Utah: The Complete Ski and Snowboard Site

Utah: The Complete Ski and Snowboard Site

Mike Fine  //  Ramblings of a dad, husband, writer, geek, outdoorsman and music freak. Author of "Utah: The Complete Ski and Snowboard Guide"

 
Jan 4 / 6:20am

Underground - Ogden has a distillery!

by Mike Fine
via ogdensown.com

When you think of Utah, a distillery might be the single thing furthest from your mind. However, in Ogden, Utah there is a new distillery producing a unique concoction that you must try.

"Underground" is a herbal based liquor that has the flavor of Pastis or Jagermeister but is softer and a touch sweeter. I am not a huge fan of black licorice but this is some seriously tasty stuff. It is perfect for sipping as an apres-ski delight.

Another fun thing about it is the packaging. The bottle is reminiscent of the old medicine bottles of the forties. Black, wide and with a big cap, you almost feel like you are drinking some healthy "snake oil" when imbibing. If you are over 21, pick up a bottle at one of Utah's many state owned liquor stores.

Filed under  //  Fun   Utah  

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Jan 2 / 10:11am

Champagne for the New Year!

by Mike Fine
via destination360.com

This article about Snowbird references "Champagne Powder" which is perfect for the new year! If you are not aware, the term usually refers to light and airy snow that comes after exceptionally cold temperatures. However, in Utah, this rule does not apply. You see, our powder is like Champagne year round as our high desert climate combines with the Great Salt Lake and makes for the best snow to celebrate the new year.

Snowbird and Alta are especially blessed when it comes to this kind of snow. They get the most in Utah and have some of the best places to experience it. So, ring in 2010 with some of our special Champagne.

Filed under  //  Snow   Snowbird  

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Dec 30 / 12:30pm

Birthday wishes do come true!

by Mike Fine
via sat.wrh.noaa.gov

Today is my daughter's birthday (Happy Birthday Bean) and last night she made a birthday wish for more snow. She and I went skiing Monday and conditions were not ideal. Now, we all know the power of birthday wishes so you can blame Emma for this big storm. No counts are in on the total number of inches but I have five on my front lawn!

Filed under  //  Snow   Utah  

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Dec 28 / 12:18pm

The Beauty of Inversion

by Mike Fine

via Pixelpipe

Utah has this odd phenomenon called an "inversion" in which the valleys get dust and pollution trapped. The air becomes simply awful, hazy and basically makes our quality of life pretty crappy. However, the flipside of this is that the mountains get amazing sunshine and perfect clean air. So while those below suffer with edible air, us mountain goats find blissful and beautiful conditions up above.

The fun thing is that the only thing that clears out the inversion is a nice strong low pressure storm. So, an inversion is a win win for riders because when it is in place, we have great clear skiing. When it gets blown out, we are getting pounded by snow! Either way, we get what we want.

The pic is from the top of Snowbasin last Monday. Normally, Ogden is easily visible but today it looks like a sea of cloud. Yes, an inversion can be a thing of beauty.
Filed under  //  Snowbasin   Utah  

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Dec 25 / 5:44pm

Merry Christmas!

by Mike Fine
via media.photobucket.com

Here's hoping you had a white one!

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Dec 25 / 5:41pm

It’s a Snowboard. It’s Skis. Yes, It’s Both.

by Mike Fine
via travel.nytimes.com

Here is a clever idea. Snowboarders have a distinct disadvantage to skiers in the back country. Their bindings and gear force them to either hike or drag a foot. This new design seems to answer the call. I wonder how they perform and how the bindings work?

Filed under  //  Snowboarding   Tech  

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Dec 19 / 10:33am

Former Olympic Speedskating Champion Eric Heiden Is Staying Close to the Ice

by Mike Fine
George Frey for The New York Times
via nytimes.com

So...I just got a call from Dolly's bookstore about my book signing this weekend and was pleased to find out that I will be sharing the spotlight with five-time Olympic medalist Eric Heiden. So, heck...if visiting me is not high on your priorities, you can at least meet an Olympic champion while on your visit to Park City.

Filed under  //  Book  

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Dec 17 / 3:11pm

Park City Utah - Arts, Culture, Business, Shopping, Dining, Real Estate, Travel - Park City Magazine

by Mike Fine
via parkcitymagazine.com

Here is your primary resource for what is going on in Park City. Speaking of that, here is another opportunity to push my book signing at Dolly's book shop this Sunday December 20th, 2009 at 4PM to 7PM. There are several other artists and writers going to be there and its a good opportunity to hang out in PC!

Filed under  //  Book   Park City  

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Dec 16 / 6:16am

Ski Guide 2010 - Affordable Skiing - Alta

by Mike Fine
via nytimes.com

This article highlights the affordability of Alta. However, if you measure dime for dime, most of Utah is the best value in skiing in the world. Our resorts are closely located to one another so you can stay in a variety of locations to enjoy the skiing. In addition, there are a ton of deals online and locally to help you save. Pick up my book for some of these tips and tricks!

Filed under  //  Alta   Deals  

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Dec 14 / 8:19pm

Review: ContourHD wearable 1080p camcorder

by Mike Fine
via crunchgear.com

All I want for Christmas...well actually, the whole "Peace on Earth" does take first but this wicked little camera is a close second. Taking HD video, it is the perfect way to capture those sweet rides for posterity. What a great way to share your experience on the slopes without much effort. Check out the review on TechCrunch.

Filed under  //  Tech  

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