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.