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.

Outdoors Archives - Page 3 of 6

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|

Snowbird Summer Activities & Events Guide
Snowbird Summer Activities & Events Guide

Snowbird Summer Activities & Events Guide

Snowbird is known for its skiing, but when the snow on the mountains melts, the resort transforms into a premier summer destination. Everyone can find something to do this summer, whether you want to ride an exhilarating mountain coaster or take a scenic tram ride. And those with an adventurous spirit can traverse the mountain bike trails or experience unique rock climbing with the new Zipwhipper attraction. Canyon Services offers condo rentals within minutes of the Snowbird summer activities. Spend less time traveling and more time playing on the mountain this summer when you stay with Canyon Services. Top Snowbird [...]

webservices2022-05-10T21:24:36+00:00Outdoors, Summer|

10 Reasons to vacation in the mountains this summer

When considering where to go on summer vacation, most families choose beaches or theme parks. But there are many reasons why you should opt for a vacation in the mountains this summer: 1 - Unplug and escape technology It’s no secret that social media and the constant exposure to the news have had a negative effect on our mental health. There are few places better for taking some time away from it all to unplug and recharge than the quiet of the mountains 2 - Brand new adventures Mountains in general, and Little Cottonwood Canyon especially, are [...]

meagan2022-04-30T17:42:23+00:00Outdoors, Questions Answered, Summer, Top 10|

Utah Mountain Bike Races and Summer Marathons
Utah Mountain Bike Races and Summer Marathons

Utah Mountain Bike Races and Summer Marathons

Utah’s ski season is coming to an end, but the ski resorts continue to be great destinations for outdoor recreation year-round. The Alta and Snowbird ski resorts host several Utah mountain bike races and marathons during the summer for those with a competitive spirit. See if you have what it takes to participate in a mountain race this summer! After the race, you can celebrate your achievements with music, food, and drinks. At Canyon Services, we offer vacation homes between Alta and Snowbird so that you can easily access both resorts. Plan your vacation around one of these exciting races, [...]

webservices2022-04-13T21:21:02+00:00Outdoors, Summer|

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|

Late Season Skiing at Snowbird, Utah
Late Season Skiing at Snowbird, Utah

Late Season Skiing at Snowbird, Utah

While other ski resorts throughout the country prepare to wrap up the season, Snowbird will remain open for months to come. Snowbird is known for its late-season skiing, at least through May and sometimes through July! So, if you are searching for the perfect spring skiing destination, consider the Snowbird ski resort in Utah. Canyon Services condos are located at the base of the Snowbird slopes, so you can easily access skiing from your rental. There’s still time for a ski trip in Utah; start planning a getaway trip today! Reasons to Try Late-Season Skiing at Snowbird There are many [...]

webservices2022-03-04T22:19:40+00:00Outdoors, Winter|

Unique Winter Adventures: Heli-Skiing in Utah
Unique Winter Adventures: Heli-Skiing in Utah

Unique Winter Adventures: Heli-Skiing in Utah

Utah is well known for its snow, and skiers from all over the country travel to our state to ski the legendary powder. And if you think ski resorts are the only way to hit the slopes, think again! There are endless backcountry trails in the Wasatch Range that can be accessed with heli-skiing in Utah. If you’re asking yourself what in the world is heli-skiing, we’re here to help. Heli-skiing consists of a helicopter ride to remote ski areas that are difficult to access, with the helicopter acting as a lift up the mountain. At Canyon Services, we have [...]

webservices2022-02-14T22:52:53+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|