Snowbird Ski Camp

I watch the snow fall past the 10-foot tall picture window as I eat my $15 cheese burger and let my feet rest from my torturous boots. Four days of elite ski instruction on one of the greatest ski mountains in the world. I'm staying at the Cliff Lodge, so after a day's tutelage I can ski in, put my skis in the locker (love that), and head straight to my room. No driving down the windy road in bad conditions. No waking up early every morning to be here in time. I love staying on the hill. I also feel pampered beyond belief because it's just me spread out in this king-size bed, looking out the huge window in my room out to the pool, jacuzzi, and ski slope. My teachers are giving me techniques to practice and helping me drive my ski with finesse instead of power. Great classes by MerMer Blakeslee a national PSIA Demo Team member. Great snow! A great time! Write to mountainschool@snowbird.com for info. on going. I highly recommend it! Two camps each year - one in January and one in March! Definitely the highlight of my ski season. Thanks Snowbird!

Snowshoeing Wheeler Creek in Ogden Canyon

Today was an ideal day. Blue sky and solid temps in the 40's. I had stripped off 2 layers before we were 200 yards up the trail. I joined the Davis County Hiking Meet-up group off www.meetup.com and the group turned out to be a lot of fun. We took off down Icebox Canyon which dips down into a thinner canyon, but it's remote, quiet, and scenic. It makes the trail longer than just trekking up the snow-covered road to Art Nord, but well worth it. Turns out that 3 avalanches had slid and covered the trail. That was news to me. I'll update the trail log to show avalanche probability there. The slides were old and solid so we just trekked up and over, but it was interesting to note how that west slope was dumping right onto the trail. Icebox empties up onto the trail that can take you up to Maples trailhead at Snowbasin, or you can follow it east and north to the Art Nord trailhead. Snow is solid and packed hard. Snowshoes not neccesary, but I'd still recommend them for traction and a few areas where post-holing is likely. Great area with multiple trail options available. Views to the south of the Snowbasin area are STELLAR!

New Trail System at the Great Salt Lake Nature Center

The Great Salt Lake Nature Center at Farmington Bay is debuting a new trail system constructed by 12 boy scouts working on their Eagle projects. The trail includes bridges over the water ways and look out points for bird watching. Go check out the trail system - great for kids. Spring provides a great walk and watch time. Bald eagles are most numerous here during January and February, but many birds use the area year round.