Category Archives: Winter Guide

Winter Dog Play

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We humans are not the only ones to get a layer of insulation during the colder months. The problem is, it’s cold outside! Who wants to have to bundle up like the Michelin Man just to go out for an hour? There’s a reason why more babies are born nine months from now. Most of us get lazy in the winter and as much as we love our dogs and want them to be healthy and happy, snuggling on the couch sounds a heck of a lot more inviting. Exercise, however, is essential to a dog’s physical and mental wellness. It’s also relationship builder between you and your friend. Not to mention, keeping your pup active in winter avoids a summer of dieting. Here are some tips to make playtime part of your New Year’s resolutions.

  1. Use your stairs. Toss a ball or his favorite toy down and watch them chase and fetch- over and over; or run with him and let him chase you! You’ll both get a great workout.
  2. Save those holiday boxes and set up an obstacle course in your house.  Cut “tunnels” for them to scoot through; use the small ones for them to jump over.
  3. Laser pointers are annoying to everyone but dogs and cats. For some reason you can entertain a pet (and yourself) for hours by making them chase the pinpoint of red. Be mindful that you don’t create an obsession. It’s a fine line between playful and crazy. Also be careful not to shine the light in his eyes as it could cause damage.
  4. Hide and have him seek. Set treats or toys around the house for your dog to find. She’ll get both mental and physical stimulation. Plus, it’s the beginning steps for scent work.
  5. Take your dog on the road. It’s not hot or illegal to have your pet in the car now. If you’re worried about them getting cold while you’re away put them in a sweater or stash something like the Aspen Pet Self-Warming Bed in the back. You don’t need to plug anything in. The cushy bed has a special lining that uses the same technology in Mylar “space blankets” to reflect a pet’s body heat. The slight crunching sound may make your dog nervous at first but the faux lamb’s wool fleece really works to create a warm, soft nest your dog will love. The non-skid bottom will keep him from sliding around as you drive. It’s completely machine washable if they get it muddy getting in and out of the car.


  6. Socialize indoors. Stores like Petco and Home Depot allow you to bring your pets inside. Meeting new people and animals ups the energy level.
  7. Teach them tricks. They can learn to shut doors, pick up toys, find your remote control. Go to YouTube and search “dog tricks” for inspiration.

    [youtube=http://youtu.be/Hppr6cKMiwA]

  8. Uh oh, here it comes- go snowshoeing or skiing with your dog. You’ll want to slap some booties on his paws like the Ultra Paws Snow and Go boots if you plan to be out long. Ice and snow can cause frost bite and cut pads. If you see your pooch picking up her paws like she’s doing a dance that’s a sign to head in.


  9. Start obedience or specialty training. Weekly classes give you an excuse to get your dog out of the house and mingling. It also keeps them stimulated and out of your trash.
  10. Speaking of which, it’s probably a good idea to crate your pet if you’re going to be gone all day skiing. Bored dogs can do a lot of damage. Or simply tune into DogTV online or through DirecTV Satellite to keep them entertained.


Winter Packing 101

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Never fails. The night before your trip, you stand in front of your closet wondering, “What do I bring??” You’ve checked the weather report and it calls for snow and 30-degree temps, so with that information let’s get cracking.

1.      Layers, layers, layers: Winter weather in the Wasatch changes with just about each forecast. Plus, while it might be cold and windy on the lifts, you’ll work up a sweat on the slopes. Not to mention that the faster chairlifts mean less time cold, more time hot. You’ll need technical clothing now more than ever to regulate your body temps. By layering you can add or subtract clothes as needed. By the way, leave the cotton for your flannel nightshirt. Cotton is a bad idea for winter recreating.

2.      Technical Socks For Every Day: If you’re not planning to do the wash, bring a pair of socks for as many days as your trip. Technical fabrics get clogged with dirt and sweat so they won’t do their job of keeping toes warm and dry unless they’re clean. The thickness of your sock will be personal preference. Some swear by thin socks but I have terribly poor circulation in my digits. They will never be as good as my midweight Bridgedale and Fox River socks. If your boots are supertight, however, a thicker sock may cut off circulation and lead to frostbite. Bridgedale, BTW,  has THE CUTEST ski socks for girls.

3.      Sunscreen, Lip Balm, Goggles and Sunglasses: High altitude, sunny days and snow glare can fry your skin in an instant- not to mention what the whipping wind does. Pack products for evening replenishing as well as those to protect during the day. Sensitive skin types will love the natural lotions from Epionce like Extreme Weather Barrier and their 40+ sunscreen. I always carry a 25+ lipbalm on a string around my neck. No removing gloves to dig through pockets for the little bugger. JTree facestick is great for kids and to add an extra wind barrier to your face. Last note-you’re constantly wiping your face (of snow, snot and with that neck gaiter) so make sure you reapply often.

4.      Water bottle or water backpack: If you don’t like skiing with things in your pockets or on your back leave a bottle or pouch in your car. You’ll be glad you did when you load up for your ride home. There are plenty of drinking fountains and water taps at area restaurants so make sure you keep tabs on your hydration level. Your first sign of dehydration will be dizziness and/or a headache. Don’t get to that place. It sucks. I have found the most awesome water bottle for post work out. The easy-grip Spresh from Source Outdoor may look a little phallic but get over it. No problem holding it with gloves on and the innovative squeezable bottle won’t crack if you drop your boots on it. And you can keep one hand on the wheel while drinking.

5.      Good waterproof walking shoes: The best part of the day can be stripping off your ski boots and stepping into something soft and cozy. It’s a toss up between my Acorn Earthroamers and the Hi-Tec V-Lite Snowflake.

They’re like a spa treatment for your feet! I waterproofed both with Revivex Nubuck, Suede, and Fabric Waterproofer and now I take them everywhere. If you throw your boots into a Transpack bootpack, you can wear your comfortable shoes all the way to the slopes then stash your bag under a bench until day’s end and wear your walking shoes home.

You’ll have the added benefit of not wearing down the plastic of your boot soles walking across asphalt. (A note to fashionistas: The only high heel you should ever sport on a ski vacation should be something like the Jambu Cruise. Anything else just gets sloppy and dangerous.) FYI- Nothing screams “tourist” like the wrong shoes on your feet.

Jambu Cruise

6.      Après ski clothes: Hat hair and wet clothes may be badges of honor after a day of skiing but if you want to be stylish and comfortable for the evening it’s best to change things out. Layering applies here too. It’s cold walking around Main Street but it could be downright sweltering inside that restaurant or bowling at Jupiter Bowl.

If you’re going to an outdoor concert or event then by all means where a pair of fleece-lined Wrangler pants but inside, they’ll just look like mom jeans. Better to wear a pair of Kuhl cords or heavyduty True Religion jeans under a long wool coat like the unique Helly Hansen Embla wool hybrid jacket of merino and Primaloft.

You can find amazing apres sweaters from Neve and my favorite trendy hats for men, women and kids have to be those from Nobis (no relation to Jeremy). The dress code for ski vacays is “Mountain Casual”. Leave the fancy stuff at home (unless you’re doing New Year’s Eve at the Stein Eriksen Lodge).

7.     Food: You can plan to drop a load at resort cafeterias or you can pack snacks like Tram Bars, trail mix, and Power Bars and eat on your way home. Eating smaller more frequent meals throughout the day actually keeps you from bonking and prevents that afternoon bloat that comes with a big mountain lunch.

8.      Swimsuit: Duh. Hot tubbing, people! But if you’re white like me, pack a tankini from Athleta. Not only are they cute but they’ll cover more skin. Sorry, guys.

9.   Pain Reliever: No matter how hard you trained for you vacay, you’ll feel your ski day in every muscle and joint. Pack your favorite pain killer.

10. Neck Gaiter: Those rings of fleece may not be the chicest but you’ll regret not having one the minute you ride a windy lift or ski while it’s snowing.  Better yet, invest in a Polar Reversible Buff that’s one side microfiber and the other ultra-thin Polartec microfleece. Check out all the ways you can wear it! [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sr95EdIp1YQ] And they pack and wear better than a scarf.

Winter Packing 101

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Never fails. The night before your trip, you stand in front of your closet wondering, “What do I bring??” You’ve checked the weather report and it calls for snow and 30-degree temps, so with that information let’s get cracking.

1. Layers, layers, layers: Winter weather in the Wasatch changes with just about each forecast. Plus, while it might be cold and windy on the lifts, you’ll work up a sweat on the slopes. Not to mention that the faster chairlifts mean less time cold, more time hot. You’ll need technical clothing now more than ever to regulate your body temps. By layering you can add or subtract clothes as needed. By the way, leave the cotton for your flannel nightshirt. Cotton is a bad idea for winter recreating.

2. Technical Socks For Every Day: If you’re not planning to do the wash, bring a pair of socks for as many days as your trip. Technical fabrics get clogged with dirt and sweat so they won’t do their job of keeping toes warm and dry unless they’re clean. The thickness of your sock will be personal preference. Some swear by thin socks but I have terribly poor circulation in my digits. They will never be as good as my midweight Bridgedale and Fox River socks. If your boots are supertight, however, a thicker sock may cut off circulation and lead to frostbite. Bridgedale, BTW, has THE CUTEST ski socks for girls.

3. Sunscreen, Lip Balm, Goggles and Sunglasses: High altitude, sunny days and snow glare can fry your skin in an instant- not to mention what the whipping wind does. Pack products for evening replenishing as well as those to protect during the day. Sensitive skin types will love the natural lotions from Epionce like Extreme Weather Barrier and their 40+ sunscreen. I always carry a 25+ lipbalm on a string around my neck. No removing gloves to dig through pockets for the little bugger. JTree facestick is great for kids and to add an extra wind barrier to your face. Last note-you’re constantly wiping your face (of snow, snot and with that neck gaiter) so make sure you reapply often.

4. Water bottle or water backpack: If you don’t like skiing with things in your pockets or on your back leave a bottle or pouch in your car. You’ll be glad you did when you load up for your ride home. There are plenty of drinking fountains and water taps at area restaurants so make sure you keep tabs on your hydration level. Your first sign of dehydration will be dizziness and/or a headache. Don’t get to that place. It sucks. I have found the most awesome water bottle for post work out. The easy-grip Spresh from Source Outdoor may look a little phallic but get over it. No problem holding it with gloves on and the innovative squeezable bottle won’t crack if you drop your boots on it. And you can keep one hand on the wheel while drinking.

5. Good waterproof walking shoes: The best part of the day can be stripping off your ski boots and stepping into something soft and cozy. It’s a toss up between my Acorn Earthroamers and the Hi-Tec V-Lite Snowflake.

They’re like a spa treatment for your feet! I waterproofed both with Revivex Nubuck, Suede, and Fabric Waterproofer and now I take them everywhere. If you throw your boots into a Transpack bootpack, you can wear your comfortable shoes all the way to the slopes then stash your bag under a bench until day’s end and wear your walking shoes home.

You’ll have the added benefit of not wearing down the plastic of your boot soles walking across asphalt. (A note to fashionistas: The only high heel you should ever sport on a ski vacation should be something like the Jambu Cruise. Anything else just gets sloppy and dangerous.) FYI- Nothing screams “tourist” like the wrong shoes on your feet.

Jambu Cruise

6. Après ski clothes: Hat hair and wet clothes may be badges of honor after a day of skiing but if you want to be stylish and comfortable for the evening it’s best to change things out. Layering applies here too. It’s cold walking around Main Street but it could be downright sweltering inside that restaurant or bowling at Jupiter Bowl.

If you’re going to an outdoor concert or event then by all means where a pair of fleece-lined Wrangler pants but inside, they’ll just look like mom jeans. Better to wear a pair of Kuhl cords or heavyduty True Religion jeans under a long wool coat like the unique Helly Hansen Embla wool hybrid jacket of merino and Primaloft.

You can find amazing apres sweaters from Neve and my favorite trendy hats for men, women and kids have to be those from Nobis (no relation to Jeremy). The dress code for ski vacays is “Mountain Casual”. Leave the fancy stuff at home (unless you’re doing New Year’s Eve at the Stein Eriksen Lodge).

7. Food: You can plan to drop a load at resort cafeterias or you can pack snacks like Tram Bars, trail mix, and Power Bars and eat on your way home. Eating smaller more frequent meals throughout the day actually keeps you from bonking and prevents that afternoon bloat that comes with a big mountain lunch.

8. Swimsuit: Duh. Hot tubbing, people! But if you’re white like me, pack a tankini from Athleta. Not only are they cute but they’ll cover more skin. Sorry, guys.

9. Pain Reliever: No matter how hard you trained for you vacay, you’ll feel your ski day in every muscle and joint. Pack your favorite pain killer.

10. Neck Gaiter: Those rings of fleece may not be the chicest but you’ll regret not having one the minute you ride a windy lift or ski while it’s snowing. And they pack and wear better than a scarf.

Is Winter Over?

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Totally fun weekend but I’m making this short and sweet cause this damn site just jettisoned my beautiful entry and forced me to rewrite everything- which I won’t. No new snow since Tuesday. All’s heating up super quick and super sick. Did a PSIA clinic up at Powder Mountain today and got a peek at the final day of the SuperFly snowkite event. If Pow wasn’t two hours away, I might try to get back up there before the snow’s gone and take a kite lesson. Powder is the first resort to designate a dedicated zone for snowkiting and Best Kites has set up a demo and training center up there for seasonal flying.
Groomers were sweet and soft. Off-piste, not so much. Yet our group leader forced us into the muck. Something about how it brings out the best in us because it forces you to focus on what your feet and legs are doing to survive. Riiiiight. Chunky, unforgiving, leg-turning rotten crud. It began to mush up by 2 p.m. and be more like spring slush but only had one run left in me by then. Now’t he best time to take the tot skiing. Everytime Sage sees me dressed for the hill, she asks to come along. We finally took her up to Silver Lake Village at Deer Valley where I knew we could easily play on the magic carpet up there. She had a blast and so did we. This was her first time skiing in front of me (I skied backwards to keep her from taking off down the hill).
More to come I’m sure now that it’s sooooo warm out.

Solitude is the Bomb!

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I am so ashamed! Ashamed that I haven’t stopped in to ski Solitude until now. I love that resort and yet it stands like PlanB whenever I’m packing up the gear for a day out. Shame on me! I know better. Solitude is the place to head when it dumps all night. Little Cottonwood Canyon will either be closed first thing in the morning for avi control or there’s a snakelike slither all the way up to the parking lots for Snowbird and Alta because, well, that’s where everyone seems to gravitate towards.
On the other hand, Solitude is smooth sailing. Rarely does the road close and even less frequently is there traffic. Plus, there’s never a wait in a lift line and plenty of fresh lines to be had long after the other resorts are tracked out.
I hit it early this week after the first series of storms washed through the Wasatch. Wahoo! I had the place to myself. Ski-on rides at all of the lifts and not a soul to cross my path.
Some may complain that most of Solitude’s chairs (especially the ones toward the summit) are ancient and slow but when you’re not standing in a line and letting your legs unflare, high-speed quads can be the death of you. I say you need the rest.
My day at Solitude began straight out the gates at Powderhorn into Honeycomb’s Black Forest. I had my choice of tree shots and face shots. I had a powder ‘stash on my face all the way to the Honeycomb Express lift. The snowy weather turned to heavy at times by the afternoon, yet most of the resort was open for skiing. Only Evergreen was closed. Run after run, I hooted to myself, bemused that others weren’t in on my secret. How could this be?
I finally waited at the bottom of Powderhorn until I had someone to share the lift with (I was getting kind of lonely). A patroller skied up and took me under his wing. He guided me through two outrageously ripping runs under the lift just before the mountain closed for the day. His Igneous rockers blew up cold smoke as I hunkered down and tried to keep up. My spirit soared. This is how a real ski day in Utah feels. As I waved bye and beelined for the parking lot, I thought, I’m coming back tomorrow for sure. I may have been late to rediscover Solitude but I wasn’t done after just one day. As a matter of fact, my boyfriend, who has a pass to Alta, is gunning for Solitude today instead. It’s a holiday weekend and it snowed last night. Duh. Smart skiers go to Big Cottonwood on these days. He’s not about to waste precious turns waiting for the Canyon to open or standing in gigantic liftlines all day long. Solitude is the call.

P.S. A cute new mini mart just opened in BCC. Kickers Backcountry Market is the perfect place to grab a drink or coffee for the ride home. It’s filled with tasty snacks and pastries from Beverly Hill’s Cakes in Salt Lake City and the new owner loves to chat so pop in and say hi. They also carry your mountain basics in case you forgot something at home like your goggles, backpack, water, handwarmers, etc. Kickers is on your left, just before the Silver Fork Lodge as you head down the Canyon.

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