Ride Utah Blog

Need a job?  Need one that comes with a season pass?  Check out the Park City Job Fair.

www.parkcityinfo.com

The economy is rough, gas is expensive, and airline tickets aren’t much better.  Does that mean you shouldn’t come shred the Greatest Snow on Earth this winter?  HELL NO!  Here are some tips for planning a winter vacation on a budget from an article I found on MSNBC that originally appeared on WeJustGotBack.com.

Book now: Every year around this time, awesome early-bird ski vacation deals begin popping up all over. But time is ticking; you have to snap them up before ski season gets underway. For example, if you book the “Lift Off” package before November 23 at Copper Mountain, a family-friendly resort in the Colorado Rockies (see our review), you can save 15 percent on lodging when you book a lift ticket. Book a four-night stay at Steamboat Springs by November 3 and get 20 percent off lodging, lift tickets, and equipment rentals. Book before November 15 at Mont Tremblant, voted the No. 1 ski resort in eastern North America by SKI Magazine readers, and you can save up to 25 percent on your stay of three nights or longer. These act-quick opportunities are a dime a dozen right now, but they typically dry up by Thanksgiving.

Aim off-peak: Timing is everything. Depending on where you want to ski, the season can last anywhere from four to six months. Many resorts out West are open by mid-November and remain open through April. In general, prices at ski resorts are highest when there is a greater chance of snow (read: coldest months) and also during school breaks. Resorts’ rates can fluctuate wildly throughout the season. To wit: At Smugglers’ Notch, voted the No. 1 resort for family programs by SKI Magazine readers (see our review), prices during SuperSaver Value Weeks are a full 50 percent lower than over the New Year or President’s Week. Opting to ski before December or after mid-March can almost always save you a bundle. Hint: If your travel dates fall on the fringes of ski season, it’s wise to choose a resort with a reputation for good snow-making capabilities, in case Mother Nature doesn’t oblige with a layer of the white stuff.

Go midweek: Lodging and lift tickets are always more expensive on weekends, so a Monday-to-Thursday ski break can cost half of what a Thursday-to-Sunday getaway does at the same resort. But saving money is just the beginning of the good news. Midweek typically means fewer crowds, shorter lift lines, and smaller group sizes during lessons.

Read the rest of the articles tips here:  http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27361902/

Appeared originally here: http://wejustgotback.com/default.aspx?mod=oct_10easyskideals

If you haven’t noticed I’m a big fan of the Utah Avalanche Center.  They are all great guys and they are doing a lot to keep us from not getting killed in an avalanche.  If you’ve never taken an avy class then you really have no business being in the backcountry.  Not only are you putting yourself at risk but you’re also putting those around you at risk.  I’m not saying you need to be a level 10 ++++ avalanche ninja, but, you need to know the basics in order to be a responsible backcountry user.

On November 1st, the Utah Avalanche Center will be hosting a seminar at the Depot in Salt Lake City.  Maybe you’ve been there to see a show in the past, but on that day the UAC will be using the venue to hold a avalanche workshop.  Afterwards there will be a party with music by Fat Paw.  I’m not all that into hippy jam bands, but, I might stick around for some of that.  My only question is, can we drink beer during the workshop?  Here are the details of seminar.

Utah Snow and Avalanche Workshop

Start: 11/01/2008 – 8:00am

Location:

The Depot, downtown Salt Lake City, UT

This unique seminar geared for professionals and recreationists alike, hosted by the Utah Avalanche Center, features presentations by local avalanche experts. The symposium is geared for all backcountry users no matter your avalanche skill level. We’ll focus on avalanche mitigation, forecasting, snowpit evaluation, advancements in beacon technology and rescue techniques. In addition, you’ll experience a behind-the-scenes look at TGR Films avalanche safety program, presented by lead guide Jim Conway. At the end of the seminar, join us for an evening of dancing and fun with a long time local favorite band Fat Paw.

Seminar admission- $25.00

Begins at 1:00 pm and includes fundraising party with music by Fat Paw.

Fundraiser only – $12.00 (must be 21 and over)

Begins at 5:00 pm

Click HERE for online registration.

Schedule
1:00pm-1:05pm Welcome/Friends of the Utah Avalanche Center
1:10pm-1:30pm Bruce Tremper- 2008 International Snow Science Workshop Overview
1:35pm-1:55pm Chris Covington- Highway Avalanche Control Work and Ski Touring- How to Get Along
2:00pm-2:15pm Larry Dunn- National Weather Service Support for the Snow Safety and Avalanche Community
2:20pm-2:40pm Bruce Edgerly- Digging Deeper: Uncovering the real issues in North American multiple burials
2:45pm-3:00pm Brian Dahle/Pieps- The iProbe

3:00pm-3:15pm Break

3:20pm-4:05pm Ian McCammon- Back Country decision making Tool kit
4:10pm-5:00pm TGR- Conway- Method to the Madness: A behind the scenes glimpse into TGR’s snow safety program

Abstracts

Bruce Tremper- 2008 International Snow Science Workshop Overview

The International Snow Science workshop occurs every two years. This year it was in Whistler, B.C., Canada. Bruce will give a summary of the important recent developments in avalanche science. It will be an avalanche geekfest in plain language.

Chris Covington-Highway Avalanche Control Work and Ski Touring- How to Get Along

The Utah Department of Transportation is responsible for avalanche safety on the state highways in Utah.  The roads within the state that are monitored by a full-time avalanche safety program are in Big Cottonwood Canyon, Little Cottonwood Canyon, American Fork Canyon, and Provo Canyon.  UDOT attempts to close these roads and artificially release avalanches above them using explosives before natural avalanches occur that might threaten the roads.  This same terrain has become increasingly popular for backcountry touring.  This presentation will talk about the UDOT avalanche safety program and the potential problems associated with having ski tourers in the starting zones at the same times when explosives control work is to be carried out.

Larry Dunn- National Weather Service

The National Weather Service provides Watches, Warnings, Advisories, and general forecast support for Utah’s Snow Safety and Avalanche community.  Professionals and the public with an interest in snow safety and weather can access a wealth of real-time information about current and forecast conditions in the mountains.  The goal of the NWS is to assist individuals and organizations with decisions associated with protection of life and pr f the winter outdoor community, this means minimizing risk for those recreating or traveling in Utah’s mountains.  This presentation will describe the products and services offered by the NWS that may be of interest to the winter outdoor community.

Bruce Edgerly/BCA- Digging Deeper: Uncovering the Real Issues in North American Avalanche Rescues
To understand the crux issues in avalanche rescues, statistics only tell part of the story. We dug deeper than the statistics and called the actual rescuers, survivors, and coroners involved in 35 of the worst North American avalanches since 1995 in which transceivers were used. Our finding: on the debris pile, it’s not about beacon searching, it’s about shoveling–and staying out of avalanches in the first place.

Brian Dahle/Pieps- The iProbe

Pieps has introduced a new, revolutionary, backcountry device that guarantee’s a quicker retrieval time in avalanche situations- The iProbe.  The carbon iProbe has created a new standard in backcountry rescue, reducing pinpointing by almost 50% with its multiple target indicators (both visual and acoustical), Quick-closing latch, and deactivation/activation transceiver option.

Ian McCammon- BC decision making Tool kit

Avalanche experts agree that some of the biggest hazards in avalanche terrain are the psychological traps that can fool us into thinking a slope is safe when it is not. This talk will review some of these traps and give you simple tools for navigating the psychological hazards of avalanche terrain.

Jim Conway- Method to the Madness: A behind the scenes glimpse into TGR’s snow safety program

Method to the Madness is a behind the scenes look at how TGR responsibly enters some of the world’s most radical terrain while making their films. The talk reviews the company’s philosophy of “Riders First”, and how this commitment to risk management and athlete creativity has resulted in some of the worlds most serious ski and snowboard lines being captured on film. Venue selection, rider skills, avalanche assessment, and backcountry rescue are all covered as part of TGR’s comprehensive risk management program. The presentation ends with a big picture look at what you can and can’t control in the backcountry, and the factors that can interfere with even the best risk management plan.

The Utah Office of Tourism new winter ads.  Wonder where the lame snowflakes go.

Last night I was at the Gateway in Salt Lake for the Utah Premiere of It’s Always Snowing Somewhere.  The kids were out in force last night and pro riders were out front signing autographs.  Inside the theatre filled up quickly and everyone was ready to shift their mind to winter mode.

It didn’t take long.  Within the first 1 minute of the movie starting we were thrown straight into a world of nipple deep powder and pillow lines.  The Burton crew only showed the Northern Hemisphere section of the movie, but, that was enough to get the stoke flowing.  From the East Coast, to Japan, to Alaska, and of course Utah the movie traversed the globe in search of deep powder, steep lines, and huge air.  The Burton Team clearly had a constructive season last year getting after it all over the world.  The music in this flick was also really good.  Each track pumping loudly through the THX system at the Gateway.

Definitely pick up this movie.  I want it just so I can see the Southern Hemisphere stuff as well.

The Burton Team movie, It’s Always Snowing Somewhere is coming to the Gateway tomorrow.  Don’t miss this.  Meet some of your favorite pros, maybe get some free stuff, and watch a sick movie for free.  Autographs start at 5.  Movie starts at 7.  Tickets available first come first serve.  After party starts at 8.  See you there.

Support the guys that help keep you on top of the snow and score some sweet deals on backcountry equipment.  Or dump some of that old equipment that you don’t need anymore or are looking to upgrade.

Friends of the Utah Avalanche Center
Backcountry and Cross-Country Ski Swap
at REI Salt Lake, November 1st, 9 a.m.
Support the Utah Avalanche Center and get great deals on gear at the same time! The best selection of backcountry and cross-country ski and snowboard gear. There is a $2.00 per item charge to enter anything in the swap. In addition, 20% of the selling price of each sold item benefits the UAC. Equipment may be dropped off at the Salt Lake REI October 30th and 31st from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. (NO SATURDAY DROP OFFS)
The Swap starts at 9 a.m. at REI Salt Lake (3300 E 3300 S).
Admission is $5. For information call the Friends of the UAC at 365-5522. ALL proceeds benefit the Utah Avalanche Center.

The Brighton Terrain Park Blog is back up for the season.  Looks like they’ve got the KAB Rail folks working on some new jibs made from old lift towers.  Sweet.  Reusable.

Old Lift Towers repurposed for your sliding pleasure.

http://www.brightonterrainparks.com/blog/

We all know that the economy is rough right now.  And finding a job in a down economy can be hard.  Especially when you’re trying to find a job that you can balance with snowboarding.  If you’ve never thought about working at a resort, now is the time to consider this option.  Here’s why:

1) A FREE SEASON PASS – duh, do I even need to say this.

2) Lunch Breaks on the slopes.

3) A paycheck – usually not much of one, but hey you’ll be able to afford McDonalds.

4) A FREE SEASON PASS.

I’ve worked at the resorts for almost 8 years, you might even say I still work at the resorts.  But, that’s besides the point.  I’ve done everything from bumping chairs to managing a crew of kids.  Here’s what I’ve learned from some of the jobs I’ve done.

Lift Op/Ticket Checker – Not a bad job, but, you’ll have to get over all the dudes getting on the chair telling you how sick it is right now.  You’ll get yours, but, you’ll have to get patient.  Being a lift op usually results in quite a bit of riding time, hopefully getting some goods before the public, and being the first on the hill and the last off.  Another hidden benefit is the great views while working the top shack.  This is one job you don’t really do for the money, you do it because you love shredding pow.

Ticket Sales – Usually pays a little better and has the best ride breaks.  You’ll have to sit out a lot of first chairs for this job, but, if you’re off the clock by 10am or Noon, you’re loving it.  You can ride every single day or just powder days if you want to.  Also, you’re inside and warm.

Mountain Host – Doesn’t pay at all, but that’s not the point.  Minimal responsibilities and a free pass.  Does it get any better than this?

Management - One season I managed a crew of kids on the hill and it was the worst season of my life.  Too many headaches and too much of work intruding on my shred time.  There’s nothing like getting ready to drop into a sick run only to have your radio start squawking at you about how Billy hasn’t gotten his lunch break because Sally couldn’t make it up the canyon that day.  If I learned anything it’s that the less responsibility in your resort job the better.  You’re not going to get paid much regardless of your position so focus on the fun.

Well, you’re probably asking “How can I find one of these jobs?”  Well, that’s the easy part.  Right now all resorts are hiring for the upcoming season and are holding job fairs.  Check this page to get a hold of the individual resorts HR departments.  https://www.skiutah.com/company/employment/ Also, many resorts and other Ski Utah members are posting their listings on the brand new SkiUtahJobs.com.  Check it out and GET A JOB!  IF it’s a job that gets you on your board, you won’t regret it.

Returning for it’s 59th season the Latest Warren Miller Film is coming to Utah.  And once again it is featuring Utah.  For the 3rd year in a row, Utah was in Warren Millers lens and what a year to do it.  We had tons of great snow so you know there will be tons of great footage.  Now, we just need to see if they can get any good snowboard shots.

To catch a Utah showing go to one of these places on one of these dates.

SLC- 10/23/2008 8:00pm; Abravanel Hall
10/24/2008 6:30 & 9:30pm

Provo/Orem- 10/22 & 10/23; SCERA Center

Park City – 10/24/2008 8:00pm; Eccles Center
Park City- 10/25/2008 6:00 & 9:00pm

Ogden- 10/25/2008 Peery’s Egyptian Theater

Snowbird- 11/01/2008