Author Archives: Jill Adler

Don’t Buy New Skis

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buy new skis

You ski two weeks a season, if that; you hear about the latest all mountain frontside, backside, sidecountry, fat, fill-in-the-blank technology, see the gear guide picks in those special “Buyer’s Guide” editions of every ski magazine this month and, whammo, you’re begging for a new set of sticks. Don’t buy new skis!

The pair you bought last year hasn’t even rusted yet. Do you seriously have to have the 2019 model? Whooo boy would the car industry turn around if they could figure out what skiers are drinking and bottle it for themselves. Maybe it’s time to sit tight, get creative and save yourself a grand. Who really needs new skis every year?

Ok, so maybe you do want to spruce up the quiver. Here are a few ways to do it on a budget.

Ski Swaps

“New to you” is almost the same as “new” if you do your research. Buy new skis in the fall at annual ski swaps or in the spring. Resort retail shops have to blow out their inventory to make room for the latest stock. Last season’s models -often still in the plastic- are going to be just as good as this year’s and half the price. You can find deals of more than 70 percent off brand new 2017/18 skis. I bought a pair of 2017 Rossignol Experience 88’s from Level Nine in Salt Lake City for $250. The only difference between that year and 2016 was the graphics. 

 

Demos

Demo skis (high performance ski rentals) can be an even better score. They are part of every local ski shop’s inventory, are usually well-cared for by the ski techs but are no good to the merchant after the season ends. Sure, those universally adjustable demo bindings are clunkier than regular bindings but you can walk away with a decent pair of skis for under $200. Look closely at the bases to make sure you’re not buying beaters but to get skis and bindings for that price is epic. Bring your smartphone along for the ride so you can Google to make sure you’ve got the best price.

If you hit local events like the Black Diamond Swap (held in October) in Salt Lake City, Utah, you could buy new skis that belonged to one of your freeskiing idols like Julian Carr or Angel Collinson. Skilebrities in places like Whistler, Squaw, Alta, Jackson make their living, hocking their swag. Bonus. New this year, is the Locals Pro Sale in Park City and SLC in the fall.

Craigslist/eBay/Facebook

Getting skis on Facebook Marketplace is cheaper than eBay and safer than Craigslist. Not only can you taste, touch, stroke before buying but they are a real person with a profile who’s unlikely to scam you. If you don’t mind buying them unseen, look at listings for cities nearest to ski destinations and ask the seller if he’ll ship. Just take a look at what’s on Craigslist SLC right now. eBay tends to be more expensive but you’ve got built-in fraud protection.

If you’re a gambler, wait until your next ski trip and buy new skis when you get there. Depending on how well you plan, not only will you save on baggage fees, hassles, and rentals but you could potentially MAKE MONEY in the deal if you sell them after your trip.

Rent

If your skis are older than five seasons and you only ski one week a year, your choice is a no-brainer. Throw them out or nail them to your wall as art and rent skis when you hit your destination. What you get from the shop is going to perform better than what you own and you’ll save a bundle. I don’t care what the magazines tell you – and by the way those “test” pages are supported by advertising from guess who? Ski manufacturers. Buying a new pair of skis before a trip based on something you read is a dumb move. Maybe those Rossi Soul 7s are perfect for your ability, height, weight, etc. Maybe. Or maybe you finally get them on the hill and can’t buy a turn. Oh, and, while we’re on it, let’s add up the cost of bringing your own skis on vacation after you buy them. Here’s the math: On Delta, skis and boots count as one bag and they charge $25 for the first bag. The second bag which would carry everything else is $35 and anything over 50 pounds is $90-175. Consider whether you can you pack the ski bag to the hilt and stay under 50 pounds. If not, checking skis separately from your luggage would cost at least $60. EACH WAY. There’s also the $175 “oversize bag fee” for going over 200cm. If the airline loses your gear not only would you have to pay the checked baggage fees but you would have to rent anyway while you waited for them to (hopefully) arrive. 

So here’s a novel idea- Pack (and check) one bag ($25) and rent. The total would run you about $185pp and save you the hassle of lugging heavy, awkwardly shaped bags around the airport. Plus, you escape the whines of small children unwilling to carry their own stuff. Sites like SkiButlers.com will even come to your hotel with a four-day sport package of skis, poles and boots for about $250 with the damage waiver; it’s not cheap but you won’t have to waste time in a check out line or worry about whether you brought the “right” skis for the “right” conditions.

Ship Your Own

Still wanting to bring your own gear? You could ship everything to your vacation destination. By U.S. Post (seven days) it’s about $34 without insurance, or by FedEx Ground (5 days) you’re at $39. Companies like Sportsexpress.com will even pick up and package your skis for you before they ship them but you’ll pay about $250+ for roundtrip service for two pairs of skis. Problem here is that you have to plan ahead. Procrastinators will be SOL. What if you wanted to ski at home the day before you left? Forget it.  

Don’t Buy New Skis, Use What You’ve Got

Unless you live in a ski town and arc 40 plus days a season, new skis on your feet won’t make a difference. Get a sweet tune from a local shop and call it good. One note: test your bindings. No need for a trip to the ER when a simple check from your local ski tech can make sure they’re working properly.

Buy a New Pair

I’d be a liar and a hypocrite if I didn’t disclose that my single most guilty pleasure in life- aside from pedicures- is the fall day my new skis arrive. Last year, I bought a brand new pair of Elan Ripsticks from a gal on Facebook. Hated them. Sold them this fall for $100 more. Over Christmas, I spotted the 2018 Nordica Santa Ana 100s for $300 brand new on a one-day sale. Same as this year’s but different graphics. I LOVE THEM!!!
My car is five years old, some of my street clothes are 20. But not my skis. If they’re older than two or three years, I feel self-conscious. I’m a ski instructor, ski model and ski writer. You gotta walk the talk. Or better ski the ski. What’s your excuse?

 

Avalanche Rescue Dogs Wear Ruffwear

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If you’re a brand that’s looking for uber love from customers all you have to do is rescue animals. Ruffwear brand has been in the “awwwww” game for a few years now, bringing adventure-worthy dogs from local shelters to the GoPro Games and into the Outdoor Retailer Show in Salt Lake City, Utah. Not only did they parade them around the show, tempting attendees to adopt, but they provided transport costs to get the dogs back to their new homes. 

Starting this winter 2017-18 and moving forward, Ruffwear partners with the National Ski Patrol to style out avalanche rescue dogs all over the country. Said NSP Executive Director Meegan Moszynski, “NSP patrollers across the country train and work with avalanche rescue dogs all season long. These dogs are true working animals, and they will greatly benefit from the professional gear that Ruffwear creates.”

Founded in 1994, Ruffwear rocks the performance dog gear category. The brand manufactures multiple product lines including harnesses, packs, toys and more. “Our relationship with and support of the National Ski Patrol is an important part of what we get to do here at Ruffwear,” said Patrick Kruse, Ruffwear’s founder and director of product development. “On occasion, we have had the opportunity to participate in the training of these amazing working dogs and their handlers at the Wasatch Backcountry Rescue International Dog School. Over the years, we’ve been so appreciative of the dedication of these teams and the feedback they share about how our gear functions in demanding conditions. We know we’re getting it right when our gear performs in the extreme environments encountered by avalanche rescue dogs and their handlers. The relationships we share with working dogs are meaningful for all of us at Ruffwear. We’re very grateful for the efforts of ski patrollers and their dedicated dogs.”

Like Ruffwear, the National Ski Patrol supported the 2017 WBR International Dog School, including offering scholarships to a select few patrollers through its partnership with Subaru. This new partnership with Ruffwear will help both organizations promote and support the important work of avalanche rescue dogs, who work with ski patrols and mountain rescue organizations all over the world.

Ruffwear is not Just About Avalanche Dogs

ruffwear

Photo courtesy Ruffwear

Ruffwear is committed to enhancing the lives of all dogs and their human companions. To date, the RAD Adoption Program has helped bring together 72 outdoor adventurers and human companions, uniting trail mates, climbing partners, paddle pals and fishing buddies — and supporting the special bond shared by best friends.

You don’t have to be an outdoor retailer or ski patroller to benefit. All you need is a love for the outdoors and desire to provide an amazing lifestyle for a dog in need. Through its Ruff Adventure Dog Adoption Program with Best Friends Animal Society, Ruffwear covers the cost of adoption fees and travel expenses for newly adopted dogs from the Kanab, Utah sanctuary, as well as a new Ruffwear collar and leash to go home with. 

Based in Bend, Oregon, you can find Ruffwear products online and through specialty pet and outdoor retailers.

Give a good dog a home!

Park City Snow Ghosts Holiday Guests

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park city snow

It’s the suckiest news in all the land. No significant snow storms in Park City, Utah, till February?! Those are the rumors anyway. We might get a smattering of that Park City snow here and there but let’s face it; Utah had the driest holiday period in, like, forever. I can’t remember teaching on such limited terrain. There are runs that shouldn’t even be open right now because there are more rocks on them than snow. Unfortunately, people are so desperate, they’ll ski anything.  I spoke with a local rental shop manager I spoke with a local rental shop manager and he said that they are so busy repairing people’s skis they can’t even tune their own rentals. They just check them in thrashed and send them back out with the next guest.

Park City has a meager 21” base and, if we are to believe some forecasters, we’re at least a week… or four!.. before that base climbs. It’s the lowest snowpack in 30 years. The thinned out crowds still arrived for Christmas break and, golly gee, that was so much fun to put them all on a handful of runs instead of spreading them out across the mountain.

Park City Snow

Photo by Steve Mayer

There’s just not enough snow to keep up with the terrain demand. Oh, but how we love the local mountain reports that claim we have “packed powder” to try to entice gullible travelers. After the groomers (on manmade snow) are skied off by lunch or sooner, we have HARD PACK, hacked up moguls with rocks in between, hard pack, thousands of riders slipping and sliding into each other, and hard pack. Don’t get me wrong, a trip to the mountains is still 100 times better than Christmas week at Disneyland or a day at the office but if you are an advanced or expert skier keep your lift ticket money in your pocket (hooray for the Epic Pass, right?).

Appreciate Manmade Park City Snow

It’s a whole different story if you are a beginning skier and only need the same two bunny hills for five days. You don’t need anything more than some space, a patient instructor and comfortable ski boots. Plus, with this gorgeously warm weather it’s an ideal time to learn to ride. Just know that the “greatest snow on earth” is anything but right now despite what the local PR hype machine is spinning out- “2 FEET of Snow Fell this Holiday Weekend”? Um, that was 24 inches period…in nearly a month; on a 20” base, in Little and Big Cottonwood canyons; not Park City.

 

Perhaps all of the Sundance Film Festival folks will rejoice. Our temps have been hovering around a balmy 40 degrees. Filmmakers can strut their high-heeled stuff on Main Street without freezing their buttcheeks and wear flimsy designer neck scarves. According to local meteorologist Brian McInerney, it probably won’t be snowing those last two weeks of January.

Where Does The Snow Stand

We’re at about 62 percent of snowpack. Last year, more than 40 storms brought us up to 200 percent snow pack. Not so much this season. High pressure has set up camp over us, California and Colorado, while storms roll north around the Cascades, Montana, Wyoming and British Columbia. Which begs the question- do I roadtrip to Jackson Hole and ski freshies or head south to Vegas and rock climb? The earth shifts its orientation to the sun in February so that could mean snow. February?! Apparently, it looked this dismal in 1976 and then they had a banner February. Ok, I can hold out. A girl can only dream.

The bigger picture, however, is the scarier one. Our winters are getting shorter. They are starting later and ending earlier. “When you do get a storm, they will be more intense followed by long periods of high pressure,” said McInerney on KPCW radio. This dipole pattern means there’s a big-ass high pressure over the western U.S. while the central and eastern part of the country is getting hammered with snow and record low temps. “It’s because the jet stream is becoming more elongated, like a big, sine wave. Before, it used to have little wiggles. Each little wiggle would bring a storm maybe every four days,” explained McInerney. “Now the pattern has set up where the high is positioned over the west and the low is over the east. And then if you keep following the teleconnections out over the Pacific, there’s a warm pool of water in the Western Pacific that they think is causing the stagnant pattern.” Well, then, can someone please get the hell out there and stir things up?

“Not only are we warmer, but when you look at the trends, we’re going to see more of these in future weather events throughout the years,” said McInerney. “We used to have 250 parts per million when we look at CO2 levels in the atmosphere. CO2 is a greenhouse gas that doesn’t allow heat to escape in the nighttime hours. It reradiates back into the earth’s atmosphere. It was 250 and now we’re at 400 parts per million and it’s going up. It’s the most CO2 we’ve had in the atmosphere for roughly 800 thousand years.”

Local municipalities are doing a decent job trying to get carbon neutral but that’s small potatoes overall when you have countries like China spewing emissions. “The whole world has to act in unison to kind of clean this up and figure this out. I think the last thing we’ll be worried about at this point is why aren’t we skiing powder? We’re going to be trying to figure out how to get water.”

So, do your snowdances, wash your cars, pray for snow and stay positive. It’s going to be here eventually. Otherwise, what’s the alternative? Year-round mountain biking and rock climbing I suppose.

What To Do While You Wait For New Snow

 

Enjoy The Scenery-

Pack up your camera in the Tenba DNA 13 and head out for a brilliant photo day. The gorgeous bag fits a mirrorless or DSLR body with 2–5 lenses plus accessories. Designed for year-round use, the oversized front flap and sewn hinge weatherproofs your delicate gear. It also comes with a removable and reversible WeatherWrap cover, tons of pockets, an adjustable security strap to keep it from sliding while you bike or hike and a ton of other features. 

It’s easy to find a local photog to hire as a guide and mentor for the day. Just start asking around.

 

Go Tubing-

Photo courtesy Visit Salt Lake

A sure way to kill an hour or two- and you only need water and ice- is to hit the tubing track for high speed hijinks. Most resorts have at least one tubing hill.

 

Get Cozy

lazy one

It’s still cold at night at a ski resort. Slip into your favorite jammies like these from Lazy One . These brushed cotton and Lycra pants and tops are durable, whimsical and oh-so soft.

Acorn Slouch Boots with berber fleece cuffs, cushion insole and rubber outsole will keep your feet and ankles warm whether you snuggle up to the fire or traipse outside for the wood.

 

 

Play Games-

It’s not practical to pack a bunch of board games unless those games are from Outside/Inside. Make a big pot of spaghetti, turn the TV off then challenge your family to a showdown of Magnetic Darts or mini Backpack Cornhole . The Campground Dartboard set comes with roll-up board for two games in one. 

 

Drink!-

Whether you want to drown your weather sorrows or celebrate the  buds and family reunion, seek out some smooth souvenirs from local brewers and distillers. Maybe it’s a six-pack of Wasatch Brewery’s Polygamy Porter or bottle of Jackson Hole’s Wyoming Whiskey. It’s all about cultural immersion, right?

 

 

 

 

 

Thick Cut Oven Fries

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When you can’t find the recipe for oven fries online and you’re too lazy to ‘clip’…

3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 pound Yukon Gold potatoes, unpeeled
1 ½ tablespoons cornstarch
  Salt
 
SERVES 2

Choose potatoes that are 4 to 6 inches in length to ensure well-proportioned fries. Trimming thin slices from the ends of the potatoes in step 2 ensures that each fry has two flat surfaces for even browning. This recipe’s success is dependent on a heavy-duty rimmed baking sheet that will not warp in the heat of the oven. Spraying the sheet with vegetable oil spray will help the oil spread evenly and prevent sticking. The rate at which the potatoes brown is dependent on your baking sheet and oven. After removing the aluminum foil from the baking sheet in step 5, monitor the color of the potatoes carefully to prevent scorching.

1. Adjust oven rack to lowest position and heat oven to 425 degrees. Generously spray rimmed baking sheet with vegetable oil spray. Pour oil into prepared sheet and tilt until surface is evenly coated with oil.

2. Halve potatoes lengthwise and turn halves cut sides down on cutting board. Trim thin slice from both long sides of each potato half; discard trimmings. Slice potatoes lengthwise into 1/3- to ½-inch-thick planks.

3. Combine 1/3 cup water and cornstarch in large bowl, making sure no lumps of cornstarch remain on bottom of bowl. Microwave, stirring every 20 seconds, until mixture begins to thicken, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from microwave and continue to stir until mixture thickens to pudding-like consistency. (If necessary, add up to 1 tablespoon water to achieve correct consistency.)

4. Transfer potatoes to bowl with cornstarch mixture and toss until each plank is evenly coated. Arrange planks on prepared sheet, leaving small gaps between planks. (Some cornstarch mixture will remain in bowl.) Cover sheet tightly with lightly greased aluminum foil and bake for 12 minutes.

5. Remove foil from sheet and bake until bottom of each fry is golden brown, 7 to 15 minutes. Remove sheet from oven and, using thin metal spatula, carefully flip each fry. Return sheet to oven and continue to bake until second sides are golden brown, 7 to 15 minutes longer. Sprinkle fries with ½ teaspoon salt. Using spatula, carefully toss fries to distribute salt. Transfer to paper towel–lined plate and season with salt to taste. Serve.

Momentum Climbing Makes Their Move For World Domination

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momentum climbing

Indoor rock climbing is blowing up and Momentum Climbing, headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, is leading the charge. With already three gyms in Utah, two in Texas and soon two in Seattle, Wash., the Momentum brand has announced the opening of bouldering gym in Historic Trolley Square.

momentum climbing                                           momentum climbing

The 15,500-square foot bouldering gym offers Salt Lake City climbers a fourth location. And it will be included in Momentum Climbing’s multi-gym membership. Set to open in December 2018, 15,500-sq. ft. Momentum Trolley Square will offer 7,000 square feet of bouldering, a 4,000-square foot training area featuring a Moon Board, Momentum E-wall (a 34- foot wide “smart woody.”), a Lattice Board assessment center, weights, and a cardio area.

What’s Inside Trolley’s Momentum

Climbing

While children are welcome, this members-focused gym won’t have any organized youth programs like it does at their other locations. It will instead provide adult programs, and a “social zone”. Guests can plug-in and catch up on email or school work.

“For the past 5 years, we’ve been following the efforts to revitalize Trolley Square, which is a precious piece of Salt Lake City history. Securing our fourth location here, and playing a part in this center’s next chapter is exciting for Momentum,” said Jeff Pedersen, co-founder, and CEO of Momentum Climbing. “Salt Lake City’s passion for climbing and training has been the foundation of our brand’s success. At Trolley, we’ve paid special attention to providing the latest in climbing-specific training technologies, so that all our climbers can realize their full potential.”

Momentum Climbing

Trolley Square has long been a hub for industry. In the early 1900s, it housed a new state-of-the-art trolley fleet building that held 144 double-truck streetcars. Its iconic 50,000-gallon water tower was constructed in the event of a fire. It was the premiere trolley system of its time. It serviced 146 miles of track, with cars that ran from Salt Lake City to Holladay, Sugar House, Bountiful, and Centerville. In the 1930s, buses began replacing trolley cars and by the 1950s, Trolley Square went the way of the dinosaur. Luckily, in the early 1970s, new owners, inspired by Ghirardelli Square, the chocolate factory in San Francisco, developed the site as a shopping mall. Occupancy dropped by half during the Great Recession and the spot again fell into ghost town status. Then in 2013, local businessman Khosrow Semnani purchased Trolley Square. He revitalized it with bars, restaurants, a fitness center and retailers including Whole Foods.

Momentum Climbing Aims At Students

Many will notice that this new gym will directly compete with The Front for those trendy University of Utah students. But will it put them out of business? When Momentum Millcreek opened, it didn’t take long before Rockreation shuttered. Let’s hope The Front won’t suffer the same fate. Given the number of members at both Momentum Millcreek and The Front there should be room for all.  Now, if Momentum would only open a climbing gym in Park City…..

Those interested in employment opportunities or receiving email updates on Momentum Climbing’s Trolley Square grand opening and pre-opening membership specials should visit www.momentumclimbing.com.

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