It is always nice to go home

Winter has finally arrived here in Utah. It took a little longer than expected but for those that were patient, this week it has paid off. Most areas in Northern Utah received anywhere from 2 -5 feet over the past week. With all the snow, came avalanche warnings and lots of natural and skier triggered activity. Check out the Utah Avalanche Forecast center's account of some of the action. As for me, I stuck to the lift serviced powder while the backcountry avalanche danger was high. I returned to my old stomping grounds of Beaver Mtn, in Logan Canyon. There is something to be said about pulling into the parking lot of a ski resort on a monday morning and only seeing about 25 other cars. No lift lines, no avoiding other skiers, and plenty of beautiful Utah powder to last all day (or probably a few days). It is nice to get away from the chaos of ski in- ski out condos, jam packed backcountry trailheads, and an endless train of cars going up and down the canyon. Sometimes it is worth sacrificing the pure size of a resort or peak when the pay off is solitude and serenity.

Pannic is a long time Beaver Believer!

Beaver Mtn. is a special place for locals. Ask anyone that has spent a season or more there, they will tell you stories of bottomless pow, no frills or extras and a solid crowd of people that are there for one reason and one reason only, the skiing. I would not usually spill the beans about such a special place, but it seems that no matter how much I talk up the Beav, people still tend to get sucked down to the bigger brothers to the south so I am not worried about too many people discovering this gem!

Pannic, Jax and Pitt reminiscing about the good old days

On the next Utah powder day, I dare you to not line up behind the thousands of cars at the mouth of Little Cottonwood Canyon and head north to the Bear River range! Whether you are touring or riding lifts I guarantee you will leave with a smile on your face and stories to bring back to your friends.

Feel free to comment and tell me about the places you love to return to and never leave you disappointed. I am always looking for new places to explore and write about.