January is off the charts with powder dropping weekly at rates not measured in decades. The 136 inches recorded in December is the highest total in 40 years for Little Cottonwood. Today the canyon was closed again with Highway 210 blocked by avalanche debris in multiple slide zones. And the howitzers of Alta and Snowbird serve as siren calls to every powder skier within earshot in the pre-dawn hours. But the avalanche artillery is a story for another day… No, faithful readers of Canyon Blog, this month’s installment is all about the pristine powder that lies tantalizingly just beyond the ski area boundary ropes and on the slopes that beckon as you ride Alta’s Supreme Chair or the Mineral Basin lifts. Once again your correspondent has risked life and limb to bring you firsthand reporting of the full Little Cottonwood skiing experience. Though today’s post incorporates Big Cottonwood Canyon for the first time in this space. It all started last Monday when Alta avalanche forecaster/program director Dave “Grom” Richards called Canyon Blog and said, “Let’s go.” “Where?” “Not sure, but you’ll know when you get here,” said the backcountry guide ominously. Canyon Blog’s skied with Grom many times before and one never knows with this guy. So, properly outfitted with avi pack, probe, shovel, beacon and skins we met at Alta and caught the Supreme lift to the top. From there it was a short, but fun, low angle slope ski into Dry Fork which leads to Heber City should one choose to follow it down. Arriving back at the Alta boundary ropes we joined the trekkers hiking the Supreme summit hill to ski Katherine’s, which had just opened. But for us it was a transit toward the pass Sunnyside peak and Mount Wolverine where Grom’s plan was revealed in full. “Let’s drop into Big Cottonwood and we can finish at Brighton,” grinned Grom. Not one to miss out on one upmanship your correspondent added, “Okay, but then we have to hitchhike our way back to Alta.” Agreed, it was off into the white. It should be mentioned here that the terrain, conditions and backcountry experience needed to assess our route and the morning all came into play. Backcountry skiing isn’t something to be taken lightly, and Grom knows all about that having spent his entire career studying snow. But it is something to be experienced. For those readers of this column who enjoy the best lodging in Little Cottonwood, try Snowbird’s backcountry guides https://www.snowbird.com/guiding-tours/backcountry-skiing/ for the experience of a lifetime. That’s because you’ll do it as a ski-in ski-out adventure. As for Grom and your correspondent’s excursion, enjoy this month’s photos that include Canyon Blog’s favorite backcountry critter encounter, the humble porcupine. As for getting back, he’s happy to report that it took a mere two thumbs to arrive in Alta. You have to love skiers, they’ll take pity on anyone, even scruffy middle aged guys.

If you’re a reader of this space then you know that happiness can be found at ten thousand and 12, feet and inches that is. Your loyal correspondent is pleased to share that if you’re one of those then the 2022/23 ski season is well under way. To commemorate the first 50 inches of snowfall, and in the interests of thorough investigative journalism, Canyon Blog spent the past week in pursuit of first tracks at both Snowbird and Alta. As you can see, the base is not only enough already to establish a great foundation, it excludes any artificial snow making. Au naturale is such a wonderful feeling under foot. Though most of these shots were taken mid storm or snowfall, in between fronts shows a bit of the grandeur you’ve come to love in Little Cottonwood Canyon. And even though these solo tracks may induce a flash of jealousy there’s no need to feel that. Alta’s opening day is November 18 th , with Snowbird right behind on the 30 th . Ccome out for Thanksgiving and enjoy the feet and inches for yourself. It’s going to be a fantastic season opening with new chairs and trams. And better still, more snow. This weekend promises another 20 inches and the cycles are lined up even further out. Who needs snow making or inferior Colorado or, worse still, east coast snow? So, okay, maybe jealousy is called for. On your friends’ part when you send your own season first track photos from your early season outing.

Winter Archives - Page 2 of 3

Drop What You’re Doing (an emergency announcement)
Drop What You’re Doing (an emergency announcement)

Drop What You’re Doing (an emergency announcement)

Rarely does Canyon Blog issue public service announcements, but such are the dire circumstances that it’s demanded of your correspondent in the interests of your health and mental state of mind. With that out of the way, here’s the deal. Whatever you’re doing, and regardless of where, you simply need to stop, book a flight, toss on a few layers of gear, and slap some fiberglass or carbon to the bottom of your feet. As your correspondent writes this (March 29th) Alta is reporting 764” for the season, but that’s simply not going to be true by the time you [...]

CanyonBlog2023-03-31T01:29:04+00:00Outdoors, Winter|

Plan a Wellness Retreat in Utah at Alta Snowbird
Plan a Wellness Retreat in Utah at Alta Snowbird

Plan a Wellness Retreat in Utah at Alta Snowbird

After a day of shredding the slopes, there’s no better place to end the day than a local spa. Let your aches and pains from skiing dissipate with a revitalizing massage, facial, or body treatment. Or skip the slopes and plan a wellness retreat in Utah and focus on healing your mind, body, and spirit throughout your getaway. Many of our Canyon Services vacation rentals offer private hot tubs so you can continue your wellness retreat in the comfort of your rental home! The Cliff Spa at Snowbird The Cliff Spa is located within the Snowbird ski resort, offering easy [...]

webservices2023-03-09T21:54:26+00:00Winter|

Rush Out Here and Then Slow Down
Rush Out Here and Then Slow Down

Rush Out Here and Then Slow Down

The snow continues to drop in Little Cottonwood Canyon and the skiing is beyond compare. And by that, your correspondent does mean anywhere. Readers of this space are only too familiar with the superiority of Wasatch powder and the fact that leasing one of our properties puts you into a skin-in ski-out experience not available anywhere else. To prove that point your faithful investigative journalist is winging his way to Austria and Norway to compare this season’s snow with other world class destinations. Such is his dedication to his profession, but he digresses and will report back on that when [...]

CanyonBlog2023-03-03T21:35:18+00:00Outdoors, Winter|

When is the Best Time to Ski in Utah?
When is the Best Time to Ski in Utah?

When is the Best Time to Ski in Utah?

With skiing available half the year in Utah, many skiers may ask themselves, when is the best time to ski in Utah? Some skiers prefer the deep powder of winter, while others prefer to ski away from the crowds during the spring. Regardless of your ski style, there is never a wrong time to plan your ski vacation at the Alta Snowbird ski areas. And since Snowbird is known for having the longest ski season in the state, there is still time to shred our legendary slopes! Choose Canyon Services to host your ski vacation and enjoy ski access to [...]

webservices2023-02-28T21:24:43+00:00Winter|

Heli-skiing with Powderbird’s 50th Year
Heli-skiing with Powderbird’s 50th Year

Heli-skiing with Powderbird’s 50th Year

Followers of Canyon Blog will undoubtedly be aware of the helicopters that often nest just off the bypass road between Snowbird and Alta. And that they support Little Cottonwood Canyon’s heli-skiing. What you will not likely understand though is how heli-skiing works or even how to go about dipping a ski into the aviation facilitated snow pond. Despite 30 years of helicopter work in his military career your correspondent has to sheepishly admit that they’d never considered heli-skiing and assumed (incorrectly) that it was somehow out of his reach. To rectify this terrible oversight, he sat down with VP of [...]

CanyonBlog2023-02-17T18:57:05+00:00Interviews, Local Flavor, Outdoors, Winter|

Outa Bounds
Outa Bounds

Outa Bounds

January is off the charts with powder dropping weekly at rates not measured in decades. The 136 inches recorded in December is the highest total in 40 years for Little Cottonwood. Today the canyon was closed again with Highway 210 blocked by avalanche debris in multiple slide zones. And the howitzers of Alta and Snowbird serve as siren calls to every powder skier within earshot in the pre-dawn hours. But the avalanche artillery is a story for another day… No, faithful readers of Canyon Blog, this month’s installment is all about the pristine powder that lies tantalizingly just beyond the [...]

CanyonBlog2023-01-12T05:01:53+00:00Local Flavor, Outdoors, Winter|

How to Travel from Salt Lake City to Snowbird in Winter
How to Travel from Salt Lake City to Snowbird in Winter

How to Travel from Salt Lake City to Snowbird in Winter

Whether you are a Salt Lake City local or flying into the city, Canyon Services is here to give you the best tips on winter travel to Alta Snowbird. There are many ways to get from Salt Lake City to Snowbird, whether you want the freedom to drive yourself or the convenience of a shuttle from the airport. Book your transportation on our Canyon Services website with our partners, Alta Shuttle, Canyon Transportation, and Enterprise car rentals. Once you have arrived, you will discover the perfect Alta Snowbird vacation homes just five minutes from both ski resorts! Alta Shuttle Alta [...]

webservices2022-12-16T20:53:19+00:00Winter|

The Best Alta Snowbird Vacation Rentals for Winter
The Best Alta Snowbird Vacation Rentals for Winter

The Best Alta Snowbird Vacation Rentals for Winter

Utah ski season has returned, and it’s time to plan your winter vacation in the greatest snow on earth! Canyon Services makes it easy to stay where you play with our condos right next to Alta and Snowbird Ski Resorts. All of our Alta Snowbird vacation rentals are on the complimentary ski shuttle loop and within a five-minute drive of both resorts, offering the convenience and freedom to ski all of the nearby slopes without driving. Read on to find the perfect property for your winter getaway and discover the benefits of choosing Canyon Services! Village at Sugarplum The Village [...]

webservices2022-11-30T17:40:26+00:00Winter|

First Tracks
First Tracks

First Tracks

If you’re a reader of this space then you know that happiness can be found at ten thousand and 12, feet and inches that is. Your loyal correspondent is pleased to share that if you’re one of those then the 2022/23 ski season is well under way. To commemorate the first 50 inches of snowfall, and in the interests of thorough investigative journalism, Canyon Blog spent the past week in pursuit of first tracks at both Snowbird and Alta. As you can see, the base is not only enough already to establish a great foundation, it excludes any artificial snow [...]

CanyonBlog2022-11-05T03:30:40+00:00Local Flavor, Outdoors, Winter|

Alta VS Snowbird: Which is Right for You?
Alta VS Snowbird: Which is Right for You?

Alta VS Snowbird: Which is Right for You?

Did you know that two of North America’s best ski resorts can be found just miles apart in Utah’s Little Cottonwood Canyon? Alta and Snowbird are known for having some of the greatest snow on Earth, and deciding between the two can be challenging. When choosing between Alta vs. Snowbird, consider your experience level, what amenities you are looking for, skiable terrain, and lodging options. No matter which resort you decide to visit this winter, Canyon Services puts you within a five-minute drive of both resorts. Read on to learn about the differences between our Utah ski areas and discover [...]

webservices2022-10-28T21:23:41+00:00Winter|