Winding Trails - XC Ski and Outdoor Activity Center in Farmington, CT

I love downhill skiing but it wasn't something I grew up doing. It wasn't until I was in my 20s that I put on my first pair of skis. I never touched the bunny slope but instead, a boyfriend convinced me to take the lift up and ski down the green trail where I nearly close lined myself skiing off the trail. Despite my disastrous start, something clicked. From there it was winter weekends in Vermont, two years in Salt Lake City, and then a few random ski trips to Wyoming, Colorado and Canada. I've skied some wonderful terrain and season passes like Epic and Ikon certainly make the sport a bit more affordable for someone who wants to spend their winters on skis. 

While season passes help, it's still an expensive hobby when you factor in lunch at the lodge, childcare, dog sitting, and likely lodging. Let's also consider just how busy and overcrowded some of our resorts are which leads to long lift lines and safety concerns. I love downhill skiing but I am also open to a more family and fido inclusive affordable way to enjoy the winter with a bit more solitude. 

Cue Cross Country Skiing. 

Utah - Day 4 - Snowbird, Pretty Bird Chicken and Normal Ice Cream

It's been almost a month since I posted here, and nearly 3 months since the trip I am posting about.  Let me catch you up quick.  First off, we spent February packing up Adam's house and moving it into mine.  By the end of February, he had closed on his house and we were off to Disney World for five days.  As we prepped for Disney, the Coronavirus was just becoming a real thing.  It was new and far away still and we went to Disney loaded with hand sanitizer more for the norovirus and flu than anything else.  We got back from Disney and adjusted to life in my 1,000 SF into the month of March.

Utah Day 3 - Deer Valley and Park City, Utah

If you want a ski vacation with variety and easy access,

Utah delivers. 

This western state is so special because of it's easy access to so many different ski mountains.  You get to the airport and in less than an hour, you can be on the lift at one of Utah's ten resorts.  These ten resorts all have their different culture - a different flavor for different skiers or different moods for different days.   

So you just got off the plane in Salt Lake City, you grabbed your ski bags and your rental car and you are trying to figure out where to go.  

If you want that old school "simple is best" vibe on a world-class mountain, head to Alta.  If you want more of a local mountain with a lower-priced lift ticket and a night skiing option, Brighton is for you. If you want the open bowls of Mineral Basin and to ride the tram, head to Snowbird.  If you want fewer crowds and what I call the best run in Utah (Honeycomb Canyon) head to Solitude.  

Utah Day 2 - Skiing Alta

There's something special about Alta that is often hard to describe to those who have not skied her slopes. That something special goes a little like this.

Alta is untouched by the fussiness of skiing. Alta is simply all about skiing. The mountain is the priority and everything else is sort of some standard-essential.  In an age where we are starting to realize less is more, there's something simply perfect about this "focus on the skiing" philosophy.  

Ski Colorado - Beaver Creek and Vail

I'd like to say that the next few blog posts will be a rave review of all the different ski resorts in Colorado.  The original loosely formed plan was to ski the Epic Resorts (Beaver Creek, Vail and Breckenridge) maybe sprinkle in a little Copper Mountain or ski a bit of A-Basin.  

But the truth?  

The truth is 2 hours into day 2 while making my way to the lift a few hundred feet away I somehow twisted a ski and went full yard sale (poles, skis, gone, tumble, dive).  Like collecting my shit and spent some serious time digging myself out of a snow bank while people watched with a sharp pain in my right leg thinking "what hurts - what did I damage",  it was that kind of yard sale.   So a "ski all the resorts trip" turned into 1.5 days of skiing, a whole lot more reading, a good amount of drinking at the base lodge, and a hefty dose of relaxing.  Of course I was bummed about the lack of skiing, a little down-in-the-(ski)dumps about the season pass I paid for and would not be able to use for the rest of the trip.  But I reminded myself of a few things:  

        I am in beautiful Colorado

        I could use a slow relaxing trip

        Damn did I miss and love these mountain views, and most importantly

        The point was to spend some much needed time with gal pals - on or off the mountain.  

I kept reminding myself of that silly romantic quote "we were together, I forgot the rest".  A little different when you are with two girls in Colorado but - you get my drift. 

Girls Go Colorado - Why We Loved Frisco, Colorado

As time goes by and the years roll on, it can be harder and harder to get together.  Weddings and babies, careers and hobbies... these ongoing life events start to demand more of our time, money, and energy.  With all of these commitments, it can be hard to devout some quality time to the people who have loved and supported you along the way.  It isn't as easy to plan a getaway with the girls, to go on that ski trip or to visit those cool cities.  However, you have probably heard me preach that friendships are like any other relationship and they require commitment, time and attention.  And don't even get me started on the importance of quality friendships in your life.  So after a strange and stressful year reorganizing my life and relationships, I was happy and eager to invest more of my time with the people I owe a lot of my happiness to.   When Liz (a childhood and constant best friend and important person in my life) suggested a girl's ski trip to Colorado, I responded with an instant and no second thought "Hell Fucking Yes".

Loon Ski Resort- New Hampshire

Loon is one of those "ski mountains with a view".  The mountain resort is located outside Lincoln, New Hampshire in the beautiful Whites at the bottom of the "Kanc", looming over the East Branch Pemigewasset River.  Anything nestled in the Whites is bound to be beautiful and Loon Mountain does not disappoint.  You glide off the lift, turn around, and BAM the view in front of you nearly knocks you off your skis.  On a clear day, it is mountain peaks for miles, those rolling Whites laid out in front of you tempting you to climb each and every peak.  

Winter Weekend in Stowe

The Grandview Barn on Stowe Hollow Road

Mountains or Oceans.... the oh-so-important question asked of many outdoor enthusiasts and single folk swiping on dating profiles.  For a long time, I was a die-hard no questions asked ocean person.   But as time goes by, I can't deny that there's this magnetic pull to the mountains.  And this attraction?  It's pulling me a little harder into the woods than into the water these days.   

The more time I spent on mountains, the more I started to crave the way my calves burned on a hike, the bittersweet feeling of setting up your tent in the dark, and the absolute quiet that comes with being alone on a far away trail.  

These days, I want to be on a peak with my dog, I want to steal sweaty kisses from someone on a summit,  I want to sit on a rock and eat my smooshed sandwich and warming craft beer - items that taste so much better at elevation.   I want to see the view above the treeline and find the nearest brewery once the bags and the dog have been loaded back into the car.  

The more time I spend in the mountains, the more these scales start to shift.  Jagged peaks and densely wooded trails have become just as important to my happiness as a rugged coastline.  

Stowe Gondola, Stowe Mountain Resort

To be fair, I don't need the Rocky Mountains or 14,000 footers to find my footing -  our mountains here in New England are always beautiful, can certainly be challenging, and are often underrated.   Let me camp in the Berkshires, wander in the Whites or hike in the Greens - that always does the trick.

Guide to Banff in the winter - itinerary, tips, video, and cost

Turning 30 in Banff National Park

The last post of a series is always the best and saddest.  It's the best because I have already spent weeks recapping an amazing trip, detail by detail from what I did to what I ate.  I also get to share a fun video so you can see for yourself just how amazing these places are.  Sad because I can no longer talk about this beautiful destination and the amazing outdoor activities in the area.  But with one return flight home comes another trip planned somewhere else and this month was no different.  After landing back in the U.S. A I was on a plane next week for the American Southwest.  But before we get into saguaros and sunshine, let's talk about snowy Banff National Park one last time.

Visiting Banff National Park

I bet you now by know my trip to Banff National Park in the wintry month of February was purposely planned to celebrate my 30th birthday.  I wanted a unique destination, affordable pricing, and to see somewhere as beautiful (and popular) as Banff in one of its quieter seasons.  If you still need some convincing as to why you should head to Canada in one of her coldest months, then here are six reasons why.   If you are sold and want to see the beauty of Banff under a thick layer of snow, keep reading as I share fun facts on the park and area, information on getting to Banff, need to know details, and what I spent for 6 days, 7 nights in Alberta. 

Skiing Norquay - Banff - Alberta, Canada

Remember all those wonderful things I said about skiing Banff Sunshine and Lake Louise Ski Resort?  Well, this isn't going to be like that...  

Let me start by saying, I wanted to Love Norquay - I mean I really wanted to love it.  I read it was a "locals favorite" full of "steeps" and "great snow".  I envisioned Norquay to be like Utah's Brighton, the smaller local mountain (which truly is a local favorite) known for its cheap tickets, good snow and fun terrain.   I didn't need anything fancy- the beautiful lodges are nice but I am happy to sacrifice the glitter for great terrain, a low key feel, and good snow.  This was just...... sucky. 

Lake Louise Ski Resort - Banff/Alberta- Canada

Day 2 in the Birthday Banff week had my tired legs back in the car for another full day of skiing, this time at to Lake Louise Ski Resort.   Not only was I excited for another day of on the ski hill, but I was going to check out a new area of Banff and truth be told the area I was most excited to see - Lake Louise.  Lake Louise Ski Resort is about a 45 minute drive from downtown Banff, traveling northwest along the Trans Canada Highway.  While the farther trip required an early bed time and earlier alarm, the ski resort is located just a mere 3 km from the lake, meaning you can knock off two activities in one day.  You can skate in front of the Fairmont chateau on a frozen lake and ski the beautiful mountain and ski resort in the same day.  Winter dreams do come true.  

Skiing Banff Sunshine - Alberta, Canada

Most people celebrate their 30th birthday with family and friends at a nice restaurant, or a gathering of sorts with those you love.  Maybe the bold book a weekend getaway or a nice trip somewhere warm.  I on the other hand planned a week long trip to Alberta, Canada to ring in 30 dog sledding, skiing, and snow shoeing through Banff National Park.  

As crazy as it sounds, I booked a trip to Northern Canada in February when temperatures consistently stayed in the negatives and single digits - and not celsius.  There is nothing wrong with celebrating at home and a trip to the Caribbean always sounds good.  But when you want something unique, within your budget, and to explore a beautiful place in the off season (less crowds, cheaper), you head to Canada in February.

In true KW style, the itinerary was packed and my first full day in Canada was spent on a ski mountain.  Jet lagged and on 5 hours of sleep but none the less, out on the mountain.  The alarm went off at 7am and it was a quick shower and coffee before loading up the car.  We heading downtown to the Adventure Hub on Main Street to pick up my lift tickets, stopped at the Visitors Center to pick up a National Park Pass, and Wildflour for (another) coffee and breakfast sandwich.  By 9:15 we were on the road for the 15-20 minute drive to Banff Sunshine to spend the day skiing in the sunshine fresh snow.

Smugglers Notch Resort, Vermont

The annual "Smuggs Brewfest Trip" was always an event we looked forward to.  Twice a year,  about mid December and early April in the non-peak skiing season, a group of friends would make the 4 to 5 hour drive up North to spend a weekend up at Smugglers Notch.  Of all the Vermont ski resorts, this is one you don't hear a lot about.  Smugglers Notch is up there.  Every time I drive up to the resort I am reminded of the fact that we are basically driving up to Canada.  Smugglers is on the other side of Stowe, and is basically the last resort in the state besides Jay Peak which is nearly on the border.   The drive feels even longer in the winter when you can't cut through the historic Smugglers Notch Pass (Route 108) that connects Smugglers Notch and Stowe.  Instead, you have to go up around and cut back to get to Smuggs.  Add in the fact that we drove up on a Friday night in a heavy snow storm with speeds limited to 35 mph and it turns into the drive from hell.  But I digress.  Smuggler's Notch isn't the easiest mountain to get to but there are a few reasons (charm, variety, condos) and one big reason we make the journey when there are so many mountains closer.... the price.     

Smugglers Notch Trail Map

Vermont Travel Club Card

When it comes to hobbies, I always joke that I picked the "most expensive ones".  From horseback riding to scuba diving to skiing, my bank account takes a hard hit when it comes to extracurricular activities.   As much as I love skiing, it can be an expensive hobby to maintain.  Even after the initial investment of gear, you have to keep putting money into lift tickets or season passes.  While season passes are often a "deal" in the long run, they are expensive up front and generally restrict you to one mountain. Of all the years I have been skiing, I have never held a season pass (even while living in Utah).

I have always looked for ways to score lift ticket deals whether it be memberships to ski clubs or discounts online at sites like Liftopia.  Here in New England, there are a lot of ski mountains to chose from and many are very expensive.  Stowe for instance, breaks the bank at $124 for a one-day lift ticket.  The high prices of Stowe had also turned me off from skiing the mountain.  However, a friend had a condo at the base of the mountain and I was eager to give Stowe a try (you can read all about my day skiing Stowe HERE ).  Before forking over the $124 for a one-day lift ticket (ouch), I did a lot of research on discounted lift tickets.  After some extensive internet searches and phone calls into various travel clubs or memberships, I discovered that a $54 one-time fee gets you membership to the Vermont Travel Club Card, a card that offers lift ticket discounts at various Vermont mountains, as well as discounts at restaurants and hotels.  

Stowe Mountain Resort, Vermont

Stowe, I like you.  I like you a lot.  

With so many ski resorts in Vermont, it can be hard to decide where to ski when the Green State of Vermont shifts into a winter wonderland of white.  We have Mount Snow, one of the first mountains as you make your way north into Vermont.  We have huge resorts like Okemo.  We have family friendly like Smugglers Notch.  We have "skiers only" and more rugged terrain like Mad River Glen.  There is also Stratton with its groomed rollers, and Killington with its expansive terrain.  Then we have some of the other guys:  Jay Peak, Sugarbush, Magic Mountain, Bromley, and more.  While Stowe has always been on my list, its high ticket prices and longer drive always turned me off.  When a friend invited me to stay at their condo at the bottom of the mountain, I finally took the chance to ski the famously fun mountain.  I packed up my skis and a cooler of beer and headed North. 

Katie Skis the West: VIDEO

Okay, I admit it.  I am really backlogged on my GoPro videos.  Just last night I (finally) finished a video of my ski footage out west.  This is no small feat as I had to go through a whole lot of videos from two winters worth of skiing the west.  Then, I had to edit a few for contrast and brightness, and clip them all way down, to fit a 3.5-minute song to be exact.  You don't even want to know how long this process takes. 

Featured in this video are clips of skiing with family and friends (or just skiing solo!) at Snowbird, Snowbasin, Solitude, Canyons (now Park City), and Brighton (all in Utah ). At the end is Grand Targhee and Jackson Hole (both Wyoming). While I also had the chance to ski Deer Valley and Alta (both skiers only mountains in Utah and a blast) I didn't bring my GoPro those days. Because let's be honest, sometimes it's nice to unplug and just ski.

So, without further adieu, a montage of Katie skis the west, clips from the 2014-2015 and 2015 to 2016 ski seasons. And yes, after skiing all of these amazing mountains, Jackson you are still my favorite. 

Or watch it here on You Tube

Happy Skiing, 

Katie 

Trip Planning- Driving routes to Jackson Hole, Wyoming

 Five years ago, I was really lucky to be able to visit Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

I spent a week in the state of Wyoming and visited some pretty amazing places.  I ordered a drink in a western saddle at the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar.  I snowmobiled around Yellowstone National Park.  I spent four days skiing at Jackson Hole.  I took a sleigh ride around the National Elk Refuge. I saw my first real wild moose, up close and personal.

Just to name a few of my favorite things!  

I fell in love with this town, this ski resort, and this area in general. 
Like head over heels.
 By the end of the trip (and after a few drinks) the cowboy/taxi driver (he even wore chaps) and I were discussing future employment and stabling arrangements for my horse. 
 Cowboys and ski bums.
 It was a wonderful place for a longing 22 year old. 

Well, I never moved and five years later, I have been dying to go back. But between the expense of airfare and skiing, and budgeting ski trips and dive trips, I hav not been back. 
BUT--now that I live in Salt Lake City, Jackson Hole is an easy weekend trip. 

I did some research and apparently there are five routes from Salt Lake City to Jackson Hole, I found a blog that discusses three routes and different individuals commented on which route was best. 

Salt Lake City, Utah to Jackson Hole

just over 300 miles or between 4 and 5 hours

Taken from TetonGravity.com

Route #1: 

North from SLC through Utah and Idaho and then over Teton Pass

Note: This route is not recommended for those with RV's or trailers or during winter weather. Teton Pass is a steep, long pass.

Take the I-15 North out of Salt Lake City towards Pocatello, ID.

Take the US-20 Business/ Broadway St. (exit 118)

Turn right onto Broadway

Turn left onto N Yellowstone Ave./ ID-43/US-26.

Stay on US 26 to Swan Valley

In Swan Valley, turn left onto ID 31

Follow ID-31 to Victor, ID.

In Victor, turn right (East) on ID-33.

Follow ID-33 over Teton Pass where it Becomes WY-22

Follow WY-22 to US 89/Broadway.

--> If you're going to Teton Village, turn left at WY-390/ Moose-Wilson Rd.

--> before reaching US-89/Broadway. Teton Village is on the left @ 7 miles.

Route #2: 

Through Soda Springs, ID and Freedom, WY. 

Many locals think this is the quickest route.

Take the I-15 North out of Salt Lake City towards Pocatello, ID.

Turn Right at US-30 to Lava Hot Springs, Lund, and Soda Springs, ID

In Soda Springs, turn left at 3rd E. Street, which is ID-34.

You will be on a bridge crossing the Railroad tracks.

In about a block turn right on E. Hooper Ave. (part of ID-34)

ID-34 bends to the right at Greys Lake

As you enter Freedom,turn right on County Line Rd.

Continue less than a mile, and then turn Left at WY-239

Continue for about a mile and a half, then Turn Left on US 89 just after passing Freedom Arms.

Bear right at the US-26/ US-89 junction continuing North to Jackson on US-89

Bear left at Hoback Junction continuing North on US-89/ US-191

--> Note: if you're going to Teton Village, take a left at WY-22 just as you enter Jackson; then, turn right at the Moose-Wilson Rd./ WY 390.

Route #3:

 Through Evanston, WY.

 Although a bit longer than the other routes,

 this drive keeps you in big, wonderful Wyoming 

and on the East side of Idaho for most of the drive.

Take I-80 East out of Salt Lake

Take WY-89/ WY-16 North at Evanston

Bear right (East) continuing on WY-89/ WY-16 at sage Creek Junction

The road will end at US-30 where you will turn left

Continue north through Cokeville to Border Junction.

At Border Junction, Turn right onto WY-89/ WY-61

This road joins with US-89 in about 10 miles

Continue North on US-89 through Thane, near Freedom.

Bear right at the US-26/ US-89 junction continuing North to Jackson on US-89

Bear left at Hoback Junction continuing North on US-89/ US-191

--> Note: if you're going to Teton Village, take a left at WY-22 just as you enter Jackson

--> then, turn right at the Moose-Wilson Rd./ WY 390 .

So which way should I take?

After sifting through comments, it seems 

"if it's snowing the canyon may be the best (191 from Rock Springs), but I've been in some hairy conditions down there too. I would def take I-15 through Idaho Falls and over the pass if you can. If you rent a FWD American car, check the weather. If teton pass is closed or super snowy (http://www.wyoroad.info/highway/webc...TetonPass.html) 

then take the canyon (191 from RS).

I've been in total whiteout conditions somewhere near Pinedale too. So if weather's bad, both routes are gonna be fun.

Cliff's Notes: take I-15 unless Teton Pass is closed."


Heading to Jackson and want to do some reading/be prepared for when you get there?
Check out these books on Amazon (affiliate links)!
Jackson Hole Winter Guide
Jackson Hole Summer Guide
Explorer's Guide- Yellowstone and Grand Teton
Jackson Hole: A Comprehensive Guide to Jackson and the Grand Tetons (Tourist Town Guides)

Skiing Snowbird - Thatcher turns 30

Sunday was Thatcher's 30th birthday.  We had planned a day of skiing at Snowbird to ring in 30 and have a relaxing and fun day on the mountain.  It was forecasted to rain in the city so we knew this meant snow in the mountains.  

Only problem was, it was really overcast, foggy, and snowy in the mountains.  Snow is good.  Fog is rough.  But we decided to enjoy the day and take it easy despite the conditions.  

The sun came out for about.. 10 minutes.  Long enough to take this picture.  

About 20 minutes later it was snowing again.  And then it was graupeling ( a new term to me )  It is a mix between snow and hail, something I have never seen before, it looked and felt like hail, but it was not ice and it smooshed into snow after you touched it.    While it was pretty painful to ski in, it did result in fresh snow.  And some great skiing conditions. 

After a day of skiing, we headed back down to the city.  The drive up and down is only about 30 minutes each way and it is a beautiful drive.  It is amazing how you can be in a beautiful city, get in your car and drive 30 minutes and be on a ski mountain.   I made Thatcher pull over to snap some photos at least 10 times.  

After a day of skiing, we were both graving something carby and hearty.  Thatcher is an easy guy to please, and for his birthday dinner, he wanted Charlie Chow's, the dragon/mongolian grill by his house.  Noodles and beer and he was a happy guy.  And the cheapest birthday dinner ever ;)