VOLUME 35 ISSUE 1
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5 GEAR OF THE YEAR
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Skiing and Snowboarding
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Utah Beers for Winter Adventures
INVERSION ESCAPE
Ways to Spend a Winter Weekend in Grand Junction
AVALANCHE SAFETY FOR BEGINNERS THE PERKS OF PROBIOTICS FOR ATHLETES
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WHAT’S INSIDE LATE WINTER 2017 VOL. 35 NO. 1 PUBLISHER // Dan Miller ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER // Paula Bell MANAGING EDITOR // Jenny Willden CIRCULATION MANAGER/OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR // Cynthia Bell Snow SENIOR EDITOR // Melissa McGibbon ASSOCIATE EDITORS // Molly Andersen
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CONTRIBUTORS // Nick Como, Matt Hanan, Sarah Shebek ART DIRECTOR/PRODUCTION MANAGER // Jackie Medina GRAPHIC DESIGN // Ken Magleby, Patrick Witmer REGIONAL ADVERTISING SALES // 801-467-9419 Paula Bell, Karen Malan, Paul Nicholas NATIONAL ADVERTISING SALES // Brook Gardner, Jeremy Solomon
OFFICE ASSISTANT/DISTRIBUTION MANAGER // Jessica Snow Distribution Inquiries Call 801-467-9419 DISTRIBUTION // Paige Silva, Rick Springer, Jenny Willden
10 6 STARTING LINE
Editor’s Note, Winter Races and Festivals
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RESORT REPORT Classes and Spring Events
10 FEATURE
22 FITNESS
Running Indoors
The Pros & Cons of Treadmill Running By Lora Erickson
24 TRAVEL
Inversion Escape 5 Ways to Spend a Winter Weekend in Grand Junction, Colorado
From Facets to Flagging How Avalanche Classes Make Sense of a Different Language
By Nick Como
By Jenny Willden
26 PROFILE
14 UTAH MADE
No Such Thing As Used To Be Wounded Veterans Find Joy and Healing on the Slopes
Winter Warmers 5 Utah Beers for Snow Season Adventures By Sarah Shebek
18 GEAR
Gear of the Year The Best in Snowboarding and Skiing By Jenny Willden & Melissa McGibbon
20 HEALTH
4
Probiotic Power Microbiota for Athletic Performance
By Matt Hanan
28 CALENDAR ON THE COVER Heather McPhie Watanabe exiting Cathedral Cirque on a powder day. Photo Credit: Corey Kopischke. coreykorpischkephotography.com
By Molly Andersen
[ Late Winter 2017 ]
[ Contents
sportsguidemag.com ]
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 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. MILLS PUBLISHING, INC. retains reprint rights, including affiliated internet site reprints, but contributors retain all 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. Published by Mills Publishing, Inc., Salt Lake City, Utah. © 2017. All rights reserved.
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STARTING LINE From the Editor The snow just keeps on falling in Utah and powderholics aren’t complaining! Whether you’re loving this snow season or eagerly awaiting spring, this issue has something for you. Check out our piece on avalanche education (pg. 10), an inversion escape to Grand Junction (pg. 24), and the season’s best skiing and snowboarding gear (pg. 18). This spring, look for The Keeper issue—Utah’s biggest annual guide to races and events—featuring training and nutrition advice, new racing gear, and our favorite Utah events. Race directors: add your events and races to our online and print calendar for FREE. Just visit sportsguidemag.com before March 5, 2017 to create your listing. Happy adventuring!
Jenny Willden
Comments, feedback, or complaints? Email editor@sportsguidemag.com or send mail to 772 E. 3300 South, Salt Lake City, UT 84106. Riding Powderhorn Mountain Resort near Grand Junction.
FIS FREESTYLE SKI WORLD CUP See the world’s best freestyle skiers battle it out under the lights at Deer Valley Ski Resort February 1–4. Men’s and women’s aerial events held Friday on the White Owl ski run. Men’s and women’s mogul and dual mogul events are scheduled Thursday and Saturday on the Champion ski run. All finals followed by fireworks. FREE Wednesday night concert by The Revivalists on Park City’s lower Main Street. deervalley.com
WASATCH YETI BASH Get ready for the second annual Yeti Bash in Ogden from February 3–4. Features winter arts market, Sweaty Yeti Fat Bike Race, yoga, community bike ride, live entertainment, sports expo, 5K run, and more. Friday’s events held at Ogden Amphitheater; Saturday’s at Wolf Creek Resort. Yeti Yoga on Friday, bike race and 5K on Saturday. visitogden.com/yeti-bash
OGDEN WINTER RACE CIRCUIT Sick of the dreadmill? Sign up for The GOAL Foundation’s Ogden Winter Race Circuit to stay fit and train for the Ogden Marathon. Circuit includes five races for $155 with distance building throughout the season. 5K held February 11 at the Dee Events Center followed by 10K, 10 Miler, Half Marathon, and 30K in late February, March, and April. Full schedule and details online. getoutandlive.org
BANFF FILM FESTIVAL Get inspired watching athletes climb, ski, hike, and defy gravity in this spectacular festival of outdoor films. Utah screenings begin February 14–15 in Orem at Utah Valley University Outdoor Adventure Center and continue in Logan February 16–17 at Utah State University Recreation Center, Ogden February 18–19 at Peery’s Egyptian Theater, Salt Lake City February 21–23 at Kingsbury Hall, and Moab March 13–14 at Grand County High School. Radical Reels—Banff’s extreme, sports action film night—is March 2 at Kingsbury Hall. Tickets available online. banffcentre.ca
SKINNY TIRE FEST Though best known for its mountain biking trails, Moab is also home to some of the world’s greatest road biking. Experience Moab’s pavement riding at this annual festival from March 10–14. Enjoy rides through Arches National Park, along the Colorado River, and to Dead Horse Point and back. The rides are fully supported with sag wagons, bike mechanics, and aid stations along the way. The weekend also includes massages, event expo, and Western dinner social. Choose from weekender package (Sat/Sun) for $150 or all four days for $190. skinnytireevents.com
WASATCH POWDER KEG Take in stunning views and torch calories as you test your endurance and backcountry ski skills in this intense three-day ski mountaineering race festival at Brighton Ski Resort March 10–12. Elite, recreational, team, and junior races offered. Saturday and Sunday events followed by post-race barbecue, awards ceremony, and raffle at the Milly Chalet. Backcountry clinics offered Saturday and Sunday by Utah Avalanche Center. wasatchpowderkeg.com
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JACKSON HOLE POLE PEDAL PADDLE Take a Wyoming road trip this March to participate in a fun Jackson race tradition held March 25, the second to last Saturday of skiing at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. The race is open to individuals and teams and consists of five legs: alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, running, bicycling, and boating. The event raises funds for the Jackson Hole Ski and Snowboard Club, a non-profit that provides affordable skiing and boarding programs to Jackson youth. jhskiclub.org
LEGACY DUATHLON Whether you’re a first-timer looking to try a duathlon before committing to a triathlon, or an experienced racer looking for a unique challenge, the Legacy Duathlon is for you. This run-bike-run event offers short (1.55-mile run, 12.4-mile bike, 1.55-mile run) and long (3.1-mile run, bike 24.8-mile bike, 3.1 mile) courses and is held Saturday, April 8. Race now starts and finishes in Farmington instead of North Salt Lake due to the Questar Gasoline construction on the south end of the Legacy Parkway Trail system. legacyduathlon.com
SALT LAKE CITY MARATHON Now’s the time to sign up and start training for this popular race! Choose your distance: Marathon, Half Marathon, 5K, Kid’s K, 26.2-mile bike tour, and 10K skate. Quality of Life Expo held Friday, April 21. All races Saturday, April 22. saltlakecitymarathon.com
FITCON UTAH Fitness fanatics will love learning and working out at this event April 21–22 at the Salt Palace in Salt Lake City. Expect fitness competitions like weight lifting, boxing, and arm wrestling along with live fitness classes, seminars, and keynote speeches from national and local fitness professionals. fitconutah.com
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With a full selection of technical apparel and ski gear, as well as a huge demo fleet and ski shop, the Black Diamond Store is your local source for all things backcountry.
By Jenny Willden Looking to improve your ski skills or celebrate spring? Check out these upcoming skiing and snowboarding events and workshops at Utah’s ski resorts. These listings are accurate as of press time, but we’ll continue adding events to our website (sportsguidemag.com) as more information becomes available. ALTA Coed Steep Skiing Camp with Kim Reichhelm (February 13–16) This camp is for advanced skiers looking to take it to the next level. Work on your technique in steep terrain, powder, and other challenging conditions in a safe, controlled environment. Includes four days of lift tickets, training, daily lunch, and après ski parties. Visit website for details and pricing. skiwithkim.com
DEER VALLEY FIS Freestyle World Cup Event (February 1–4) Watch as competitors twist, fly, and race on runs used during the 2002 Olympic Winter Games. Mogul (Thursday), aerial (Friday), and dual mogul (Saturday) evening finals are free for the public to watch and followed by fireworks. FREE concert Wednesday, February 1 on Main Street at 7:00 p.m. deervalley.com
Snowshoe Naturalist Tour (February 18 and March 18) Learn about the winter wonders of Alta at a free, naturalist-led nature tour. Look for wildlife tracks in the snow while learning about animal adaptations and the history of Little Cottonwood Canyon and Alta. alta.com
Easter Bunny Visits Deer Valley (April 16) Bring the kids to see the Easter Bunny and take pictures at Snow Park Lodge from 9:00–11:00 a.m. deervalley.com
BEAVER MOUNTAIN Beaver Bash (March 25–Tenative Date) Send ski season off in style at this party featuring boxcar racing, pond skimming, live music, costumes, and plenty of sunshine. skithebeav.com Wild Women (February 15 and March 15) These all-women half-day clinics are for skiers and snowboarders looking to improve their ski skills while making new friends. $50 price includes lesson, breakfast, and lunch. skithebeav.com BRIAN HEAD Winter Star Party (January 28, February 18, March 18) Enjoy Brian Head’s clear skies at a stargazing party at the Navajo Lodge. Parties kick off with a tour of the constellations, followed by telescope viewing of deep-space objects. Telescopes provided by Cedar Breaks’ rangers, but visitors are encouraged to bring their own as well. Reservations not needed. brianhead.com BRIGHTON RESORT SLUG Games (February 11) Rail jam for skiers and snowboarders. 32 Day (March 2) Hang out with the Thritytwo Pro Team, crush the banked slalom course, and rip in the rail jam! Free event for snowboarders only. Wasatch Powder Keg (March 11–13) Ski mountaineering race. Details in the Starting Line. brightonresort.com
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PARK CITY MOUNTAIN RESORT King of the Wasatch (March 2–5) King of the Wasatch, a cherished tradition at Park City, is back! Featuring slopestyle and halfpipe competitions, this exhilarating four-day event brings skiers and snowboarders together from throughout the USASA Big Mountain West and Intermountain Divisions. Spring Gruv (March 25–April 9) This wild, 16-day spring bash features a rowdy Pond Skimming Contest on Saturday, April 1 outside Red Pine Lodge. Contestants sport a costume as they attempt to cross a 100-foot pond on skis or a snowboard. FREE aprèsski concerts every day in the Canyons Village and Park City Base Area from March 25–April 9. parkcitymountain.com Easter Celebration and Closing Day (April 16) Celebrate Easter in Park City at their annual base area and on-mountain Easter Egg Hunts! Over 3,000 eggs will be distributed around the resort for people of all ages to find. Kid and all-age Easter Egg Hunts begin at 9:00 a.m. The celebration continues with après ski music and closing day celebrations. parkcitymountain.com SUNDANCE RESORT Full Moon Cross Country Skiing (February 10–11 and March 10–11) Cross-country ski or snowshoe by the light of the full moon from 5:00–9:00 p.m. Grab the family or a date and independently explore our wooded trails at night. Unguided so you can explore as for as long as you like. Bring a headlamp! Twilight Ski & Snowboard Races (February 10 and March 3) Come one, come all to the race series open to all ability levels. Enjoy the thrill of a fun, friendly competition after the workday on Friday evenings beginning at 6:00 p.m. Registration just $15; lift ticket $10. sundanceresort.com
SNOWBIRD SKI AND SUMMER RESORT Subaru WinterFest (March 25–26) Come celebrate your passion for winter at this free festival in Gad Valley. Visitors can test new gear, win prizes from great giveaways, and enjoy free coffee and s’mores. Easter at Snowbird (April 16) Sunrise service on Hidden Peak, pancake breakfast, and FREE Easter Egg Hunt for kids 11 and under. snowbird.com SOLITUDE MOUNTAIN RESORT Nordic Center’s Annual Spring Fling (March 11) Enjoy a Nordic ski racing, live music, and food. Registration at 8:00 a.m. Event begins at 9:00 a.m. Dress in a funny outfit for a chance to win great prizes! Other contests and a schedule of events will be released in February. For more information, call the Nordic Center at 801-536-5774.
Keeping the stoke alive for the past 80 years.
Andrew Kooyman Matt Najjar
Rossignol Demo Day (March 19) Demo the latest in skiing and snowboarding equipment for free. 27th Annual Chocolate Lovers’ Tour (March 25) Enjoy free chocolate treats by following a map on your Chocolate Lover’s Passport to different stations on and off the mountain where complimentary goodies are given beginning at 9:00 a.m. Receive a stamp from each station and you’re entered to win great prizes! Completed passports due by noon; prize drawing at 1:00 p.m. Easter Egg Hunt and Closing Day (April 16) Bring kids ages 2–10 to a FREE Easter Egg Hunt at the Snowsports Academy in the Moonbeam Base Area. Event begins at 9:30 a.m. Stay to ski and enjoy closing day fun at Solitude. skisolitude.com
From Facets to Flagging How Avalanche Classes Make Sense of a Different Language By Nick Como
“Oooh, those are facets.” “Yes, yes they are,” I reply. My wife, Laura, had just completed an Avalanche Level I class through Utah Avalanche Center (UAC), and we were on a tour up Grizzly Gulch just east of Alta to test her new skills. “I think we’re on a 30 degree slope,” she says. I pull out my inclinometer. “31 degrees. Damn close. You learned all of that in four days?” “Yeah, Jake (her instructor) taught us. Oh! Look at how flagged these pine trees are. This definitely slid before!”
Photo Credit: Nick Como
It took me five or more years—at least—of reading books, asking questions, scouring websites, and teaming up with veteran backcountry skiers to learn what she had just in the past weekend. For those new to avalanche lingo, facets are angular snow that does not bond very well to other layers in a snowpack, usually due to large temperature differences within the snowpack. Most avalanches are caused by this weak layer.
Hiking in to Grizzly Gulch.
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Photo Credit: © alexzappa - stock.adobe.com
Flagged trees refer to trees with bottom branches all torn off the uphill sides of the trunk: proof of past snow slides. And an inclinometer measures the steepness of a slope, which is an important metric as most avalanches occur between certain angles. For most of my ski life, I was a statistic. Expert skier. Male. Twentysomething years old. Zero formal avalanche education. I’m lucky I got out alive. It started with short swings into the backcountry. Take the lift up, exit a gate, ski down some fresh powder (hey, everyone else was doing it—look at all the tracks) and skate back into the resort. Fact is, the terrain just outside a resort’s gate may as well be a dozen miles away from an avalanche perspective, as it’s not controlled by ski patrol. But it feels safe because of its proximity to controlled terrain. Then came touring equipment. And then hut trips. Sooner or later I was one of the more seasoned folks in the group, and woefully unprepared to make decisions for others, especially when the stakes were each other’s lives. Trial and error might work just fine in many tasks, but avalanche awareness is not one of them. When Laura wanted to get into backcountry skiing I was more than happy to help find gear, trim skins, adjust poles. But become her mentor? Not a chance. A relationship test few pass is teaching your significant other to ski or ride, which requires encouragement above anything else. But avalanche skills? No, leave that to the actual professionals. So one cold December weekend Laura and her friend Sarah, fixed their skins, clicked in, and joined their class of a dozen or so for their two “field days” in Little Cottonwood. Beginning with two evening classroom sessions their instructor Jake explained the basics: slope angles likely to produce avalanches, weather, how to read the layers in the snowpack, signs of previous avalanches. Now they were out to apply the knowledge they had learned in Grizzly
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Gulch - an area every backcountry skier and splitboarder has toured at least once (probably dozens) of times in their lives. Back to our tour up Grizzly the following week, Laura was speaking a language that would have been all but foreign a week ago. Facets. Flagging. Slope Angles. I thought I could trick her. “What about skiing the right side of this slope and reconvening by that cluster of trees?” “That looks like a terrain trap,” Laura confidently replies. I had pointed to a snake pit of sorts. Definitely an area to avoid. “Why don’t we just ski this low angle stuff, and that will take us right back to the skin track?” she offers. Yup. That is exactly the right choice to make. And there is no way I would have ever known that my first year—or years—of touring. Kudos the the pros and the Utah Avalanche Center—they really deliver on their promise of “Keeping you above the snow.”
Avalanche Education The Utah Avalanche Center publishes daily avalanche danger reports (read them every day), and also compiles a handy dandy list of upcoming classes, available at utahavalanchecenter. org/avalanche-classes-other. Certification can be broken down in Level I, II, and III. Level I is aimed at beginners, while Level III is geared towards aspiring guides and professionals. Options abound for classes: UAC offers them, as well as Snowbird Backcountry Guides, who are AIARE certified, and White Pine Touring in Park City. Several classes are offered each month. There’s no excuse not to take one, whether for the first time or as a refresher. REI also offers educational avalanche seminars for beginners. See the Schedule in our calendar on page 28.
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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Winter Warmers 5 Utah Beers for Snow Season Adventures By Sarah Shebek
From spiced stouts to boozy barleywines, Utah’s winter beers bring a little extra punch to this snowy winter. Unfortunately, these heavier beers also tend to bring a little extra punch to our waistlines—especially if you’re prone to winter hibernation. There’s a bright side to this cautionary tale: you can drink these seasonal beverages (almost) guilt free if you pair them with winter recreation on the trails or through the woods.
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1. CROSS COUNTRY SKIING + SHADES OF PALE HOGHSEAD RESERVE #3
2. SOAKING IN FIFTH WATER HOT SPRINGS + WASATCH DEVASTATOR
When you think of winter in Utah, mountain slopes and ski resorts most likely come to mind. But the biggest secret on the Wasatch is that Utah’s a Nordic skiing mecca too, and what it lacks in adrenaline it makes up for in calories and calm.
Looking for an Instagram-worthy outdoor adventure? Picture a wintry soak in a natural hot spring, surrounded by brilliant blue pools and snowy pines. It might sound too good to be true, but it’s not—as long as you’re willing to put in a few miles to get there.
There are plenty of places to cross country ski in the Salt Lake City area, but one of the best options is just a few miles up Parley’s Canyon at the Mountain Dell Golf Course. The Utah Nordic Alliance (TUNA) grooms miles of trail in the winter with options from beginner to expert. You’ll find that cross country skiing is a full-body workout, and since skiing at the slowest speed still burns approximately 400 calories an hour, a treat afterwards is appropriate.
Fifth Water Hot Springs are located near the end of Diamond Fork Road off Highway 6 near Spanish Fork. Most of the year you can park your car at the trailhead and take a relatively easy 2.5-mile one-way hike to the springs. However, a winter gate cuts off part of the road in the winter, and you’ll have to walk approximately three extra miles down the road just to start the hike. Worth it? Depends on your level of stamina, but a hot soak combined with a delicious beer at the halfway point makes the trip better.
Utah brewery Shades of Pale recently released Hogshead Reserve No. 3, a barrel-aged tripel that used half bourbon and half rye whiskey barrels to achieve delicious results. At 11%, it warms your palate without overpowering your taste buds, and it’s sweet and dry at the same time thanks to the base beer—a Belgian tripel. You’ll notice a bit of barrel quality in the finish, but not to the point of booziness, making it the perfect winter warmer.
Canned beer keeps your pack weight down, and Wasatch Devastator Double Bock is conveniently available in cans or bottles. Creamy and rich, this brew doesn’t taste as strong as the 8% ABV suggests, and it offers a warm, malty finish. Tastes great in steamy water, but be sure to bring a koozie to keep it cold. Once you’re finished, crush the can and pack it out!
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3. HIKING IN SOUTHERN UTAH + UINTA RISE AND PINE
4. SKIING AND SNOWBOARDING + EPIC DOUBLE BARREL BIG BAD BAPTIST
We’re blessed with multiple snowsport options along the Wasatch Front, but sometimes you just need a break from the cold or the inversion. And one of the best things about living in Salt Lake City is access to the desert; meaning warmer temperatures and abundant sunshine are always just a few hours down the road.
We can’t write a story on winter activities in Utah and leave out skiing and snowboarding. After all, Utah’s resorts are famous for the Greatest Snow on Earth, and this season’s non-stop storms means they’re living up to the reputation.
St. George is a four-hour highway drive south, and the weather is reliably 10–30 degrees warmer. Redrock lovers will delight in Snow Canyon State Park, just minutes from downtown St. George. The park offers miles of fabulous hiking trails with wide open desert vistas and towering painted cliffs. Try the Gila Trail, which meanders through washes and over fins (plus past some gorgeous desert homes). You’ll probably break a sweat in the sun, and when that happens, a fullbodied winter beer doesn’t always sound appetizing. Instead, try a new winter offering from Uinta, Rise and Pine. It’s a hoppy dark ale brewed with juniper and piney hops—think a maltier, woodsier IPA. The beer’s flavor naturally complements the scents of pine and juniper on desert trails, and makes redrock Zen even better.
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If you’re looking for a no-frills, powder-filled experience, it’s hard to beat Brighton up Big Cottonwood Canyon. You won’t find fancy amenities or gourmet restaurants, but you will find uncrowded slopes and a chill vibe—perfect for the local who wants to get away for the day. And not much tastes better after crushing a few runs than a beer. When it’s cold and snowy out, big and boozy hits the spot, and Epic knows how to make a big beverage. The brewery’s annual barrel-aged stout, Big Bad Baptist, is wildly popular with local and national drinkers alike. This year Epic took the stout and stepped it up a notch with the addition of whiskey-barrel aged coffee from a roaster in Colorado. If you like coffee and chocolate, you’ll love this one. At over 12% ABV—it packs a punch—so split this one with a few friends while you swap powder day stories.
5. ICE SKATING + PROPER SALTED CARAMEL PORTER Sometimes it’s tempting to indulge your inner Frozen princess and spin across the ice on skates. The Gallivan Center in downtown Salt Lake City is one of few outdoor rinks in the area, and while it’s likely to be crowded on weekend nights, it beats being indoors. Ice skating requires a bit of balance, but once you’ve found your form, it’s easy to feel like a kid again. At $9 for a skate rental and over 400 calories burned an hour, it’s a fairly cost-effective workout too. And it makes the next beer, Proper Salted Caramel Porter, go down even easier. Our inner child has to approve of any beer that sounds like an ice cream flavor, and this one is exceptionally easy to drink. Don’t expect a big caramel punch or a super sweet beverage, but do look forward to a smooth, well-crafted porter with a subtle caramel flavor and a little sodium bite at the end. Remember, no alcohol is allowed on the ice, so save this one for when you return home.
Sarah Shebek is a former Midwesterner turned Utah transplant of two years. When she’s not at her day job, Sarah loves hiking trails near and far, camping whenever possible, mountain biking, and enjoying craft beer.
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Gear of the Year The Best in Snowboarding & Skiing SNOWBOARDING
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By Jenny Willden
1. K2 Men’s Diversion Helmet This top-of-the-line helmet combines in-mold and hard shell constructions for a lightweight design and excellent protection. Answer your phone and play or pause music on the go with built-in, cord-controlled audio system. $160 k2skis.com
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2. Native Upslope Goggles See better on the slopes with SnowTuned lenses, which practically eliminate fogging and improve visibility while shedding water. Includes low-light lens for overcast conditions. Bonus: New Nasal Nest prevents goggles from putting pressure on your nose. $129 nativeeyewear.com
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3. Patagonia Nano-Air Light Hoody Whether skinning in the backcountry, riding pow, or trying to stay warm on the chairlift, this piece has you covered. Thanks to new fabrication, it’s 75% more breathable than its predecessor with 33% less insulation. The stretchy design is great for any high-exertion activity and slim cuffs keep you drier. For men and women. $249 patagonia.com
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4. Helly Hansen Women’s PowderQueen Jacket Take on the mountain in this freeride fit jacket that’s long enough to keep snow out on powder days. Included Recco® advanced rescue system and google shammy make ski days safer and better. PrimaLoft® insulated with H²Flow™ system to regulate your temperature in all conditions. $375 hellyhansen.com 5. Dakine Women’s Gore-Tex Berretta Bib The ultimate bib for hard-charging ladies! Tailored to fit a women’s shape and built from waterproof, breathable GORE-TEX® 3 Layer fabric that keeps you cool if you climb and warm when you ride. Zip-open drop seat lets you answer nature’s call without stripping down. $450 dakine.com
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6. Helly Hansen Men’s Ullr Midlayer Jacket Built for high-intensity days on the slopes, this knitted midlayer keeps you warm and dry with sweat-wicking superpowers. Can also be worn alone thanks to weatherproof fabric on shoulders, hood, and arms. $175 hellyhansen.com
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7. Merrell Men’s Jungle Moc Ice After a long day on the slopes, swap your boots for this slip-on moc. While it may look like a houseslipper, it’s ready for weather thanks to the Vibram Arctic Grip outsole that won’t slip and slide on ice. $100 merrell.com
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8. Dakine Men’s Titan Gloves Warm, waterproof, and breathable, these affordable gloves keep you toasty without overheating. Removable storm liner glove’s touchscreen-friendly fleece so you can use your smartphone without freezing your digits. $75 dakine.com 9. Buff Savva Knit Neckwarmer This polar fleece-lined neckwarmer adds style to the slopes and resists wind to keep you warmer. Soft inner fleece feels like a blanket for your face and looks great even when you’re hitting the après scene. $39 buffusa.com
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10. K2 Wildheart Board Surf the mountain with this surf-inspired board with a shorter, wider profile that excels on any and all terrain. Size down 5–7 centimeters from your normal board for the best performance, and you’ll experience a smooth ride and fast edge-to-edge turning on ice, through trees, and in deep powder. On sale for $322 k2snowboarding.com 11. K2 Hue Bindings Pair your board with this all-mountain binding featuring a new design mimicking your foot’s shape and flex for a natural feel. Designed to fit with any boot, the Hue’s flexible construction makes for playful, effortless riding with ratchets that open and close as smoothly as butter. $229 k2snowboaridng.com 12. Stance Men’s Hive Snow Socks Keep your toes toasty with naturally anti-microbial Merino wool socks with mesh zones for ventilation. Stance socks never slip around, providing the perfect fit day in and day out. $24 stancesocks.com 13. Burton Photon Boots Want more response from your boots? Try this pair’s Lockdown Lacing, which tightens three lacing zones around your ankle with one dial for improved heel hold and stability. Reflective foil lining reflects back heat to keep your feet warmer. $380 burton.com
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SKIING
By Melissa McGibbon
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1. Bogner Ski Helmet B-Visor Flames The ultimate anti-gaper helmet-goggle system. This fancy yet technical helmet offers the highest shell stability with minimal weight and has integrated goggles—a welcome feature if you wear glasses instead of contacts. No fogging, no fuss. $849 bogner.com
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2. Run Girl Run Balaclava You guys, there is a balaclava with an opening for a ponytail! For every lady who struggles with unruly hair, use this to keep it where it’s supposed to be while you ski. $39 rungirlrun.com
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3. Smartwool Double Propulsion 60 Mid-Layer and Baselayer Don’t let the lightweight and luxurious comfort fool you, Smartwool makes merino wool ski layers that stand up to the elements like nobody’s business. Wear these under your outerwear and you’ll thank yourself during wintry laps. $100-$180 smartwool.com 4. Oakley Moonshine BioZone Insulated Jacket This jacket combines all the things you want on the slopes. Technical performance, luxury, movement, and, my, it’s pretty and stylish too. BioZone technology features a tactile feel for all-day comfort. $260 oakley.com 5. Columbia Bugaboo Pant Waterproof and breathable with an ergonomic fit, these lightly insulated pants have reinforced cuff guards, adjustable waist tabs, articulated knees and super cool features like Omni-Tech fabric. $69 columbia.com
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6. Gregory Targhee 26 Snow Pack Ideal for a day in the backcountry, but don’t let that stop you from wearing it inbounds. Features stowable carry systems for skis, snowshoes, and boards with plenty of internal space for other gear. $169 gregorypacks.com 7. Outdoor Research Shuksan Mitts OR’s 3DFit technology makes an outstanding waterproof shell with impressive dexterity for your arm feet. Whether wearing them for ice climbing, snowboarding, or skiing, you’ll appreciate the warmth, comfortable fit, and utility. $99 outdoorresearch.com
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8. Black Diamond Razor Carbon Ski Poles Even if you’re not into science, you’ll love the durability of the aluminum upper and lightweight carbon fiber lower on these ski poles. Designed for backcountry skiers, but no one will judge you if you use them inbounds too. $119 blackdiamondequipment.com 9. Lange RS 110 Ski Boot This high-performance race boot is for technical skiers and racers. While they’re made for men, they fit some women’s feet pretty well too. These comfortable boots allow skiers to perform with efficient precision. $650 lange-boots.com
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10. Intuition Godiva Liners Don’t live with uncomfortable ski boots. Exchange your boot’s stock liners with these to boost your performance and enjoy the slopes a little more. The Godiva liners are specifically tailored to the curves of a woman’s leg, but there are options for men too. $187 intuitionliners.com
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11. Darn Tough Honeycomb Over-the-Calf Cushion Socks The honeycomb pattern offers just the right amount of cushion and they’re designed to fit perfectly without slipping or bunching. A great option for a carefree day of bell-to-bell skiing. $25 darntough.com
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12. Columbia Minx Shorty Omni-Heat Boots Skiers can agree that one of the best moments of the day is the transition from a ski boot to an après shoe. AmIRight? These are comfy, waterproof, breathable, and easy to pull on and off as you balance on one foot while you transition. $74 columbia.com
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13. Elan Ripstick 94 Skis Built with the precision characteristics of all-mountain skis teamed with big-mountain construction. They have a dedicated left and right design, with cambered inside edge for grip and stability, and rockered outside edge for quick turn initiation and smooth transitions. The construction makes the skis noticeably lighter by strategically reducing unnecessary weight. $599 elanskis.com 14. Pomoca Climb 2.0 Skins These all-terrain skins are durable and designed for everyday ski tours. Made with a blend of mohair and nylon for an excellent glide-to-climb ratio. $179+ pomoca.com
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15. TLT Dynafit Radical ST 2.0 Bindings A smart go-to for the recreational backcountry adventurer, these wildly popular bindings perform really well on backcountry tour ascents AND descents. You can set the DIN setting to release like resort frame bindings. They’re super easy to use and have a smooth glide when ascending. $549 dynafit.com
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Gear ]
[ Late Winter 2017 ] 19
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Microbiota for Athletic Performance By Molly Andersen After a long, tough run, capped with a half-mile hill climb, you’re spent. To quench your thirst and restore your spirits, you uncap your water bottle and take a long, refreshing sip of...fizzy sour milk? Believe it or not, kefir—a drink similar to thin yogurt that’s been consumed for centuries in the Caucasus Mountains—and its fermented relatives may be an important addition to your training diet. Mounting research shows that these traditional foods (and their modern supplement cousins) offer a range of benefits that can positively affect your athletic performance.
PROBIOTICS: WHAT ARE THEY? You’ve doubtless heard (maybe from one of those inescapable yogurt commercials?) that “probiotics” are a good thing that you should be consuming regularly. But behind that nebulous term, which literally means “for life,” is a wide variety of tiny bacteria and yeasts with the ability to colonize the human gastrointestinal tract. Once they’re established, these organisms are known as the “gut microbiota” and can confer a number of benefits on their hosts, from crowding out diseasecausing pathogens to fighting infections. Which foods contain probiotics? Yogurt containing live cultures (primarily Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus) is the most familiar and most intensively studied source. Researchers in the early 20th century first theorized that Bulgarian peasants’ heavy consumption of yogurt might be responsible for their longer lifespans and overall better health compared to their peers in other places.
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SOUR TASTE, SWEET REWARDS Probiotics’ most researched (and most intensively marketed) benefit is their ability to help regulate digestive health. Regular probiotic consumption is linked with lower incidence of both diarrhea and constipation, as well as reduced gas, bloating, and other “tummy trouble” symptoms. For many individuals, especially those with irritable bowel syndrome or other chronic gastrointestinal issues, these benefits may be reason enough to consume probiotics. But for athletes at every level of intensity and competition, there are even more reasons to add these foods to your diet. If colds and coughs tend to sideline you during the winter months, probiotics may help keep you in the game instead. A recent study of 33 elite athletes demonstrated that supplementing with a multi-species probiotic was linked to fewer upper respiratory tract infections. Researchers suggest that while
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Probiotic Power
But yogurt’s not the only (or necessarily the best) source of probiotics. In addition to kefir and other dairy products, foods such as sauerkraut, kimchi, miso soup, kombucha, and sour pickles all include them. Their common thread: All are produced via natural fermentation processes that encourage “good” organisms to grow while slowing or stopping the growth of their “bad” counterparts. To this end, all require warm environments and starter cultures to develop their distinctive tangy flavors, produced by colonies of billions of bacteria.
intense exercise increases levels of the immune-suppressing amino acid tryptophan, probiotics help keep tryptophan in check and your sinuses clear.
“naturally fermented” and “unpasteurized” on the label, or try your hand at making your own. Sandor Katz’ book Wild Fermentation is an informative, entertaining read to get you started.
Probiotic-rich foods may also help shorten post-exercise recovery time. In a group of athletes subjected to super-strenuous exercise, those who consumed a probiotic supplement experienced substantially shorter periods of soreness and less muscular damage than those who supplemented with protein alone.
Yogurt and kefir provide the health benefits of dairy protein in addition to probiotics. Try adding them to a smoothie or simply stirring in a tablespoon of low-sugar fruit spread if you’re not a fan of their sour taste. Lifeway offers a range of fruity-flavored kefir drinks perfect for drinking on the go.
Already relying on protein and micronutrient supplements to keep your body in top condition? Probiotics help enhance protein absorption and synthesize both B vitamins and Vitamin K. (Read more about the role of micronutrients in your training diet in “Micronutrients, Mega Benefits” from the Winter 2015 issue.)
Prefer your probiotics in a pint glass? Unfiltered, unpasteurized beers offer a healthy dose along with good cheer. Look for Belgian sours, varieties with live yeast, or anything made according to “ancient” or “traditional” recipes (Dogfish Head has a great and diverse range).
Finally, while you may exercise in part to keep your heart healthy, intense exercise also produces short-term spikes of C-reactive protein (CRP), a substance produced by the liver in response to inflammation and a strong indicator of possible coronary disease. Athletes who drank kefir twice a week had lower levels of CRP after exercising than those who consumed a placebo beverage, indicating that probiotics may help protect you from cardiovascular damage.
BEYOND KOMBUCHA: PROBIOTIC OPTIONS For die-hard probiotic devotees, seemingly no food source is too sour, slimy, or just plain weird. Witness the popularity of kombucha, that fizzy, lightly alcoholic drink that’s produced by a sticky mat of bacteria and yeasts called a SCOBY...or of natto, a stringy concoction of fermented soybeans that’s perhaps best described as “an acquired taste.” However, even if your tastes run more to the mainstream, there are plenty of lesschallenging ways to incorporate probiotics into your diet. Naturally pickled vegetables, from cabbage to cucumbers, are a great source of health-promoting bacteria. Look for products that include
If you’re into supplementation, look for an option that includes the genus, species, and strain of each type of organism included (such as Lactobacillus plantarum 17C) as well as the number of individuals guaranteed to be alive at the use-by date. Third-party certification by an organization like ConsumerLab or USP is another marker of quality. And if you’re already exercising regularly, you’re ahead of the game. Exercise is associated with both higher levels of “good” gut microorganisms and a greater diversity of microbiota species, meaning you may already be carrying around a probiotic factory in your belly.
Molly writes about fitness and nutrition from her home in Portland, Oregon. When she’s not at her desk, you can find her teaching history, hiking the Gorge, or hitting the archery range.
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Running Indoors The Pros & Cons of Treadmill Running By Lora Erickson Even if the majority of the miles you log are outside, there are still plenty of reasons to go for a run on a treadmill. Whether inversion, cold temperatures, or short days keep you inside in winter, treadmill training can be a solution to skipping outdoor workouts. Decide if it’s for you by reading some perks and pitfalls of running inside. PROS OF TREADMILL RUNNING 1. Improved cushioning. Treadmills have more “give” than hard concrete or asphalt surfaces. This can be helpful for those recovering from an injury or those prone to plantar fasciitis. 2. Prevent falls. Snow can increase the risk of slipping and falling, making a snowy day a great day for a treadmill run. 3. Safety. Treadmills keep you safe from traffic, and you can do your runs late at night or early in the morning without worrying about it being dark outside. 4. Access to clean air. Poor air quality or allergies drive people indoors. Many Red Air days have already occurred in Utah, and training indoors is a great way to protect your lungs from these pollutants. 5. Run a steady pace easily. One thing I like about treadmill running is that you can set a pace and zone out. Your only job is to maintain that pace and hold it. It can also help develop more consistent pacing in running. If you struggle with this, give a treadmill tempo workout a try. Treadmill or “hamster wheel” running, as some people call it, can also improve cadence. 6. Easier bathroom breaks. Another good thing about treadmill running is there’s a bathroom close by. I have had many athletes with this concern and have suggested treadmill running for them. 7. Watch a movie while you run. Another plus to treadmill running that I’ve seen from my mother-in-law is the ability to listen to audiobooks, podcasts, and read or watch movies to distract yourself and make the time go faster. CONS OF TREADMILL RUNNING 1. Not being outside. For me, the number one con for treadmill use is not being outdoors. I am a total nature girl and enjoy being outdoors. Although I am not a fan of the cold, I will get out and run in it, because you get warm when you run (well, mostly). When I run indoors I tend to sweat because there’s no cool air moving past me and I often run with a visor to help keep sweat out of my eyes. 22
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2. People watching you. Another con is people paying too much attention to your workout at the gym. On occasion I’ve seen the person on the treadmill next to me glance over and one-up my effort, like we are racing or something. This always makes me chuckle, but there is no laughter when they realize that was only my warm up! Either way, I’ not there to compete with others, I just want to do my workout. I’m not always up for attention, so I usually find a less-visible treadmill so I can just do my thing. 3. Unnatural movement. Another disadvantage to treadmill running is that the movement is not the same. It’s not “natural” some say. I agree. I find that I shorten my stride so I don’t step on the front of the treadmill. The treadmill also pulls your leg back for you, not allowing you to use the glutes, hamstrings, and stabilizing muscles in the same way. This can lead to your muscles developing differently than they would outdoors. 4. Accuracy issues. I often notice that the pacing is different on the indoor treadmills for the effort so I am not sure how accurate it is. Different treadmills spit out different numbers, and while they’re a good ballpark figure, knowing they’re not completely accurate can be bothersome. 5. Time goes by slowly. Because the numbers, accurate or not, are staring at me in the face I often look at them and find myself “watching time.” You know what they say about watching a pot of water boil? Yep, time goes slowly when you watch it. Maybe this is what contributes to the boredom for some and the reason some call it the “dreadmill.” In my opinion, both indoor treadmill running and running on the roads are beneficial. It’s wise to do a bit of both, but focus mostly outdoor running because it’s more natural. Go indoors if you need some mental work, want to work on pace/cadence a little bit, or if the air quality is poor or the weather horrible. Certainly a fall is not going to be good for your running! Either way the treadmill can be a useful training tool, just work to create balance.
Coach Lora Erickson is a nationally ranked triathlete and longtime runner and certified running & triathlon coach. She is the mother of four children and loves to promote family fitness. She offers custom designed training plans online as well as in-person coaching. To learn more, visit BlondeRunner.com or join her annual charity race at RaceForGrief.com.
Think Wednesdays Explore the endlessly fascinating worlds of nature and science each Wednesday night.
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Inversion Escape
5 Ways to Spend a Winter Weekend in Grand Junction By Jenny Willden Salt Lake City’s winter inversion got you down? Escape the city for a weekend in Western Colorado’s biggest city, Grand Junction, Colorado. Home to Colorado’s Wine Country, its National Monument, hiking and biking trails galore, and an exploding culinary scene, this booming locale offers plenty for active travelers to enjoy. The midpoint between Denver and Salt Lake City, Grand Junction is about 4.5 hours from SLC, and its 275 plus annual days of sunshine make it paradise for those looking to escape the cold. But even snow lovers can drive 35 miles to Powderhorn Resort for family-friendly skiing and snowboarding on the Grand Mesa. If you’ve only got a weekend to get away, don’t miss these five Grand Junction highlights: 1. Hike or Bike in the Colorado National Monument Simply driving past the Colorado National Monument’s towering red rock formations and dazzling vistas along historic 23-mile Rim Rock Drive is worth the trip to Grand Junction in and of itself. But there’s much more to explore beyond the road and its many scenic pullouts. Get up close to Independence Monument—the striking 400-foot tower so many climb—by hiking the six-mile Monument Canyon Trail through the area’s longest canyon. Looking for a briefer jaunt or hiking with kids? Venture toward the east entrance to Devil’s Kitchen Trail. This .75-mile path leads to huge stacked boulders surrounding a rocky grotto. Climb up to openings in the rock for stellar views of the Monument and surrounding landscape. Road cyclists looking for a challenge can climb the 2,300 feet up Rim Rock Drive. There are plenty of pullouts for taking breaks, but expect a difficult 3-hour ride.
Devil’s Kitchen
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Powderhorn Mountain Resort
Colorado Riverfront Trail
2. Ski/Snowboard at Powderhorn Mountain Resort
to Palisade. The paved trail stretches for miles in either direction so you can enjoy a ride as long or as short as you like. Don’t miss the 1.5-mile Audubon Section, a flat, beautiful ride where you’re most likely to see birds and small mammals. Perfect for families looking to ride together.
Utahn’s are lucky to have the Greatest Snow on Earth in our backyard, but it’s still fun to experience new resorts when traveling. Powderhorn Mountain Resort (powderhorn.com) is just 35-miles from downtown Grand Junction and offers 1,600 acres and 1,650 vertical feet of terrain. 70% of it caters to beginners and intermediates, making Powderhorn the perfect destination for families and those learning. Guests can do lap after lap thanks to a new quad lift, Flat Top Flyer, which can reach the top in six minutes. 3. Explore Colorado’s Wine Country The Grand Junction region boasts more than 20 yearround wine tasting rooms and vineyards producing diverse varietals from Cabernets to Rieslings. Bike from one to the next on the Fruit & Wine Byway, where three routes take you past lavender gardens, farmer fruit Red Fox Cellars stands, and the Colorado River with the world’s largest flat-topped mountain—the Grand Mesa—as your backdrop. One producer you must visit is Red Fox Cellars (redfoxcellars.com), creators of a Bourbon Barrel Merlot, they have a beautiful tasting room where you can sample cider and fruit wines on tap along with their inventive red wines. French winery Maison La Belle Vie (maisonlabellevie.com) specializes in reds and dessert wines served in a scenic settings. Not a wino? Try the cocktails at Peach Street Distillers (peachstreetdistillers.com), the oldest locally owned distillery in Colorado. They specialize in craft spirits made from locally harvested fruit like Peach and Pear Brandies as well as whiskey, vodka, and gin.
5. Indulge in the Vibrant Food Scene From the gourmet pancakes at Dream Café to the made-from-scratch healthy specialties at Café Sol, Grand Junction’s Main Street dining scene has reinvented itself in all the best ways. For the best access to great eats, stay on Main Street and walk past Grand Junction’s famous public art to Dream Café, an all-day breakfast spot that’s always hopping. Breakfast Tacos and homemade cinnamon rolls are menu highlights, but take our word for it and get an order of the Pineapple Upside Pineapple Upside Down Pancakes Down Pancakes for the table. Perhaps too sweet to eat on your own, these carmelized pineapple and cinnamon butter topped cakes are great for sharing. For lunch, visit Café Sol just down the road for creative soups, salads, and sandwiches prepared with local ingredients, on-site in their open kitchen. Special diets are accommodated easily, and yes, it’s organic. Try the Café Sol Salad with banana bread croutons or their daily soup specials. Bin 707 Foodbar is not on Main Street, but is nearby, and this local favorite is credited with bringing the farm-to-table cuisine scene to Grand Junction. Their primarily locally and regionally sourced menu focuses on seasonal American cuisine like Colorado Lamb or Elk and their famous Bin Burger. Whether you visit Grand Junction to dine and drink or hike and bike, this Western Colorado city is worth a weekend trip.
4. Bike Along the Riverfront Trail Can’t wait for spring to bike on snow-free streets again? Luckily in Grand Junction, you can road bike year-round on the Colorado Riverfront Trail. This system preserves wetlands, cottonwood trees, and other native wildlife and is a habitat for 200 species of birds and endangered fish. Hop on the trail in Grand Junction and ride along the Colorado River, past orchards, vineyards, the Grand Mesa, and the famous Bookcliffs
Jenny is a Utah native and Managing Editor of Outdoor Sports Guide. She studied journalism at Seattle University and is an avid traveler, snowboarder,camper, and runner. Follow her adventures on Twitter @jennywillden and Instagram @jlwillden.
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No Such Thing As Used To Be
Wounded Veterans Find Joy and Healing on the Slopes By Matt Hanan Mariela Meylan wasn’t supposed to be here. In 2004, Mariela was on patrol in Kuwait for the U.S. Army when a hitand-run vehicle crashed into her and her team. She suffered a traumatic brain injury, collapsed lung, severed liver, and a dislocated hip before slipping into a coma for eight months. Doctors suggested taking her off life support. Twelve years after the accident, I watched Mariela bi ski at the Disabled American Veterans Winter Sports Clinic in Snowmass, Colorado. This woman who was supposed to be dead was full of life as she linked turns under bluebird spring skies. At the end of the week, Mariela walked across a conference room stage under her own power to receive the Freedom Award for Outstanding Courage and Achievement from Robert McDonald, secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs. “I’ve had a lot of people tell me that I probably will not be able to do something, and then I show them that I can do it,” Mariela said in a video that played before she received her award. “You need to believe in yourself, and you need to believe in those that can help you.” Two years before I met her, I was skiing with a former explosive ordinance disposal technician for the Marine Corps who lost two legs and an arm to an improvised explosive device on his third deployment to Afghanistan. As a rookie adaptive ski instructor at the 26
[ Late Winter 2017 ]
[ Profile
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National Ability Center in Park City, my job was to assist a senior instructor with the lesson. There were countless times our student could’ve given up: it was cold and windy, he fell almost every run, his bi ski was having mechanical problems, the ski school lift lines were too long. But we skied the entire day. ”There is no such thing as used to be,” the student told me during our lunch break, “there is only now and the future.” I didn’t know it at the time, but he summarized why adaptive skiing is such a powerful recovery tool for our nation’s disabled veterans. Many of the veterans I skied with were nostalgic for the life they had in the military, a life defined by challenge, meaningful work, and a strong sense of comradery developed while living and fighting together in combat zones. They were hesitant to believe that those feelings could be duplicated in post-military life as a person with a disability. But, adaptive skiing showed them that those sensations and desires were still attainable. These feelings of self-doubt and worthlessness plagued a Marine suffering from depression and anxiety I worked with in the spring of my first season at the National Ability Center. Our lesson got off to a rough start. He cursed the skies whenever he fell and blamed me for ruining his focus.
We eventually made our way over to a beginner ski run where I planned on working with him on wedging and speed control, but before I could step into my bindings, he was hauling downhill at Park City Mountain. He somehow made it down without falling or colliding into a group of ski school students. He glided to a graceful stop and raised his poles over his head in triumph.
But my own feelings of self-doubt changed when a former student and veteran stopped by the National Ability Center during her family vacation. She spoke about her deployments overseas and the PTSD that kept her hiding in her own house for months. “I just wanted to come by and say thank you,” she said as tears streamed down her face. “Thank you for helping me come back to life.”
Matt Hanan is a freelance writer from Maryland. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin, Madison in 2014 with a degree in political science. He is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in journalism and public affairs from American University School of Communication. Outside of school, Matt enjoys skiing and cycling. Follow him on Twitter @matt_hanan.
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[ Late Winter 2017 ] 27
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These invisible wounds, like depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, were the most difficult for my students to overcome. Fear, loneliness, and uncertainty were rooted so deep in some of these veterans’ minds that I sometimes wondered if what I was doing really had any positive effect at all.
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CALENDAR
[CLINICS AND EVENTS | RUNNING | TRIATHLON & MULTISPORT | REI]
FEBRUARY 25
CLINICS AND EVENTS
ROAD RAGE DUATHLON Ivins, UT. Sprint (1.5-mile run, 10-mile bike,
MARCH 2–5
SKI TO LIVE FOUR-DAY EXTRAVAGANZA Where we go on a profound,
fun dive into your unconscious mind, all the way. Expect a great group experience too, with meals together and evening sessions rounding out your ski days. Check website for details. kristenulmer.com
RUNNING FEBRUARY 4
RUN SLC SERIES 5K Salt Lake City, UT. All of the races start and end at Salt
Lake Running Company (2454 S 700 E) and are fully supported with traffic control and aid stations to ensure a safe and enjoyable run for all. These fun Utah runs  go along quiet tree lined streets through some of Salt Lake City’s 1920’s era neighborhoods including a pass through Liberty Park…the “Central Park” of Salt Lake City. www.runslcseries.com
FEBRUARY 11
CANDY HEART 5K Gardner Village, West Jordan, UT. 5K. gardnervillageraces.com/candyheartrun.html
FEBRUARY 11
SOJO DATE DASH 5K South Jordan, UT. All runners receive long-sleeve
shirt and medal. Race for date night prizes like restaurant and movie gift cards to use on Valentine’s Day.
FEBRUARY 25
STRIDERS WINTER RACE CIRCUIT 10K Dee Events Center, Ogden, UT. Official training series of Ogden Marathon. www.winterracecircuit.com
FEBRUARY 25
WILD GOOSE CHASE 5K & 10K Delta, UT. 5K walk/run, 10K run, and
Kids’ Fun Run where children can join the fun. As runners pace themselves around Gunnison Bend Reservoir they will be able to watch literally thousands of Lesser Snow Geese on the water and in the fields surrounding the Delta area for their migration. www.deltagoosefestival.com
FEBRUARY 25
SALT LAKE TRACK CLUB 15K Great Saltair, UT. Salt Lake City’s oldest race
series, now in its 39th year! Support the Making Strides program to provide shoes, uniforms, and training to help introduce running to the local Boys and Girls Club. www.slctrackclub.org/winter
MARCH 4
MARCH MADNESS HALF MARATHON AND 5K West Bountiful Park, West Bountiful, UT. Half marathon and 5K fundraiser for Bountiful Food Pantry. Flat, fast course along the Legacy Trail. On Facebook as March Madness Half Marathon and 5K.
MARCH 18
STRIDERS WINTER RACE CIRCUIT 10 MILER Dee Events Center, Ogden, UT. Official training series of Ogden Marathon. www.winterracecircuit.com
MARCH 4
2017 RUN SLC SERIES 10K Salt Lake City, UT. Join us for the perfect Utah
running race series to beat the winter blues and get a head start into spring. New to running? The RUN SLC Race Series is open to all ages and abilities. Train with some friends and work up from a 5K to 15K; pretty soon you will be ready for a marathon. All of the races start and end at Salt Lake Running Company (2454 S 700 E) and are fully supported with traffic control and aid stations to ensure a safe and enjoyable run for all. After the race, celebrate with music, local vendors, and food trucks in the parking lot. Stick around for great raffle prizes and awards. www.runslcseries.com
MARCH 5
MOAB SPRING TRAIL RUN: HALF MARATHON AND 8K Moab, UT. www.trainingrx.com
MARCH 18
LUCKY 13 Gardner Village, West Jordan, UT. Leprechaun hat and shirt included. gardnervillageraces.com/lucky13.html
TRIATHLON & MULTISPORT MARCH 4
MOAB OFF-ROAD DUATHLON Moab, UT. 8k Trail Run/ 13k Mountain Bike, Solo or Teams. www.trainingrx.com
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[ Calendar
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1.5-mile run) and Olympic (3-mile run, 20-mile bike, 3-mile run) distances offered. www.sgcity.org
MARCH 4
KOPFC INDOOR TRIATHLON Olympic Oval, Kearns, UT. Rather than racing over a fixed distance as traditional triathlons are designed to do, this indoor triathlon will have you race for the greatest distance you can within a fixed time frame. Everyone competes for a total of one hour (with two transitions). You’ll receive a score based on the distance you complete in each of the disciplines (swim, bike, run), and an overall score based on those combined scores. www.kopfc.com
REI The following presentations are offered to the public at the Sandy and Salt Lake City REI stores. REI Sandy, 10600 South & 230 West, Sandy, 801-501-0850. REI Salt Lake City, 3285 E. 3300 South, SLC, 801-4862100. Registration is required. For more information and to register, visit our website at www.rei.com/Sandy or www.rei.com/saltlakecity
FEBRUARY 6
SNOWSHOE BASICS 6:30 p.m. REI SLC. Join 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.
FEBRUARY 9
AVALANCHE AWARENESS – KNOW BEFORE YOU GO 6:30 p.m. REI
SLC. See the destructive power of avalanches, understand when and why they happen, and how you can have fun in the mountains and avoid avalanches. Subjects include: avalanche rescue, how avalanches work, reading avalanche terrain, obvious clues to instability, avalanche weather, safe travel practices, and essential equipment. This talk is presented by a representative of the Utah Avalanche Center. For ages 12 and older.
FEBRUARY 9
SNOWSHOE BASICS 6:30 p.m. REI Sandy. 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.
FEBRUARY 11 & 14
HANDS ON SKI/SNOWBOARD TUNE AND WAX WORKSHOP February 11, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. REI SLC. February 14, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. REI Sandy. 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. We ask that you have basic knowledge of the gear and tools, or attend one of our Basics classes in store. Space is limited to 4 students. Minimum age 18 years or older to register and participate in this class. Pre-registration required.
FEBRAURY 16
SNOWSHOE BASICS 6:30 p.m. REI SLC. Focuses on ppropriate selection of gear as well as the basics on what you need and where to go to get started.
FEBRUARY 22
MAP AND COMPASS BASICS REI SLC. Come learn basic navigation
skills using map and compass. In this in-store class you’ll learn the parts of a compass, how to read a topographic map and how to use them in tandem. Small class size, registration required.
FEBRUARY 28
WINTER CAMPING BASICS 6:30 p.m. REI SLC. We’ll 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 keeps you outside all year long!
FEBRUARY 28
OUTDOOR EMERGENCY BASICS 6:30 p.m. REI Sandy. This program has a wealth of valuable information to better prepare you for your adventuresfrom a day in the state park to an extended backpacking adventure deep into the wilderness and everything in between! You will be able to more confidently enter the outdoors knowing that you increased your knowledge and have better prepared yourself to face a variety of situations.
CALENDAR
[REI | WINTERSPORTS]
FEBRUARY 23 & 25
BACKCOUNTRY 101 FOR SNOWSHOERS REI SLC. Snowshoeing in the
backcountry is safer and more fun when you have at least a basic understanding of avalanches. You’ll experience three hours of video, slides, and stories helping you understand avalanche characteristics, snowpack fundamentals, clues to instability, terrain assessment, safe travel technique, and most importantly, companion rescue techniques. Saturday will be an on-snow day. $100 per person. www.utahavalanchecenter.org
WINTERSPORTS FEBRUARY 24–26
SHERIDE SNOWBOARD CAMP Snowbird, UT. A snowboard camp for
women and coached by women. For beginners to experts, pricing includes three days of lessons, victory ride, celebration dinner, and SheRides t-shirt.
www.sheride.com
MARCH 18
STEVE YOUNG SKI CLASSIC Snowbird, UT. Join Hall of Fame quater-
back, Steve Young, and many NFL, Olympic, and Paralympic athletes in a rip-roaring Western Ski Classic followed by a dinner, live auction and silent
auction. Wasatch Adaptive Sports will be celebrating 40 years of providing recreational programs to children, adults and veterans with adaptive needs in our local community. All proceeds from the event enable 95% of lessons to be awarded on scholarship each year.
MARCH 25-26
SUBARU WINTERFEST
Snowbird, UT. This one-of-a-kind mountain tour invites skiers and snowboarders to come together and share their passion for all things winter. Come enjoy live music while enjoying s’mores and craft OZO coffee. Enter daily gear giveaways and learn how you can support Avalanche Rescue Dogs.
www.snowbird.com
MARCH 25–APRIL 9
SPRING GRUV Park City Mountain and Canyons Village, UT. Enjoy 16 days of free concerts in both villages, as well as the 21st Annual Pond Skimming Contest on April 1. Pond skimming contestants must dress in costume (the funkier the better) as they attempt to cross a 100-foot pond on skis or a snowboard. Event held on Canyons Village side, mid-mountain just outside Red Pine Lodge.
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UTAH’S COMPREHENSIVE ORTHOPEDIC AND SPORTS MEDICINE CENTER SPORTS MEDICINE • SURGERY • PHYSICAL THERAPY SPORTS TRAINING • RESEARCH
801-314-4040 5848 South 300 East, Murray, Utah
801-314-4040 5848 South 300 East, Murray UTAH’S COMPREHENSIVE ORTHOPEDIC AND SPORTS MEDICINE CENTER SPORTS MEDICINE • SURGERY • PHYSICAL THERAPY SPORTS TRAINING • RESEARCH Insta