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2020 Outdoor Holiday Gift Guide

By Adventures, Outdoors

We’re skiing in face masks to protect us from deadly illnesses. We’re socializing outdoors late into the evening in colder weather than could be considered responsible. We’re outside all the time because being indoors is isolating at best and dangerous at worst, so thriving outdoors is more important to our sanity than ever! Our 2020 Outdoor Holiday Gift Guide is here to help you and your loved ones stay comfortable and safe when playing and staying outside. Many of these products are Utah made, designed and inspired, and most are available from retailers right here in the Beehive State. That Bezos fella has made enough cash during the pandemic, so pick them up locally if you can.

Buff Filter Tube: $29

Buffs are so comfortable and practical, the multi-functional tube-shaped headwear had already become ubiquitous on the slopes. Now they’ve evolved into N-95 filter toting pieces of protection to keep you safe in the lift line. Layering traditional masks with neck gaiters, helmets and the like isn’t comfortable—I’ve tried. These Buff Filter Tubes are. They’re available at ski shops everywhere from the Alta Peruvian Lodge to 2nd Tracks Sports.

North Face Thermoball Traction Bootie: $80

These are the ultimate post-ski-boot footwear item. Slipping into these puppies after a day on the slopes is downright heavenly. They’re super toasty, they’re comfortable, and they plenty grippy and weatherproof for a quick trek across the driveway or a jaunt to the mailbox. Pick up some Thermoballs at any North Face retailer in Utah or at the North Face Store in Canyons Village at Park City Resort.

MountainFLOW Eco-Friendly Ski Wax Kit: $65-$250

Don’t shred the shed. Traditional ski waxes have a whole bunch of bad stuff in them that tends to leech into the water supply. This stuff is made from plants and is used by some of the best athletes in the world like Utah local and multiple time X-Games Gold Medalist Colby Stevenson.  MountainFLOW’s wax kits have everything you need for a pro-level wax setup at home. Pick it up locally at ski shops like the always awesome Lone Pine Gear Exchange.

Black Diamond ReVolt 350 Headlamp: $65

Utah-based Black Diamond has been making bombproof headlamps for ages, but the ReVolt is a dual fuel headlamp that can operate off an integrated rechargeable battery or with traditional disposable batteries. Equally good for early morning ski tours or illuminating your late-night driveway drinks with friends at a safe social distance, ReVolt headlamps can be purchased at Black Diamond retail stores in Utah.

Soul Poles Bamboo Ski Poles: $150

The original, eco-friendly bamboo ski poles are back. Soul Poles are customizable, and made right here in Utah by a couple of former U.S. Ski Team Racers who know a few things about high performance gear. They’re super durable and look extremely cool. Plus, everyone on the chairlift will ask you about them. Pick them up on the Soul Poles website or at select retailers around the state.

Hydroflask Lightweight Trail Series Bottle: $50

Normally insulated bottles are hefty and bulky, but not this one. It’s light end sleek enough to fit in your pack while skiing and snowboarding, which is a good thing since we’re not exactly running into the lodge for snacks and hot chocolate these days. Fill it up with some miso soup, coffee or a warm spiced beverage, whatever you need to keep yourself going on the hill without heading inside to recharge. Get your Hydroflask anywhere from local shops like Sports Den to our friendly local online megaretailer, Backcountry.com.

Down Rumpl Blanket Pyro Tri-Fade: $250

Anyone with eyes and a brain can see this “Pyro Tri-Fade” is just the Utah Jazz fade from their drool-worthy city edition jerseys, so celebrate our local and desert landscapes in style while staying warm. The Down Rumpl Blanket is extremely warm and packable, making it just as suitable for parking lot après sessions as it is for spring backpacking trips. Grab your Rumpl online or at White Pine Touring in Park City.

Nocs Provisions Binoculars: $89

We’re all still stuck at home when we’re not out getting after it in the mountains. Fortunately, these lightweight, compact binoculars from Nocs Provisions work in both instances. They’re equally at home birding in the backyard or scouting lines in the Wasatch. They’re very useful and, frankly, fun to have. Pick up a pair online.

See more outdoor coverage here.

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Wildlife Sightings: When Should You Report?

By Adventures, Outdoors

With winter approaching, wildlife sightings may become more frequent.

Imagine this: It’s a beautiful winter morning. You get out of your warm bed, strap on your winter boots and grab your shovel to dig your car out of the snow. But before you walk out the front door, something in the window catches your eye. To your amazement there is a 6ft tall moose munching on branches in your front yard. So- what do you do?

As stated by the DWR, if you do see wildlife in your neighborhood or yard, you should always keep your distance for your own safety and for the safety of the animal.

“Getting too close to a wild animal can cause the animal to feel threatened,” DWR Law Enforcement Capt. Wyatt Bubak said. “If it feels threatened, it will sometimes act aggressively to protect itself. Plus, because it’s harder for some wildlife to find food in the winter, they need to conserve energy in order to survive. Constantly harassing or chasing species such as moose and deer cause them to use up some of the essential fat reserves and energy they need to survive.”

Another important rule to follow is to not feed or leave out food wildlife.

“Whenever someone feeds wildlife, those animals will frequently return to that area in search of food,” Bubak said. “These areas are often near highways and towns. Concentrating deer and other wildlife near inhabited areas can sometimes result in increased traffic accidents and other human/wildlife conflicts. Attracting deer to your property through feeding can also attract predators, like cougars that follow deer herds. And while deer and moose are not predators, they are still wild animals and can be aggressive.”

According to the Division of Wildlife Resources, here is a simple breakdown of some commons scenarios that should be reported to the DWR:

Cougars

Cougars can be found throughout Utah, usually in the foothill and canyon areas, but also sometimes down in the valleys — especially during the winter months when they follow deer searching for food to lower elevations.  If you encounter a cougar that has killed something in a neighborhood or yard or it is exhibiting aggressive or threatening behavior, you should report it. If you capture footage of a cougar on security cameras or see one from a distance in foothill areas, you do not need to report it.

Bears

Black bears are the only species of bear currently found in Utah. They can also be found in the foothill areas, canyons and other similar habitats throughout Utah. If bears are in these areas, they should only be reported if they are being aggressive or if they are getting into trash, fruit trees or causing damage. You should report a bear that has wandered into lower-elevation areas and is within city limits or in heavily-populated areas. Bears typically go into hibernation from roughly November to March, so you likely won’t see one during the winter.

Moose

Moose are also commonly found in the foothill areas since that is their natural habitat. You should report a moose that has wandered into lower-elevation areas and is within city limits or heavily-populated areas, so the DWR can relocate the animal.  If moose aren’t relocated, they can stay in an area for a long time and could potentially injure someone or damage property. Avoid approaching moose or attempting to “herd” them out of yards or roads. Moose can be very aggressive, especially around dogs.

Deer

You should only report a deer sighting in a neighborhood if the animal is acting aggressively. Buck deer can often be aggressive during their breeding season, which takes place in November. If a deer is hit and killed by a vehicle in a neighborhood or is found dead in a yard or park, call your nearest DWR office to report it, so crews can remove the dead animal.

The DWR also launched the Urban Deer Program in 2014 as a way to give cities the ability to deal with ever-increasing deer/human conflicts in expanding urban areas. Learn more about the program on the DWR website.

Birds of prey

During the winter, Utahns may often see hawks, eagles and other birds of prey on the sides of the road. While it may seem like these animals have been injured, typically, they have gorged themselves on roadkill and are unable to fly for a period. Unless they are in the roadway and at risk of being hit by a vehicle, they have been in the same spot for over 12 hours or they have an obvious injury, these birds don’t need to be reported.

Wolves

The delisting of gray wolves from the Endangered Species Act is scheduled to go into effect Jan. 4. Under this nationwide delisting, wolves will be managed under a statewide management plan to guide the reestablishment of wolves in Utah. Although there are no known wolf packs in Utah currently, they do occasionally disperse into Utah. You should report any potential wolf sightings as soon as possible so the DWR can document their presence in order to guide management.

If you are ever injured during a wildlife encounter, report it immediately to the nearest DWR office.

For more information, visit wildlife.utah.gov

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Utah Ski Resort Opening Dates and COVID Restrictions

By Adventures, Outdoors

At long last, our uniquely long 2020 offseason is coming to an end. Finally, mercifully, ski season is just around the corner. Without bars, restaurants and the promise of awkward post-election family gatherings for the holidays, skiing and snowboarding offer a welcome reprieve from the monotony of life during a pandemic, which has been exacerbated by cold temperatures and vanishing daylight. Though some details remain fluid, Utah ski resorts have announced tentative 2020-21 opening dates and COVID restrictions intended to keep everyone safe.

Some resorts—e.g., Park City, Brian Head, Woodward, Alta, Snowbasin—are opening within the next week, making them an ideal Turkey Day destination during a holiday week that otherwise lacks some spirit. Others are a bit more conservative, targeting early December to ensure all their I’s are dotted and T’s are crossed. Every resort in Utah is implementing standard safety precautions like mandatory face masks and physical distancing when indoors and loading the lifts, but restrictions regarding lift ticket sales, skier capacity and parking vary between resorts. Park City Mountain, for example, requires purchasing a lift ticket in advance and making an online reservation to ski. Snowbird is limiting skier capacity by requiring parking reservations.

Below is a listing of all the planned Utah ski resort opening dates and current COVID restrictions. Visit the individual resort websites before heading to the hill to make sure you’ve done everything required to hop on the lift without complication.

Alta

  • Opening Date: November 23
  • Reservations Required: No
  • Advance Lift Ticket Purchase: Not Required
  • Parking Restrictions: Limited

Beaver Mountain

  • Opening Date: TBA
  • Reservations Required: No
  • Advance Lift Ticket Purchase: Not Required
  • Parking Restrictions: N/A

Brian Head

  • Opening Date: November 20
  • Reservations Required: No
  • Advance Lift Ticket Purchase: Suggested
  • Parking Restrictions: N/A

Brighton

  • Opening Date: TBA
  • Reservations Required: No
  • Advance Lift Ticket Purchase: Required
  • Parking Restrictions: Limited

Cherry Peak

  • Opening Date: TBA
  • Reservations Required: TBD
  • Advance Lift Ticket Purchase: TBD
  • Parking Restrictions: TBD

Deer Valley

  • Opening Date: December 5
  • Reservations Required: Not Currently
  • Advance Lift Ticket Purchase: Required
  • Parking Restrictions: N/A

Eagle Point

  • Opening Date: December 18
  • Reservations Required: No
  • Advance Lift Ticket Purchase: Required
  • Parking Restrictions: N/A

Nordic Valley

  • Opening Date: December 4
  • Reservations Required: No
  • Advance Lift Ticket Purchase: Not Required
  • Parking Restrictions: N/A

Park City Mountain

  • Opening Date: November 20
  • Reservations Required: Yes
  • Advance Lift Ticket Purchase: Required
  • Parking Restrictions: N/A

Powder Mountain

  • Opening Date: TBA
  • Reservations Required: No
  • Advance Lift Ticket Purchase: Required
  • Parking Restrictions: N/A

Snowbasin

  • Opening Date: November 25
  • Reservations Required: No
  • Advance Lift Ticket Purchase: Required
  • Parking Restrictions: N/A

Snowbird

  • Opening Date: November 30
  • Reservations Required: No
  • Advance Lift Ticket Purchase: Required
  • Parking Restrictions: Reservations Required

Solitude

  • Opening Date: TBA
  • Reservations Required: Not Currently
  • Advance Lift Ticket Purchase: Required
  • Parking Restrictions: Paid Parking Only

Sundance

  • Opening Date: December 4
  • Reservations Required: No
  • Advance Lift Ticket Purchase: Suggested
  • Parking Restrictions: N/A

Woodward Park City

  • Opening Date: November 20
  • Reservations Required: No
  • Advance Lift Ticket Purchase: Suggested
  • Parking Restrictions: N/A

Read more outdoor coverage here.

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Running through Coronavirus

By Outdoors

I took unhurried, shuffling steps. What freedom. It had me humming the theme song from “Chariots of Fire” and feeling like Springsteen in ’75 while largely ignoring the searing pain building in my lungs with each breath. “At the very least it’s a healthier form of coping,” I thought as I raggedly struggled up a steep incline and tried to pin my attention to the view of Mount Aire.

All it took was a few weeks of COVID- related lockdown before the novelty of eating whatever I wanted whenever I wanted and day drinking without a hint of remorse had worn off. The allure of another half-baked streaming series had long since faded and reading the news did nothing but ll me with dread. It was amid these pensive doldrums that I rediscovered the simple pleasures of going for a run, and I wasn’t alone. A widespread side effect of coronavirus is a running renaissance in Utah. Are you ready to join?

Why Run?

In some minds running exists solely as a punishment for loafing during a high school sports practice or as an excruciating way to abate the consequences of less responsible decisions. But it needn’t be a crucible of self-improvement. It’s about getting outside, breathing fresh air and taking control of something, anything. Running is catharsis, and we could all use more of that right now.

Gearing Up

Part of the beauty of jogging is, unlike skiing and biking, it doesn’t require much gear. One item, however, can make or break your run right out of the gate: shoes. “We’re seeing a lot of new people running right now, and we can help make it safer and more comfortable,” says Eli White, Sales Manager and trail running coach with Salt Lake Running Company (SLRC). “We do video gait analysis to help match your biomechanics to the right shoe.” SLRC’s gait analysis sorts runners into the right shoe category, neutral, light stability or motion control, before refining the selection to match each runner’s foot shape, arch height and terrain choice.

“Every foot is different, so we want runners to try several options and nd what’s best for them. The right shoes go a long way towards preventing common injuries like plantar fasciitis and post tibial tendonitis,” White says.

Salt Lake Running Company: 2454 S 700 E, SLC, 801-484-9144, saltlakerunning.com

TAKE IT TO THE TRAILS

Trail running might sound dif cult, but it can aid in injury prevention. “When you run on a trail every step is different. This helps keep from overloading the same tissue,” Voss says. Here

are a few easy to moderate trails that are perfect or those dipping their toes into off-road running.

MILLCREEK CANYON PIPELINE TRAIL—A moderate grade and wonderful views of surrounding mountains make Pipeline a runner’s dream.

PARK CITY HAPPY GILMOR—The consistently smooth trail starts at the North Round Valley trailhead and winds up through sagebrush and gambel oak.

SALT LAKE CITY BONNEVILLE SHORELINE TRAIL—The BST is a
great option for a quick after-work outing with mellow hills and an idyllic panorama of the city.

Start Slow

“Start more slowly than you think,” says Ryan Voss, Doctor of Physical Therapy with Mountain Top Physical Therapy in Park City. “It’s easy to add miles quickly at first. Modern shoes are great for performance, but they can hide feedback and allow us to do too much before we’re ready.”

Especially for those of us jumping right o the couch and into some miles, we significantly stress muscles, tendons and ligaments we’ve been neglecting. Pay attention to your body, and don’t start slamming anti-inflammatory drugs to mask the pain. “Running is very dynamic but also repetitive in how it stresses our tissues,” Voss says. “Common areas new runners will feel pain are the bottom of the foot and Achilles, the front and side of knees, and around the hips. As soon as you feel pain, take a few days off.”

Voss emphasized how injury is frequently tied to tightness in areas apart from where pain is felt, particularly originating in the hips. “Hip flexibility provides stability to our other joints and our back. Stretch those hip flexors, quads and hamstrings. Dynamic stretching before running and static stretching after you’re done. A little prep work goes a long way to prevent injury,” he says.

Mountain Top Physical Therapy: 1794 Olympic Pkwy, Park City, 435-575-0345, mountaintopphysicaltherapy.com

Hitting Your Stride

Once you’ve made it through your initial miles, maintain a conservative long-term plan as you build up distance. Even if you suddenly dream of running an ultramarathon, you need to conscientiously work towards that goal without skipping steps.

“A good rule of thumb I use with runners I’m coaching is to not increase mileage by more than ten percent from one week to the next,” says White. “I recommend a three week build cycle with small increases in mileage followed by a lower volume week to allow your body to recover and make those adaptations to get stronger.”

Runcoach.com

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What Will a Ski Day Look Like During COVID?

By Outdoors

It already snowed in Utah, which means many of us have already begun daydreaming about blissful powder turns and perfectly groomed corduroy. That inconvenient little pandemic we’ve been trundling through has our minds wandering to happy places as a coping mechanism, but hey, who doesn’t love having something to look forward to? The resorts will be open, and the lifts will spin. Praise Ullr! Despite the more rosily optimistic predictions, however, it doesn’t seem we’re going to have this global scourge anywhere near under control for the upcoming winter. A day of skiing will look a little different during the Winter of COVID.

Most of the conversations around the upcoming winter I’ve been privy to have been filled with wild speculation about altered mountain operations. Perhaps sensing the growing concern among the skiing masses, Vail Resorts has gotten ahead of the pack, attempting to allay concerns and set expectations for the upcoming season. We’ve already covered how Vail has implemented a reservation system skiers must use each day they want to ski at Park City to limit guest capacity—a concept likely to be replicated in some form by most Utah resorts—and now Vail’s detailed how the nuances of lift riding and dining will be impact your day on the hill.

Clearly not all resorts will utilize identical methods and restrictions, but it’s safe to assume some variant of this model will be in place at your favorite mountain. Employee temperature checks and health screening will be ubiquitous, and all guests are going to have to wear face coverings when interacting with staff or entering buildings, but we’re already used to that. Let’s get to the details.

Riding the Lifts

Chairlift and gondola rides will be designed to maintain physical distancing. Does this mean longer lift lines or less crowded slopes? Maybe. I don’t know. Your guess is as good as mine. Anyway, here’s how they plan to achieve that goal.

  • Related Parties only on each chair or in each gondola (guests skiing together count as related, so you needn’t be with your aunt and brother to have a chairlift chat)
  • Two singles can be seated on opposite sides of a four-person lift
  • Two singles or two doubles can be seated on opposite sides of a six-person lift
  • Two singles can be seated on opposite ends of “larger” gondola cabins (A bit confusing and possibly terrifying. I believe this applies to the Quicksilver Gondola and not to the Red Pine Gondola, for example)

Getting Tickets

We’ve been through this in greater detail already, but showing up to the hill to buy a day pass probably isn’t going to happen this season. Luddites aren’t going to be happy, but planning and capable use of technology are going to be paramount this season.

Eating in the Lodge

Sorry, but I refuse to repeatedly use the term “dining.” Back in my day we “ate” at the mountain. But I digress. Here’s how Park City plans to manage on-mountain eating.

  • Restaurants, including full-service sit down ones, will be open
  • Capacity will be limited and managed at entrances
  • Seating both indoors and outdoors will be spaced out
  • At quick-service restaurants, only ready-to-go hot and cold food options will be available in an effort to accommodate more people
  • Packaged beer will be available but full-service bars will be closed
  • No cash transactions
  • You can eat your own food in the lodge like the good old days!
  • Loitering will be frowned upon

Read more outdoor coverage here.

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Vail Implements Skier Reservation System at Park City Mountain

By Adventures, Outdoors

In an attempt to enhance skier safety during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Vail Resorts, owners of Park City Mountain, will require all guests to utilize an online reservation system in order to ski at their resorts during the upcoming 2020/2021 winter season. The reservation requirement applies to all skiers and snowboarders, including Epic Pass holders, in an attempt to make sure resorts do not exceed daily capacity to operate resorts safely during the pandemic. The move is sure to ruffle some feathers among locals and pass holders who are used to showing up to ski the country’s largest resort whenever and however they please, but executives at Vail feel it’s the only way to keep the mountain open while coronavirus still impacts everyday life.

“We are fortunate that our core experience of skiing and riding takes place outdoors, across huge mountains, offering fresh air and wide-open spaces for our guests. However, to help protect our guests, our employees and our communities amid this pandemic, some changes will be required this season,” Vail CEO Rob Katz said in a letter sent to guests this week.

The changes Katz is referring to include some things we’ve come to expect in recent months like face covering requirements and limited seating in indoor dining areas, but the most impactful is certainly the pass holder reservation system. At first glance the system appears to be a byzantine set of stipulations with references to “priority reservation days,” “core season” and “week-of reservation days.” However, I think it essentially boils down to Epic Pass holders being able to hold up to seven specific priority reservation days at any time (use those for busy weekends if you plan on skiing) while also being able to sign up for as many week-of days (e.g., it’s Monday and you’d like to ski on Wednesday) as are available throughout the year. The biggest sticking point is a reservation will be required every day you show up to ski or ride.

If all these details are making your eyes water because you just like buying a season pass and forgetting about everything else, I’m with you. But the good news is it looks like pass holders have some priority over other guests with things pass-holder-only skiing until December 8 and first crack at priority reservation dates beginning in early November. You may not  feel like you have a typical season pass, but if the new rules help keep the lifts spinning while large portions of the world remain shut down, I’m for ’em. Vail doesn’t anticipate capacity being an issue most days throughout the season, but Park City will likely have to limit skiers during typically busy periods like the days following Christmas and over MLK weekend.

There’s more affordable choice in ski passes than ever before with the Epic, Ikon and Mountain Collective Passes all vying for your dollars this winter, and depending on how you feel about the reservation system the changes might impact your decision. But I’d caution we’re likely to see similar restrictions throughout the industry as it grapples with coronavirus. If you buy an Epic Pass and are unable to secure the priority reservation dates you want, you can return your unused pass for a full refund up until December 7, 2020. Check out a complete explanation of the season pass reservation system here.

Read more outdoor coverage here.

 

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Hints for Hunting: Be Quiet and Conscientious

By Adventures, Outdoors

Yes, it’s 100 degrees outside and most of us are still thinking of lakes, pools and rivers but another sport starts this weekend that we tend to associate more with buffalo plaid and neon-orange vests than bikinis and life jackets: Archery hunting for bull elk and buck mule deer commences tomorrow (Saturday, August 15) and runs through September 11. (General-season any legal weapon elk hunt runs from Oct. 3-15, and the general-season any legal weapon deer hunt runs from Oct. 17-25.)

Before you start crying about Bambi, remember that hunting is part of maintaining a healthy game population (and that venison is delicious.)

Utah’s Division of Wildlife Resources biologists do everything they can to maintain a healthy population of big game—deer, elk, bison, moose, bighorn sheep and pronghorn, capturing and tagging sample animals to learn about migration and herd wellness.

It’s just a fact that humans control the landscape animals live in now and it’s up to us to improve feeding ranges, supply water. And cull. DWR habitat biologists install guzzlers to collect water, remove invasive plants, plant beneficial feed like sagebrush and grasses, repair streams and rehabilitate after wildfires.

They also offer tips to hunters:

Hunt away from the road: If you are hoping to harvest, that is, kill a deer or elk this fall, make sure you are hunting in areas away from the road. “Elk avoid roads, so especially when you are hunting elk, get off the road,” DWR’s Covy Jones says. “Get out and do some hiking and scout to see where these animals are before the hunt begins.”

Look for rugged terrain: When it comes to deer, mature bucks and does are not together during the August archery hunts. So if you are seeing a lot of does in an area, it’s a sign that you should probably move to a different spot. Does have to care for their fawns, so they typically prefer areas where there is a lot of water and the terrain is more gentle, like in rolling aspen groves. “Bucks will gather in herds of little ‘bachelor groups,’ and they like more rugged mountain terrain,” Jones said. “So, if you are looking for a bigger buck, look for terrain that is harder to access.”

Pay attention to the direction of the wind: Another tip for archery hunters is to know the direction of the wind. That way, you can make adjustments and prevent your scent from reaching the animals before you get within range. As the sun heats the ground, the wind direction changes. For example, wind almost always blows up canyons in the morning and down canyons in the afternoon.

To know the direction the wind is blowing, you can buy an inexpensive item called a wind or breeze checker. Releasing powder from the checker will let you know the direction the wind is blowing. Once you’ve determined the direction the wind is blowing, approach the deer from the side (a 90-degree angle) rather than approaching it with the wind in your face (at a 180-degree angle). If you approach with the wind in your face and then the wind shifts and starts blowing from your back, it’ll blow your scent directly to the deer. Approaching from the side lessens the chance that a wind shift will carry your scent to the deer.

Be prepared for the weather and possible emergencies: Hunters should also be prepared for any weather and should always have a first-aid kit and plenty of water with them. The weather in Utah’s mountains can change very quickly and go from sunny to snowing in a matter of minutes, so hunters need to be prepared with adequate clothing and supplies.

Use binoculars and be stealthy: Having success during the archery hunt requires stealth and patience. For example, if you’re going to spot and stalk, don’t walk through the woods, hoping to find a deer without spooking it. Instead, spend time looking through binoculars at an area to find deer and locate where they’re bedding. Then, after they’ve bedded down, plan your stalk, remaining quiet and doing all you can to approach the deer at an angle that keeps your scent from reaching the deer.

“Stealth and knowing the wind direction are more important for archery hunters than for rifle hunters, as archery hunters need to get closer to the animal to be effective,” Jones said. “It all depends on the hunter and their skill level, and equipment, but typically, most bows have sights that allow for shooting at 60 yards or less. And typically, the accuracy of most rifles starts to decline between 300-400 yards. I recommend not trying to ‘overshoot’ with your equipment and to stick with a distance where you are comfortable. You should also always know what is beyond your target before taking a shot.”

Do your research before heading out: It is also a good idea to visit the Utah Hunt Planner before heading out into the field. This great online resource includes notes from the biologists who manage the various hunting units across the state, as well as general information about the units and safety and weather items. You can see information about the number of bucks on the units, compared to the number of does. You’ll also find maps that show the units’ boundaries, which land is public and private, and the various types of deer habitat on the unit.

Harvesting the meat: After you harvest a deer or elk, don’t hang it in a tree to try to cool the meat. The hot temperatures (especially during the archery hunts) can spoil it. Plus, hanging a deer or elk in a tree might draw bears into your campsite. Instead, cut the animal up in the field and remove the meat from the bone. After removing the meat, place it in a cooler. “Dry ice can be used to cool the meat quickly and keep it cool for a prolonged period,” Jones says. “You want to keep the meat as cool as possible until you can process it and get it into your freezer.”

 

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Turn Your Phone into an Off-The-Grid Communication Lifeline

By Adventures, Outdoors

Off-the-grid outdoor experiences are one of the few pleasures that have made it through the COVID-19 pandemic relatively unscathed. Spending time in the outdoors with your family or QuaranTeam appears a healthy activity, giving many in Utah a much-needed outlet. With that said, it’s more important than ever to be able to communicate with others which can often be challenging when you’re on a 700-mile bikepacking route in Bears Ears or just doing some stargazing near Capitol Reef State Park. Cell service doesn’t always play nicely with remote adventure, when being able to call for help in an emergency or check in with loved ones is essential. Utah-based company BivyStick is looking to change that with innovative, affordable devices that turn your cellphone into a satellite-enabled lifeline.

“We want to help people mitigate the uncertainty and risk that comes with spending time outside,” says BivyStick marketing director Sus Edmundson. “The company’s foudner, Vance Cook, was climbing Everest when a devastating earthquake struck, and he wasn’t able to contact anyone to let them know he was okay. That experience and having to hunker down in a cave overnight while climbing the Grand Teton were catalysts that led to creation of BivyStick.”

BivyStick is a durable, waterproof lifeline when you’re in the backcountry.

There are other emergency communication devices available from the  likes of Garmin or SPOT, but those are primarily SOS devices that don’t let you communicate details or require expensive hardware and onerous contracts. BivyStick, on the other hand, is used in conjunction with an app on your cellphone and comes with flexible payment plans. “The advantage of using an application is users can upgrade it just like they would any other app on their phone,” explains Edmundson. Once you’ve purchased the base unit, the user interface is easily updated from the app store, and because it’s on a cellphone most people will find it intuitive to use.

BivyStick connects to your phone via Bluetooth, linking it to a satellite network. This won’t turn your phone into a wifi hotspot or connect you to a cellular network. Instead it uses a dedicated messaging and mapping application that allows you to send text messages and navigate accurately, and it should work from any open air place on earth. There’s also a direct link to emergency services using an SOS feature that completely bypasses the app if you get into real trouble. You can purchase a set number of satellite credits before you head out beyond the bounds of cellular service, allowing for flexibility that should suit a lot of outdoor users.

So BivyStick isn’t a tool to let you check your email and text your boss while deep in the wilderness, but it does provide a link to check in with friends and family to let them know your progress or call for help in an emergency. Everyone from serious backpackers looking to explore deep in Utah’s canyon country, to overland 4×4 drivers far from paved roads, to families looking to stay connected on weekend getaways can enjoy the peace of mind BivyStick offers. Flexible messaging and payment options make this satellite communication option more accessible than ever before. Visit the BivyStick website for complete details.

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Catch a Lift: Utah Resorts Open for Summer Operations

By Adventures, Outdoors

The time is here to take heed of the sage advice we received as kids. Go play outside. Even as COVID-19 case numbers are growing at a worrying rate in Utah and evidence shows novel coronavirus is readily transmitted indoors, the outdoors is relatively safe. Instead of bemoaning the dearth of movie premiers, indoor table service and watered-down drinks at a dimly-lit watering hole, get out and explore the mountains. After delay, debate and considerable preparation, the lifts are spinning at many Utah resorts for summer operations for mountain biking, hiking, scenic lift rides and more.

Yes “the outdoors” never technically closed, and some people have been out in the hills during the time of COVID-19. But the quarantine 15 we’ve all been working on—I was learning to cook, and it turns out butter and booze pairings make everything taste better—makes the uphills looking a bit more daunting. I, for one, am more than happy to save some energy and ride the lift to the top.

Who knows that the upcoming winter season will hold, but the possibility of resort closures makes it all the more important to enjoy the mountains while the weather’s nice and being outside isn’t a chore in and of itself. From the adrenaline rush of downhill mountain biking at Deer Valley to the serenity of mountain-top at Snowbasin, here’s an updated list of summer operations now open at Utah resorts. Plan ahead and buy in advance if possible as some resorts have set capacity limits due to coronavirus. The lifts are turning and are ready to whisk you the adventure of your choice. Just remember to bring your mask along for the ride.

Park City Mountain

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Summer operations are all taking place from Park City Mountain Village and are open Thursday through Sunday beginning at 10:00 a.m. Chairlift rides are available for the following activities. Pricing is available on the Park City Mountain website.

  • Scenic Lift Rides and Hiking
  • Bike Haul for Mountain Biking
  • Mountain Coaster
  • Alpine Slide

Deer Valley

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Summer operations are open daily at 10:00 a.m. with all lift activities beginning from Snow Park Lodge. Chairlift rides are available for the following activities. Pricing is available on the Deer Valley website.

  • Downhill Mountain Biking
  • Scenic Chairlift Rides
  • Guided and Unguided Hiking

Snowbasin

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Summer operations are open at Snowbasin on Saturdays and Sundays beginning at 9:00 a.m from the Grizzly Center. Rides on the Needles Gondola are available for the following activities. Pricing is available on the Snowbasin website.

  • Mountain Top Yoga on Needles Lodge Patio (Saturdays at 9:00 a.m.)
  • Scenic Gondola Rides
  • Hiking
  • Mountain Biking
  • Mountain Top Outdoor Dining (Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.)

Sundance Resort

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Sundance is open to the public for summer operations from Monday through Thursday. Friday through Sunday, a season pass or reservations are required. Lift service is provided for the following activities with updated pricing available on the Sundance website.

  • Sundance Zip Tour
  • Scenic Lift Rides
  • Hiking
  • Mountain Biking
  • Mountain Top Yoga

Snowbird

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Snowbird is open daily for summer operations beginning at 11:00 a.m. The Aerial Tram and Peruvian Chairlift are open, though for this year mountain bikes are not permitted on lifts due to limited capacity. Updated Pricing available on Snowbird’s website.

  • Scenic Tram Rides
  • Hiking
  • Alpine Slide
  • Mountain Coaster

Woodward Park City

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Woodward is the newest addition to lift-served summer operations in Utah. Lifts are open daily at 10:00 a.m. Monthly membership or day passes are available. More information on the Woodward Website.

  • Downhill Mountain Biking

Brian Head

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Summer operations are Brian Head are open Friday through Sunday beginning at 9:30 a.m. from the Giant Steps Lodge. Tickets are available online for the following activities with updated pricing. The resort recommends buying in advance due to high demand and limited capacity.

  • Scenic Chairlift Rides
  • Avalanche Summer Tubing
  • Downhill Mountain Biking