Vote Utah...Vote Utah...Vote Utah!

If you like to see board(s) flying high, Snowbasin is the place to be. The Dew Tour brings together some of the best young atheletes to show their stuff off multiple jumps and a massive half pipe. Snowbasin and Ogden have joined forces to welcome this exciting event and both venues are hosting a ton of activities. Check out this site and the Snowbasin blog to find out about all action.

So...the Android phones and iPhone have a ton of cool apps for winter sports. This particular application attempts to catch all of them together into one useful tool. iSki seems to have all their ducks in a row including snow reports, powder notifications, deals and other cool stuff. If you own an iPhone, check out iSki on iTunes.

Have you seen a Warren Miller movie and thought....I want to do that. Guess what, here is your chance! Utah is promoting our state's winter sports by coordinating with local resorts to help people learn to ski or snowboard. You can find deals to get rentals and and cheap lessons! Heck, who knows, in a couple months you could pulling a poptart on your favorite halfpipe.

Hey...everybody loves a bargain. Up in Ogden, everybody's favorite ski company Salomon has opened a factory outlet store. It has clothing and gear available for purchase at a lower price. If you are making a trip to Snowbasin or Powder Mountain on the weekend, this might be a good stop to get some sweet new gear!

As a first year helmet wearer, I am actually not surprised by this article. Seriously, I love my helmet. It keeps my head warm and is no less comfortable than a hat. Moreover, I have good protection for a potential accident or collision.

The article notes "It's really the middle demographic, the 30-somethings to 50-somethings, that have been slow” to embrace helmets" I fit exactly in this spot and really was hesitant to move to a helmet. Now, I would not go back to a hat.

While I support the freedom for people to choose whether or not they wear a helmet, I think it is clearly the better choice. If you are one of those old school people who think a helmet is going to be a problem, trust me. The helmet is the better choice on many many levels.

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.

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.

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!

Here's hoping you had a white one!

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?

George Frey for The New York Times

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.

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!

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!

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.