Park City Mountain Resort 12/28

There's no such thing as a bad day when you spend your day skiing. But, some days are better than others. And this wasn't one of them!

It was so *COLD*! Air temp was 2 degrees this morning but with windchill and humidity, it felt like -13! I made the mistake of thinking this would keep people indoors, but there were still a surprising number of people on the slopes at Park City. *I* should have stayed indoors because I found I couldn't make more than a few runs without taking a break. After two runs on McConkey's, we stopped for an early lunch. Three more runs in the afternoon and that was enough for me. Oh well. May tomorrow be warmer.


(Top of Payday.)

If you go, bundle up! Definitely take the finger and toe warmers. And stop often for hot chocolate! Enjoy.

'til later,
- Jeff

Canyons 12/26

I had other plans for today, but when they fell through I decided to get in a few runs. I grabbed my snowboard and headed to the Canyons for a little bit right around noon.


(Sun over Flight of the Canyons.)

It was *cold* out, definitely a good day for a balaclava (not to be confused with Baklava :)). I started on Saddleback and made runs on Snow Dancer and Kokopelli before heading over to Snow Creek. There I hit Eclipse and Echo before dropping down to Super Condor. Boa was probably the best run of the day - great snow and no one at all on it. Devil's Friend had some great snow to the skiers right. But with temps in the teens and feeling even colder than that, I decided I'd had enough. We're supposed to get 12-18" of snow tonight so we'll try again tomorrow.

'til later,
- Jeff

Deer Valley 12/24

Christmas Eve at Deer Valley is becoming a bit of a tradition. No new snow overnight, but still a nice day to get out. It was the first time I got to ski the new terrain on Lady Morgan. I think it just opened on Saturday.


(Top of the new Lady Morgan Express.)

Lady Morgan is a brand new high-speed quad that opens up 200 acres of awesome terrain. Previously you could get to some of this via a hike off Empire, but most of it was out of bounds altogether. There's something for everyone off the lift, from a nice green (Pearl, Webster) to a nice blue (Dakota), plenty of bumps (Magnet, Argus, Hillside) and some awesome new glades (Centennial)!


(The next storm rolling in.)

Though the line never got long, it was obvious that everyone wanted to check out the new stuff. So, I alternated runs there and runs off Empire. There was still some great snow in the bowl. I met up with some friends for a bunch of runs on Empire and Lady Morgan before taking a lunch break (yummy turkey burger).


(Fun terrain under Lady Morgan.)

Unfortunately, the winds pushing the next storm into town were a bit fierce and enough to end my day shortly after lunch. But not a bad way to spend the day before Christmas. Enjoy the holidays.

'til later,
- Jeff

Weber Canyon 12/21-23

Went up to a friend's cabin (thanks Brian!) in Weber Canyon for the weekend. Despite the frigid temperatures, it was great to get away for a few days and relax before the holidays. Had a great snowshoe on Saturday up Slate Creek (off the Mirror Lake Highway). Thanks to Mike for getting us some MSR Denali snowshoes to try. Here are some pics from our little trek.


(Going up.)


(The gang.)


(Aspens above.)


(The ok corral.)

What a beautiful day and a great weekend.

'til later,
- Jeff

Deer Valley 12/21

Wind brings storms. And storms bring snow. And skiers like snow. So I should be happy with the wind. But two days in a row it's been miserable, so I'd be fine if it went away for a while!

Still, I didn't let that stop me. Another few inches of snow overnight and I headed up to Deer Valley to take advantage. A run each on Wasatch and Sterling was enough to convince me that Bald Mtn. was too windy. So, after a quick lunch, I headed over to Flagstaff. There was some great snow off Northside.


(A nice view from atop Empire.)

And, though everyone thinks they built Silver Strike just to service the new developments over there (Shooting Star, Arrowhead, Larkspur, Silver Strike), there's actually some great tree skiing there. The powder was still nice and soft and the winds weren't nearly as bad as elsewhere.


(Silver Lake as seen from Empire.)

After a few runs there, I headed over to Empire for the first time this year. There was still some nice snow to be had there, but I preferred Silver Strike, so finished my day there.


(Aspen.)

With all this new snow we've gotten this month, the skiing is really started to get good. If you haven't made travel plans for the holidays, come on out to Utah!

'til later,
- Jeff

Park City Mountain Resort 12/20

Yesterday I woke up to 7" of snow in the driveway, but wasn't able to make it up to the slopes. :( Today, I woke up to another 6" of fresh snow. So, after a quick meeting at work, headed over to Park City Mountain Resort to take advantage of all the new powder!

Unfortunately, another storm arrived about the same time I did, so there was a little wind and snow to deal with. I tried a few runs off Silverlode but didn't find anything too spectacular there. So I went to McConkey's and, man, what a good move that was. The winds seemed a little lighter even if the visibility was challenging.


(Low visibility at the top of McConkey's.)

Scott and I made a bunch of runs, taking advantage of great snow in the trees. I swear the coverage is better on McConkeys and the powder was definitely awesome.


(Scott rips it up in McConkey's Bowl.)


(Base of McConkey's.)

After Scott took off, I made a quick run down Double Jack (less powder, more bumps), a nice run down Glory Hole, and finished my day on Crescent. All in all, a great day. And the forecast calls for another foot or two of snow tonight! Bring it on!

'til later,
- Jeff

Deer Valley 12/15

Another Saturday, another day at Deer Valley. :) I headed up this chilly morning (5 degrees) and met Kevin and Bill on the mountain. We quickly worked our way over to Northside, but the snow was a little thin and not real impressive.


(Looking toward Empire.)

We had a little fun in the trees on our way back to Snow Park for some yummy turkey chili.



Then finished the afternoon with a couple of awesome runs on Legal Tender. They hadn't made any snow or groomed these, but the 3 feet from last weekend and 3" we got Thursday night made for some great tracks. And no one else was doing it.


(Gate to Legal Tender.)

A very cool way to end a great day.

'til later,
- Jeff

Park City Mountain Resort 12/14

Mother Nature delivered a little fresh snow overnight and it made for a nice day at Park City. The snow report said 3" but it felt like a little more than that. I took my snowboard out for the first time this year and had fun riding McConkey's for a few hours. Sorry no pics - forgot my camera. But I'll get some soon.

'til later,
- Jeff

Deer Valley 12/8

Saturday was opening day for the 2007-08 season at Deer Valley, and oh what a day it was! Storm totals of about 30" allowed them to open even more terrain than they had planned.


(Bill gets a little wide and has to dig out.)

The groomers seemed to get skied out quickly, but the real fun was the powder runs. Granted the snow was a little heavier than the soft, fluffy powder Utah is know for, but it will make a great base layer.


(Shane says that Utah powder is a lot better than Texas.)

And it made for the most spectacular face plant I've done for a while. Skiing through the deep, heavy snow, both my skis kept sinking until both heal bindings released at the same time sending me forward like Superman. Fortunately the landing was soft.


(Kevin rips it up.)

Definitely a great day to be out. And it looks like they'll be able to open up more terrain soon. Plan your Utah vacation now!

'til later,
- Jeff

Snow!!! 12/7

Finally! After teasing us with snow in early October, Mother Nature clammed up and "treated" us to 70 degree temps in much of November. That great if you love golf and all but ... let's just say that I was real happy when I woke up to 10" of snow in my driveway this morning. It's about time.


(My deck.)

So, I was out clearing the driveway so I could go to the office when I thought ... this is 10" of snow!!! So, I tossed the skis in the trunk and headed off to the Canyons. Granted, they didn't have any more trail open that they did last weekend, but the snow was better. And I'll be they get some more trail open for tomorrow.


(A tree.)

Anyhow, this is the first serious storm of the year. It's supposed to snow through the night and all day tomorrow. Snowfall totals could top 3 feet in the mountains. Let's keep our fingers crossed.


(Another tree.)

Get out here and ski!

'til later.
- Jeff

Moose! 10/21

So ... I was thinking about going for a run, so stepped out onto the deck to see how cold it was outside. A rustling to my right caught my attention and I turned to see momma moose chewing on some shrubs not 25 ft. away! Anyhow, I went back in the house and grabbed the camera to take a few pictures. She definitely noticed me but didn't seem to concerned.


(Momma moose from my deck.)

After a few pictures, I went back inside and got ready for my run.


(Momma moose.)

After stretching, I opened the front door and saw baby moose standing in the front yard! Again, I grabbed the camera and took a few more pictures. But momma saw me getting a little too close to baby and came over to scare me away. I watched as they both sauntered across the road and up the neighbor's driveway.


(Baby moose.)

I'll never get tired of this!

'til later,
- Jeff

Full Moon 9/25

Technically, I think the full moon is tomorrow. But close enough. Trust me, it was much bigger in person.


(Full moon rising.)

Also, we had snow the yesterday! First snow of the year here. Not tons, but enough to make the tops of the mountains white. Snow line looked to be around 7000 feet. Hopefully, it's a sign of a good winter to come. I tried to take some pictures, but it was too foggy. You'll just have to take my word on it.

'til later,
- Jeff

PC 9/23

So much for the forecast! The weatherman called for cold (40s) today with a chance of rain and snow down to 7000'. But when I woke up it was 60 and mostly sunny! About the only thing they got right was the wind. But I wasn't gonna let that keep me inside.


(Leaves changing on Iron Mountain.)

I decided to head out for a little hike. I was thinking about Iron Mountain, but there were a lot of cars at the trailhead, so I gave up on that and went into town instead.


(Park City Mountain Resort and Thaynes Canyon.)

I'm not sure the name of it, but I did the short, easy hike up the hill with "PC" on it just behind the schools. It's really not much of a hike, maybe 500 vertical feet and only 20 minutes up. But it was nice to get out and the leaves across the way were getting close to their peak.


(The trail up.)

I'm hoping the weather was just a little late in arriving and that we'll get some of that snow tonight. Keep your fingers crossed! Hopefully we'll be skiing in a month.


(View of Quarry Mountain from the top of the hill.)

'til later,
- Jeff

Glenwild 9/20

With my bike back from the shop (my rear shock was shot), I headed out to Glenwild for a ride. This nice little loop is about 8 miles around and offers a bit of vertical without being very technical at all.


(I-80 as seen from the fire road.)

As you can see, the leaves are still changing colors up here and it's nice to be outside. The weather was also perfect -- not too hot, not too cool.


(Descending the back side.)

I guess it had been a few years since I had done the entire loop. Glenwild is much more built out on the back side, but there are some beautiful houses to check out as you ride past. My friends the Salems are building a spectacular new home back there. The views are incredible.


(The Salem's new home -- pretty sweet!)

Stops included, it took just over an hour. It was nice to be out and I can't wait to do it again.

'til later,
- Jeff

Pinebrook 9/17

Went for another hike today. This one starts in the Pinebrook neighborhood just south of I-80 before you get to Park City. The leaves here have already started to change and it made for a pretty hike.


(Show me the way.)

I started up the Meeks trail and joined Jekyll and Hyde before following some unnamed trail along the ridge. This joins the Mid-Mountain trail which I went up for a little ways.


(Going up.)

I forgot my Garmin, so not sure of the distance or elevation, but probably two miles and definitely less altitude that the Lamb's Canyon hike yesterday.


(Utah Olympic Sports Park including 2002 bobsled track.)

If you go, keep in mind that many of the Pinebrook trails are private to the Pinebrook Master Association members and be sure to respect landowner rights. And you can access the Mid-Mountain trail many other places if you want a longer hike. Enjoy.

'til later,
- Jeff

Lamb's Canyon 9/16

Went for a little hike today up Lamb's Canyon. This is the only Forest Service hiking trail on the Parley's Canyon side of Millcreek Ridge. It's not a super strenuous hike, but a nice little workout with worthwhile views from the top.


(Fallen Aspen.)

Take the Lamb's Canyon exit off I-80 and head south about 1.5 miles up Lamb's Canyon road. There's some parking just across from the trailhead with an outhouse. The trail is easy to follow and gets more scenic the higher you get.


(Signs at the top.)

The hike is about 1.75 miles from the trailhead up to the saddle. Approximately 1540 vertical feet. From the saddle, a faint trail heads south up to a nearby peak. Supposedly there's also a trail to the north to Mount Aire but it just looked like a bunch of intertwined animal tracks to me. I headed south for a bit to get a nice view into upper Millcreek canyon before heading back.


(Upper Millcreek Canyon.)

Up and back took me about two hours. It was a good bit of exercise and some nice views. Check it out if you ever get the chance.


(The return.)

'til later,
- Jeff

Park City Marathon 8/25

Despite getting my butt kicked last year, I decided to run the Park City Marathon again this year. It's a beautiful course and 26.2 miles is a great challenge, so what the heck?

They changed the course up a bit this year. We basically ran last year's course in reverse except the high point this year was higher than last, THEN we ran over last year's high point! So this year was definitely a little harder despite a mostly downhill finish.

I got to the start a little later than I'd hoped, but then I don't really need a lot of warm up for a marathon. Still, when doing the clothing drop 5 minutes before the start I realized I'd left my racing jersey in the car and had to sprint back and get that. In retrospect, that wasn't a great warm up for the race and my time would have been better spent stretching. Oh well, the gun sounded and we were off.

Only after I was running did I start my iPod only to find out it had died! I had created a killer playlist to pull me along and charged it up, but forgot to switch it off and the battery was dead! Not a great start to the race!

So, with no tunes I got to focus on running. I was aiming for 9/min miles which would get me a 3:56 or so. I knew I could run the first few a little faster than that and hoped to run the last few faster so I could take it easy on the hills in the middle of the course. I set out at what felts like a conservative pace and was averaging about 8:50 for the first few miles but my IT band was already a little sore, so I was kinda worried. My pace started to slow as I hit 11 miles and that was just the start of the uphills! But I knew I had to run smart -- push it too early and I'd die in the last few miles like last year. So I tried to listen to my body (without stopping completely!) and took it easy up to Deer Valley even though I saw a few 10+/min miles on my Garmin.


(Under Swede Alley, near mile 14.5)

Fortunately, that bit of conservation helped me feel ok when we turned back down and I felt decent crossing the Town Bridge and heading up to Empire Avenue. But on the downhill past the resort and the golf course I was feeling tired and not making the time that I'd hoped to. And my IT band wasn't getting any better.


(Brandon & I passing the White Barn about mile 21.)

About the white barn I realized I was off my pace by about five minutes and decided I was going to push it to the end, even if it killed me. And the way my legs were feeling I was afraid it might! :) Fortunately, my legs held up and I ran a great last 6 miles and got close to four hours (officially 4:01:26). It was 15 minutes better than last year, but still a little slower than I had hoped to run so I was a little disappointed. Still, I was impressed with how hard I was able to push myself, especially at the end when I wasn't feeling so great. In all, it was a tough race, but I'm already looking forward to next year.


(Finally finished!)

Thanks to Brandon for running with me and helping set a great pace those last few miles. And thanks to mom and dad for coming out, cheering us along, and taking some great pictures.

'til later,
- Jeff

Vail Half Marathon 7/22

Come late July I had a few days off work and really needed to get out of town, so I decided to head to Vail and visit some friends out there. Turns out there was a half marathon going on that weekend. So I tossed my trail shoes in trunk and headed east. I've skied Vail quite a few times and I've driven through in the summer, but I've never been on the hill when there wasn't snow. Trust me, it's just as beautiful in the summer!



About 200 of us lined up for the start on a beautiful July morning. From the maps on the race website and a hike I'd done the day before, I knew it was all uphill (constant 7% grade!) for the first 9.5 miles. Knowing that I hadn't done a ton of training and that this was even higher altitude that I was used to, I decided to start out easy.

I hit the first mile marker at 13 minutes and decided that, if I could keep that pace on the uphill for the first 10 miles, then kick it up to 8 minutes miles along the ridge, I could finish in under 3 hours. I'm just glad I didn't look back because there were probably only 20 people behind me! I kept plugging along methodically -- careful not to get anaerobic on the climb. Unfortunately, my pace started to slip a bit as the miles wore on and I clocked a few 14 minutes miles. I knew I has some work to do on the ridge.



After enjoying the incredible views of I-70 over Vail Pass at the water stop at mile 9, I cranked it to the top. But there was no time to take in the gorgeous wildflowers that were all across the top of China Bowl. I began the descent along the ridge and really picked up the pace. This was gonna be fun!

My legs were still feeling great as were my lungs -- taking it easy on the way up turned out to be a great strategy. I passed tons of people and was having fun all the way to the finish at the top of the gondola.


(Me at the finish.)

My official time was a 2:55:36 and that was good for 116th place. Nowhere near the leaders, but a good race for me. It left me eager to run again and feeling almost ready for the Park City Marathon in August.

'til later,
- Jeff