Author: Jenny Willden

Finding Solitude (and Fun) in Greater Zion Zion National Park and the surrounding ‘Greater Zion’ region in St. George is home to some of the most jawdropping landscapes on Earth from red rock cliffs to sandstone slot canyons. Thanks to Instagram and the ever-growing popularity of adventure travel, Greater Zion’s popularity has boomed in recent years. Due to the pandemic, you may worry about traveling to an area known for its crowds. But we’re here to show you how to find solitude in Greater Zion, Utah. From where to go and what to eat, we’re sharing nine Greater Zion secrets…

Rescheduled Runs: Fall Races to Start Training for Now The 2020 racing season is unlike any other. Whether you’d planned to check the Boston Marathon off your bucket list or were ready to run the Salt Lake Marathon, COVID-19 put a wrench in race plans with all spring races canceled, delayed, or turned virtual. While many local races have been scrapped entirely for 2020, other favorites are delayed until fall. When (and if) these planned races go on, we imagine they’ll be different than years past. Expect fewer participants, more waves of racers, hand sanitizer stations, and no race afterparties—just…

18 Fresh Picks for Your Next Run or Ride Whether you run or ride your bike, count on this new, tested gear to help you power through the miles. While these items are available online, consider shopping local and supporting your neighborhood bike and running store whenever possible. Running Smith Uproar Glasses These aren’t your typical running sunglasses. The Uproars feature street styling, grippy nose pads, and polarized, ChromaPop lenses you swap based on conditions. $143 Brooks Dare Run Bra Get that locked in feeling with a bra designed specifically for running. Uses encapsulation to reduce motion with molded cups…

It’s so good to be back. All of us at Outdoor Sports Guide hope you’ve stayed safe and healthy during our publishing pause, and we’re so grateful for your continued support during these uncertain times. As we planned our 21st annual Keeper issue in February, we couldn’t have imagined the lockdowns, race cancellations, and economic downturn that awaited us in March. And while the immediate future of racing and large gatherings is uncertain, this Keeper issue features stories fit for our “new normal” world. From how to train while social distancing to virtual races you can run while supporting local…

Snowboard Buyer’s Guide Ready to update your ski or snowboard gear? Late winter is prime time to buy. Why? Sales! Find great deals on current season gear from our favorite makers. If you’re shopping for new ski boots, check out our story to get the proper fit before you buy. Snowboarding By Jenny Willden Smith Men’s Level Helmet Protecting your head matters, and this helmet’s bells and whistles make it worth the cost. Constructed with strong, but lightweight, Aerocore technology, you can add-on MIPS liner for extra impact protection. Native DropZone Goggles Swap your lenses with the press of a…

5 Essential Tips For First Timers Bundled up deep in a sleeping bag, I can see my breath against the orange tent walls. Our campsite: a frozen lake, deep in northern Canada’s Limberlost Forest. While I’ve overnighted in an ice hotel and camped WAY too early in the season at Bryce National Park, this is my first purposeful foray into winter camping, and I’m not frozen yet. Sleep comes easily, and the next day brings breakfast on the ice followed by fat biking and snowshoeing around the lake. For me, it’s a perfect winter weekend. But if the easy access…

Looking to improve your ski skills or celebrate spring? Check out these upcoming skiing and snowboarding events and workshops at Utah’s ski resorts. These listings are accurate as of press time, but we’ll continue adding events to our website as more information becomes available. ALTA Birding on Skis (March 13, April 10 and 18) Join Tracy Aviary’s expert birders this winter in search of our feathered friends that call Alta home. Events held 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. the second Friday of each month. Snowshoe with a Naturalist Tour (March 28, April 18) Learn about the winter wonders of Alta on a…

FROM THE EDITOR Forget Christmas. In Utah, Februburied was the most wonderful time of the year. I, for one, am not complaining about this season’s historic snowfall, and even winter haters can get stoked on the incredible river rafting season to come. This winter’s already offered some of the best skiing in recent memory, including a historic two-day interlodge at Alta and Snowbird. And while it’s fast drawing to a close, we’re hoping Punxsutawney Phil was wrong about an early spring. For now, there’s still plenty of snow fun to enjoy: winter camping (it’s not as cold as you’d think),…

4 Destinations to Visit This Winter Utahns know the Beehive State is America’s top ski destination, but that doesn’t mean we don’t ski other slopes from time to time. Thanks to reciprocal resort benefits on many season passes, it’s easier than ever to chase powder and ski FREE at resorts across the nation. Whether you’re planning a Christmas getaway or a January inversion escape, use your pass at these nearby ski destinations. Sun Valley, Idaho Where to Stay: Hotel Ketchum- Expect modern rooms, delicious complimentary breakfast, heated outdoor pool and hot tub, plus a social lobby with games and a…

Welcome to winter! With Utah’s ski resorts open for the season and fresh snow blanketing the ground, there’s no better time to brace the cold. While we love skiing Utah’s slopes best, season passes with multi-resort access make visiting others easier than ever before. Find our favorite winter resort destinations. Not a skier? Don’t worry; there are plenty of ways to enjoy snow season—besides curling up on the couch. From snowshoeing to winter festivals, start checking off your winter bucket list. If you’re a parent, find adventures for the whole family. No matter what you do, playing in the snow…