Avalanche the Game

My web base game is called Avalanche the Game.
The objective is to help Gnomie cross three winter mountain passes in three days; returning safely home to his wife.  On each day the player is given choices to make while traveling in avalanche terrain.  Several factors may affect the likelihood of an avalanche: weather, temperature, slope steepness, whether the slope is facing north or south, wind direction, terrain, vegetation, and general snowpack conditions. 


It is very important to be educated in the skills of backcountry winter travel.  Avalanche the Game will educate those who do not have any experience with avalanche terrain and provide a test of knowledge for those who are well experienced in winter mountain travel. 
Check it out:
Avalanche the Game

Ski Season Kicks Off!

Thanksgiving weekend is the goal for most of the Utah ski resorts to open for skiing. This year is no exception; ten out of the fourteen ski areas in our state have opened for the season.  This is a good start, and with the early November snowstorms coming approximately every weekend, Northern Utah is up and running.

With the record snow amounts last season, there are high expectations for a similar year.  Alta has received 76 inches of natural snow so far, and thanks to the resorts ability to make snow they are able to have most of the main runs off of four lifts open.  As of today the settled snow depth is 28 inches. Alta is the Utah resort that receives the most snow in the state, making it the “high water mark”.

So far I have skied 5 days over the last two weeks.  The skiing conditions have gone from soft, powder skiing to hard sheets of ice.   The state hasn’t received any precipitation for the last 8 days; high pressure has made for sunny conditions with periods of wind.  Any powder that was left by the last storm has become a wind blown crust. 

This moment allows me to take a deep breath, relax and make those last minute adjustments.  Considering that the season is still very early, this is a good time to continue tuning skies and evaluating the conditions of my equipment.  Now that I have been out skiing I can prioritize the cost and time needed to make the necessary improvements to damaged or tired equipment.  When the snow begins to pile up I find that the blinders come up, and it is hard for me to make the time for anything other than getting out on skis.

Avalanche fatality

Yesterday was the first avalanche fatality in the Wasatch this season, 2011/2012. In addition to the fatality, there were approximately 10 other human triggered avalanches, with the greatest amount of activity in upper Little Cottonwood Canyon, mostly in the unopened, uncontrolled terrain of the Alta and Snowbird ski areas.

  It does baffle many skiers as to why there can be avalanche danger so early in the ski season.  This has to do with the early season storm we received in October. This month old snow that had been lingering on east and north slopes at elevations of 9500’ and higher had begun to turn into faceted snow consisting of sugary snow and weak crusts.  This past weekend the high winds and high water content of the new snow made for an unstable snowpack.

At 2:30pm yesterday Jamie Pierre was snowboarding in bounds at Snowbird ski resort.  As he triggered a slab avalanche he was swept 700ft over rocky cliffs, although he was not buried he did suffer trauma. Jamie Pierre was an extreme skier appearing in many ski movies made by Warren Miler and others.  He had set a record for the longest cliff jump after he skied off a 255-foot cliff near Grand Targhee in Wyoming in 2006.

Hope the best for his family and friends

How to Xeriscape

My website is for property owners in the Intermountain West looking for information on converting their land to a xeriscape space.  I provide facts as to why it is important to compare the high water usage of a traditional lawn and non-native landscape with the benefits of planting drought tolerant native plants.

I provide a personal perspective on removing my lawn and installing a xeriscape, as well as additional resources to help property owners plan and install their own xeriscape space.
Xeriscape site:

Romantic Alta

This winter will be my ninth season working as a ski instructor for Alta Ski Lift Company.  In that time I have become apart of a living cultural history.  I offer up a personal viewpoint as to what makes Alta unique.

Alta Utah, which was once a small mining community has evolved into one of the most renowned ski destinations today. Founded in 1938 by a group of Salt Lake City ski enthusiasts and friends, the Alta Ski Area has remained true to its origins of providing a place where skiers--local or out-of-towners, beginners to advanced skiing ability--could easily access and afford a quality winter experience.  It is still managed by the same founding families, longtime shareholders, and is run by dedicated employees.

Alta is committed to provide its near religious followers with the quality of skiing they have known for years. The mainstream ski industry, economy, or corporate interests do not dictate Alta ski area.  Although the luxurious hotels and abundance of nightlife mat not be present, that isn’t why people ski Alta. It is known for its accessibility, snow and terrain that accompany it.

Because of the near zero development policy in the town of Alta, it gives people a chance to feel like they have really escaped for a time Alta ski area does little to change their philosophy because it has worked for them for over 70 years. The typical Alta enthusiast doesn’t tolerate change well. 

(Facts from Alta historical Society web site)

Almost Ready

Last week was the beginning of the end, the second session of ski conditioning.  Spending fall break lounging on the beaches of Mexico did not provide me the leg up I needed. 

It’s funny that when it comes to exercising, what takes six weeks to obtain only takes one week to loose.  Well not exactly, but it sure felt like I was starting all over again. There is a finish line set before us knowing that the resorts are scheduled to open in less than a month.  We push each other to be faster, stronger, better than we were the first half semester.  We know each other’s abilities and limits, riding that line of capacity.  With only six weeks of conditioning to go its time to push myself, knowing that once I start to ski four days a week my body will love me for it.

Consignment X2C

With the tough economic times it feels good to be able to save some money while supporting a local business. I have recently discovered a new consignment sporting goods shop in Sugarhouse called X2C Sport, a small but well laid out store with quality used and new equipment.  They have most items that any Wasatch Front sports enthusiast would be in need of such as: skiing, biking, river kayaking, and back packing.  The owner Chris is very helpful and knowledgeable about the equipment he sells.  He will help set the consignment price and only keeps 30% of the sale price.  This is comparative to the pricing that one would find at most swap meets without the time limits of a swap meet.

Whether one is in need of buying or selling, I recommend checking out X2C Sport. 

X2C Sport is located at 1115 E. 2100 S.

More info:

 http://www.facebook.com/pages/X2C-Sports/161027160607397?sk=info

Promising New Powder Ski

The time has come to invest in new skis. This is my ninth year teaching as a ski instructor at Alta.  I have found that being on skis for 100 plus days a season I need 3 to 4 different pairs of skis.  Just like a painter needs different brushes to work within their medium, I need a selection of tools to work with. The ski I use the most is a twin tip mid-width ski.  It can take me through groomed, crud, and powder without any hesitations. Then there is the narrower ski for groomed snow and any clinics and examines that I take. Because Alta gets some of the best powder in the US, I can expect to ski on a very wide powder specific ski for at least 20 out of 100 days of skiing. So I use one or two pairs of powder skis. 

A powder ski I am considering for this year is the Volkl Shiro.  This ski incorporates the relatively new technology of rocker profile.  Rocker (also called reverse-camber) is when the profile of the ski is curved up at the tip and tail in the shape of a banana.  With rocker, the tips of the ski will float up in powder providing a smooth, surf like feel.

The Shiro has a wide shape with dimensions of 151-119-135, and comes in 173, 183, and 193 cm lengths.  The rockered tip and tail keeps the skis buoyant in powder, while the flat, zero camber mid size works well on groomers, hardpack, and crust.  

I have skied on Volkl skis before and really like the manufacture and design qualities of their product.  I recently spoke with the rep for Volkl about the Shiro ski, and he said that it is a fast three-turn ski.  This means that in a steep bowl where one might make 15 to 20 turns on a traditional ski, only three turns are needed with the Volkl Shiro.  He also said that it is not as quick to turn in tight trees.  I am a little hesitant to purchase this ski without trying it first, but with my personal experience with Volkl’s and all of the great reviews this ski has been receiving, I feel that I will be “slaying pow” on the Shiro this winter. 

Ski Swap

Autumn holds an annual ritual for many skiers looking for a deal on a pair of skis, or the need to sell off an old pair of boots.  For many, and even for those who do not call themselves skiers, the ski swap is a familiar preseason event.  I have found ski swaps to be useful, allowing me to sell equipment that I no longer need. Many of these swaps have expert sales staff to help with questions about the use of the equipment and its quality, as well as manufacture reps selling new equipment.  I feel that shopping at ski swaps is a great way for people to try skiing, as well as making it affordable for avid skiers to remain enthusiastic.  

PARK CITY 

38^th Annual Park City Ski Team Swap

Nov. 4,5,6

Basin Recreation Field House at New Park

1388 New Main St., Kimball Junction

info@parkcityskiswap.com

SALT LAKE CITY 

Oct. 22, 8 a.m.-noon

Black Diamond Store

2092 East 3900 South, East Millcreek

www.blackdiamondequipment.com

Rowmark Ski Swap

Oct. 21,22

Lincoln Gymnasium, MS Commons

www.rowmark.org

Snowbird Ski and Board Swap

Oct. 1,2

Snowbird Center, Level 2        

www.snowbird.com

It’s that time again, “Ski Movies!”

I have compiled a list of the local showings for the upcoming ski films. Sitting in a theater with other ski enthusiast whooping and hollering is a lot of fun, a great way to get in the mood for the upcoming ski season.  I usually try to make at least a couple of them every year.

Powderwhore Productions: “Breaking Trail”
 a local film company that puts out backcountry skiing, and snowboarding films. 

·    Salt Lake City: Brewvies


            Wed, Sept 28th – 7pm and 9pm

 Thur, Sept 29th – 7pm and 9pm

 Fri, Sept 30th – 7pm and 9pm

More: www.powderwhore.com

Matchstick Productions: “Attack of La Nina”
 A recap of last years ski season, one of the longest and deepest North American winters on record.   

·      Salt Lake City: Jeanne Wagner Theatre

Sat, Oct. 15th Doors 6:30 pm, Show 8pm   

·      Park City: Jim Santy Auditorium

Fri. Oct. 14^th Doors 7pm Show 8pm

Sat. Oct. 15^th Doors 7pm Show 8pm

Sun. Oct. 16^th Doors 7pm Show 8pm

·      Logan: Performance Hall, Utah State University

Thurs. Nov. 10^th 6pm and 9pm


 
More: www.skimovie.com

Teton Gravity Research: “One For The Road” 
One for the Road is an HD ski film that follows some of the world’s most progressive snow sports athletes as it documents their lives on the road and captures some of the most stunning riding to date.

·      Orem: Ragan Theater, Utah Valley University

   Wed. Nov. 2^nd Doors 7pm Show 8pm

·      Salt Lake City: University of Utah


Fri. Nov. 4^th 
Showtime: TBD

·      Park City: Jupiter Bowl

Sat. Nov. 5^th Showtime: TBD

·      Ogden: Wildcat Theater

Wed. Nov. 9^th Showtime: TBD

·      Alta: Our Lady of the Snows

Fri. Nov. 20^th Showtime: TBD

More: www.tetongravity.com

Sweetgrass Productions: “Solitaire” Filmed over two years along the high desert of South America.

·      Salt Lake City: Brewvies

Wed. Oct 5th
 Showtime: TBD

University of Utah:

Wed. Oct 6^th Showtime: TBD

More: http://www.sweetgrass-productions.com/solitaire.html

Telemark Skier Magazine: “Loyalty” 
Loyalty explores the revolutionary youth telemark movement while also introducing some of the most profound telemark skiing on the planet.

·      Salt Lake City: Brewvies

Wed. Oct 12th Show 8pm

More: www.telemarkskier.com

Warren Miller: “Like There’s No Tomorrow” 
Hosted by Jonny Moseley and shot on location in Colorado, Utah, California, New Zealand, Chile, Alaska and British Columbia

·      Salt Lake City:
 Abravanel Hall

Fri. Oct. 14^th Show 8pm

Sat. Oct. 15^th Show 8pm

·      Orem:
 Xango Grand Theater at SCERA

Tues. Oct. 18^th Show 7:30pm

Wed. Oct. 19^th Show 7:30pm

Thurs. Oct. 20^th Show 6pm & 9pm

·      Park City: 
George S. and Dolores Dore Eccles CPA 

Fri. Oct. 21^st Show 8pm

Sat. Oct. 22^nd Show 6pm & 9pm

·      Ogden:
 Peery’s Egyptian Theater

Tues. Oct. 25^th Show 7:30pm

Wed. Oct. 26^th Show 7:30pm

Thurs. Oct. 27^th Show 7:30pm

More: www.skinet.com/warrenmiller

Shaping up with Ski Conditioning

A summer full of lazy days and inactivity has been rearing its ugly head as my body moans from my ski conditioning class. Sprinting forwards and backwards, high knee sprints, and but kick sprints.  Partnering up, and using an inner tube around my waist, I run the same sprints with my partner holding me back. 

The class is only taught at the U during the fall semester, two half-semester classes.  Last year I attended the same class on Mondays and Wednesdays, but only during the last half of the semester. Feeling that I could use a longer and more rigorous experience I decided to take both half-semester classes.

Health and athletic department grad students teach the conditioning classes at the U.  This provides students who attend the classes to be a part of new trends in collegiate sport training.  Take this class for example; the type of ski conditioning exercises we’re learning fits into a training regiment called Plyometrics. Also known as "plyos" it is a type of exercise training designed to produce fast, powerful movements, and improve the functions of the nervous system, generally for the purpose of improving performance in sports. Plyometrics is used to increase the speed or force of muscular contractions, providing explosiveness for a variety of sport-specific activities.

You can find more details about Plyometrics at the following link:

http://www.thespeedschool.com/about3.php

Ski season: is it really on its way?

The heat of summer is finally receding just as the hours of sunlight shorten.  It’s the perfect combination to enjoy an afternoon mountain excursion. Yesterday, I mountain biked the Mid-Mountain Trail at Park City Mountain Resort with a buddy of mine who works for their ski patrol. “The top is a bit thick with trees to get into, it opens up nicely in the middle and then gets narrow at the bottom”, he stated,  “great powder skiing!” It was great to have him as a guide to point out the ski slopes and glades as I visualized these places covered in a blanket of snow.

As we traversed a slope, looking down hill I thought how much steeper it seemed without snow.  Soaring down the same slope on a pair of skis does not seem to challenge my comfort level the same way.  Continuing on my bike ride, with the pull of gravity accelerating my body through the aspen trees, I had a sense of calm reflection, a connection to nature that is both familiar and comforting to me.  I can let go of all of my thoughts and worries when I am in that moment.  I feel that same exhilaration while skiing, though often I reach a greater feeling of flying, with nothing but frozen water and air between the earth and me.

  With the cooler temperatures and the new found thoughts of winter approaching, I am feeling the twinges of excitement for the upcoming ski season.   Now is the time I need to ask myself what I need to prepare for a great season.  Over the course of this semester I’ll start physical conditioning so I am in good shape to handle the demands of the slopes.  It is also time to research the newest equipment (and toss or replace some of the old) offered for the 2011/2012 ski season.