I didn’t think it was physically possible to step out into -32 degree temps without crying from pain. The sky was a brilliant blue, clouded only by my breath as I clicked into my bindings. This weekend has been brutally cold. We live right now to watch the outside go by as we stay warm in the gym, with drinks like the Glacier Warmer and down duvets inside the Chateau Lake Louise.

I skipped cross-country skiing yesterday because 1) I don’t like to xcountry; 2) I didn’t want to put that much torque on my newly healed foot and 3) it was just too damn cold. The Canadian Rockies-and me, personally- are seeing record lows. I thought anything below -10 was reserved for treks to Everest basecamp. I suppose that you hit a point where the cold all feels the same and it’s just the amount of time you survive in it that makes the difference between -10 and -32.

But I had to sack up and go outside. It wasn’t going to get any warmer during my stay and I really wanted to see the mountain.

Lake Louise was recently voted best resort in Canada and one of the top three resorts in the world. I had to make at least one run. Plus, the ladies World Cup downhill was scheduled for today. If they could get after it, so could I.

I donned a pair of thick fleece tights, soft shell ski pants underneath a wind and water proof shell pant. On top, I had a fleece sport bra, a thin base layer, a fleece sweater and a fleece pullover all underneath a down Helly Hansen jacket. I used toe and hand warmers, a thick neck gaiter, balaclava and even stuck a toe warmer inside the top of my helmet. I was as ready as I’d ever be. “This isn’t so bad,” I thought as I rode the lift. The gondola was still closed due to the cold.

Rob Story, Dan Markham and I slid onto the groomer. Dan said this was low snow for the time of year so we were stuck on the groomers. The terrain was hard, fast and crunchy under my rental skis. I wasn’t looking forward to flying down the hill with a bitter wind gripping my face but oh well. I could feel my cheeks and forehead go white. So far the fingers and toes went unaffected. At the bottom, the gondola was running so we took shelter inside. All it took was about 10 seconds on the next run to remind me that this was no average day out. I lost circulation in my right big toe and all feeling in my thumbs. Still we pressed on. One more gondola ride and it was straight into the VIP tent for a mocha and coffee-flavored Patron shot.

After lunch and a witnessing of Lindsey Vonn’s ‘comeback’ (her run put her in 5^th place after a meager 40^th yesterday) Rob and I motivated each other into a journey to the Top of the World. Two six-minute chairlift rides and hell did freeze over. I was done skiing in one run. I couldn’t feel my hands. I had to pull my fingers out of their pockets and bunch them around the hardwarmers with my poles dangling around my wrists for the entire way to the bottom. It was a race to warmth. I grabbed my boot bag and charged for the shuttle door. Back at the Chateau Lake Louise I had tunnel vision. My bathtub drew me in. It took over an hour for me to feel warm up again. And to know that I will never ever want to climb Everest.

I was asked tonight when the best time was to visit southern Utah. My friend from back East didn’t want to miss his Massachusetts’ summers. I told him not to worry. He had only to wait for September and October

Fall is prime travel time in Moab for “consistently perfect weather, zany community events and backcountry trails just to yourself,” said Jamie Pearce, Manager of the Moab Adventure Center (225 South Main Street, http://www.moabadventurecenter.com/).

Hike Arches Fiery Furnace
with its
twists and turns among sandstone fins, towers, spires and arches or drop into Ephedras Grotto/Medieval Chamber Canyon on a warm afternoon either with a guide or friends with canyoneering simul-wrap experience.

Take advantage of the Fee Free National Park Days Sept. 28 and Nov. 9-11 to explore Arches and Canyonlands national parks.

Everyone knows Moab=mountain biking. Take a tour or grab a map to find the fall foliage of the La Sal Mountains.

Here are some other excuses to head south:

Moab Artwalk: Downtown Moab businesses and community organizations open their doors from 6-9 p.m. Sept. 14, Oct. 12 and Nov. 9 so the public can stroll through featured art exhibits.

Moab International Film Festival:  Dramatic documentaries, environmental landscapes, outdoor action and more will be screened Sept. 20-22.

10th Annual M.O.A.B. (Mother of All Boogies) Skydiving Festival: More than 300 international skydivers will jump from two or three giant twin-turbine airplanes at 13,000 feet, Sept. 25-29. That’s 60 seconds of freefall at 120mph.

Slap sunscreen on that red neck and get ready to ride in the Red Rockin’ Rendezvous Sept. 25 – 29. ATV & UTV trail rides, skill clinics, machine rodeo, dinner, raffles, prizes, and vendors will wash over the Old Spanish Trail Arena (3641 S. Hwy 191)in Moab.

Shows at Tuacahn Amphitheater continue through the end of October and while you might sweat your pants off in July, the gorgeous redrock arena just west of St George is primed for fall. Tuacahn showcases family friendly, Broadway quality productions that will leave you wanting to see every production in the lineup. For sure, don’t miss Mary Poppins. Live horses parade across the stage and real fireworks light up the night sky. Plus, the talent and crew are as good as it gets. Julie Andrews would have been proud. FYI- Be sure to bring a blanket and coat. When the sun dips under the stars so will your body temp.

Make the 8th Annual Moab Ho-Down Mountain Bike Festival and Film Fest an annual Halloween event.
From Oct. 24-27 it’s bikes and movies. Thursday and Friday night are the movie nights at Star Hall. Saturday is race day with a Super D and a Downhill race. Saturday night is the outrageous costume party with live music at Moab Brewery. Sunday is the Dirt Jump Jam at Moab’s newly updated bike park.

Pumpkin Chuckin’ Festival at the Old Airport Runway, eight miles south of Moab, raises money Oct. 26 for the Youth Garden Project. Look for pie-eatin’ and costume contests, food vendors, arts and craft vendors, Weiner dog races, game booths, kids activities, live Bluegrass music, slingshots, catapults, and air cannons shooting giant gourds through the sky.

Of course, if you can’t make it out to Utah this fall, December, January, February are even good times to go; unless you plan on camping. The high desert gets frigid on winter nights. The good news is that local motels run cheap that time of year. I told my friend that the only time NOT to visit Moab is July and August when temps have been known to roast people. Literally. So go ahead and live it up on those New England beaches while you can.