You know what I’m talking about.  Every family ski day morning finding coats, pants, hats, socks, boots . . .and going back for the forgotten goggles and helmet . . .and back again for the forgotten again skis.  Then getting to the ski resort and buying the overpriced forgotten gloves.  Then hearing, “I don’t want to ski.”  Then hearing, “it’s too cold.”  Then . . . . well as I said:  You know what I’m talking about.  Soon, you realize that instead of working and fighting just to ski the bunny hill all day . . .again. . .  Maybe you should just ski without them and wait till they are older to try again.

Hmpfff . . and bah humbug.

DON”T GIVE UP!!!

Yesterday, I finally realized the dream that kept me going.  My daughter squealed with delight as she skied powder for the first time.  And my son skied his first off trail black diamond run, “Vail Ridge”, knee deep in powder.  Thank you Alta.  Thank you Snow Fairy.  Thank you to all the other parents who fight the good ski family fight.  And thank you, kiddos, for fulfilling my dreams.

Although the Wasatch Wildflower Festival was held July 17-20 in Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons it’s not too late to check out the amazing flowers.  In fact I would argue the flowers are more amazing now than they were during the Wildflower Festival and I’d guess we are still several days away from the peak.

Typically the peak wildflower season is mid-July to late July.  And this year fits perfectly into that norm.  A very snowy winter and wet spring have produced more and larger wildflowers which I will vouch for.

Yesterday I took an afternoon drive up Little Cottonwood Canyon to Albion Basin near Alta Resort.  It was a colorful drive with blues, yellows, purples, pinks, reds, oranges, and whites. While I didn’t do any hikes yesterday I plan on going back to enjoy the many flowers and spend a little more time in Albion Basin.

  Typically the peak wildflower season is mid-July to late July.  And this year fits perfectly into that season.  A very snowy winter and wet spring have produced more and larger wildflowers. 

 If you are in the Salt Lake City area I highly recommend the quick drive up Little Cottonwood Canyon to check out the Wildflowers.  If you do go make sure to bring insect repellent, the mosquitoes are out.

Do you remember the first time you skied Alta and had that Alta Experience?

My first day at Alta was a super deep change your life kind of powder day. I recall run after run on Wildcat and the tracks from the run before were not to be found. I recall having lunch out at the end of the backside traverse when a small window in the storm let up and my buddy and I sat there on the rocks, taking in the amazing paradise that lay before us.

At the time, 13 years ago, I could have never imagined that my love affair with Alta would continue to this day.

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The skiing so far during 2009 has been fantastic.  We’ve had 3 good storms and this past weekend we received another 8-12″ of snow. 

Coverage at the resorts, particularly the Cottonwood Resorts of Alta, Snowbird, Solitde and Brighton is solid with nearly every run open and all lifts open.  Locals are saying it’s “mid-winter” coverage and skiing 100% of the mountain is possible at each resort.

Here is a picture from Alta from yesterday’s storm – just another bluebird powder day here in Utah.

Bluebird Powder at Alta - Few Things Can Compare

- image credit Alta Ski Resort

With the Sundance Film Festival starting up next week the lodging and especially Park City will be packed but the slopes will be wide open.

Utah Vacation Homes still has Sundance Film Festival lodging availability. It could be the best of both worlds – lots happening in town with mid-season coverage on the mountains but nobody to ski it.

Alta.  It’s a word known throughout all the ski world and for good reason.  Alta Ski Resort is home to an annual 500″ of snow that is light and dry like no other.  But skiing this legend of a resort isn’t as easy as one might think when standing at either of the base areas.

Here are a few tips that might make the skiing experience all the better if you’re headed to Alta for the first time.

1. Don’t be fooled by the old Wildcat lift – this 2 person lift hides many powder stashes not otherwise reachable from another lift
2. While High Rustler is a real treat, it gets tracked pretty fast.  Set your sights for West Rustler and you’ll be glad you did
3. Don’t, I repeat, DON’T stop on the High Traverse.
4. When you get off of the Supreme lift, turn left and up the short hike to Catherine’s Pass.  But be sure to do this in the morning as the late afternoon sun can put a damper on this slope.
5. Glory Hole – it’s worth the trip but keep your speed at the bottom of you may regret reading this tip

For the Alta Ski Resort trail map click here.

It’s not hard to over hear in lift lines or even on message boards and forums across the internet how special of a place Alta Ski Resort is.  “One of a kind”, “Unbelievable”, “Unique”.

If you’ve not been to Alta and skied it on a powder day, it is something you need to do before you cash in your chips.  Regardless of equality and “justice for all”, most who ski Alat will contend that all powder is not created equal while other resorts will claim injustice!

No matter how undiscriminating Mother Nature is,  she does play favorites when it comes to the quality AND quantity of snow at Alta.

This video highlights the experience of skiing Alta and tries to put into words the feeling that is often so hard to verbalize.  It’s a good effort but perhaps comes up short, as words often can.

Utah Vacation Homes has more than a few properties close to Alta – Check them out.

Did you know that a few days ago was the 70th anniversary of the start for Alta Ski Area? On October 19, 1938, the Forest Service issued the initial permit to construct a lift at Alta. That December Alta officially opened as a ski area with the first official day of skiing on January 15, 1939.

Since that opening day, Alta has gained a world wide reputation for deep powder skiing and amazing views that are only rivaled by resorts in Europe.

With its top elevation at 10,550′ and sitting up the famous Little Cottonwood Canyon, Alta seems to get the Lion’s share of snow each year with annual totals generally topping 500″ (that’s nearly 42 FEET).

The layout of the resort is unique and often holds powder stashes that only those in the know or those curious enough to explore will find.

Alta Ski Area Lodging Options

Staying at Alta is great if you’re all about the skiing but it can be somewhat limiting if you’re planning on eating out or if you’re looking for something larger than a hotel room.

There are a number of Utah Vacation Homes lodging options near the mouth of Little Cottonwood Canyon but here are two that I wanted to point out:

Oaks at Wasatch #7

The Oaks at Wasatch #7 (one of 7 unique properties at the Oaks that Utah Vacation Homes offers) is a very nice property just 15 minutes from Alta and close to some great dining locations.  You’re also only 20 minutes from Solitude Mountain Resort in Big Cottonwood Canyon so this location is primo!  With 4 bedrooms and 3.5 baths, and 3200 square feet, this townhome sleeps 12.

Kings Hill #4

Kings HIll #4 is a nicely furnished 1700 square foot townhome that is also 15 minutes from Alta. The 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths will accommodate 8 comfortably, but adjacent units can be rented to accommodate large groups.

With snow on the way I hope to see you at Alta this winter!