep into the winter. Here are a few of our favorites: Continued on page 24 Photo courtesy of Dan Jones

Photo courtesy of Kenny Jones

Just 30 minutes outside Salt Lake, Solitude Mountain Resort’s Mongolianstyle Dinner Yurt begins with a guided moonlight snowshoe trek lasting less than a mile. At the yurt, indulge in dishes like lobster crêpes or pan-seared Long Island duck breast, which are prepared with care on a wood stove. Open Thursday–Sunday beginning December 3. To make a reservation, call 801-536-5765.

Activities at the resort include sledding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, stargazing tours, snowcat rides, and skiing or snowboarding at Brian Head Ski Resort. If looking for warmer weather yurting, visit the north rim of Gooseberry Mesa— An international recognized mountain biking destination—where Kenny Jones manages and rents two yurts. Along with unparalleled views of Zion National Park, the site is remote enough to offer stargazing and solitude, but with access to cell service and stores. “Most people think about yurts in wintertime as a ski-in, ski-out activity. Gooseberry Yurts gives you a biking option in the wintertime,” Jones says.

sportsguidemag.com ]

Riding the Suicidal Tendencies trail in Santa Clara.

Wintry Wonders Continued from page 22 Antelope Island offers 360-degree vistas of the Great Salt Lake and nearly 20 miles of backcountry trails. Many riders choose the intermediate White Rock Bay Loop, nine miles of fastpaced doubletrack with a few climbs. Tracing the ancient shoreline of Lake Bonneville, the five-mile Split Rock Bay Loop winds through cliffs and rocks, some dating back nearly 3 billion years, with switchbacks, dramatic drops, and steep climbs along the way. The twomile Lakeshore Trail is ideal for less experienced riders or families with kids.

one of the endangered species that inhabit the area, including the Mojave Desert tortoise, Gila monster, and the trail’s namesake wildflower. Riders can start from either the Bloomington or Green Valley Trailheads (the latter is the downhill option). Though the trail accommodates all skill levels, its steep hills, nicknamed the “Fingers of Death,” are not to be underestimated.

Situated just southwest of St. George, the 2,700-foot elevation and warmer climate of the Bear Claw Poppy Trail ensures this trail can be ridden yearround; it never sees snow. Along the 7.8 miles of singletrack, riders may spot

— COLBY adopted 06-18-11

{ Early Winter 2015 }

[ Trailsides

Whether your winter adventure takes you on an alpine trek or a desert ride, keep warm and stay safe!

Alexa V. Morgan has been a freelance writer in southern Utah since 2011. Her work has appeared in the Mainstreet Business Journal of Southern Utah, Utah Business Magazine, St. George News, and 15 Bytes, among other publications. In her spare time, she enjoys photography, tennis, and her adorable pets. Follow her on Twitter at @alexavmorgan.

SOMETIMES MY HUMAN DOESN’T WEAR PANTS AT HOME. IT’S A RIOT.

“There’s a lot of varied terrain, from shale to hard-packed dirt. Then you have berms, so it’s like BMX and mountain biking combined,” says Dan Jones. He has been exploring southern Utah’s backcountry on two wheels since 2008, and lists Gooseberry Mesa and the Barrel Roll among his other favorites.

sportsguidemag.com ]

Gear of the Year The Best in Skiing and Snowboarding SKIING

By Melissa McGibbon 1. Mountain Hardwear Women’s Straight Chuter Jacket This sexy waterproof softshell is designed for breaking trail. We can only assume Mountain Hardwear Athlete and local legend, Andrew McLean, had something to do with its inspiration. $450 mountainhardwear.com 2. Patagonia Women’s Capilene Lightweight Baselayers Fast-drying and super wicking--they’re made from 100% recycled polyester and are unbelievably comfortable, breathable, and durable. $49-$59 patagonia.com 3. Outdoor Research Men’s Softshell Cirque Pants A great winter wardrobe option for the man who wants one pair of pants for every mountain adventure. Highly breathable, durable, and wind/weather resistant. $150 outdoorresearch.com

4. Anon Women’s WM1 Snow Goggles One of the coolest innovations in snow gear tech, these goggles have a Magna-Tech lens changing system. 14 rare-earth magnets on seven secure points of connection make for easy magnetic lens switching in variable light conditions. $219 anonoptics.com

5. Smith Men’s Vantage Snow Helmet with MIPS Features Aerocore construction that maximizes airflow, a BOA fit system with a 360-halo design, and MIPS technology— specially designed to protect your brain from impact. $220 smithoptics.com

6. FITS Ski Pro Socks Very cushy high performance ski socks featuring dynamic toe cup, heel lock, a full contact cuff, flat-knit toe, arch, and calf for perfect boot fit. Made from wood, nylon, polyester, and Lycra. $23 fitssock.com

7. Icebreaker Oasis Balaclava This midweight insulation balaclava is ideal for varying temperatures because it’s made from Merino wool so it warms when it’s cold outside and cools when it’s warm outside. Breathable, odor resistant, and very soft. $34 icebreaker.com

8 9

8. Arc’Teryx Men’s Lithic Mittens Warm fingers make happy skiers. These fully-featured technical true mittens are waterproof, breathable, insulated, durable, and allow for exceptional dexterity. $249 arcteryx.com 9. Dakine Arc 34L Technical Backpack This pack has all the bells and whistles: adjustable diagonal ski carry, dedicated A-frame ski carry, snow tool pockets, deployable helmet carry, a top load back panel entry, and, yes, an integrated rescue whistle. $170 dakine.com

10. K2 Luv Boat 108 Women’s Skis 108 underfoot and perform nice ‘n’ floaty on pow days. Made with K2 Bioflex technology, all-terrain rocker and a bamboo core; they are a perfectly sweet freeride ski. $699 k2skis.com

11. Salomon MTN Carbon S3 Ski Poles Featuring the Salomon S3 BC grip, articulated BC baskets, S3 straps, Kevlar reinforcement, and an easy lock system, this is the adjustable carbon backcountry pole everyone wants. $150 salomon.com

12. Atomic E Lithium 10 All Mountain Bindings Super lightweight and easy to adjust without tools, these all mountain bindings have an oversized platform, low-profile chassis, stomp pedal, step-in aid, and whole bunch of other technical details that make them pretty special. $119 atomic.com 13. Black Diamond Equipment Shiva Mx Ski Boot (Flex 110) The women’s-specific version of the Factor Mx, the Shiva Mx, is incredibly comfortable and ideal for the gal who needs a oneboot quiver for downhill and touring because of its swappablesole. $769 blackdiamondequipment.com

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sportsguidemag.com ]

SNOWBOARDING By Jenny Willden

1. Columbia Men’s Shreddin™ Jacket Part of the high-end Titanium line, this coat has every imaginable feature: thermal reflective insulation, waterproof zippers, pockets for goggles and cell phones, unique spacious back pocket for a hat, underarm venting, and 100% waterproof/ breathable construction. $400 columbia.com

2. Columbia Men’s Jump Off ™ Pant Comfortable stretch construction and guaranteed waterproofness make these pants a powderhound’s favorite. Thermal reflective lining keeps them warm but light so you can move with ease. $250 columbia.com 3. Helly Hansen Women’s Motion Stretch Jacket While this techy jacket’s Primoloft® insulation and unique H2 Flow venting system are its standout features, we love it thanks to its stretchy fabrication and comfortable wrist gaitors that make it a delight to wear all day. $350 hellyhansen.com

4. K2 Source Z Goggle Swap between two included lenses in a flash with this semiframeless pair that fits over or under a helmet. Includes cloudy flat light and variable light lenses. For men or women who prefer larger goggles. $145 en-us.k2snowboarding.com

5. Under Armour Men’s ColdGear Infared Baselayers Take staying warm to the next level! These thermo-conductivelined underlayers absorb and retain body heat for increased warmth without bulk. Sweat and stench are kept at bay thanks to wicking properties and an anti-odor treatment. $55 Leggings, $60 Top underarmour.com

6. Icebreaker Skyline Hat The perfect après hat, this warm Merino beanie is blended with acrylic fabric to give it plenty of softness and stretch. $35 icebreaker.com 7. Original Buff Buff invented multifunctional, warm headwear, and this classic design is still our favorite for riding. Wear it 12 ways: balaclava, hat, neck gaiter, and more. $20 buffusa.com

8. Icebreaker Cascade Long Sleeve Zip The perfect midlayer under a shell, this Merino wool top has a fleece feel inside and smooth fabric on the outside. Zips up tall to keep your neck warm, eliminating the need for a neck warmer. $190 icebreaker.com 9. Dakine Men’s Fillmore Trigger Mitts Insulated mittens are warmer than gloves, but adding the lobster claw and touchscreen-friendly leather allows for easy phone use without taking them off. $55 dakine.com 10. Sorel Tofino Herringbone Boot Trade your boarding boots for these warm, microfleece-lined beauties when après lounging. Waterproof with great grip for snow trekking. $160 sorel.com

9 10

11. Ride Men's Anthem Boots Forget about your feet and enjoy the ride. Great feel and flex for all-day comfort, this all mountain boot has high-end features for a reasonable price: Boa with innovative over-toe lacing to eliminate pressure points, heat-moldable liner, and plush foam lining. $210 ridesnowboards.com 12. Ride Hellcat with DVA Bindings Beginning boarders need not apply, but this new all mountain board with rocker edges and camber underfoot is a favorite of hard-charging ladies who ride steeps, pow, and the park…often in the same day. Our favorite amongst all tested…and that says a lot. Pair with Ride’s DVA bindings for freestyle comfort and effortless riding thanks to a new urethane back that’s soft—yet supportive—for quick turns and steady flex. $510 Board, $210 Bindings ridesnowboards.com

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{ Early Winter 2015 } 27

CALENDAR [ Clinics ]

{ CLINICS / RUNNING } DECEMBER 5

WINTER SUN 10K

JANUARY 21–24

SKI TO LIVE CAMPS

4-day camps. Intermediate to expert skiers, men and women. At the historic Goldminers Daughter Lodge at Alta, Utah. $1550 Camp only (yes you can do the camp only). Additional charge for all inclusive: $1425 (single), $1165 (double) $1095 (bunk) with 4 nights lodging-4 days of bfast/ dinner and apres ski, and 3 lift tickets. kristenulmer.com/options/skito-live

[ Running ]

Moab, UT. A fast course, great raffle prizes and delicious finish food make the 33rd annual Winter Sun 10K a good reason to visit Moab when the air is crisp and the skies are blue and sunny. moabhalfmarathon.com DECEMBER 5

SALT LAKE JINGLE BELL WALK OR RUN

Bring your bells and antlers to this run or walk for arthritis at Highland High School. arthritis.org/utah

2015 UTAH SANTA RUN PROVO

LA VERKIN CITY WINTER FEST

The Jolliest 5K in Utah. This fun event starts and ends at The Shops at Riverwoods, Provo. All registered runners get a full and complete Santa Suit to run this 5K in. Along the course you will find milk and cookie stops (with water) to aid the Santa's on their journey. Christmas Music plays over head. This race is followed by a Christmas Concert and is a lot of fun.

BAKER’S DOZEN HALF MARATHON

Hurricane, UT. Half marathon and 5K paired with sugary treats along the way. bakersdozenhalfmarathon.com DECEMBER 31

LIFE TIME FITNESS COMMITMENT DAY 5K

South Jordan, UT. Start 2016 off on the right foot at this New Year’s Day 5K run or walk sponsored by Life Time Fitness. The family-friendly run begins at Life Time Fitness (10996 S. River Front Pkwy). commitmentday.com

DECEMBER 5

DECEMBER 12

La Verkin, UT. 10K and 5K races. Includes treasure hunt and Zumba party before races. facebook.com/laverkincity DECEMBER 12

DECEMBER 31

BEAT THE NEW YEAR 5K

Sugarhouse Park, SLC, UT. Organized by Salt Lake City Track Club. Finish before midnight to receive an award. slctrackclub.org

SNOWFLAKE FESTIVAL SANTA DASH 5K RUN/WALK

JANUARY 1

rubymountainrelay.com

If you prefer indoor running for your New Year’s run, join 350 runners and walkers for a five-hour indoor running

Elko, NV. Start and finish at Elko Court House. Join us at the Festival!

runsanta.com

NEW YEAR’S REVOLUTION RUN AND RIDE

party at the Utah Olympic Oval. newyearsrevolutionrun. com

JANUARY 16

ST. GEORGE HALF MARATHON

St. George, UT. Southern Utah's longest running half marathon, attracting over 2500 runners. sgcity.org FEBRUARY 6-APRIL 23

STRIDERS WINTER RACE CIRCUIT

Add on distance at this winter race series. 5K, 10K, 10 Miler, Half Marathon, 30K races offered. First race on February 6 at Ogden’s Dee Event Center. getoutandlive.org FEBRUARY 27

INDOOR HALF MARATHON

Utah Olympic Oval, Kearns, UT. 47.7 laps of climate controlled running with the world’s best aid station. Pace yourself on the 442-meter, indoor track at the Utah Olympic Oval. Electronic chip timing and lap counting provided. extramileracing.com/ special-events/indoor-halfmarathon

no one does more for as many. adopt one. help thousands.

utahhumane.org

HUMANE SOCIETY 2!UTAH 28

{ Early Winter 2015 }

[ Calendar

sportsguidemag.com ]

CALENDAR [ Tri & Multisport ] JANUARY 23

2016 WINTER INDOOR TRIATHLON SERIES

Kearns, UT. Don't wait until Spring to start training–be ready for competition when Spring starts! Hurry and register, LIMITED NUMBER OF ENTERIES. Last year this event sold out! Also in February and March 2016. KOPFC.com

[ Winter Sports ] DECEMBER 6

DEER VALLEY CELEBRITY SKIFEST

Park City, UT. Olympic ski legends are paired with television and film celebrities at this annual invitational ski event to fundraise for the environmental group Waterkeeper Alliance, which supports and empowers Waterkeeper member organizations to protect communities, ecosystems, and water quality. dvskifest.com DECEMBER 19

WASATCH CITIZENS CROSS COUNTRY RACE SERIES TUNA (The Utah Nordic Alliance) hosts their popular Nordic races series beginning in December at major cross country ski venues along the Wasatch. utahnordic.com JANUARY 11

SPORTS-AM SNOWSHOE STOMP 5K

Mountain Dell, SLC, UT. A course with open terrain, wooded areas, stream crossing, some down & up hills and flat trails. Kids 1K starts at 9:30 AM. sports-am.com JANUARY 2, 16, 23

{ TRI & MULTISPORT / WINTER SPORTS / REI} JANUARY 30

DECEMBER 8

Midway, UT. Snowshoe runs on groomed and singletrack mountain trails. 5K, 10K, 25K, Marathon, and 50K offered.

6:30 p.m. Join our experienced REI staff for a class on the basics of snowshoeing. We will focus on the appropriate selection of gear as well as the basics on what you need and where to go to get started.

squawpeak50.com

JANUARY 29-FEBRUARY 7

DECEMBER 10

SUN VALLEY NORDIC FESTIVAL

AVALANCHE AWARENESS – KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Sun Valley, ID. Nordic ski clinics, races, and events at this week-long festival.

6:30 p.m. In one hour, you will see the destructive power of avalanches, understand when and why they happen, and how you can have fun in the mountains and avoid avalanches. Presented by the Utah Avalanche Center.

nordictownusa.com FEBRUARY 6

ZIONS BANK BOULDER MOUNTAIN TOUR Sun Valley, ID. 34K and 15K Nordic ski races.

bouldermountaintour@gmail. com, bouldermountaintour.com

[ REI ]

SANDY CITY - The following presentations are offered free of charge to the public at the Sandy City REI store. REI is located at 10600 South & 230 West in the northwest corner of the South Towne Mall property. Registration is required. Seating may be available at the door, even if the registration is closed. For more information and to register, visit our website at rei.com/Sandy or call 801-501-0850. DECEMBER 1

SKI AND SNOWBOARD TUNING BASICS

6:30 p.m. Introductory class on how to care for your gear from nose to tail so you can be ready for your next run DECEMBER 3

HANDS ON SKI/ SNOWBOARD TUNE AND WAX WORKSHOP.

DECEMBER 7

SNOWSHOE BASICS

KAHTOOLA BIGFOOT SNOWSHOE FESTIVAL

Registration Required. 4:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m. $65 members / $85 non-members. Spend four hours with an REI shop tech learning the basics of tuning your own gear. We’ll have all the tools, just bring a set of alpine skis or snowboard.

DECEMBER 15

HANDS ON SKI/ SNOWBOARD TUNE AND WAX WORKSHOP

Registration Required. 4:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m. $65 members / $85 non-members. Spend four hours with an REI shop tech learning the basics of tuning your own gear. We’ll have all the tools, just bring a set of alpine skis or snowboard. SALT LAKE CITY - The following presentations are offered free of charge to the public at the Salt Lake City REI store. REI SLC is located at 3285 East & 3300 South. Registration is required. Seating may be available at the door, even if the registration is closed. For more information and to register, visit our website at rei.com/saltlakecity or call 801486-2100. DECEMBER 1

WINTER CAMPING BASICS

6:30 p.m. Join our experienced REI winter camping experts to learn what you need and what to expect when camping in a winter wonderland. We will cover how to plan, how to stay warm, how to select winter appropriate gear and what to expect when setting up camp and during your overnight. Winter camping is a new experience that is a must-do that keeps you outside all year long!

[ sportsguidemag.com

AVALANCHE AWARENESS FOR WOMEN – LADIES NIGHT!

6:30 p.m. Ladies Night brought to you by REI, SheJumps and the Utah Avalanche Center! The Utah Avalanche Center’s Evelyn Lees will give a presentation on awareness and staying alive in avalanche terrain, followed by guide Allison Conover reviewing the AAI Backcountry checklist for pre-trip planning, on-going tour assessment and post trip discussion. This is a great introduction or review of avalanche safety basics. DECEMBER 10

HANDS ON SKI/ SNOWBOARD TUNE AND WAX WORKSHOP

CLASSES:

The following classes are being presented by our partners and may require payment and registration at additional websites, other than REI.

BACKCOUNTRY 101 FOR SNOWSHOERS

DECEMBER 3–6:00 p.m.–9:00

p.m. at REI SLC DECEMBER 5–8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. TBD Space is limited. Registration Required at: www.utahavalanchecenter.org $90 per person. Snowshoeing in the backcountry is safer and more fun when you have at least a basic understanding of avalanches. Nobody wants to travel with a partner that can’t make informed decisions, or be counted on in a rescue. Spend an evening in the classroom and a day on the snow with pros. Learn how to get out in the backcountry, have fun and come home ready to do it again.

Calendar ]

{ Early Winter 2015 } 29

LAST WORD

Guide to Snow Running By Coach Lora Erickson

Winter is upon us! Coming from Colorado, I’ve been running in the cold and snow all my life. But when I was in college running for Utah State University, I remember welcoming a new girl to the team from Arizona. As team captain I often led group runs and decided what route to take. On the first snowy day that year, most of us were excited to go out, but the girl from Arizona was apprehensive. She’d never run in snow before so I made our path go in and out of campus buildings so we only had to run on slick surfaces half the time. After a few slip-and-falls around corners she learned to slow down and started getting the hang of snow running! Similarly, I do snow runs with my triathlon team athletes and have found many of them are new to snow running too. This surprised me at first, as I’ve always been a year-round outdoor runner, but cold temperatures and snowy conditions means indoor running on a treadmill to many. However, if you’re training to race outdoors, solely running on a treadmill can be problematic as your form differs from outdoor running. So this winter, take your run outside! Why You Should Run In Snow Running in the snow is a great workout, especially deep snow. You really have to drive your knees up to get over the snow! This also increases your heart rate and makes you sore in places you don’t normally get sore. Snow running develops ankle strength and makes you a more durable athlete. Gear for Snowy Runs I rarely use shoe spikes or other things for traction, but find trail shoes with short gaiters provide the traction I need and are more waterproof so my feet stay drier. If you find you’re slipping too much, add a running model of ICEtrekkers or Kahtoola Nanospikes with your running shoes to improve your grip. Other gear to consider while running outdoors in winter is a headband that covers your ears and running gloves or mittens. I usually wear running tights and a double layer on top and occasionally a light jacket if it’s extremely cold. Dress in layers so if you get too hot or cold, you can adjust, and remember to dress 10 degrees cooler since you expel heat as you exercise. Running is a great sport to enjoy all year. Take the corners slow and you should remain upright! Happy Running! Coach Lora Erickson aka Blonde Runner has been a competitive runner for over 30 years and is also a top-level triathlete. She is a USATF running coach, USA Triathlon Coach & US Masters Certified Swim Coach. She has been coaching for over 19 years and loves to work with all level of athletes, especially beginners. To learn more about her classes or programs visit BlondeRunner.com

{ Early Winter 2015 }

[ Last Word

sportsguidemag.com ]

3Vertical ,000 Feet 3Skiable ,000 Acres 3 ,000 Reasons to Explore snowbasin.com

Closer than you think.More than you imagined.

THERE WILL BE AN ONGOING BATTLE BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS, PARKS AND THE FINISH LINE OVER WHICH ONE YOU’LL REMEMBER MOST. The Salt Lake City Marathon is the kind of event you need to see to believe. Beautiful? Yes. Challenging? Absolutely. And being A Beautiful Challenge is what makes the Salt Lake City Marathon a race you need to see—and run— for yourself. Then it’s time to reflect on what you just accomplished and enjoy the after party with friends and family. Something for Everyone: Marathon, Half Marathon, 5K, Bike Tour, 10K Skate and Kid’s K

APRIL 16, 2016 | REGISTER TODAY SaltLakeCityMarathon.com