VOL.4 NO.1 • FEBRUARY/MARCH 2018
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February/March 2018 • Vamoose Utah |
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Inside
VAMOOSE
4 | Vamoose Utah • Winter2017 February/March 2018
8 15 19 21 22 23 27 30 33
PEAK EXPERIENCE PARK CITY: LIVING LARGE IN A SMALL TOWN BY Kathleen Curry & Geoff Griffin OGDEN’S A GEM UTAH’S HIP AND HUMBLE WINTER HANGOUT BY Kathleen Curry & Geoff Griffin MADE IN UTAH 7EVEN CUSTOM SKIS HOLD A COMPETITIVE EDGE BY Darby Doyle TIME TO REBOOT DALEBOOT’S COMFORT FIT IS A UTAH CREATION BY David Miller MADE WITH SOUL BACK TO NATURE WITH BAMBOO SOUL POLES BY Megan Walsh KEEP IT SIMPLE SURVIVING WINTER BLUES ONE MANTRA AT A TIME BY Jackilyn Rock JUICY BISON BITES IT’S ALL ABOUT THE LOCAL FLAVORS BY Darby Doyle WHY I SNOWCAMP THE SIMPLE PLEASURES OF A WINTER CAMPOUT BY David Miller RELICS AT RISK TRUMP’S WAR ON ARCHAEOLOGY BY Jerry Spangler
February/March 2018 • Vamoose Utah |
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VOL.4 NO.1 • FEBRUARY/MARCH
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STAFF PUBLISHER EDITORIAL EDITOR COPY EDITOR CONTRIBUTORS
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JOHN SALTAS JERRE WROBLE LANCE GUDMUNDSEN KATHLEEN CURRY, DARBY DOYLE, GEOFF GRIFFIN, DAVID MILLER, JACKILYN ROCK, JERRY SPANGLER, MEGAN WALSH EVELYN CERVANTES, DARBY DOYLE, VAUGHN ROBISON VAUGHN ROBISON SOFIA CIFUENTES, BRIAN PLUMMER, JOSH SCHEUERMAN PAULA SALTAS DAVID ADAMSON, ANNA KASER BRYAN MANNOS JACKIE BRIGGS SAMANTHA SMITH
JENNIFER VAN GREVENHOF PETE SALTAS ANNA PAPADAKIS DOUG KRUITHOF, KATHY MUELLER ANNE BAILEY, LISA DORELLI, ALEX MARKHAM MIEKA SAWATZKI, JEREMIAH SMITH
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6 | Vamoose Utah • February/March 2018
GEOFF GRIFFIN and KATHLEEN CURRY travel the world looking for material for their awardwinning Travel Brigade Radio Show podcast. Find more of their work at TravelBrigade.com and follow them on Twitter and Instagram @TravelBrigade.
ERIC GRANATO
COVER IMAGE: PARK CITY AT TWILIGHT BY JOHNNY ADOLPHSON
@vamooseutah
Former wilderness ranger and recovering archaeologist DARBY DOYLE writes about food, cocktails and outdoor adventures from her home base in the foothills of Utah’s Wasatch Mountains. She’s the proud mama of teenage boys, goofy Labradors and a gaggle of backyard hens.
@VamooseUtah
@vamooseutah
JERRY D. SPANGLER is a
professional archaeologist and executive director of the Colorado Plateau Archaeological Alliance, a Utah-based non-profit dedicated to preserving and protecting Utah’s archaeological resources. He is the author of Nine Mile Canyon: The Archaeological History of an American Treasure and co-author of Last Chance Byway: The History of Nine Mile Canyon.
Start the year
Be Like Huskies
W
elcome to the dog days of winter. As a former Alaskan of 17 years, February and March were traditionally months to gather trailside and cheer on our favorite sled-dog racing teams. And the race to watch was, of course, the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, held in early March, about the time you start to wonder if winter will ever end. The trail spans nearly 1,000 jagged, snowencrusted miles from Anchorage (or Fairbanks) to Nome, a distance that takes between 8 and 15 days to travel. Teams start out with up to 16 dogs, all highly trained to run in formation. As they pass by you on the trail, the dogs are nothing short of exuberant—practically gleeful—mouths open, tongues hanging sideways, feet in red-felt booties kicking up snow. Meanwhile, mushers behind them stand stoically on the sled’s footboards, issuing quiet commands. The mushers know all too well the challenges that lie ahead— blizzards, below-zero temps, run-ins with wildlife, tangles with other dog teams, crashes and overturning of the sled, and possible illness or injury. But the dogs only want to go. Such carefree abandon is sometimes exactly what’s needed to get out there. Because it’s winter, it’s easy to put off adventure and await better weather. But be like the huskies. Go for it! It is the Chinese Year of the Dog, after all. Vamoose can point you to a trail of adventure. For starters, consider a visit to nearby burgs, such as Park City—with its ski resorts, tubing and plush amenities—and Ogden, with its historic charm, cultural offerings and, yeah, more ski resorts. Both towns offer appealing dining, nightlife and sidewalk strolling. In this issue, Geoff Griffin and Kathleen Curry detail how to get the most out of a long weekend in either town. And since we’re all about skiing this time of year, we’re shining a light on local creators of custom ski gear as seen in Megan Walsh’s feature on Soul Poles, Darby Doyle’s interview with Todd Herilla of 7even Skis and David Miller’s article on DaleBoot’s innovative spirit. Jackilyn Rock offers tips on how to ward off the winter doldrums (having a positive mantra helps, she says!) while Darby Doyle’s recipe on grilled bison sliders makes a road trip to gather ingredients part of the experience. David Miller exhibits true Iditarod spirit as someone who winter-camps. His article offers advice on where to go and what gear you’ll need to truly enjoy the experience. Finally, in the wake of President Trump’s mandate to shrink two of Utah’s national monuments, writer and archeologist Jerry Spangler decries the decision that puts Utah’s epic cultural treasures at risk. So, during these final winter months, go ahead and make like a husky. Find your pack, get on the trail and yip and yap your way to your next destination. And don’t forget to take Vamoose along for the ride.
with a new
CAREER! Copperfield Media is seeking an energetic and self-motivated individual looking for a career in media sales. As part of the Copperfield team, you can build a career in an exciting industry, make money, have fun, and be a part of a company that makes a difference in our community. Prior media sales experience and Bachelor’s degree preferred, but not required. This is a full time position. Applicants must have a valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle. Email resumes to Jennifer Van Grevenhof jennifer@copperfieldmedia.com
Jerre Wroble, editor jerre@copperfieldmedia.com
February/March 2018 • Vamoose Utah |
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VISIT PARK CITY
Winter Vamoose Utah2018 | 8 8 | Vamoose Utah2017• • February/March
E Peak
EXPERIENCE PARK CITY’S STAR QUALITY SHINES BRIGHTLY IN WINTER
BY KATHLEEN CURRY & GEOFF GRIFFIN
very winter, visitors flock to Park City from around the world, vying to experience the top-ranked ski resorts and Sundance Film Festival. But we in Utah have it good: Most of us can enjoy the movie-star charms of this mountain town in less than an hour’s drive from Salt Lake City via Interstate 80. Park City caters to a broad demographic from high-end skiers and boarders to family recreationists, movie buffs to on-the-cheap ski bums. In our suggestions for a weekend getaway, we’ve highlighted dining, accommodations and activities that range from splurges and pampering to affordable family outings.
February/March 2018 • Vamoose Utah | Winter 2017• Vamoose Utah |
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••••
Thursday
Thursday Afternoon/Evening Salt Lake City to Summit Park
Head east on I-80 out of Salt Lake and, on your way up the canyon, take exit 140 to do some tubing at Gorgoza Park (3863 W. Kilby Road, 435-658-2648, Gorgoza.com). This is a great stop if you’ve got kids, or you’re someone who craves an outdoor winter activity but lacks the balance to be great on skis or a snowboard. With three different levels of tubing hills, you’re sure to find the Goldilocks option that fits you just right. Don’t worry about hauling your tube up the hill. They’ve got a tow line for that. When you’re done, head into one of the heated warming yurts for some hot chocolate.
Thursday Afternoon/ Evening
Summit Park to Park City
Washington School House Hotel
After tubing, hop back on I-80 and continue east to Kimball Junction/exit 145 and follow UT-224 into the heart of downtown Park City. There, you’ll find any number of lodging options. For those on a budget, consider a stay at Park City Hostel (1781 Sidewinder Dr., 435-731-8811, ParkCityHostel.com), which opened in 2016 in Prospector Square. Just as in European hostels you may be familiar with, there is a large public area for hanging out and a full kitchen for cooking. For a boutique hotel that’s close to everywhere you want to be, book a stay at the Washington School House Hotel (543 Park Ave., 800-824-1672, WashingtonSchooHouse.com). Built in 1889, and, as is implied by the name, it was one of three original schools in Park City.
WASHINGTON SCHOOL HOUSE HOTEL
VISIT PARK CITY
Tubing at Gorgoza Park
Downtown Park City
VISIT PARK CITY
NPS VISIT PARK CITY
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High West Distillery
As soon as you’re unpacked, take a five-minute walk on Park Avenue to High West Distillery (703 Park Ave., 435-649-8300, HighWest.com), a gastro-distillery located in two adjoining historic buildings. One serves as a saloon, while the other is a restaurant where servers will recommend whiskey pairings for your dish, or bring you a whiskey flight to sample. High West opened in 2006 as the first (legal) still in Utah since 1870 and has been making award-winning bourbon, ryes, whiskeys and vodkas ever since. Try some bacon and pecan caramel corn for an appetizer, grilled pork tomahawk as a main course and save room for a dessert called the “Grillswith,” which consists of a Krispy Kreme Donut topped with ice cream, cinnamon and whiskey caramel.
Friday
VISIT PARK CITY
VISIT PARK CITY
••••
Catching air at Park City’s world-class resorts
Firewood
Friday Morning
Friday Night
Wake up to breakfast provided right at the Washington School House Hotel. Since you’re in Park City, you’ve got to spend at least one day on the slopes at some of America’s favorite resorts. Deer Valley (2250 Deer Valley Dr. South, 800-424-3337, DeerValley.com) offers a mix of old and new for 2018. The resort is being acquired by a new ownership group. As such, the new owners will inherit a place that’s won the World Ski Award as best U.S. resort for five straight years, while also being named the top destination in North America by the readers of Ski magazine. Meanwhile, Vail Resorts purchased Park City Mountain (1345 Lowell Ave., 435-6498111, ParkCityMountain.com) and the former Canyons resort, and, in 2015, literally linked the two together with a gondola line running between them. Skiers now have one unified experience on 7,300 acres. If you’re skiing at Park City Mountain, one quick and easy lunch option is at Davanza’s. (690 Park Ave., 435-649-2222, Davanzas. com). Located just off the Town Lift, you’ll find the lunch crowd is typically decked out in ski gear and is just grabbing a slice of pizza, burger or sandwich before heading back to the slopes.
After a full day of world-class skiing or boarding on the slopes, head to Park City’s Main Street for the sustenance of Firewood (306 Main, 435-252-9900, FirewoodOnMain.com), an eatery that’s become one of the town’s favorite après-ski spots. As the name indicates, the entire menu is cooked over a wood fire on a 14-foot long stove. Start off with baked gnocchi before moving on to coal-roasted beets combined with blue cheese, cinnamon and sherry vinaigrette, before finishing up with classic cherry wood-smoked brisket. There’s also a full bar serving up cocktails with names like Her Remedy, Fire Line and Hot Hooch. To keep the party going into the evening, head to The Cabin (825 Main, 435-565-2337, TheCabinParkCity.com) for live music and DJs along with a choice of cocktails, beer, wine and bottle service. Don’t leave before solving the mystery of what an “elkupine” is.
Park City Main Street
The Cabin
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CABIN
Deer Valley/Park City Mountain
February/March 2018 • Vamoose Utah |
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Saturday
VISIT PARK CITY
••••
Nordic skiing outside Park City
Saturday Morning
Saturday Afternoon
Thaynes Canyon Drive
Start your day with a hot cup of Joe at Campos Coffee (1385 Lowell Ave., 435-731-8377, us.CamposCoffee.com) Campos made a name for itself in Australia with multiple locations in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, before making its first foray into the States in December 2016, opening its Park City store. Food is also on the menu, with avocado toast being a popular selection. While Park City is beautiful up in the mountains, it can be just as gorgeous to be in the valley looking up at the hills while cross-country skiing. If you’re new to the sport, check out White Pine Touring, which can rent you skis and even offers you the use of a 3-kilometer track at its Nordic Center (15415 Thaynes Canyon Drive, 435-649-6249, WhitePineTouring.com) that’s perfect for beginners. Lessons and guided tours (local and backcountry) are also available.
Campos Coffee
Park City Ice Arena
If you follow the old rule of “eat where the locals eat,” you’ll feel right at home at El Chubasco Mexican Grill (1890 Bonanza Drive, 435-645-9114, ElChubascoMexicanGrill.com) where you have a choice of 19 salsas at the salsa bar (yes, really) on fresh-made tacos, burritos and fajitas. After lunch, head over to the indoor Olympic-size ice sheet at Park City Ice Arena (600 Gillmor Way, 435-615-5707, ParkCity. org) for a public open-skate session, dropin hockey or, on certain evenings, learn the sport of curling when the Park City Curling Club (ParkCityCurlingClub.com) holds one of its “Learn to Curl” nights.
JOHN PENNELL
12 | Vamoose Utah • February/March 2018
CAMPOS COFFEE
Curling
VISIT PARK CITY
Vertical Ad.pdf 1 11/2/2017 11:04:35 AM
St. Regis patio
Saturday Night Deer Valley
Feeling like you want to splurge? Drive up to the Deer Valley area and spend the night at the St. Regis (2300 Deer Valley Drive East, 435-940-5700, StRegisDeerValley.com). From the moment you ride the funicular up to the front lobby, you’ll be living in the lap of luxury. After getting settled, make a reservation at J&G Grill (St. Regis Deer Valley, 2300 Deer Valley Drive East, Park City, 435-940-5760, JGGrillDeercrest.com). The J&G initials are for the restaurant’s renowned chef, Jean-Georges Vongerichten. Since it can be hard to choose between selections such as roasted lobster fennel bisque with bitter cocoa brandied cream, roasted bone marrow or Snake River Farms pork chops, consider ordering off the “Tasting Menu,” which features four courses along with wine pairings. After dinner, you don’t even have to walk outside to appreciate the St. Regis Wine Vault, housing more than 13,000 bottles (with sommeliers at the ready) or the St. Regis Bar. Since the bloody mary was invented at the St. Regis in New York City, every sister property has its own version of the drink. In the case of Park City, the 7452 Mary (the number tells you the altitude) uses local High West vodka and black salt around the glass rim to celebrate the town’s mining heritage. This showstopper is topped with a Wasabi-celery foam.
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COURTESY ST. REGIS DEER VALLEY RESORT
The St. Regis Deer Valley signature 7452 Mary
February/March 2018 • Vamoose Utah |
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••••
Sunday Morning
STEIN ERIKSEN LODGE
Sunday Afternoon Utah Olympic Park
Sunday Evening Kimball Junction
While you’re in the neighborhood, before you head back home, make one last stop at Sushi Blue Grille & Sake House (1571 Redstone Center Drive, 435-575-4272, SushiBlueParkCity.com) in the Redstone Center. This restaurant is the creation of Bill White, the man who also brought you Park City classics such as Grappa, Chimayo and Wahso. At Sushi Blue, besides plenty of sushi options, you’ll find unique offerings such as Korean street tacos, charred octopus, Vietnamese wings with garlic fish sauce or kimchi gazpacho. Park City is a star, no doubt. With its colorful history and a Main Street buzzing with boutiques and galleries, it remains at its core a small town with a golden heart. Its natural beauty, diverse activities, high-end amenities and family-friendly attractions will more than grant you a memorable weekend. For more information, check out VisitParkCity.com.
14 | Vamoose Utah • February/March 2018
XXXXXX The thrill of the Winter Bobsled Experience
To top off your Park City winter staycation, when driving toward I-80 en route to Salt Lake City, turn off at Utah Olympic Park (3419 Olympic Parkway, 435-658-4200, UtahOlympicLegacy.org). Take a tour to learn about Utah’s Olympic history and get a look from the top of the ski jump to see just how steep it is. Winter activities also are available, including hopping into a bobsled behind a professional driver and taking a ride down the very same track that was used in the 2002 Olympics.
XXXXXX VISIT PARK XXXXX CITY
When you wake up at the St. Regis, you’re not far from Stein Eriksen Lodge (7700 Stein Way, 435-649-3700, SteinLodge.com) where Sunday brunch at the Forbes fourstar Glitretind Restaurant was the first of its kind offered by a luxury hotel in Utah. The meal here is an institution that draws visitors from far and wide, so don’t miss out if you’re this close. Go ahead and sleep in, as brunch doesn’t start until 11 a.m. (but make advance reservations to ensure prompt seating).
Stein Eriksen Lodge’s Sunday brunch
Stein Eriksen Lodge
Sunday
Hidden
GEM
OGDEN’S A HAVEN FOR THE HIP AND THE HUMBLE
Y
es, it’s a ski town. The Ogden Valley boasts three resorts in one small area. But Ogden also offers a vibrant city experience, so not only can you hit the slopes, but you can abscond here for a weekend getaway that will be especially fun.
COURTESY VISIT OGDEN
BY KATHLEEN CURRY & GEOFF GRIFFIN
Ogden’s historic district is anchored by Union Station February/March 2018 • Vamoose Utah |
15
UTAH’S HUB CITY
16 | Vamoose Utah • February/March 2018
COURTESY VISIT OGDEN
COURTESY VISIT OGDEN
Ogden became the main terminal for a transcontinental railroad line in the late 1800s, and the town’s railroad past still can be felt today. To immerse yourself in it, book a stay at the Bigelow Hotel & Residences (2510 Washington Blvd., 801-6271900, BenLomondSuites. com)—formerly the Historic Ben Lomond Hotel—the prominent anchor at one end of 25th Street. Dating back to 1927, the art-deco feel of the grand lobby is just one of the reasons the building is registered as a Utah Historic Site. The anchor at the other end of 25th Street is Ogden’s Union Station (2501 Wall Ave., 801-3939890, TheUnionStation. org), home to the Winter Market sponsored by Farmers Market Ogden (Fa r m e r s M a r ke t O g d e n . com) that runs Jan. 20Feb. 24, and features local produce, artisans and entertainment. Between the hotel and the station, 25th Street overflows with dining and entertainment options. One of the originals that kicked off the revitalization of 25th Street some 20 Ogden’s Historic 25th Street years ago was Roosters Brewing Co. & Restaurant (253 25th St., 801-627-6171, RoostersBrewingCo.com). Stop in to taste the Wildcats basketball, performing arts calendar O-Town Nut Brown or Irreverent Pale Ale while and cultural events provide its student body sampling the “What a Crock” appetizer—eight and visitors with a steady stream of goings-on. cheeses baked with crab, artichoke hearts and A new activity in town can be found at Social roasted garlic served with a baguette. Axe (2236 Washington Blvd., 801-395-2937, If you’re looking for one of 25th Street’s SocialAxeThrowing.com). If you’ve ever fancied newest entries, keep an eye out for yourself a lumberjack, this is your chance to Underground 225, a speakeasy located under try out actual axe throwing. This seriously is Zucca Ristorante (225 25th St., 801-475-7077, a thing. Get together with some friends (that’s MyZucca.com). Since it’s a speakeasy, the front the “social” part of the name), and they’ll door is easy to miss, but once inside, you’ll teach you how to throw before your group enjoy classic decor and cocktails. After your finishes off the session with a bracket-style cocktail, head upstairs to Zucca for caprese tournament called the “Axe Battle Royale.” risotto with tomatoes and basil, or risotto topped with shrimp and lobster sautéed in white wine and garlic. Ogden’s youthful vibe might be at least partially explained by the presence of Weber State University (3848 Harrison Blvd., Ogden, 801-626-6000, Weber,edu) whose rousing
Pub grub at Rooster’s Brewing Co. & Restaurant
UP THE CANYON
ALASKAN INN BED & BREAKFAST
COURTESY VISIT OGDEN
Couples looking for a romantic getaway in a mountain setting can find Alaskan Inn Bed & Breakfast (435 Ogden Canyon, 801-6218600, AlaskanInn.com) on the drive up Ogden Canyon. You not only get your own secluded small cabin with all modern amenities, in the morning, you’ll hear a knock at the door and open it to find a tray filled with a home-cooked breakfast. Once you make it to the top of the canyon, head over to Eden to New World Distillery (4795 E. 2600 North, Eden, 385-244-0144, NewWorldDistillery.com) that opened in December 2016. Whether your tastes run to Barrel-Rested Gin or Utah Tart Cherry Liqueur, you can find out how they’re made and have a taste during public tours and tastings held every Friday and Saturday during ski season.
New World Distillery’s Oomaw Gin
Alaskan Inn Bed & Breakfast
February/March 2018 • Vamoose Utah |
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COURTESY VISIT OGDEN
The restaurants, clubs and accommodations in the Ogden area are also notable in that they sit close to some famous ski resorts. When the Olympics came to Utah in 2002, the spot picked for the world’s fastest skiers in the downhill event was Snowbasin (3925 E. Snowbasin Rd., Huntsville, 888-437-5488, SnowBasin.com). For 2017-18, the resort is celebrating the opening of the new Wildcat Express 6-pack chairlift. The new seats increase the carrying capacity of the Wildcat Lift, which was built in 1946. The hashtag for Powder Mountain (Utah Highway 158, 8000 N., 5100 E., Eden, 801745-3772, PowderMountain.com) this season is #PreservingThePow, and the resort is doing it with two new lifts serving over 1,000 new acres. The resort’s skiable terrain of 8,464 acres—the largest patch in North America—can be enjoyed crowd-free since Powder Mountain caps its day passes at 1,500 and adult season passes at 1,000. Nordic Valley (3567 Nordic Valley Way, Eden, 801-745-3511, NordicValley.com) is celebrating its 50th anniversary, having first opened in 1968. One-hundred percent of the mountain is under lights for night-skiing. Ogden is worth a visit for the skiing alone, but you could easily make a case for visiting “just because.” And with the FrontRunner providing light-rail service from Salt Lake City, you don’t
Snowbasin’s uncrowded slopes offer variety and adventure
800.448.2327 bearlake.org
Bear Lake snow. 101 uses and counting. 18 | Vamoose Utah • February/March 2018
The stunning views from Snowbasin Resort
COURTESY VISIT OGDEN
DID WE MENTION SKIING?
even need a car to get here. For ideas on how to enjoy your getaway, check out Visit Ogden. (VisitOgden.com)
COURTESY VISIT OGDEN
made
W
e who live along the mighty Wasatch Range never tire of its granite peaks beckoning adventurers from around the globe. Those riders and racers who thrive on adrenalinedrenched thrills and chills often spend time devising ways to improve their high-altitude quests. Some go on to start businesses that cater to kindred outdoor-loving folk, people whose greatest joy is a custom pair of skis, boots and poles, made by people who love winter sports as much as their customers do. In the following pages, we’re shining a light on three companies—7even Skis, DaleBoot and Soul Poles—all Utah-based and offering one-of-a-kind products, that have raised the bar for others in the outdoor industry.
IN U TA H
February/March 2018 • Vamoose Utah |
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Holding
AN EDGE
YEARS OF SKI RACING INSPIRED THE OWNER OF 7EVEN TO BUILD HIS OWN HIGH-PERFORMING SKIS BY DARBY DOYLE
20 | Vamoose Utah • February/March 2018
race-inspired all-mountain skis,” Herilla says. “They can hold an edge like a race ski but have very little vibration and can carve a great turn in any conditions” from powder to windblown ice or a day of spring skiing with a frozen-crud start to corn-snow finish. “My skis are definitely a niche market,” Herilla admits, noting that most of his customers are expert skiers over the age of 30. “When I build a custom ski for someone, I encourage them to demo the off-the-rack models,” of which there are currently three types available (prices start at $949, but look for discounts in the off-season down to $749). He asks them how they felt on the skis so he can make micro-adjustments as needed, using his experience in ski engineering to fine-tune the side cut, rocker and other dynamics. In addition to professional ski tuning, the 7even Skis shop does snowboard wax/ tuning, and sells wax, tuning equipment, poles, goggles, helmets, sunscreen and other accessories. “We’ve got everything but boots,” Herilla says. The shop also offers free one-day demos of all of their stock skis to encourage people to try out the brand (boots and beginner skis not available). After the first day, ski demos are $30 per day, with the cost of the demo deducted from the price of the ski if you buy a pair. The 7even Skis website has all the details, or visit the shop. And give Sonic a good scratch under the chin while you’re there. 7even Skis 25 W. Louise Ave. (2860 South) SLC 801-856-0291 7evenskis.com
COURTESY 7EVEN SKIS
F
resh-sawn wood, ski wax, a little bit of machine oil. Scent is the first sense activated when entering the tidy 7even Skis shop just off Main Street in South Salt Lake, tipping me off that this is not your typical 10-minute-wax beginner boot/ ski-rental operation. The bell over the door brings the immediate attention of Sonic, shop owner Todd Herilla’s friendly Border Collie, who trots over to greet me by the register. She jumps up to rest her front paws on the top of a waist-high gate made of repurposed old skis, and I give her a good scratch under the chin. A young ski tech—earbuds in place and hot wax iron in hand—shoots me a grin and a “We’ll be right with you.” From the custom-built wood-core ski selection in back to the careful hand tuning of race skis in the front of the shop, it’s immediately evident that 7even Skis is all about craftsmanship and attention to detail. With a background in ski racing—Herilla attended prestigious Burke Mountain ski racing academy in Vermont during high school and then raced for Ski Club Vail—7even Skis has been known for years as the go-to shop for professional ski tuning. That goes for local ski racers and customers who’d like their boards at optimal performance for all mountain conditions. Herilla’s company 7even Skis reflects having one ski boot metaphorically planted in racing and the other clicked into an all-mountain binding. “My skis combine traditional race styles with new technology, making them a great all-mountain performance ski,” Herilla says. He compares his ski-design philosophy to how automotive technology often starts with performance track racing and influences the mainstream automobile industry. “They’re
Time to
REBOOT
SKIERS FROM AROUND THE WORLD DESCEND ON UTAH FOR DALEBOOT’S CUSTOM, COMFORTABLE FIT
U
tahns are lucky to have high-caliber ski gear companies in our midst. One of those companies, DaleBoot ski boots, has been around for decades and enjoys an international following but has managed to maintain its hometown roots and resounding customer service. These custom boots are not just for the pros, although Darian Stevens and Wiley Miller are sponsored by the brand. DaleBoot makes a lighter, warmer, more comfortable boot that’s easier to get in and out of. The company is constantly updating its designs with new materials and technology. In discussing the company’s 40-year history, Mike Sheets, DaleBoot’s North American sales manager, tells how company founder Mel Dalebout came to the University of Utah in the ’60s to play Ute football. Dalebout quickly discovered skiing—so quickly, that within two years, he was an alternate for the U.S. Ski Team. From his first time standing in a pair of ski boots, though, Dalebout knew they could be a better fit. So, he took a pair home to his garage and started tinkering. Soon after, in 1969, Dalebout sold his first homemade ski boots in the Alta resort parking lot. DaleBoot took off and began competing with some of the biggest ski-boot companies of the 1970s and ’80s. After surviving legal battles and a diminishing market, Dalebout secured a contract to make boots for what was then the new sport of snowboarding. DaleBoot provided Burton with some of its first boot liners. In 2007, Rob Graham, a skier sponsored by DaleBoot in the 1980s, approached Dalebout to open a shop in Europe. That shop—in Kitzbühel, Austria—is now the company’s headquarters, and Graham, the new owner. But the company retained its North American headquarters, with factory and retail store, in Salt Lake City.
Sheets says that customers often fly into town just for a pair of boots. The customer will take some easy measurements at home, and a pair of boots will be awaiting them when they arrive at the shop. After the customer wears them for a day of skiing, the boots go back to the shop for fine tuning. Even after returning home, customers can return their boots to the factory for adjustments. All the work that goes into a pair of DaleBoots may sound extravagant, but the flat rate of $825 is on par with an average high-end ski boot. All adjustments are free, and the boots come with a money-back guarantee. Even still, DaleBoot doesn’t have a monopoly on custom ski boots. Big companies like Nordica and Rossignol are tapping into the market. When asked if he was worried about staying ahead of the curve, Sheets seemed genuinely unconcerned. He explained that while it’s true that big companies are moving into their territory, DaleBoot has been innovating and delivering customer service for more than 40 years. “We will never be a big-box brand,” Sheets says. “Anyone we take care of, we want them to be happy. That’s our goal. We want them to be on the hill longer; we want them to be skiing longer.” And this is why DaleBoot stands out. Customer satisfaction comes first and foremost to the entire team. The staff in the shop work at the factory during the summer, so you can look forward to being helped by someone who really knows what they’re talking about. DaleBoot 2955 E. 3300 South SLC 801-487-3649 DaleBoot.com
COURTESY DALEBOOT
BY DAVID MILLER
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Made
WITH SOUL UNIQUE BAMBOO SOUL POLES BRING THE GREEN TO THE SLOPES BY MEGAN WALSH
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the essential Original Soul Pole that started it all to the soulLite, which came from a Kickstarter campaign in 2014. SoulLite features ergonomic handles for gloved hands and interchangeable baskets for yearround use. There are three pages of Soul Poles to choose from on their website, ranging from customizable DIY kits, where customers choose the tips, baskets and handles they want, and whether or not they want their poles engraved (mine say “Ski Like a Girl”) to streamlined singular color options. They’ve also partnered with a variety of organizations like SheJumps and the World Cup Dreams Foundation for special-edition poles. For those searching for something truly beautiful, the R. Nelson Parrish Limited Edition poles (with a price point of $350), are hand painted with low VOC water-based paint and are customizable. In the Soul Poles office, hanging on the wall, is one of their Vibrant Soul Poles (similarly painted), inspired by the Wasatch sunrise. For Friedman, it all comes back to skiing, “That’s really where this all came from,” he says, “I’m a skier at heart, through and through.” Making eco-friendly products for a community that has given him so much is at the heart of his business. “Call it our family, our friends, or our tribe,” he says, “we love working with awesome people doing awesome things.” Soul Poles start at $99 and can be purchased by appointment at the shop. Soul Poles also offers build-it-yourself workshops at their headquarters, and mobile workshops at your home, business or hotel. Soul Poles 1490 Munchkin Road Park City 888-612-7685 SoulPoles.com
Courtesy Soul Poles
F
or 10 years, Bryon Friedman skied on the U.S. Ski Team, eventually working his way onto the World Cup circuit, and competing at the Olympic level. For longer than that, he skied the Wasatch backcountry and the groomers of Park City Mountain Resort. Now, he and former U.S. Ski Team racer, Erik Schlopy, are on to a new competition: that of growing a unique small business catering to skiers. As a ski racer, gear is of utmost concern. Types of skis, wax or poles can make the difference between levels of the podium, or not placing at all. These two have used their understanding of ski gear and the industry to create Soul Poles, a product that not only meets high race standards but also uses a renewable resource in its manufacture: bamboo. When the duo first set out to create Soul Poles, they looked to the past for inspiration. For years, skiers in both developed and rural areas have used bamboo poles for their strength, abundance and ease of use. With more than 220 species of bamboo to draw from, and the fact that not much imagination is necessary to fashion bamboo as a walking or skiing accessory, bamboo seemed a choice material for the poles. Add to that bamboo’s durability and a breaking point of 309 pounds (aluminum bends permanently with 150 pounds of pressure), the pair was soon sold on bamboo and began ordering it in bulk. While the bamboo is sourced from China, the rest of the recycled product can be found a bit closer to home. Tips are made in South Salt Lake City, handles are injection molded in South Carolina, and every pole is hand assembled in the 1,300-square-foot Park City shop, where Friedman and Schlopy hire employees locally—from full-time ski bums to kids at area high schools. Growing year over year, the Soul Poles line has gone through five iterations, from
Keep It
SIMPLE
HOW TO SURVIVE THE WINTER DOLDRUMS ONE MANTRA AT A TIME BY JACKILYN ROCK PHOTOS BY EVELYN CERVANTES
I
t’s winter. Daylight hours diminish, temperatures drop and comfort food temptations abound. Couple that with the potential for winter colds and flu, and you may feel a malaise coming on. The idea of exercising might be the farthest thing from your mind. However, physical activity provides numerous psychological benefits. So, before hunkering down under the blanket on the sofa for the season, consider these ways to conquer the doldrums.
Exercise is a depression buster. It naturally and quickly boosts your mood as it stimulates the production of endorphins. As they are structured similarly to morphine, endorphins create euphoric feelings within us and help minimize physical discomfort. In addition, exercise is known to significantly reduce anxiety and stress over time. If you still need convincing, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that even a few moments of daily physical activity can help prevent simple bacterial and viral infections.
Ready to give it a try? Here are ways to help you stay on top of your mood.
POSITIVE SELF TALK If finding the motivation to get off the couch is a struggle, consider changing your internal dialogue. Empower yourself with a strong “I can fight off the winter blues” approach. Positive affirmations and mantras practiced daily (“I will be healthy and happy this winter”) can help change your thought process. February/March 2018 • Vamoose Utah |
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KEEP IT SIMPLE Aside from an actual workout, there are easy ways to increase physical activity during the winter months. One simple way to get your body moving is to take the stairs at home, while shopping or at work (even add in a few extra flights). Or, try walking the long way to the bathroom/breakroom during the day. Bundle up and walk the dog at night. Engage in social indoor activities such as basketball, pickleball, racquetball, roller skating, sledding or hockey. Make an outing of it.
SET AN ACTIVITY GOAL Challenge yourself this winter by joining a gym, completing a fitness challenge or changing your current routine. Experiment with activities such as swimming in a heated pool, taking a water-aerobics class, joining friends for hot yoga or attending a group class you’ve not tried before. Set physical activity goals that work for you (for example, 30 days in a row, or 5 days a week), own those goals and be committed. Get excited and anticipate reaching the goal. Be proud of your efforts along the way.
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DITCH THE EXCUSES Whether you’re just beginning to increase your physical activity or wanting to maintain your current level of fitness without a seasonal setback, you need to be ready to fend off the inevitable list of excuses that will arise. If evening darkness has you feeling sleepy, try working out first thing in the morning, on your lunch breaks, on your days off, while dinner is in the oven, as a social activity with friends or during TV commercials.
FOOD IS NOT THE ANSWER Appetites change during winter months. We crave heavy, rich foods that are high in fat— sometimes to warm our insides, sometimes due to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). It could also be simply because we’re bored. Try not to let eating become a winter “activity” or an emotional bandage. Stay on track as you would at other times of the year, which means indulge on occasion—
If it’s too cold or inclement outside to enjoy your normal fitness routine, layer up and try a new outdoor activity. Nature has a positive effect on mental health. Activities that get you outside such as snowshoeing, crosscountry skiing, ice skating, snowboarding, snow hiking and nature walks can restore mental energy. But what about bad air quality? This is a valid concern for residents among the Wasatch Front. If you are used to outdoor physical activity, head to the hills. Our mountains are moments away and offer activities for everyone. The views alone
can elevate any mood. Also, the sunlight provides a healthy dose of vitamin D. What to do if you find yourself snowed in? Try an indoor workout on YouTube or on a DVD. Put on music and dance. Hire an online personal trainer to hold you accountable from the comfort of your own living room. If you battle a general sense of fatigue, consider focusing on restorative activities like stretching, yoga or tai chi. You’ll find your energy levels, physical strength, flexibility and mental state will dramatically improve.
but not daily—if you want to keep your weight in check. Eat healthy, fresh foods that nourish your body and give it the energy to thrive. Whether it’s a short in-home workout, a bowling night with friends or a snowball fight with the kids, any physical activity is going to have a positive impact on your mental health. View maintaining your health as a top priority and take steps to keep active this winter. Knowing you can fend off the blues might
just mean you actually embrace winter’s arrival—because for you, winter becomes a happy and active time of year. As owner/operator of Rock Fit Training & Fitness, Jackilyn Rock is a certified personal trainer who is passionate about helping people of all abilities achieve optimal health and fitness. Follow her on Instagram at @ rockfittraining. February/March 2018 • Vamoose Utah |
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GEAR
Giveaway Oakley Off-Road
Vamoose Utah is giving our readers plenty of reasons to get active this winter. With our Gear Giveaway, you can enter to win awesome prizes from the businesses featured here. All you have to do it visit vamooseutah.com and sign up for the Vamoose Utah newsletter to get weekly updates on prizes.
Alpha Coffee
Fisher Cyclery Sugarhouse
From black top to red rock, Oakley Off-road has you covered. In addition to offering a full line of off-road equipment and accessories, our detail shop can make your vehicle look better than new. Enter now to win a Complete Detail Package valued up to $300. Visit our website for special deals on detailing, vehicle lighting, suspension packages and more. 9342 South 500 West | Sandy (801) 254-5506 | oakleyoffroad.com
Co-owned by a combat veteran and military spouse, Alpha Coffee provides customers with premium roasts and sends donated beans to service members deployed downrange—more than 10,000 bags to date. They have been selling their specialty roasts online since Sept 11, 2010, and recently opened their first coffee shop at the mouth of Big Cottonwood Canyon. 7260 Racquet Club Dr. I Cottonwood Heights (801) 573-8475 | www.alpha.coffee
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The road calls. From high mountain peaks to friendly neighborhood streets, it’s an open invitation to ride. So whether you’re digging deep to cruise faster and farther, or on a casual cruise to a local cafe, Giant bikes help you make the most of every onroad experience. 2175 South 900 East | Sugarhouse (801) 254-5506 | fishercyclery.com
Centered City Yoga
Centered City Yoga is well known for it’s incredibly talented, professional, and devoted (both to yoga and to the clientele) teachers, none of whom take themselves too seriously. They teach yoga not to define their lives, but because they have seen the good it can do in their busy and full lives, and hope to share those benefits with you. 926 East 900 South | Salt Lake City (801) 521-YOGA | centeredcityyoga.com
BACKCOUNTRY
Juicy
BISON BITES
TRAVELING BACK ROADS FOR LOCALLY SOURCED INGREDIENTS ADDS TO THE FLAVOR STORY, RECIPE & PHOTOS BY DARBY DOYLE
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f you haven’t been to Woodland, Utah, lately, you’re missing out on a foodieforward adventure. For years, stopping in nearby Kamas has been our family’s “must-do” tradition on the way back from a long weekend camping in the Uintas or early morning fly fishing off the Mirror Lake Highway. There’s nothing quite like a juicy burger and over-the-rim thick shake from Hi-Mountain Drug (40 N. Main, Kamas, 435-783-4466) to finish off a fantastic trip. On Fridays, Hi-Mountain serves its famous Bison Burger special, made with meat from nearby Buffalo Run Ranch (4611 E. Bench Creek Road, Woodland, 435-200-9360, BuffaloRunRanch.com). Ranch manager Wade Klingler tells me, “Absolutely, it’s the best bison burger in the world.” Since the Klingler family has been raising bison since 2010 in Woodland, I’m not going
to argue with his assessment. But I think my mini bison sliders may give Hi-Mountain a run for its money. After stopping at the Buffalo Run Ranch to stock up on bison from their store freezers, we then drove down Bench Creek Road to nearby Gold Creek Farm (6297 E. Bench Creek Road, Woodland, 435-517-7670, GoldCreekFarms.com) and bought a selection of its award-winning artisan cheddar cheese to top our burgers (pro tip: if they have it in stock, the truffle cheddar is well worth the expense). These adorable bison slider bites are made even better with some homemade pepper sauce—similar in texture to ketchup or steak sauce—that I can in bulk each harvest to enjoy all year ‘round. Whether grilled in camp or at home, these sliders are a satisfying treat.
Buy assorted cuts from Buffalo Run Ranch’s freezer, including an entire 112-pound bison quarter
Buffalo Run Ranch bison enjoy 850 acres of pasture, from high mountain meadows to the banks of the Provo River
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GRILLED BISON SLIDERS WITH CHARRED PEPPER SAUCE Since bison is much leaner than beef and can dry out quickly, avoid overcooking these mini burgers by keeping a careful eye on them and only flipping once. Although food scientists recommend that, like beef, ground bison should be cooked until well done (160 degrees F), I regularly throw caution to the wind, believing bison tastes best when still pink in the middle. Makes 6. • • • • •
Grilled Bison Sliders
1 pound ground bison Salt and pepper Olive oil 6 slider buns 4 ounces shredded pimento cheddar cheese • Charred pepper sauce (recipe, below) • Toppings: lettuce, onion, pickles
Handling the meat gently (so it doesn’t get too dense and compacted), separate into six equal portions. Shape into small patties about 2 1/2 inches in diameter and no more than 3/4inch thick, generously season both sides with salt and pepper. Drizzle each side with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking. Grill interior surface of slider buns over indirect heat on the grill until toasted. Grill burgers over medium-high flames on one side for about 4 minutes, or until dark grill marks appear and the meat is sizzling. Flip gently, top the cooked side of the burger with cheese, close grill lid, and grill for another 3-5 minutes (until the burgers reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees for medium-rare or 160 for well done). Remove from heat, and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to retain juices. Serve loaded with all the fixin’s.
FEATURED BUSINESS
Charred Pepper Sauce
• 2 pounds tomatoes (dense fruits like Roma work best) • 2 1/2 pounds red bell peppers (about 10) • 6-7 red jalapeño peppers • 1 large yellow onion, chopped • 1 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar • 1/2 cup molasses • 1 pound dark brown sugar • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika • 1 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper • 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
To prep the tomatoes and peppers: Heat grill to medium-high. Char tomatoes and peppers on all sides until skins blacken and split. Remove to a very large nonreactive bowl; cover steaming peppers and tomatoes with plastic wrap and set aside for about an hour, or until cool enough to handle (this will loosen skins). Wear gloves for this next part: peel off tomato and pepper skins, and remove tough stems and seeds. Don’t worry if you don’t get all of the charred skins removed, it’ll all go into the blender anyway. To a large stockpot, combine all ingredients and bring to a boil. Reduce to simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the onions are soft and translucent. Remove from the heat and purée with a stick blender (or if using a blender or food processor, do so in small batches so you don’t get a hot goo explosion all over yourself and your kitchen). Return purée to stovetop, simmer over low heat until thickened to desired consistency, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking; about 2 hours. Remove from heat. Cool to room temperature, then store in clean jars in the refrigerator (use within 3 weeks.) Or, preserve in clean hot jars following standard directions for water-bath canning, 15 minutes baseline for sea level Makes approximately 5 cups of sauce, so have five 8-ounce jars ready to fill.
The owners of Alpha Coffee
ALPHA COFFEE
7260 Racquet Club Dr., Cottonwood Heights, UT 84121 (801) 573-8475 | www.alpha.coffee Co-owned by a combat veteran and military spouse, Alpha Coffee provides customers with premium roasts and sends donated beans to service members deployed downrange—more than 10,000 bags to date. They have been selling their specialty roasts online since Sept 11, 2010, and recently opened their first coffee shop at the mouth of Big Cottonwood Canyon.
WHAT’S IT LIKE STARTING A COMPANY AND WORKING WITH YOUR WIFE?
It’s great! Lori has been critical to our success and we are a great team. We’ve been together for over 30 years and have been going strong through multiple military deployments, moving around the world, raising two kids, and all kinds of adversity. So I couldn’t have asked for a better partner to start a business with and work with on a daily basis.
WHAT MAKES YOU DIFFERENT FROM OTHER COMPANIES?
First and foremost, we take premium Arabica beans from the premier coffee growing regions of the world and roast them to perfection. Secondly, as a combat veteran owned business, a core part of who we are is our “Coffee for Troops” mission. We’ve sent more than 10,000 bags of donated coffee to to service members who are deployed.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR NEW COFFEE SHOP.
We’ve been open for six months now, and have had an incredibly positive response to our shop, its location and our barista team. We moved here to ski, climb, hike, and mountain bike in the Wasatch Mountains so being at the mouth of Big Cottonwood Canyon is the perfect spot for like-minded folks to grab a great cup of coffee.
WHAT WOULD YOU RECOMMEND FOR SOMEONE VISITING YOUR SHOP FOR THE FIRST TIME?
All our coffee is smooth and tasty and our specialty drinks are very coffee forward. In addition to our premium roasts we serve espressobased specialty drinks, all of which are warrior-themed and feature unique ingredients like butter, sea salt, organic coconut oil, chipotle syrup and honey.
WHAT ELSE DO YOU SERVE BESIDES COFFEE?
We also offer food to help kickstart your day and fuel your adventures up the canyon. We serve breakfast burritos, croissant breakfast sandwiches, power bagels, pastries, quiche, oatmeal, gelato, and grab-and-go food like jerky and nuts. Sponsored Content
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here are plenty of reasons to love camping. Any excuse to spend time in nature is all I need to load up the truck on a Friday afternoon. In winter, though, camping usually is not top of mind for those who like to play in the snow. But when I feel cooped up—which happens often in the winter—a tent and sleeping bag are the only cure, even if it means they are anchored to the top of a snowbank. If you’re undeterred by cold weather and love an outdoor challenge, you might even want to try snowcamping for yourself.
WHY I ... SNOW CAMP
Cold
COMFORT SNOWPACK AND FRIGID TEMPS SHOULDN’T KEEP YOU FROM A NATURE DATE. BY DAVID MILLER
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PLAN, PLAN, PLAN When I sit down to plan an excursion in the snow, the first thing I consider is location. In the winter, my list of possible destinations is fairly limited. A winter campsite needs to be accessible by road and a relatively short hike from the car. If the weather does something unexpected, bailing to the parking lot should always be an option. With this in mind, a few of my favorite spots are Arches National Park, Wasatch Mountain State Park, and campsites off the Mirror Lake Highway. Arches doesn’t technically qualify as snow camping since any snow that’s found there will be spotty at best. But the park is quieter and less populated in the winter, the rock formations are beautiful when frosted with snow, and staying warm and dry is fairly easy. But for a true snow-camping experience, you’ll need to head farther north. Jordan Pines in Big Cottonwood Canyon has sites for winter camping, and depending on the snow conditions, winter camping is allowed November through February. While the campground is unhosted, a Winter Camping Permit is required (available at the Public Lands Information Center, 3285 E. 3300 South, SLC, within REI). The sites are about an eighth of a mile from the parking lot, so they make a good spot for a tentative first-timer. For a taste of high Uinta wilderness, you might try camping along Mirror Lake Highway (aka State Route 150, east of Kamas) at dispersed sites (not established campgrounds), which offers a much more remote feel. In the summer, this highway takes drivers over Bald Mountain Pass, but in the winter, the gates are closed and parts of the roadway are groomed by the Forest Service for snowmobiles. Contact the Kamas Ranger District (435-783-4338) for more information.
GET YOURSELF IN GEAR A common misconception is that winter camping requires expensive technical gear. And while this may be true if you’re climbing a mountain or going on a two-week expedition, a weekend warrior like myself can definitely manage to winter-camp on a budget. To me, the most important winter gear is my clothing—it’s my first line of defense against the cold. It doesn’t have to be top of the line—I just keep an eye on the material. Cotton in the winter is a concern because it dries slowly and becomes cold when damp or wet. Polyester and polypropylene are perfect for base layers, as they wick moisture away from the skin. Fleece is my go-to material for mid-layers. It dries quickly and, when wet, still keeps me warm. I rummage around for some gently used but still waterproof ski pants and jacket February/March 2018 • Vamoose Utah |
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for my outmost layer. It’s important to make sure all the layers fit over each other. This is a good thing to verify at home—not when you’re in the parking lot. A good pair of boots is vital. I recommend Sorel’s Blizzard XT. At around $110, their durability, warmth and comfort make them a good investment and worth every penny! Obviously a tent, sleeping bag and pad, stove and headlamp are a must. All can be rented from the University of Utah Campus Recreation Services or REI in Salt Lake City. So if you’re missing some essential gear or want to experience an upgrade, check them out first. Most three-season tents will work in the winter just fine as long as you have the right sleeping bag. Or, if you’re feeling extra adventurous, consider building a snow cave (instructions here: RuggedFellowsGuide. com/build-a-snow-cave). I use my summer bag year-round, but in the winter, I beef it up with a liner and overbag. Sea to Summit offers a selection of liners, and mine adds 25 degrees to my bag. Two summer sleeping bags will have the same effect as an overbag, but I’m glad I spent the $150 on my Big Agnes Cross Mountain 45, warm enough for summer camping trips and light enough for backpacking. Camping stoves just keep getting smaller and cheaper so I really don’t see a reason not to spend $45 on the compact, ultralight and reliable MSR Pocket Rocket 2. Finally, don’t forget a light source as winter days are short, and no one wants to go stumbling around in the dark to relieve themselves.
DAVID’S GEAR GUIDE
Getting properly outfitted for snow camping initially requires a decent investment, but once you have your gear, it becomes a low-cost adventure. Here are a few of David Miller’s “must haves.”
Sorel’s Blizzard XT
Warm, waterproof footwear is vital. Opt for boots with drawstring tops to prevent snow from entering boots to shield yourself from frostbite.
Beef up a standard sleeping bag for winter camping with an overbag and liner combo. Choose one with a drawstring hood for added warmth.
$110 Sorel.com MSR Pocket Rocket 2
Hot, easy-to-make meals are essential for energy and warmth. This high-powered stove brings a liter of water to boil in as little as 3.5 minutes.
$45 Cabelas.com
SHUFFLE THOSE LAYERS
PAXSON WOELBER
Even with all the right gear, snow camping is not risk free. Hypothermia and frostbite are nothing to joke about, so keep a few principles in mind. First, stay dry. This means checking the weather and don’t go if you’re expecting a storm or a thaw that could leave you (and your layers) soaked in the morning. Secondly, use your layers to maintain body heat. I’m constantly shuffling my layers. The moment I begin to sweat, I shed a layer or add one before I start to shiver. Finally, eat and drink as much as possible. Your body needs to be fed and hydrated to stay warm.
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Sea To Summit Overbag & Liner
$63 Backcountry.com
THIS IS THE PLACE
Relics
AT RISK
GREG CHILD
NATIONAL MONUMENT REDUCTIONS ARE A SLAP IN THE FACE TO SCIENTISTS AND FIRST AMERICANS OPINION BY JERRY D. SPANGLER
O
n Sept. 18, 1996, I stood less than 50 feet from President Clinton as he signed the proclamation creating Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, which, at the time, was 1.7 million acres. It was a unique monument, one dedicated to scientific inquiry and intended to preserve the remarkable archaeological, paleontological and geological treasures in Garfield and Kane counties. I never imagined that two decades later, I would be the only (and hopefully not the last) non-federal archaeologist working in the monument, and that hyper-partisanship in Congress would inspire a new president to shatter the dream of a monument dedicated to scientific inquiry, When President Trump arrived in Salt Lake City in early December 2017 to slash the monument size by nearly half, I was sickened, not only by the threats facing our world-class archaeology, but by the falsehoods spewing from the mouths of our congressional delegation, state lawmakers, county commissioners and even our governor. Utah Rep. Jeremy Peterson, R-Ogden, gleefully tweeted that Trump’s actions had
reversed the “onerous” burden of the nationalmonument designation. The lands were still protected by federal law, he chirped, but the weight of the monument had somehow been lifted. Onerous? Pray tell, dear lawmaker. Is it onerous to manage off-road vehicles to stay on designated trails? Nope. Is it onerous to remove noxious weeds and invasive species that threaten the natural environment? Nope. Is it onerous to manage livestock in such a way as to protect sensitive riparian areas? I think not. Maybe he thinks it is onerous that household incomes have increased substantially since the monument designation as local economies shifted towards tourism. The only thing I see that is “onerous” about the monument designation, at least to pro-development folks in Congress and our state Capitol, was a ban on new mineral extraction (existing operations were allowed to continue). And therein lies the motivations for Trump’s actions: He had campaigned to bring back coal jobs. It was no secret that Clinton included the
Kaiparowits Plateau in the 1996 monument designation to block planned development of massive coal reserves on federal lands bordering Glen Canyon National Recreation area. Developers had been eying those reserves since the 1960s, only to be thwarted time and again by environmental regulations and/or changing economic realities. The planned development would rear its head every few years, and then it would die. In 1996, the development had again sparked to life with the backing of a Dutch company. Local leaders had visions of unprecedented wealth flowing into county coffers. Clinton killed that dream, and in so doing, he sparked a seething hatred toward the monument that persists two decades later. Long before Trump’s rollback of the monument boundaries, the Colorado Plateau Archaeological Alliance had begun developing a statistical model to predict where in the monument archaeological sites would be located and where they would be less likely to be found. The model allowed us to even predict what types of sites would be located in different environmental settings. February/March 2018 • Vamoose Utah |
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GREG CHILD
Rock art near Sand Island
Relics from the San Juan River Corridor
JONATHAN BAILEY
Jerry D. Spangler is executive director of the Colorado Plateau Archaeological Alliance, a non-profit dedicated to preserving archaeological sites on public lands, and is a past member of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument Advisory Committee.
Broken pottery at Mancos Mesa, land now removed from Bears Ears monument status.
JONATHAN BAILEY
Here’s what we know so far: Before Trump did his black magic, there were 4,851 documented archaeological sites that had some modicum of enhanced protection due to the monument designation. After Trump’s designation, there were only 2,771 sites remaining in the shrunken monument. In other words, 43 percent of the archaeological sites within the old monument were deemed undeserving of monument protection under the new boundaries. Trump eliminated large areas from the monument that have the highest potential for significant archaeological resources. How high? In the neighborhood of 100 sites per square mile—a density among the highest anywhere in the West. Places like Nephi Pasture, Kitchen Corral Canyon and Lampstand were deemed unworthy of monument protection, even though the quantity and quality of those sites are astounding both to casual hikers and scientists alike. And the Kaiparowits, where we have spent many summers documenting a plethora of highelevation farming villages, is now reopened to coal development, even though some of the most scientifically important archaeological sites are located there. The fate of Bears Ears National Monument is far, far worse. The 1.2-million-acre monument created by President Obama was to be managed according to tribal interests, making it unique among national monuments in that it recognized the importance of cultural landscapes to First Americans. Trump gave those tribal interests the proverbial middle finger and shrunk the monument to 202,000 acres. Our leaders on Capitol Hill had made the disingenuous argument, and apparently Trump bought it, that because only 10 percent of that area had been investigated by archaeologists that no one can say for sure if there were any archaeological sites in the other 90 percent, and it was simply federal overreach to protect something that might not be there. Anyone who has spent more than a half day exploring that region—we used to call it Cedar Mesa—knows that claim is a bogus as a $3 bill. Every nook and cranny of that country is teeming with cliff ruins, granaries, farming hamlets on the mesa top, and rock art on the cliff walls. In other words, the reduction to both monuments had nothing to do with archaeological sites (or any perceived absence thereof). But it had everything to do with appeasing Utah’s anti-federal resentment.
Last
LOOK
VALLEY OF THE GODS FORMERLY PART OF BEARS EARS NATIONAL MONUMENT
ADRIEL HEISEY
Get out, get going and just go
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