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Ski News
Bluebird days! Spring skiing in Utah is amazing right now. It's been snowing every few days, and the same is in the forecast for the next week. That means we're keeping a good base with some freshies for you off-trail types. In between those snowy days we have incredible blue skies and some comfortable, warmer temperatures. And, there's no snow on the roads, making aprés ski activities a little easier.
We hope you enjoy your March 2010 edition of Utah Ski Corner, powered by Ski 'N See. Thank you for being a friend of Ski 'N See, Utah Skis, and/or Skis On Wheels.
We'll see you on the slopes!  |
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 Spring Skiing Safety
Along with the beauty of spring skiing comes shorter lift lines, warmer temperatures, and some unique challenges. One thing skiers and boarders need to remember is the changing snow conditions by time of day. The warm temperatures can melt the snow during the day, then it freezes again overnight, making for icier conditions in the morning. Utah's resorts are always well-groomed before the first chair, making it easier to manage the conditions. As the day goes on and the ground thaws, skiers end up on softer snow and possibly a little slush-- a favorite for some spring skiers.
Those sunny skies provide perfect conditions for shedding bulky layers, but skiers need to remember to cover any limbs with sunscreen that could be exposed later in the day. Many prefer to keep some on-hand in case they sweat under their jackets or to reapply on the face after a couple of hours of spray behind other skiers and riders.
Even on clear days, goggles can help prevent wind burn and drying eyes, but for those who prever sunglasses in spring, polarized lenses with UV protection can help prevent glare and eye damage.
Helmets may seem bulky as skiers wear less clothing on spring days, but most newer helmets are well-ventilated and beyond safety can be a great option for comfortable skiing. |
 Shop of the Month
Speaking of helmets and safety, Smith Optics voted Ski 'N See "Shop of the Month" for February.
Smith newsletter article:
"From the Smith Stronghold of Utah where Giro is crying a river to their mommies, comes Smith Rep Garret Rose and the Ski 'N See empire. Stocking like two-jillion of everything that Smith makes and keeping the lights on even when the snow won't cooperate, this is a killer Smith account that reaches from one end of the Zion curtain to the other.
With 10 stores in Utah, Ski 'N See supports every business unit Smith sells except Rx and MX. Smith is their #1 goggle brand and we are knocking on the door of Giro, bringing the pain with each coming season. We have grown our business with them substantially over the past few years and are coming on strong as we close out the winter of 2010.
Ski 'N See, as you can see in the photos, does a lot of Smith merchandising from window displays to dedicated Smith goggle and helmet powerwalls. This is a key retailer in the Utah territory and we are stoked to be such a big part of their business."
Helmets and goggles over $75 are now 30% OFF at Ski 'N See, until April 15, 2010. |
 Location to the Third Power
Location of the airport, location of ski resorts, location of lodging... For those who have traveled the world to ski or snowboard, Utah is always on top of the list for convenience when it comes to location.
The problem lies in the many options for convenience when it comes to hotel location. Tough problem to have. Staying at the resort can be fun and ski-in, ski-out access is a dream for die hard skiers, but resort stays do limit options for aprés ski and for those in a group who want to take a day to do something different.
Managers at the Hyatt Place in Salt Lake City have a list of reasons they believe visiting skiers should choose a downtown location:
- Shopping: From boutiques to malls, there are many options for shopping in downtown SLC, including the popular Gateway
- Restaurants: For those who prefer "Mom and Pop" stops to something upscale or their favorite chains, most are available in the downtown area
- Aprés ski: Great nightlife including dueling piano bars, pubs, martini bars, and dance clubs
- Tourist sites to see: Utah Museum of Fine Arts, Capitol Theatre, Salt Lake Temple, Mormon Tabernacle Choir, Clark Planetarium, Discovery Gateway, etc
- Ski rentals: Ski 'N See has a shop with super easy access to the interstate; a quick detour from the airport for those who even choose to stay elsewhere
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 Ski Trans-portation in Utah... As close it gets to "Beam me up Scotty."
An act, process, or instance of transporting or being transported. The dictionary definition makes hitching a ride sound like a futuristic, sci-fi experience. The truth in Utah is that your ride -- in whatever form -- will get you to half a dozen resorts in about 30 minutes from the airport and another half dozen within an hour.
Still, the owner of Canyon Transportation says there are a few things to consider when choosing your "ride" for your ski vacation:
- Snow conditions; In peak winter season, the "Greatest Snow on Earth" can also cover the roads, making them tricky to maneuver if you're not used to driving in snow.
- Canyon driving; some people are skiddish about heights and the last place you want to discover your fear of winding canyons is halfway up the canyone on the way to the resort. Keep in mind, however, that some canyons are much friendlier than others and all are well-built with safety in mind.
- If you stay in an area with lots of options for food and entertainment, you may not need a car at all times. You may only need a ride from and to the airport and to the ski resorts (and your favorite ski shop).
Canyon Transportation drivers feel leaving it up to the professionals is a good idea. And, it's always nice to take a vacation from self-transportation. | |
| Tip of the Ski - Layering the Right Way
 You've heard it since you were a kid: wear layers. Dressing in layers is even more important in warmer weather. In any temperature there are some better ways to layer than others.
Base layer: Picking the best base layer is important. This layer can mean the difference between sweating -- and subsequently freezing -- all day, or being comfortable. Choosing a layer with a somewhat snug fit that wicks away sweat, like nylon or polypropylene is your best bet. Thermax can keep you a little warmer if you tend to get cold. Remember, if you get extra warm during the day and shed your outer layers, this layer will need to keep you warm enough and modest enough to be seen in.
Mid-layer: A mid-layer is often looser and can help pull moisture away from the base layer, so polyester, wool, down, or fleece work well. Having a collar on this layer can come in handy if you end up taking off your ski jacket on warm days.
Outer layer: Your outer layer helps block the cold, wind, and water. Make sure when you try on ski jackets that you zip and fasten them all the way up in the store. You need to be able to move well without enough room for snow to get in the bottom if you fall, and the collar needs to be comfortable around your neck and face. The best outer layers for snowy days are insulated and are made of Gor-Tex, eVent, Pertex, Windstopper, Dryride, or HyVent fabrics. |
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| Half Off Gloves or Socks
(You still get the whole pair) |
PRINT THIS COUPON... Even for out-of-towners
If you don't get to come back to Utah for the season, send this to a friend who skis or rides. Get 50% OFF any one pair of gloves or socks with this coupon at any Ski 'N See location.
*Discount is off original price. Coupon must be redeemed for discount. One half-off pair per customer.
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| Offer Expires: April 30, 2010 *Coupon has no cash value. |
Note about Ski 'N See
The Ski 'N See family of ski shops comprises 10 shops, including ARCS and Skis On Wheels. Five shops are located in the Salt Lake valley and five in the Park City/Deer Valley region. Skis On Wheels covers Park City, Deer Valley, and The Canyons Ski Resort areas. Visit www.SkisOnWheels.com for details on delivery reservations.
Roy Ostendorf
Ski 'N See | |
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