By Bob Gressmen

Yes we have the “Greatest Snow on Earth“, Park City, Alta Snowbird, Snow Basin, Sundance and many other Utah world class ski resorts boast that Utah has and we all know the best powder in the world. The dry climate or the perfect altitude, who cares its great. But what if you aren’t a boarder or skier or you are just learning and the bunny hill is intimidating, Don’t worry.
The beautiful snow and great powder also give us something else world class, Water, h20, i.e. rivers, world class rivers and blue ribbon trout streams. Most are within 20 miles of Park City and 30 from SLC.
In the winter and early spring you ask? Oh yes, fish still eat in the Winter and Spring, and we have the menu.
Fly fishing is another option for fun and recreation on your vacation, along with horse back riding, snowmobiling, snow shoeing, Ballooning (brrr) and other non ski or board associated fun.
But its hard to beat a day on a pristine mountain river catching and releasing gorgeous rainbow and Brown trout. Or you can keep and cook your own rocky mountain trout dinner ($24.99 + tip) for free.
Fly fishing is easy with the right instruction and if you are experienced we can just recommend and point.
In the spring you can watch the fish rise to Midge and Dunn hatches while you catch them with perfect imitations that “match the hatch”.
Neoprene waders, gortex gloves, Columbia fishing parkas, wool (fishing) hat. You can be nice and toasty and no waiting in line.
In many parts of the country, Spring is little more than a statistic, but in Utah the rivers are running, the fish are biting, the birds are singing, the skies are blue, you get it, come and enjoy it. What else comes from this beautiful Utah powder. Water!

I love the Olympics!  I’ve spent nearly every evening of the last week glued to my TV watching the 2010 Winter Olympic stories unfold.  There is always the underdog who surprises everyone with their incredible effort, and the disappointment for those who have trained so hard only to have their Olympic dreams dashed.  While I am by no means an Olympic level athlete I am competitive and can relate to both.  I think that’s one reason why I love the Olympics. 

2002 Salt Lake City Olympic Cauldron

Another reason I love the Olympics is because of my 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympic experience.  Everyone who has lived in an Olympic city during the games has a story or two to tell and I’m no different. 

I worked for 2002 Winter Olympics.  Prior to starting my employment in early January I had no idea what to expect, and whatever my expectations were the reality did much more than exceed them.   While it may sound cliche, there is something special about the Olympics and I was able to experience that first hand.   

2002 Winter Olympic Cauldron with flags from around the world

With so many of my own experiences I could share, the overall experience I appreciate most are the people I met and the friendships throughout the world that were formed. 

No matter what year it was, we’d love to hear about your Olympic experience.   Please comment with your stories.

Pictures taken by my friend Nate Seidle

Pure snow bliss at Alta Ski Area! No wind, sunshine, and great soft snow. It doesn’t get any better for families to come together. Grandpa, grandma, kids, and grandkids all sharing the same ski run. All sharing the same memories. All celebrating the beauty of nature. Amazing Alta makes magical memories for the whole family once again.

Travelocity’s Roaming Gnome visited Utah last week.  By looks of his photos and posts on Facebook he had a great time and even discovered that while Utah has the “Greatest Snow on Earth” thats not all there is to do here.  

Travelocity’s Roaming Gnome rode Park City Mountain Resort’s half-pipe with an Olympian, bobsledded at Utah Olympic Park, zipped along the Alpine Coaster (yes it’s open in the winter), took in a Utah Jazz game, listened to the world renowed Mormon Tabernacle Choir, curled at the Olympic Oval, suntanned at McHenry’s Beach in Deer Valley, enjoyed Utah’s famous snow at Snowbird, had a beer at Squatters, and more. 

Check out the photos and videos of his adventures on Facebook.  Or better yet, comment or send us a note of what the Roaming Gnome should have done.