Author: Jenny Willden

I’ve been lucky to see much of Utah through my years editing Outdoor Sports Guide, but I’ve ventured less into our neighboring state, Wyoming. So for this year’s Straycation edition, I visited southwestern Wyoming’s Sweetwater County for a race- and history-centric trip with plenty of outdoor recreation mixed in. Venturing into ghost towns, exploring Flaming Gorge, and racing with horses made it a summer highlight, and I hope you’ll use this guide to travel somewhere new this season too! Our third annual Straycation Issue covers locations in Colorado, Idaho, Utah, and Wyoming along with stay-cool experiences for you and pup-friendly…

Exploring Flaming Gorge Country’s Past and Present Wyoming: It’s the nation’s least populous state and is known for its wide-open spaces and steadfast, pioneering spirit. Though it’s home to well known destinations like Jackson and Yellowstone, much of its beauty remains undiscovered by the masses. Sweetwater County’s 10,500 square miles is one of those places. Utahn’s may know the Rock Springs and Green River I-80 exits as a stop on the way to Yellowstone, the gateway to Flaming Gorge, or simply a place to buy cheap booze and lotto tickets. I made the two-and-a-half-hour drive there primarily to race the…

Explore the summer side of Utah’s ski resorts with activities like hiking, mountain biking, live music, festivals, scenic chairlift rides, and children’s programs offered at resorts throughout the state! Get full details on the resorts’ websites. Alta The resort is closed, but Alta Lodge opens for summer season on May 31 with their locals’ favorite Sunday Brunch, which is served from 9:30 a.m.–2 p.m. Make it a staycation with $94 lodging rates Sunday through Friday that includes continental breakfast. Saturday night rates begin at $114 and include Sunday Brunch for two. altalodge.com Brian Head Road trip to this Southern…

Meet James Lawrence, the Utahn Racing 50 Ironman-distance Triathlons in 50 Days in 50 States “Respect the distance,” this is the mantra of James Lawrence, a 38-year-old Utah athlete who smashed the Guinness Book Record for full-distance triathlons in a year by racing 30 in 2012. (The previous record was 20.) He shares this quote with aspiring endurance athletes who think they can skimp on training and still succeed in a big race. While James accomplishments may make it seem easy, the truth James says is, “long races are more daunting than you think. Every ounce of training shows on…

This summer Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort is hosting an amazing new event: The DirtyBird MudRun on July 11, 2015. This crazy obstacle race begins at the Top of the Tram with the “World’s Longest and Highest Slip-and-Slide” at 11,000 feet above sea level, followed by over 15 obstacles during a downhill 5.5-mile mud run. Participants begin with the World’s Longest slip-and-slide into Mineral Basin, landing in a giant mud pit. From there, participants will challenge themselves with obstacles towards the base of the mountain where they’ll reach a world-class finish festival. Following the mud run, there will be a Snowbird Cool Air Concert featuring the “Young…

26 Essential Spring Racing Picks Racing season is here again, and with it comes our best gear picks for running anything from 5Ks to marathons! Happy racing! COOL WEATHER Helly Hansen Pace Block Jacket Run in wet weather with Helly’s new X–Cool fabric jacket. Designed to keep you warm while shedding wind and rain with underarm ventilation to disperse sweat. $160 hellyhansen.com REI Airflyte Quarter–Zip Top On cool mornings, choose this sweat–wicking, lightweight quarter–zip. Made of UPF 50 fabric with cord port side pocket for stowing your tunes. $65 rei.com Lululemon Tight Stuff Tights Compressive enough to stabilize leg muscles…

Sunny days and warm temperatures mean now is the perfect time to begin your outdoor spring race training! Whether you’re taking it easy in 2015, or setting your sights on an audacious racing goal, you can find the perfect race in our 16th annual Keeper calendar. Utah’s racing scene continues to grow, so our Keeper does too! Our huge 2015 edition is packed with over 500 local and nearby event listings, training tips, nutrition information, athlete profiles, race packing checklist, and reviews of the year’s best running gear. The Keeper is your go-to guide for getting race ready, so save it to…

Twice annually the outdoor industry converges on Salt Lake City for a four-day festival dedicated to the latest and greatest in outdoor recreation gear. Unfortunately, the event is open solely to buyers, retailers, select media and PR, and those lucky enough to net a pass from a friend, meaning that most Utahns don’t get the chance to see the tech that hides within the Salt Palace walls until it’s released on store shelves. Lucky for you, I spent three days walking the show floor to find the best innovations and updates, all while enjoying a happy hour brew from my…

The Best in Skiing and Snowboarding By Jenny Willden and Melissa McGibbon. Outdoor Research Stormbound Mitt – A layer of 800+ fill down sandwiched between PrimaLoft® One makes these the driest, toastiest mitts money can buy! $70 outdoorresearch.com Smith I/O7 Goggles – Pioneers of the rimless interchangeable goggle seven years ago, Smith’s newest creation boasts fog freedom, smaller face fit, a quick-than-ever lens changing system, and unbelievable optical clarity. $225 smithoptics.com Hoodie Buff – The love child of your favorite hoodie and a Merino wool neckwarmer. Pull it up on the coldest days, or leave it loose around your neck…

Mix up your day on the hill by attending these great skiing and snowboarding events at Utah’s resorts. This listing is updated at press time, but we’ll continue adding listings to our website as information becomes available. ALTA Altabird Women’s Camp (April 11–12) Ski the best terrain at Alta and Snowbird for two days with top women guides who provide on-hill coaching and a host of other benefits. Cost $460. alta.com BEAVER MOUNTAIN Beaver Bash (March 28) Send ski season off in style at this party featuring boxcar racing, pond skimming, live music, costumes, and plenty of sunshine. skithebeav.com BRIAN…