Author: Jenny Willden

The fastest male mountain bike racers on the planet gathered to test their mettle at the 2017 UCI MTB World Cup Downhill Race on July 8. Overnight rain helped stabilize the loose, steep course, which traveled about 1.25 miles down the mountain to a spectacular jump finish visible to spectators. The scenic venue featured stunning lake and mountain view, and huge crowds gathered to cheer their athletes on down the course.  Competitors raced under the hot sun on the Swiss mountainside of Lenzerheide at top speed toward the finish, some crashing on the way and others wowing the crowd with big jumps. But the…

Girlfriend Getaways at Red Mountain Resort A classic girls’ trip means plenty of poolside lounging, pampering, and even the occasional pillow fight. But if you want to get more out of your getaway, take your lady squad to St. George for a soul-searching, heart-pumping, gourmet-food-eating weekend so good…you may want to stay forever. Despite a lifetime of living in Utah, I’d never visited St. George before. Sure, I’d passed through on our way to Mesquite (our family vacations were fancy like that), but I’d skipped the vibrant red rock cliffs and lava rock-strewn trails of beautiful Snow Canyon State Park.…

Utah’s Adventure + Gear Fest, the state’s largest adventure festival and outdoor gear sale, is moving to Snowbird for its 5th year. This means you won’t have to sacrifice outdoor recreation opportunities to attend, and admission is now free. The fest is held Friday, June 23, from Noon to 9:00 p.m. and Saturday, June 24, from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Expect 25 unique events, including the Wasatch Mountain Film Festival, Maverik Adventure Vehicle Camp, Gear Village with over 100 outdoor gear vendors, live music, yoga, mountain bike and trail shoe demos, and free kids’ activities. The mountain location for…

I—like many people—am guilty of traveling the world but missing sights right in my own backyard. I’ve never hiked to Timpanogos Cave or peered down into Kennecott Copper Mine, and until a few weeks ago, I’d never vacationed in St. George. Growing up, St. George was a pass-thru point on the way to Vegas—not a destination. But this month I drove four and a half hours (Thanks to 80mph speed limits.) to this southern Utah town for a weekend of outdoor adventure in Snow Canyon State Park and spacationing at Red Mountain Resort. Read all about it on page 10.…

The Racing Gear You Need for Spring Brooks Uplift Bra Supportive with stretchy crossback straps, this bra fits like a glove. The ventilation keeps you from feeling sweaty, and the fit keeps the girls secure for up to D cup sizes. J-hook back makes for easy-on, easy-off without sacrificing support. Buff Pack Run Cap For long runs and races, get this ultralight, stashable cap that packs down without breaking the brim. Run-ready features like UPF protection, built-in sweatband, and stretchy wicking fabrics will make you want to take it everywhere. $32 Brooks Ghost Tank Stay cool in this slightly sheer, nearly…

The snow is finally melting in Utah, and that can only mean one thing; time to start spring race training! That’s where our 2017 Keeper issue comes in. It’s packed with over 500 local and nearby event listings, training tips, nutrition information, race spotlights, and reviews of the year’s best running gear. The Keeper is your go-to guide for planning your race calendar and staying up-to-date on the latest health and nutrition info. It’s designed for keeping on hand all year long, but you can also find our continually updated event calendar online at sportsguidemag.com. Whether you’re looking to race…

5 Ways to Spend a Winter Weekend in Grand Junction, Colorado Salt Lake City’s winter inversion got you down? Escape the city for a weekend in Western Colorado’s biggest city, Grand Junction, Colorado. Home to Colorado’s Wine Country, its National Monument, hiking and biking trails galore, and an exploding culinary scene, this booming locale offers plenty for active travelers to enjoy. The midpoint between Denver and Salt Lake City, Grand Junction is about 4.5 hours from SLC, and their 275 plus annual days of sunshine make it paradise for those looking to escape the cold. But even snow lovers can…

The snow just keeps on falling in Utah and powderholics aren’t complaining! Whether you’re loving this snow season or eagerly awaiting spring, this issue has something for you. Check out our piece on avalanche education, an inversion escape to Grand Junction, and the season’s best skiing and snowboarding gear. This spring, look for The Keeper issue—Utah’s biggest annual guide to races and events—featuring training and nutrition advice, new racing gear, and our favorite Utah events. Race directors: add your events and races to our online and print calendar for FREE. Just visit sportsguidemag.com before March 5, 2017 to create your…

Ski Utah reported a Monster Dump this morning, meaning at least one Utah resort reported over 12 inches of fresh snow in the last 24 hours. And you reap the rewards! Get a one-day Rossignol FREE powder ski rental within the next 48 hours at any of Ski’N See’s 14 locations after purchasing two Monster energy drinks on site. To make this a winter one to remember; Ski Utah, Ski’N See, Monster Energy and Rossignol have formed a partnership that anyone excited to have an epic powder day. Download the Ski Utah app or see the Ski Utah snow report for Monster Dump announcements. Free powder skis available on a first-come/first-served…

Winter on the Wasatch was off to a slow start with ski resorts forced to delay their openings but the snow is finally falling! Here’s hoping that by the time you get this copy, Utah is blanketed with feet of the good stuff and you’re lounging après ski with a cup of hot cocoa at our best ski lodges. Until then, check out our holiday gift guide to get your shopping done fast; it’s filled with 43 great ideas for travelers, campers, pets, kids, and fitness fanatics. If you’d rather focus on experiences than gifts this year, read about winter…