This month Canyon Blog thought he’d touch (gently for reasons soon to be obvious) on one of his favorite and most overlooked Little Cottonwood residents, the porcupine. The idea occurred to him last week while skinning up Albion basin between the summer road and Catherine’s area on a sunny and uncrowded day. Minding his own business and generally enjoying the quiet mountain solitude your correspondent stumbled into the forest havoc remnants of erethizon dorsatum (the scientific name for the north American version). As you can see, when a porcupine decides it’s time to party pine style, they mean business. What really happens at this time of year is porcupines will strip bark and other parts of pine trees in order to carry themselves through to later spring and summer when they turn to softer plant life for nutrition. And no doubt improved flavor… Most people think porcupines hibernate, but they don’t. They spend their wintertime hunkering down through the weather in sheltered locations and climbing trees to forage among the available pinecones and whatever criteria they use to determine a tasty bough, though how they choose heaven knows. This guy, who’d clearly moved on the day previous, spent considerable time on the lower parts of this tiny grove just below Wolverine Peak. A few cool facts should you choose to use this month’s blog to impress your friends: Their famous quills cannot be hurled or projected at anyone, not even politicians. But they are easily detached on contact. And they are not easily removed once imbedded because they have hundreds of barbs just to make the “point” that you don’t want to connect with them. They will rattle their quills to warn you if you’re pissing them off. They can also emanate an unpleasant odor as a warning. It’s only when all else fails that they’ll back their way toward a predator, or an evil Park City skier. They can live up to 30 years, making them one of the longest-lived rodents in the wild. And finally, your correspondent’s favorite, a litter of young and their mother are referred to as a prickle. Intuitive perhaps, but one can hardly be expected to have pulled that term out of the ether. No doubt happier grazing days are ahead for our Albion pine mauling friend, as evidenced by this last photo captured during Canyon Blog’s wanderings last summer along Emma Ridge. As our skiing season changes to hiking erethizon dorsatum will leave the firs and bristle cones for the grass and meadows of your favorite canyon so watch your step when you come to visit and stay in our beautiful lodgings. Book your trip today! We're looking forward to seeing you.

Well, the first holiday of the year came and went. And you know what didn’t come with it? People. Canyon Blog ventured out onto the slopes of Snowbird and Alta to gauge the holiday crowds and take an unscientific barometric reading of just how many folks were in town or up from downtown on Sunday and Monday. The great news is Alta’s parking system seems to be working and a bit less traffic is in the canyon. Nice to know, but it doesn’t really affect you because you’ll be luxuriating après ski style in one of our properties. Your correspondent doesn’t have any real data to support this hypothesis, but it seems that urging carpool behavior and implementing parking fees resulted in the reduced numbers seen on the mountain. There are also some Icon pass blackout conditions in play here. But now for the bad news. You weren’t here were you? As these photos attest, you’re no where in any of them. Of course, hardly anyone else is in them either. But that’s just the point: No lift lines. Though Canyon Blog did ride Mineral Express with a lovely couple from Down Under who braved international travel and US Customs to be here. They couldn’t believe there weren’t any crowds. Your correspondent explained (lied would perhaps not be inaccurate) that there was a temporary ban on numbers of local skiers on the mountain to encourage foreign guests such as them. Did he feel bad about this fib afterwards? No, because they’re going home with a great story. And this writer loves a good story. In the end, what is most important is that YOU are afforded the opportunity to entertain an Aussie or two with tales of elitism of your own. So, get onto our reservation link and get onto that plane because the Greatest Snow on Earth is waiting and no Customs officials are standing between you and a 100 inch base.

The holidays have ended, and with them the crowds that converged in Little Cottonwood. Venturing out after self-imposed exile, because he’s writing another book, Canyon Blog emerged into the sunlight on January 3 rd to check conditions at Snowbird. He’s happy to report (and share photos) that there were zero lift lines to be found anywhere in the resort. Even the tram had no waiting for those interested in walking onto the first appearing car. Do note that Snowbird still requires double layer face coverings to ride the tram and also anywhere indoors or dining. However, on the chairs you can still feel the breeze on your face. The resort is also putting people together on chairs in order to move us all up slope. And as you can see at Mid Gad dining there's plenty of space to spread out. Mineral basin has yet to open due to the extreme avalanche potential the mountain is experiencing but as is clear in these professional grade photos the cats are grooming and the wheels on the chairlifts turning. What’s certain, in addition to the 15 inches of snow inbound beginning tomorrow night, is that it will be available by the time you hop on a plane, get checked in to one of our world class properties and plant those boards on the snow. The key to getting this right, it must be emphasized, is to get here before the next holiday weekend. In other news, your correspondent and Keith Hansen of District 3 Water and Snowbird ski patrol fame are again in the Peruvian tunnel making improvements in our ongoing efforts to turn the tunnel’s museum into something truly worthy of a visit any time of year. So watch this space for an update in the near future. And remember, with Mineral opening you’ll be able to ski both resorts without having to hop in a vehicle. Till then, Canyon blog intends to be slope side daily because he doesn’t do lift lines or crappy snow. But then, weekday skiing in Little Cottonwood never produces either if you can stay up canyon. So act before midnight tonight cause the snow’s gonna be here by the time you are… Tschüss!

Canyon Blog was afforded the wonderfully informative opportunity to accompany Sara Gibbs, Alta Community Enrichment director extraordinaire, on a journey into the world of Wasatch mushrooming. The first thing your correspondent learned is that it isn’t actually mushrooming, rather something she referred to as “munting,” which was apparently German in origin but escaped this writer’s ability to track down, so we’ll just have to take that on faith. Before “digging in” to mycology a few words on Sara and ACE. ACE is Alta’s version of an arts institute and focuses on bringing culture, art and education to the town and both resorts. It’s a wonderful nonprofit and worthy of your support. Like so many before, Sara herself came to Utah by way of powder pursuit and then stayed. She joined ACE’s board to contribute but eventually ascended to the director’s position through sheer positive energy. You can learn more here https://altacommunity.org/ . We began our excursion at the White Pine trailhead using a Pfeifferhorn summit goal as cover for our true purpose, porcini mushrooms. These and hawks wings mushrooms (also known as hedgehogs by aficionados) are her two favorites. “That’s because I can identify them with confidence.” Sound advice. One of the things about “munting” that should always be kept in mind is that one must know what one is doing. Many varieties are similar and can fool the casual munter. Consuming wild mushrooms is not for the uninitiated. For education and fun Sara recommends contacting the Utah Mushroom Society and its founder Ardean Watts https://www.utahmushrooms.org/ . A loosely organized club of mycophiles, they offer foraging excursions throughout northern Utah and a wonderful annual fall foray in August to share knowledge and culinary tips. They’re also very welcoming of newcomers. But back to our own fall foray. Two miles into our 9.6-mile trek Sara froze your correspondent in midstride with a shriek, “Look at this one!” Indeed, after he got his heartrate under control, a four-inch crown could be seen protruding not six inches from the trail. Digging out a pocketknife she made short work of harvesting the lone specimen. But as you can see they grow much larger and can weigh 2.5 pounds. From there it seemed we couldn’t go more than a few hundred yards through the more forested sections of the hike without some kind of fungi making itself known. Most weren’t edible but all were fascinating once you stopped to consider their presence and unique biology. The best time to hunt is spring through early fall, especially after rains which accelerates growth. Her favorite recipe is to slice (always vertically) a porcini and sauté lightly with a bit of butter and dash of salt. “But not too much,” she cautions, “because then it’s the butter you’re tasting, not the mushroom. And that’s the whole point.” So, on your next visit to Little Cottonwood be sure to slow your hike and look around, especially in areas prone to more moisture, though it doesn’t take damp ground or even much really for them to grow. You’ll be amazed at what you find. As we descended from our successful summit (all 11,331 feet) your correspondent couldn’t help but inquire as to why one “munts” at all? “Because,” she declared as though it should be obvious, “it turns every hike into a treasure hunt!”

CanyonBlog, Author at Canyon Services

Something Old, Something New; Something Broken, Something Blue
Something Old, Something New; Something Broken, Something Blue

Something Old, Something New; Something Broken, Something Blue

As the saying goes… The new tram cars have arrived at Snowbird. New Red Arrives! In late May, after traveling all the way from Olten, Switzerland by way of exotic Port of Houston, both cars were on hand and waiting to be swapped out. Unfortunately, on May 29th amidst a dusting of late season snow there was an incident and “New Red” was damaged during the first car swap, permanently removing it from transporting happy skiers to the top of Hidden Peak. Old Blue sitting above New Blue Canyon Blog sat down with Snowbird general manager [...]

CanyonBlog2022-06-18T18:14:11+00:00Local Flavor, News, Outdoors|

Porcupine Pine Party
Porcupine Pine Party

Porcupine Pine Party

This month Canyon Blog thought he’d touch (gently for reasons soon to be obvious) on one of his favorite and most overlooked Little Cottonwood residents, the porcupine. The idea occurred to him last week while skinning up Albion basin between the summer road and Catherine’s area on a sunny and uncrowded day. Minding his own business and generally enjoying the quiet mountain solitude your correspondent stumbled into the forest havoc remnants of erethizon dorsatum (the scientific name for the north American version). As you can see, when a porcupine decides it’s time to party pine style, they mean business. What [...]

CanyonBlog2022-04-13T18:47:05+00:00Local Flavor, Outdoors|

No Boundaries at Snowbird
No Boundaries at Snowbird

No Boundaries at Snowbird

If you ski Snowbird regularly you’ve seen the distinctive adaptive equipment used by Wasatch Adaptive Sports (WAS) and their clients. These often take the form of mono skis, bi-skis or cart skis. You’ll recognize WAS instructors and volunteers by their distinctive black logo jackets and sunny dispositions as they help others experience the mountain in a way many of us take for granted. Ricardo tearing up Mineral Basin This week your correspondent was fortunate enough to spend time with a new group as they came to Snowbird for the first time. Ricardo is a veteran of Afghanistan and [...]

CanyonBlog2022-03-05T03:01:33+00:00Outdoors|

Interlodge: A History
Interlodge: A History

Interlodge: A History

Ever wonder what Interlodge actually means? Wonder no more. This month’s blog is dedicated to providing answers to all your questions and to help you not only weather that term’s storms but to enjoy your mountain experience to the utmost should you find yourself a part of the Little Cottonwood Canyon experience known as Interlodge. What the term means: It actually refers to the limit placed on residents and guests when inside town limits (or Snowbird properties) with regard to traveling between lodges, homes and resorts. In other words, you cannot travel between them. The word inter literally means between. [...]

CanyonBlog2022-02-10T01:27:48+00:00Common Questions, Local Flavor, Outdoors|

We Missed You!
We Missed You!

We Missed You!

Well, the first holiday of the year came and went. And you know what didn’t come with it? People. Canyon Blog ventured out onto the slopes of Snowbird and Alta to gauge the holiday crowds and take an unscientific barometric reading of just how many folks were in town or up from downtown on Sunday and Monday. The great news is Alta’s parking system seems to be working and a bit less traffic is in the canyon. Nice to know, but it doesn’t really affect you because you’ll be luxuriating après ski style in one of our properties. Your correspondent [...]

CanyonBlog2022-01-18T04:35:09+00:00Outdoors, Uncategorized|

Welcome 2022!
Welcome 2022!

Welcome 2022!

The holidays have ended, and with them the crowds that converged in Little Cottonwood. Venturing out after self-imposed exile, because he’s writing another book, Canyon Blog emerged into the sunlight on January 3rd to check conditions at Snowbird. He’s happy to report (and share photos) that there were zero lift lines to be found anywhere in the resort. Even the tram had no waiting for those interested in walking onto the first appearing car. Do note that Snowbird still requires double layer face coverings to ride the tram and also anywhere indoors or dining. However, on the chairs you can [...]

CanyonBlog2022-01-04T01:03:45+00:00Local Flavor|

Come and Join the “Un” Crowd
Come and Join the “Un” Crowd

Come and Join the “Un” Crowd

Your faithful correspondent took it upon himself to brave the slopes on your behalf and determine the crowd conditions now that it’s December and there is already nearly 90 inches of snowfall. Despite the grave risks of having to talk to other people, he’s happy to report that, well, there aren’t any. Crowds that is. Friday morning and lunch time saw no more than a handful of people in Alfs and at the west end where the new expansion provides panoramic views of East Greeley and Sugarloaf lift there were no people at all as you can see. Ah, undisturbed [...]

CanyonBlog2021-12-06T01:29:47+00:00Uncategorized|

Snow Fences and Avalanches
Snow Fences and Avalanches

Snow Fences and Avalanches

The season is clearly already upon us. Alta has already recorded 69” of snow fall and for a time the past week the base was 40”. What’s that mean? You know what it means. It's time to book an awesome Canyon Services rental and come stay in comfort, enjoy the spectacular views, and start this skiing season off right. In preparation for this year’s downhill sliding pleasure and safety Alta has made additional improvements to the mountain. This time in the form of snow fencing and more Wyssen (pronounced “Wee-sen”) exploders. Canyon Blog sat down with Alta safety director and [...]

CanyonBlog2021-11-10T01:06:00+00:00Local Flavor, Outdoors|

Shroomin’ with ACE
Shroomin’ with ACE

Shroomin’ with ACE

Canyon Blog was afforded the wonderfully informative opportunity to accompany Sara Gibbs, Alta Community Enrichment director extraordinaire, on a journey into the world of Wasatch mushrooming. The first thing your correspondent learned is that it isn’t actually mushrooming, rather something she referred to as “munting,” which was apparently German in origin but escaped this writer’s ability to track down, so we’ll just have to take that on faith. Before “digging in” to mycology a few words on Sara and ACE. ACE is Alta’s version of an arts institute and focuses on bringing culture, art and education to the town and [...]

CanyonBlog2021-10-06T16:26:18+00:00Local Flavor|

A Most Unusual Spring
A Most Unusual Spring

A Most Unusual Spring

Well, the season has run its course in a most unanticipated way. With both resorts shuttered due to “viral considerations” Little Cottonwood Canyon has taken on something of a bygone era feel. Snowbird is closed to all up and downhill traffic and will remain that way until public safety can be assured. They expect to roar back for summer so stay tuned for updates. Alta on the other hand, is open for all to enjoy safely and at a distance. It’s been strange to slap on the alpine touring skis and have the run of the resort and first tracks [...]

CanyonBlog2020-04-20T02:20:13+00:00Uncategorized|

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