For competitive athletes, racing is serious business. The months leading up to a race require lengthy training sessions that leave you with blistered feet and sore muscles. On race day you run yourself to exhaustion, all in hope of getting a PR when you cross the finish line. For some of us, this experience is enjoyable, or at least gratifying. But racing doesn’t always have to be about finishing first.
Author: Jenny Willden
Jenny Willden
Jenny Willden is the Managing Editor of Outdoor Sports Guide and a self-proclaimed gear and grammar nut. She's a member of the North American Travel Journalists Association and the Adventure Travel Trade Association. A lover of adventure and travel, she's happiest when riding horses or snowboarding in Utah’s mountains. Follow Jenny’s exploits on Twitter @jennywillden or Instagram @jlwillden.
Utah’s Push for Outdoor Industry Dominance Photo Credits: courtesy of 4FRNT Skis By Sean Zimmerman-Wall In 2002, Salt Lake City held the world captive by hosting the Olympic Winter Games. The rapid injection of billions of dollars for infrastructure and venue construction sent Utah into a whirlwind of development as we prepared a global stage. Before long, our humble state began receiving more recognition for its natural and urban characteristics. This transition made dozens of outdoor companies realize Utah was an extremely underrated market. Since that faithful February 10 years ago, a stampede of organizations (new and old) has descended…
Eighty percent of Americans rang in the new year with resolutions to do things differently in 2012, but statistics show that half these people gave up their goals just 21 days in, and 75% fall off the wagon by March. If getting in shape is your focus for this year, don’t let yourself become another statistic! We did the hard work for you and tried classes at local fitness studios, picking our favorites to share with you. Get hooked on these workouts, and you’ll be looking and feeling great in no time. The Bar Method Sculpt the lean, toned body…
Ski resort dining has come along way in recent years. Do yourself a favor and skip the brown-bagged PB&J for a day and try one of these great options at local resorts. Alta Ski Area Satisfy your mid-day hunger on mountain at Watson Shelter and try their 100% grass fed Utah beef hamburger. Not a carnivore? Their tasty french fries, salads and soups are sure to fill you. When you return to the base, enjoy a lively après ski scene at Goldminer’s Saloon with freshly-baked pizza and a large selection local and national beer. alta.com
Check out some of the world’s best outdoor films at this year’s festival. With performances throughout Utah, beginning on February 15 & 16 at Orem’s Utah Valley State College (Ragan Theater), February 17 & 18 at Logan’s Utah State University Outdoor Rec Center, February 19 & 20 at Ogden’s Peery’s Egyptian Theater, February 22–24 at Salt Lake’s Kingsbury Hall and on March 14 at Moab’s Grand County High School. tinyurl.com/6apnrsh
Think Moab is all about fat-tire riding on slickrock trails? Think again! Moab is also home to some of the world’s best road rides, most of them car-free. Experience the best of Moab’s pavement riding at this annual festival from March 10–12. Stay all weekend and enjoy three beautiful rides: through Arches National Park, along the Colorado River and to Dead Horse Point and back. The rides are fully supported with sag wagons, bike mechanics and aid stations along the way. skinnytireevents.com
Support Habitat for Humanity and run an indoor 5K on Utah Valley University’s campus on Saturday, February 25 at 9:00 a.m. A stair and non-stair route will be available. All proceeds go to the UVU Habitat for Humanity house. Registration is $10 in advance online at habitatuc.org or $15 at the door. Call 801-863-8786 or email volunteer@uvu.edu with any questions. All participants receive a t-shirt and pancake breakfast. Meet at Centre Stage in the Sorensen Student Center. uvu.edu/volunteer
Test your endurance and backcountry ski skills in this intense race featuring an 11-mile course with 6 climbs totaling 6000’. The recreational division is a bit shorter with a 6.5-mile course and 4 climbs totaling 3,500’. Held on Saturday, March 10 at Brighton Ski Resort, the race offers male and female divisions, AT/Tele and splitboarding. You’ll enjoy stunning views and a calorie-torching workout followed by a post-race barbecue, awards ceremony and raffle at the Millet Chalet. wasatchpowderkeg.com
For the third year in a row Snowbasin will be closing out the Dew Tour and hosting the Championship, which takes place February 9–12. Attend and see top athletes like Shaun White, Louie Vito, Danny Davis, Kelly Clark and Jen Hudak battle it out in freeskiing, superpipe and slopestyle competitions. For the first time in Dew Tour history, women’s freeskiing will be added as a Dew Cup discipline. The event is free and open to the public. Full event schedule available online. allisports.com
Celebrate President’s Day Weekend inversion free at this festival from February 18–20. Sponsored by Ruby’s Inn, the event includes cross-country ski races, archery clinic, archery biathlon competition, free snowshoe tours, free photography clinics, snow sculptures and kids’ events. Call 866-866-6616. rubysinn.com