Yeserday the season’s first snowflakes fell around SOAR’s office near Salt Lake City. We’re ready for the slopes and powder that await us (see image below)! Winter is something to look forward to in the state with the greatest snow on Earth, and here’s why:
- 13 ski resorts, most which are less than 40 miles from Salt Lake City
- Nearly 400 inches average annual snowfall at the resorts
- Nearly 27,000 skiable acres
- More than 1,100 ski runs
- Snowboarding allowed at 11 out of the 13 resorts
Ski (or snowboard) on!
Information gathered using information from SkiUtah’s 2009-2010 Utah Resort Facts
I’ve spent the past few weeks trying to figure out how to get back at my husband for the way he treated me on Valentine’s Day. While others were eating chocolate and smelling roses around scented candles, we were camping at the snow-covered Jordanelle Reservoir, in the dark, in the midst of a looming snowstorm. I wouldn’t have wanted to spend Valentine’s Day and other way.
Snow Camping at Jordanell Lake
Though I grew up enjoying the California outdoors, only a few times did I venture to sleep in them. So when Philip and I got married, I was eager to benefit from his backpacking and camping experience. My camping naivety made it easy for me to accept his suggestion to spend Valentine’s Day in the snow (most of my Utahan friends shivered at the thought of it).
On Valentine’s Day eve we set up camp in the dark, then enjoyed s’mores roasted over the awesome fire Philip built for us. We heard the falling snow brush against our tent the entire night and woke up to a very still and pristine morning. With hot chocolate in our bellies (thanks for the stove, Chip!), we set off on a snowshoeing adventure around the reservoir. There was no one around for miles, save a couple of ice fishers. You couldn’t beat the scene’s romance factor. Nice work, Philip!
Snowshoeing at Jordanell Lake
With spring (and hopefully warmer weather) approaching, I spend a lot of my free time thinking about all of the local adventures Utah and its surrounding states have to offer- Havasupai, the Narrows at Zion, the Tetons to name a few. I need to get back at Philip for the amazing trip he planned and would greatly appreciate any/all reader suggestions.
P.S. Thanks to Joby for the amazing Gorillapod. We couldn’t have taken these shots without it!
