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You would think with the snowpack we've had this winter that we'd be skiing into July. Darn, if the Utah snowgods didn't hightail it the Bahamas and leave us skibums to sweat in the 60-degree heat this month while we watch the resorts close all too soon. It's now time for the spring ski party.

Anticipated Closing Dates

Alta : April 16


Beaver : April 2


Brian Head : April 16


Brighton: April 16


Cherry Peak : March 26


Deer Valley : April 16


Eagle Point : April 2


Nordic Valley : March 19


Park City Mountain : April 16


Powder Mountain : April 9


Snowbasin : April 16


Snowbird : TBD


Solitude : April 16


Sundance : April 2

Though sad to see our powder days in the rear view, spring skiing, with its corned-up groomers, funky retro ski clothes, and tailgate parties holds a certain charm. We wear lighter clothes and carry lighter hearts even if the snow is heavier and wetter. After all, spring isn't really about epic powder anymore, it's about the epic, all-day party.

Each day on the hill becomes your own personal spring break so don't sit home and let it pass you by. Parties and picnics, music streaming from backpack speakers, rainbow wigs and the occasional man in a Speedo with corresponding sunburn. Despite the ever-melting conditions there are still plenty of turns and hi jinks left around the Wasatch. Bring the family and the outrageous costumes. It's time to enjoy the deals, decent weather and debauchery.

Alta
Look to the corners of the Wildcat parking lot on any given sunny afternoon from now on. Those hardcore Alta locals are grillin' and guzzlin' and they're happy to share both the food and tales. One story you will tell for years to come is how you sat up at the top of High Rustler on the last day of the season, dancing and tossing snowballs, and skied to the bottom at dusk with a few hundred of your closest buds. Make sure you're there!
Saturday, April 8 – Demo Day. Demo 2017-18 skis from dozens of manufacturers and enjoy apparel sales, music and more!
Wednesday, April 12 – Beer and Bratwurst for $10 at Alf’s Restaurant.
Saturday, April 15 – Alta Earth Day.
Sunday, April 16 – Alta Community Enrichment Easter Egg Hunt.
Snowbird
The spring skiing goes off here longer than any other in the Wasatch. The March/April days flit from sunny spring bumps to white-out powder days in an instant. There are unofficial pond skims, costumed clowns, torch-faced tourists, and parking lot BBQs. Although the mountain doesn't really have an official closing date, the big party of record is the day the Tram stops spinning (usually the first weekend in May). "Jortski" celebrates the redneck in all of us with denim shorts and red, white and blue attire, and PBRs in the parking lot.  
Spring passes are on sale now if you want to take advantage of this late season ho-down. Ski 12 times between now and close (TBD) and the $579 pass has paid for itself. The second spring pass sale starts April 1st but there's no price for it yet.
March 25-26 - Subaru Winterfest. A one-of-a-kind mountain destination and lifestyle tour where skiers and snowboarders can come together. Enjoy live music, s’mores and craft OZO coffee. Participate in daily giveaways and test the latest gear from Nordica, Lib Tech, Thule, Klean Kanteen, and Under Armour. Plus, plan to meet adventurous Subaru owners and learn how you can support Avalanche Rescue Dogs.
April 16 - Easter at The Bird.
Easter Sunrise Service on Hidden Peak (stay tuned for timing)
Easter Egg Hunt
9 a.m. in Chickadee Bowl (meet on the Plaza Deck near Christy Sports)
Free Easter Egg Hunt for children up to 11. Bring a basket and let the Easter Bunny help you find his eggs! The three age divisions are: 4 & under, 5-7 and 8-11.
Easter Brunch at The Aerie 11 am - 3 pm 
Brunch at The Forklift, 7:30 am - 2:30 pm
June 10-11 - Brewfest. Live music, food stations, crafters/vendors TWENTY-SIX local and national breweries sampling 3-5 of their finest brews.
Solitude
As the days wax longer, the number of coolers and barbecues in the lower Moonbeam parking lot multiply. The season hits a crescendo when Solitude pulls off a last-run celebration akin to Alta's. The on-hill party starts around 3 p.m. from the top of Powderhorn lift, where skiers and riders tough it out until the last chair reaches the summit then the hoard hauls down to the base of Eagle Express for the apres tailgater.
March 19 - Rossignol Demo Day. Test the latest in ski and snowboard technology. Visit the Last Chance Lodge to participate.
March 25 - 27th Annual Chocolate Lovers' Tour. Begin your day at 9 a.m. by grabbing a complimentary “Chocolate Lover’s Passport” from the Chocolate Lover's Tour booth in The Village (under the clock tower) or at Moonbeam Lodge (on the patio by the ski slope). Follow the map on your passport to find different stations on and off the mountain, where complimentary goodies are offered throughout the morning. Receive a stamp from each station and you will be entered to win great prizes! The completed passports are due by noon and the prize drawing is at 1 p.m.April 16 - Easter Egg Hunt and Ski with the Easter Bunny. Children ages 2 to 10 are welcome to participate in this complimentary event at the Snowsports Academy in the Moonbeam Base Area. All guests are welcome and the event begins at 9:30 a.m.In addition, Swire Coca-Cola will be offering complimentary, full can samples at the Monster tent, located in the Moonbeam parking lot from 2 to 4 p.m.
Brighton
The end of season got so rowdy at Brighton that they had to split the party into two days. And with the area celebrating their 80th anniversary, the last weekend is bound to go down in the rager history books. The beach bash and snowboard jam usually takes place on Saturday but it's closing day's Dummy Downhill that locals anticipate. Around 5 p.m. employees of the mountain's various departments hike up to the top of the halfpipe and send hand-crafted "sleds" with "dummies" on top careening down the slope until they crash into bits. Throngs of drunken onlookers cheer. Money and prizes go to the contracptions that travel the farthest or look the slickest. The contest starts around 5 p.m.
if you want to join in the BCC 'derby' you need to register in advance. Your dummy will be judged at 1 p.m. and only the best are chosen to actually compete. They have to weigh less than 50 pounds with no pyrotechnics.
Thru March 30 - Friday night s'mores. Free treats at 6pm on the Alpine Rose Deck.  ALL AGES WELCOME!
Snowbasin
March 17 - St. Patrick's Day Party. Bag-Pipers, Corn Beef and Cabbage, Guinness Stew, Green Beer, and Free Music. Search for pots of gold on the mountain and win a 17/18 season pass. Après ski party in the Cinnabar at the end of the ski day with more FREE live music in Earl’s Lodge at 2:00pm
April 16, Easter Egg Hunt. Bring the children up to Snowbasin Resort for an Easter Egg Hunt and to see the Easter Bunny before enjoying a delicious Easter Brunch. Ages 6 and under - 10:00 am, Ages 7-12 - 11:00 am
Deer Valley
March 25 - Avalanche Rescue Dog Awareness Event. The Deer Valley Avalanche Rescue Dogs and their handlers will be on the Plaza at Snow Park Lodge on Saturday, March 25, from 3 to 4 p.m. Guests can stop by and have their picture taken with the dogs and visit with their handlers. Deer Valley Avalanche Rescue Dog logo merchandise such as t-shirts, stickers, pins and mugs will be available for purchase and the proceeds will benefit the Avalanche Rescue Dog team.
April 16 - Easter Bunny Visits. Guests and their children are invited to bring a camera and take their picture with the Easter Bunny. Snow Park Lodge area from 9 to 11 a.m.
Park City Mountain
In the days of old, Park City threw the best party of all time- Clown Day, April 1. But resort officials and local police silenced the event when the crowd- and drinking -got too outrageous to contain. Anyone arriving in a clown costume would have their pass confiscated and be ejected from the resort. Clown Day was dead. The event eventually rose from the ashes some years ago, reincarnated as "Gaper Day" but it would never again match the status of its extinct ancestor. Dress in a one-piece or neon but leave the clown wig at home.
March 25- April 9 - Spring Gruv.
Park City presents the 10th annual Spring Grüv. Sixteen days of free concerts in the two villages, as well as the 21st Annual Pond Skimming Contest! It's one of those traditions that has been wild from the start.
NOTE: No outside alcohol is allowed in for our spring concerts. We will have food and beverage options available in the Park City Base Area and Canyons Village, so don't worry! And, please carpool. Celebrate. Compete. Watch. Ski. Ride. Grüv.

Canyons Resort
March 25- April 9 - Spring Gruv.
Park City presents the 10th annual Spring Grüv. Sixteen days of free concerts in the two villages, as well as the 21st Annual Pond Skimming Contest! It's one of those traditions that has been wild from the start.
Saturday & Sunday S'mores at the Umbrella Bar in Canyons Village
Hang around the fire pit on the Umbrella Bar deck in the Canyons Village for all your s'mores fixings free from 3-4p.m.
April 8 - 21st Annual Pond Skimming. It's one of those traditions that has been wild from the start. The Pond Skimming Contest is Park City's most popular party and is the true indicator that spring has arrived. Contestants must dress in costume (the funkier the better) as they attempt to cross a 100-foot pond on skis or a snowboard. The pond and the excitement happen at mid-mountain just outside Red Pine Lodge. Must be 10 years of age or older to enter.  Spectators will need a lift or gondola ticket to watch. Then, hit up the Canyons Village for a free concert. Event schedule and date subject to change. Registration is now OPEN!

Sundance Resort
March 17 - F3T FLY FISHING FILM FESTIVAL. This fundraiser for Trout Unlimited will include multiple short films, fly fishing activities and great raffle prizes. This year will feature two screenings, at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Doors open at 3 p.m.
March 18 - Banked Slalom. Junior and open classes for skiers and snowboarders. Same day registration is available. Race begins at 10:30 a.m. Lifts open at 9 a.m. Racer check-in at Jake’s Ticket Office: 8 – 9:30 a.m. To register, call 801.223.4849. $25 reg, $20 ticket.
Powder Mountain
The last two weekends of the season turn into Powder Daze at this area. The party kicks off with a mountain scavenger hunt for tons of swag. It's rounded out with live concerts and barbecues in the parking lot.
Eagle Point Resort
March 18 - Banked Slalom
March 31- April 2 - Fool's Gold Winter Cabin Ski Party. Bring your neon ski onesies along with your best 80's ski attire (or WHATEVER funky cool ski outfits) and get ready for a lodge/ condo/ ski dance party like none other! Rock N' Roll band Badfeather, along with Utah's freshest Funk Bands- SuperBubble and Soul Delicious, Reggae act Tribe of I, The Bookends, Coolabibus, The Narrators Clown/Actor/Dance troupe, DJ Feral Williams, Jodie Stackhouse, Regular Ass Dude, and Oh Diggz will bring those warm fuzzy times and that funky dance heat to the "Fools Gold 80's Winter Cabin Ski Party" to be held over April Fools Day, (Friday thru Sunday) March 31-April 2 in the Canyonside Lodge at Eagle Point Ski Resort in the majestic Tushar Mountains due East of Beaver, Utah.
The Event Includes: A whole ski resort to ride with event attendees, two nights (Firday and Saturday) of costumed live music, dance, DJ's, performances, a pond skimming event, and a hearty family group style pre-show dinner inisde the Canyonside Lodge (dinner is on Saturday evening).
Pricing:
-Car or camper camping is FREE, its Spring, shouldn't be too chilly, but we are in the mountains and would rather be prepared so bring a warm sleeping bag ;)
-For Condo Lodging Reservations and Ski Passes click here. Condo and ski pass prices will increase leading up to the event. Also, lodging is limited to roughly 300 people so get with your friends, figure out your crew, and book early to reserve your Fools Gold Extravanganza Experience!
-Saturday Pre-Show Hearty Family Style Dinner with performers at Canyonside Lodge $20 per person (Alcoholic Drinks not included in price, but may be ordered per menu)

Brian Head Resort

April 1 - Spring Carnival
Cardboard Sled Race 10:30 a.m. – Build your best and most creative sled out of Cardboard and Duct Tape.
Around The Mountain Snowmazing Race that sends your team of 2 you on a scavenger hunt all around the mountain.
Bikini Slalom 12:30 pm– Female & Male – Wear your hottest bikini and ski/snowboard through our Racecourse.
Pond Skimming 2 pm
Registration will be held at the Last Chair Saloon from 10:00am to 11:30am.
April 15-16 - Kids Easter Festival. 11:00 to 3:00 – Navajo Lodge, Kids Carnival Games, Fish Pond, Lady Bug Toss, Hole in One Golf, Face Painting, Balloon Animals, Dino Dig and more.
April 16 - Annual Easter Egg Hunt. Adults hunt for the Season Pass Egg hidden somewhere on Brian Head Resort property open to everyone. Kids Easter Egg Hunt, 13 and under, behind Navajo Lodge, three age divisions, 4 and under, 5 – 8 and 9 – 13.

Phunkshun Wear infinity scarves and neckgaiters for your valentine. (Phunkshun Wear)

My boyfriend announced yesterday that we won’t be celebrating Valentine’s Day. Uh, not an option. It’s not like he comes home every day with flowers and a bottle wine. He’s a great guy who represents quite well but sometimes a girl likes a little extra. And, so, we have a national holiday that boosts retail sales and our feminine egos. The women of the world deserve a day of love and sweetness even if it has to be forced upon the male populace.

The problem is that most people hate mandated gifting days because all of a sudden they have to buy the perfect gift. Being an outdoorsy partner can also present its obstacles. Flowers and chocolates? Nice, but unoriginal and zero energy. If you dig a little deeper, however; nothing terribly traumatizing like open heart surgery, you can find some tender, little, “I love you!” trinkets, that get the message across the way we would want

P.S. Guys, DO NOT give your gal workout wear for VDay. No matter how great (or expensive) those shorts or yoga pants are, you might as well have handed her a card that says, “You’re looking a little fat. Please exercise more.” On the flipside, however, we wouldn’t complain about a PrAna or Athleta giftcard.

Get out of the doghouse:

Phunkshun Wear infinity scarves and neckgaiters– Keep her warm, dry and still fashionable with these uber awesomely designed “neck tubes” from Colorado. The thermal tube with Polartec on the inside is water repellant and freeze resistant on the outside. Bonus: a portion of the sales go to the High Fives Foundation. $19-29.

Bodipure Keratin Hand and Foot Gloves- If a spa giftcard feels impersonal, fix up a little basket of these combo moisturizing glove packets for a stay-at-home mani/pedi. The waterless, self-activating keratin treatment will pamper and bring life back to dry, winter-damaged hands and feet. $9.95 for a pair of each.

Maria Shireen Hair Tie Bracelet- You ever notice those indents in her wrists from hair ties? Give her something that’s both stylish and functional with these gorgeous bangles. The unique design cleverly hides the band and creates a fun fashion accessory. $35-120

Il Morso coffee chocolates- Energetic chicks love caffeine and they love chocolate. A gift of these little artisan tabs loaded with up to 18 mg of caffeine mix romance with fun. She’ll remember you every time she pulls one from her pocket for on-the-go pep. $60 for 40/ct.

Cairn Subscription Box- Make it a surprise for both of you if you aren’t sure what to get for your adventurous other. The company delivers outdoorsy type products – anything from socks to lanterns for a flat $25 per month. You never know what’s inside from month to month. Go for a three to 12-month subscription for the gift that keeps on giving.

Barefoot Eco Outfitters Red Moose Jogger Pants- While it’s unseemly to present exercise gear on Valentine’s Day, there’s nothing wrong with loungewear. But be careful. If you gift these unisex pants made of soft Eco Tri-blend fleece, organic cotton and rayon, you may never get her out of them. Well, at least they are more form-fitting than most sweatpants. $45

The new Volkl line on display at the SIA Snow Show. (Jill Adler)

In a flurry of Gore-Tex and P-Tex, the Ski Industries of America (SIA) Snow Show blazed into Denver last week for an annual congregation of buyers, sellers, and media in the ski resort world. Manufacturers relished a robust exchange inside their booths where next year’s fashion, gear and trends were on display. One thing for sure during this year’s event is that the lines between outdoor and ski have blurred. Street shoes, clothes and gear on display would work just as well on the town as the slope. And while on the hill next season, expect what you wear and carry to be lighter, tougher, drier, and thermo adjustable.

Virtual Reality is fast-becoming an important player in the world of creative filmmaking. (Sundance Film Festival/Facebook)

It’s begun. The Sundance storm nearly rivals the actual Snowmaggedon that this ski hamlet has felt for the past month and continues to experience. Park City is bracing themselves- $100 parking lots and all- for the flood of People in Black. We are a mere day away from the extravagant parties and film premieres, the branding and “activations”.

The Oboz Madison is a great pick for both fashion and function. (Oboz)

Winter footwear used to be easy. If you asked any real skier (not bunnies who sit at the Montage sipping hot toddies) what they wore for kicks they'd answer ski boots and Sorels. Ah, the good old days. Now there are so many cute, cool choices you might wind up with the winter version of Imelda Marco's shoe closet.

Those who live in resorts like Park City know what I'm talking about. It's cold, icy and snowy a solid six months out of the year; and it's boring looking down at the same winter feet every day (and night). If you even thought about getting fancy for dinner or Sundance good luck not slipping on your a** in front of international paparazzi- or at least your friend's Snapchat. So you need a fancy winter shoe? There are such things, you know.

Athleisure fans rejoice! You now have some of the most fun and functional silhouettes for winter feet since the Ugg rage thankfully waned. Flirty, fleece-rimmed ankle boots pair with your favorite skinny jeans, calf-high zips compliment your new sweater dress or pencil skirt and, well, those Tecnica Moon Boots go with nothing and therefore go with everything.

If you are in need of inspiration check out these great fashion finds for winter feet:

The Oboz Madison Insulated Boots are everything you could want for winter. Rugged outsoles for traction and friction, a nubuck leather upper for shedding snow and rain, 200g of Thinsulate for winter warmth, a pile cuff for comfort, hidden side zipper for easy entry, an insulated footbed for extra warm feet and they are adorable. $165.


Tecnica MoonBoot W.E. Monaco Lows give you the style of those oh-so popular slipons but with the traction and dryness you need for navigating snow and slush. They may look bulky but they're lightweight, flexible and uber warm. Plus, the Lunar faux fur has waterproofing to keep it from looking like you have a wet rat around your calf half-way through the season. $160.


Wolverine Sirrus Zip Oxford. This hard-to-find shoe is a must for any local. It's the winter equivalent to wearing flipflops all summer. Suede leather waterproof upper, warm, fuzzy, faux-fur lining, removable full-cushion footbed, arch support and deep, deep lug soles. $89.

You see these Ahnu Sugarpines and instantly have to have them. Not only does it come in fun, unique colors you won't find in any other mid-hiker, but they are super warm and waterproof. The Sugarpines have Ahnu's neutral foot position for better balance and stride, a double-reinforced toe to keep out water and cold, and a padded tongue for extra cush. This may not be your snowshoe-shoe but it'll be your fave go-to for casual winter dinners and dog-walks. $89

When you are into winter trail running, there's the Altra Lone Peak 2.0 Polartec Neoshell. Zero drop, waterproof and roomy. The neoshell upper provides a weather-resistant barrier while the sandwiched StoneGuard midsole gives flexible protection as you traipse over rocks and ice chunks. The design is made to feel like an extension of your foot rather than you trying to make your foot fit the shoe. If you have a wide foot and struggle with a comfortable trail shoe you need to explore this brand. $65.

Timberland Authentic Winter Fold Downs. In case you haven't kept up on the trends, fold downs are all the rage. Not only do you get a cute fuzzy shoe but a chukka too. The durable uppers are made with full-grain, waterproof leather and suede, and, unlike other winter fashion boots, these folddowns have a waterproof membrane and teddy fleece lining for extra oomph. EVA midsole and aggressive lugs provide all-day comfort even when the streets get slick. $98

Every outdoorswoman needs the Lowa Sparrow WS Climbing Shoe on hand. When you can't ski for whatever reason the most fun "adventure" workout you can have is in the climbing gym. These beauties offer all-day comfort which is key if you've been in ski boots for five days straight. The women's last keeps your heel in place but gives extra wiggle room in the toe box. It's really more about having a shoe that doesn't make you scream in pain without sacrificing performance; especially in the winter. BTW, these do awesomely on those intermediate (and beginner) sport routes. $140.

Egyptian Theatre Marquee. (Sundance Institute/Jill Oreschel)

My parents called tonight. They're coming to Sundance. I choked a bit. I've lived in Park City since 1990 and this is a first. "Are you sure?" I queried. "Sundance is a zoo. There's no parking, all of the restaurants are booked, it's even more expensive around here than normal, the tickets are probably sold out…" Was there a Beginners Guide To Sundance out there anywhere?

"Your father and I want to see snow and Europe's too far," said Mom. "Plus, I've always wanted to stay at the St. Regis." My folks are in their 80s. Back in the day, our vacations revolved around skiing but they retired the sticks decades ago. Still, you can't help but miss the mountains in winter when you've spent almost your whole life playing in them.

I considered this new information. Parents who don't ski but love film, snow and mountains. Sundance might just be the perfect vacation. When they've visited Park City in the past they've been bored. This is a town for adventure junkies. Once you've done the outlet mall, gotten a massage and fed on the "fine dining" there's not much else for retired skiers around here.

I started my research. How then do I advise my parents, your average tourists, to make the most out of their time at Sundance? Looks like I was going to have to devise my own Beginners Guide To Sundance.

The Beginners Guide To Sundance Starts With Lodging

You won't have a place to stay if you don't have a place to stay. In other words, book your lodging early and don't be picky. Everything in Park City gets gobbled up the closer you get to those last 10 days in January. My parents aren't into crashing in a three-bedroom place with four other people so they got a room at the St Regis with timeshare points that could have bought them a month in Hawaii. You can get a place in Salt Lake City for much less but the highway commute in January can be a nightmare if it dumps. You don't want to be stuck in a whiteout on I-80 while your movie plays. BTW, the major benefit of having a condo over a hotel room is the ability to cook, so you don’t have to eat out for every meal, saving some money.

The Beginners Guide To Sundance Transportation

No, Mom, you do not need a car. Split a cab, call Uber, book a shuttle. You DO NOT want a rental car in Park City during Sundance. The city shuts down Main Street to traffic, there's zero parking available unless you want to pay $50 for lots that are normally free, and the congestion is ridiculous.

I hitched a ride from Park Avenue to the top of Main (two miles tops) last year and it took over an hour. The bright side was I got to spend that time chatting with a fascinating, charmingly abrasive, post production supervisor from New York who worked on several of my favorite films.

Park City brings in extra buses to handle the transportation. The free system runs like clockwork and rivals any you would find in a large metropolis. They run late into the night so you don't need to worry about being stranded and the cast of characters on those buses- from local ski bums to Netflix execs- are priceless.

The Beginners Guide To Sundance Ticketing

Get a Sundance ticket package if you can afford one. My parents will see as many movies as they can but if you don't plan ahead individual tickets (which go on sale Jan. 17 for non-locals) sell out fast and you wind up standing in a cold waitlist line hoping someone doesn't show.

There is a new ewaitlist system that eliminates standing in line TWICE to MAYBE get in but you'll still have to be at the theater at least 30 minutes prior to showtime. You'll also need to be somewhere with a strong signal. The waitlist opens one hour prior to the screening and if you get a number higher than 50 your chances of actually getting in are slim to none. You can often buy tickets off scalpers standing in front of the theater. Patrons wind up with extra tickets because friends or clients couldn't make it in time or they decided to go to a party instead. I've gotten many a free ticket this way.

The Festival packages are pricey for non-locals ($650) but in addition to 10 tickets ($250 value), they include Festival credentials for two peeps.

You can only plant your butt in a dark theater for so long. The pass gets you into the rocking ASCAP music café, the Cinema Café, the Filmmakers Lodge, and several other "credential-only" venues that host VIP events like cocktail receptions and filmmaker panel discussions. You also get a ticket to the opening night party, but it's only a bonus if you like blaring dance music and drunk 20-somethings.

The Beginners Guide To Sundance Dining

"We want to go to the restaurants and experience the scene," my mom added. So does everyone else, Mom. If you get to Park City without reservations you will be ordering Domino's and Davanza's. Start booking the minute you know you're coming. Three nights in town equals three reservations.

Private parties book out most of the restaurants. Still, the best spots to celeb spot if you can get in are the Riverhorse Café, Chimayo, Zoom, Yuki Yama and Prime Steakhouse. I recommended St Regis' J&G Grill to my folks for the first Saturday night of the Fest to avoid the mayhem of Main. You can also eat someplace off Main that doesn't take reservations – like Sammy's Bistro, El Chubasco, The Blind Dog and our newest yummy Ganesh Indian Cuisine. If you just want something to eat and you want out of town anyway, locals head to Kimball Junction where you have a ton of options from Five Guys to Ghidotti's.

That's it for this first leg of our journey. Stay tuned for my mom's next phone call.

The skiing at Snowbird has been unreal. Yes, skiing. While the rest of the Wasatch is hunkered down, sitting out the back-to-back storm cycles because closing days have come and gone, diehard locals are rejoicing. Nineteen inches in the last 48 hours and more on the way.

If you hate skiing alone, you can't be shy. I had the ultimate dilemma today. None of my friends could come out to play. It was a Tuesday; a work day for most and forecasters had called Wednesday the day to catch the Powder Flu. Not today. 

I’ve never completely understood the allure of celebrity. I’d much rather have a photograph of me and friends than me and actors who don’t know me, but it’s there…and it’s here in Park City, Utah. If you are skiing or riding in the neighborhood, have some "parkarazzi" fun at the annual Sundance Film Festival.

January is here and that means the Outdoor Retailer Show is here. When SMAK PR and Allied Feather and Down invited me to a preview glamping event to set the mood for the show, do you think I considered saying no? I said yes and hopped on a Scott fat bike to begin my afternoon of adventure.

Olympic ski legend and Deer Valley’s iconic ambassador Stein Eriksen has died. The Norwegian champion known for his impressive coif, impeccable ski technique and eponymous lodge passed away quietly at his Park City home Sunday, December 27, 2015, surrounded by family. He was 88 years old.

With one swift smack, two Park City resorts become one. The new Quicksilver Gondola is fully functional, linking Park City to the Canyons and signifying a proverbial — if not literal — end to Vail Resorts’ campaign in Utah. By “campaign,” I mean like in medieval days- a series of inter-related military battles that lasted years and was part of an over-arching strategic plan to conquer a country.

Gifting is an art. Here are SnoCountry.com’s fun ideas to help you navigate the last minute trails. 

Tecnica Blizzard and Keely's Camp for Girls want to send two girls to ski camp. I wish I was 15; I'd be all over this.

I’m on a mission. Baby needs new skis. Not me. The actual kid. Ok, Sage isn’t much of a baby anymore. She’s nine and she’s outgrown her pink, Atomic unicorn skis. 

The irony isn’t lost on locals. Four comparatively miserable winters and yet Utah ski resorts spent millions on “improvements” this summer, raising the cost of lift tickets and season passes yet again, all in the hopes of attracting more visitors.

I swear one of these summers I’m going to get in the water and spend all day there. The 2015 Summer Outdoor Retailer Show in Salt Lake City  kicked off with the annual demo day at Pineview Reservoir near Ogden, Utah, and once again I looked longingly at all the bodies paddling but kept my distance.

To make sure everyone knows that you can get a drink in Park City, Utah, the semi-annual PC Cocktails Contest is back. 

Winter's done. Spring's here with all the sun, warm temps and freak snow storms. Now, the only thing to worry about are the conditions. Two weeks ago we got 10 inches. Fresh snow on top of spring snow that has slopped up in the heat the day before and froze at night before the storm. What we ski instructors call "variable" and "dust on crust".

Planning to be in Park City, Utah this summer? The Park City Food and Wine Classic is back. It's hard to imagine that this humble festival is now in its 11th straight year and attracts thousands of oenophiles and foodies.