Author Archives: Jill Adler

Banff, Brrs and the Canadian Rockies

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I wore my Athleta tights, Kuhl dress and ‘broken-foot ‘ for the occasion. There’s just something fancy and girly about the Fairmont Hotels but with this particular outfit I was both girly and mountainy- even with the boot. The boot was to get me through the long-ass walk from Delta’s check-in to the international B Gates. I’m walking (and skiing) but the foot still throbs and slows me down when I’m walking on it for too long. It also doesn’t hurt getting pushed through security in a wheelchair and being first on the plane.

The dress didn’t clash with the boot, btw. I was on my way to the Banff Springs Hotel tucked up in the Canadian Rockies and I wanted to dress for the occasion. After all, I was staying in a castle. Plus, the flight was a surprisingly short 2.5 hours from Salt Lake City to Calgary. I wouldn’t need sweats to be comfortable.

Delta’s direct on a Skywest Canadian Air Jet was nothing like my trip to San Diego last week. First, I arrived two hours before takeoff as per the international directions (actually it said three hours but come on, no one needs three hours on a Thursday?) rather than the 10 minutes to door close on the SD flight. My heart didn’t stop pounding for that trip till we landed. Second, the amazingly nice gate agent upgraded me to an economy comfort seat today meaning that my knees wouldn’t have to be glued to my chest. Only one hour more and I could have been skiing in Canada rather than eating Turkey with Mom and Dad, I considered.

Of course, my bag barely made it on- 49 pounds. The weather forecast in Banff is no warmer than in Utah. Minus 6 as a high! I packed for layers upon layers. Without a man’s “fur” or a thick ring of winter fat, I am woefully unprepared for this cold. In went the climate-control Helly Hansen outfit, the wool Krimson Klover tights, the mile-high stack of hand warmers, Kamik boots that I pretty much wear only to snowmobile, thick neck gaiters, etc. I still won’t be warm enough. You would think that I would leave the frigid temps of Park City, Utah, for a warm, sunny plot of sand somewhere. But it’s finally ski season. The waves can wait.

I called the rental shop in Lake Louise last night. They’re not letting their high performance demos out until they get more snow. That’s not a good sign. I had heard they were getting more snow than us? Maybe that’s B.C. (British Columbia) and not this region. Calgary is more middle-west Canada. B.C. is the west coast where the snow can turn to rain and slush in an instant; where the mountains are rockier and the temps are warmer.

But I was able to talk them out of a pair of Salomon Q105s. Looking forward to testing those. I told them I was a ski instructor on a media fam and I would not thrash them. I’d rather not haul around my gear (other than boots) even though Delta allows a ski bag and boot bag to count as your one checked bag. The problem with depending on a ski rental shop in another resort to provide you comparable gear is depending on them to provide you with comparable gear. I’m 5’6″ but ski above an intermediate. Rarely does a shop have a beefy ski in my size (170-175) or- if they do- they have one pair that’s already been rented. Since I’m the first to take these skis out this season, I was in luck. The Dynastar’s stay home in my garage.

We’re landing. More to come.

Santa Paws Is Coming

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We leave a plate of cookies out for Santa. We wrap gifts for a newborn. Why not put some things under the tree for your best friends? Cats and dogs may not know what Christmas is but they know a new toy or treat when they see it. Get them super excited with these cool items this holiday season.


Ruffwear Cloudchaser

A romp in the mountains could send a chill through their bones if they’re not a fluffy St. Bernard. The softshell Cloudchaser hugs your pooch all the way around his body and insulates him from cold, wet, inclement weather. The waterproof, windproof, breathable three-layer soft-shell upper fabric has four-way stretch and a zippered closure for a snug fit and easy on/off. The belly panel is coated to repel water, snow and dirt. It also has reflective piping for afterwork strolls. $79.95, www.ruffwear.com.



Orvis Toy Box

In a nutshell, this piece of reclaimed wood is gorgeous. The medium-sized box should fit into anyone’s home décor and despite its compact size will handle every toy in the house. Now you don’t have to hide that unsightly pile of squeakers and tugs. The antique mountain look will be a conversation starter. Add a personalized name plate and your dog just may clean up his own toys. $129-149. http://www.orvis.com/store/product.aspx?pf_id=8R93

Petprojekt Squeaky Snowman

It’s easy for Fido to celebrate the holidays when he’s trotting around with a Snowman in his mouth. The squeaky toy is made from 100 percent non-toxic, durable materials and should last you well past New Year’s. Get the Reindeer and Santa Claws Cat designs for extra stocking stuffers. $8-12, www.petprojekt.com


SnugglePuppie

When you’re gone all day skiing, let the SnugglePuppie take your place. This soft, cuddly pup makes a best friend unlike other toys that beg to be tossed, chewed and dragged around. A removable plastic heart beats in the middle and the pocket for handwarmers provides the comfort a mother’s body might. But your pet doesn’t have to be a newborn to discover the warmth of a best friend. Children, seniors and adult dogs too will cuddle with this slipper-sized softie. Heartbeat comes with batteries, it’s machine washable, and because there’s nothing small to chew off it’s safe for all. $39,
http://www.snugglepetproducts.com/snuggle-pets/snuggle-puppies


Dog-e-Glow

OK, a collar is more for you than her but you’ll both feel motivated to take those winter’s night strolls with a Dog-e-Glow. The light-up collar and matching leash come in all sorts of cute designs and stand out even in the dead of night. Whether it’s the bones, plaids or a Cougars or Utes style you’ll love how the little LED bulbs shine along the entire length and can be seen up to 1000 feet away. The weather-resistant collars and leashes can be set to flash, steady and off mode so the replaceable lithium coin cell batteries last up to 150 hours. $9, www.petsmart.com.


Bravo Cat treats

Cats too deserve healthy snacks and with those carnivorous attitudes, Bravo! will surely please the king and queen of the house. The Feline Healthy Medley treats of 100 percent pure muscle meat are freeze-dried to lock in flavor. They’re grain-free and created specifically to nurture the nutritional needs of cats by providing ingredients filled with easily absorbable vitamins and minerals. Use them to train your cat to come indoors, get off the counters and maybe even take that cupcake out of your hand. $8, www.BravoRawDiet.com


Power Paws Socks

Therapy animal owners can tell you dogs’ paws can pick up all sorts of nasties from the floor. So a pair of Power Paws is not just about protecting pads from cold days and slippery floors. The “Advanced” style is a non-slip, reinforced-toe canine sock for indoor/outdoor wear to prevent frostbite, improve traction, keep snow from clumping between toes without sacrificing dexterity and avoid germs at your next trip to the vet. When you don’t need the beefiness of a dog booty try the Power Paws. $24.99; http://woodrowwear.com/.


Go Get It

Move over Chuck-It. The Go Get It is no ordinary ball launcher. The retractable, ergonomic handle extends and retracts for maximum portability. Never touch a slobbery ball again. Hook the thrower to a belt loop or leash handle with the convenient end clip and there’s no excuse not to take it out to play with your buds. $17, http://www.amazon.com/Petmate-Go-Get-ball-launcher/dp/B000R7XPSA/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top


Aussie Floppie

If you’ve ever witnessed the mess your dog makes shredding the insides of a stuffed toy you’ll appreciate the Floppie. This 2 in 1 rodent is filling free, and has two squeakers and a braided cotton rope hidden inside for all sorts of all-day fun. $8, http://aussienaturals.us.


Dreamables Bone bowl

Serve up his 2014 meals in this stylish, fun, playful food and water feeder. Two generous removable stainless bowls sit snuggly inside the brightly colored plastic ‘bone’ for easy washing and filling. Non-slip rubber feet keep the whole thing from sliding around at dinner time. Pick the color that matches your room or opt for black which goes with everything. The bowl comes in two sizes so cats and small dogs can have a taste of personality as well. $25-35, http://www.prestigepet.com.


West Bound and Down- Vysera Weightloss Update

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Another pound gone. That’s two weeks, five pounds, 28 pills, six trainer sessions and 14 days of pure starvation. This is one of the hardest tests of willpower I’ve ever had to experience. We’re not just talking about abstaining from McD’s French fries (which I did in ’09) but withdrawing from every type of food I’ve grown to love for decades. Bye bye pasta, Chinese food, breakfast potatoes, brownie sundaes. Sniff Sniff. I miss you dearly. I look in the mirror and don’t really notice a change. Ryan hasn’t said anything either. But my clothes do fit better. Does that mean I’m meant to be 115? I haven’t seen 115 since college. And, hell, what will become of this ‘test’ as we roll into Thanksgiving?

Sage and I are off to San Diego in the morning to share the holiday with my parents. My parents who eat out four nights a week, cook with tons of butter, fancy themselves amateur sommeliers and stock their pantry with chocolate covered pretzels and Oreos. Jeff the trainer says I can “sample” everything and that keeping to the plan is about portion control. Fingers crossed I don’t come back with those five pounds I lost!

Two more weeks and I’m done. The goal is to weigh 110 and sport 16 percent body fat. I’ve learned a ton about my diet but I don’t think I’ll stick with this one. Especially not in the winter. I’ll be way more active skiing than I have the past three months with the broken foot so I’m hoping it’ll even out. I better not blimp out like Violet Beauregarde in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory when I start to add carbs back into my diet. Just saying….

Alta Opens For 2014

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It won’t be long before the resorts are in full swing so it’s always sweet to bust out for a few early season runs whenever a resort first opens. The pressure to rip is tempered with caution until there’s more coverage so when Alta opens it’s the ideal chance to test out the newly healed foot.

As of this weekend, Park City Mountain Resort, Brighton, Solitude, Snowbird and Alta are servicing anxious riders. Canyons Resort opens this Friday (Nov. 29). It’s supposed to be dry through Thanksgiving with only a slight chance of snow next weekend so take advantage of the restricted terrain to get your ski legs back. Rein in your enthusiasm, however. Nothing worse than wrecking before the season even gets going.

Folks lined up for first chair of PCMR’s 50th Anniversary this morning.

Here’s a taste of opening day at Alta. It sure was fun. The groomers on the Collins side were firm and fast (Sugarloaf side was a bit better) while the open spots of off-piste were surprisingly soft and safe. We didn’t hit a single rock – after navigating the traverses of course.

 

Chaining Up For Winter With Thule K-Summit

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I requested a jack. I was sure roadside assistance would laugh if I told them I needed help putting chains on my tires so I figured “fixing a flat” was close enough. I hate feeling like a total chick but there were six inches of snow on my driveway, I hadn’t mounted my Blizzak snow tires yet and I needed to get Sage to school.

It wasn’t supposed to snow this much in one day- the first week of November. I was excited. Not about the new snow (ok, kinda that too) but about finally getting to test my Thule K-Summit XL chains. They’ve been in my garage jonesing for just this occasion but I’m usually ahead of the game with the snow tires so I don’t need chains.

You use snow tires or studded tires from November to April around Park City. You use chains if you live in a valley or basin like Salt Lake City or Los Angeles. Rarely do the twain meet unless you experience an in-between moment like this one. I’m spoiled by my Blizzaks. I swear by them. You can do 70 mph on snowy highways with confidence and you can get up my ridiculously steep driveway even if it’s covered with snow. And now I’m spoiled by these ridiculously expensive Thule chains. I have to admit, however, that I was intimidated by its visage which was like something out of Transformers. How the hell did these things actually work? I only needed to watch the mechanic install one side to get it.

The first thing the ‘rescue’ mechanic said? “These are slick. I’ve never seen anything like them before.” No more laying under your car on your back and sliming up your clothes. No more backing over the chains hoping you’ve lined them up correctly. No more last minute surprises where you realize you need a few extra links to make them fit. No more tinkering for so long you can’t feel your fingers. No more wrapping them around your axle by accident. Simply slide the two brackets on the K-Summit over the outside of the tire, crank the center ratchet, roll forward, place the last two brackets on, crank some more and voile.


Repeat on the other tire. The chain will automatically self-adjust and tighten as you drive away. The geometric design keeps the chain from slipping off the tire while at the same time avoids touching (and scratching) your alloy wheels or ABS brakes. To remove, you loosen the ratchet, wiggle the plates and the chain practically falls off by itself. It all folds up neatly into a carry bag.

So let’s talk about the price. Are you sitting down? The K-Summit runs around $600. Yes, for chains. But remember: you spend way more than that on a pair of skis you might use for 25 days. These chains should last a lifetime (they come with a five-year manufacturer’s warranty) so long as you drive cars with approximately the same tire size and keep your speed under 30 mph. Plus, if you’re at the mouth of Little Cottonwood Canyon, with the sheriff moving chainless, non-4wd cars to the side of the road, you’re not going to want to waste time tinkering as all those ‘equipped’ vehicles get to the hill before you and chew up the powder.

Like any tire chain, the K-Summit is meant only to get you from Point A to Point B on snow-covered streets. You’re not going to leave them on for weeks unless you plan to drive slowly every day during the winter and never on clear freeways. In Park City that’s not practical. But I sure wish I had them in high school for those weekend roadtrips to Mammoth. And I was damn glad I had them today.

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