Author: 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.

A Guide to Exploring Sundance in the Summer Sundance: It’s a name often associated with film festivals and skiing, but the well-kept secret of the summer side of Sundance Mountain Resort is finally getting out. If you don’t go before the snow flies, you’re missing out on incredible adventures. I had visited Sundance only once before a recent visit to sample their summer offerings, and the incredible food, horseback riding, and mountain biking were all perfect ways to spend a summer day. I was surprised by all the adventures offered here, but even more surprised by the affordable price. The…

Read More

Utah Bear Population Active This Summer Photos and article provided by Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Utah’s bears are out and active, and the number of bears reported getting into garbage and food this month has doubled from last July. If you are out camping or if you live in any canyons or foothills in Utah, you must “bear-proof” your food and garbage. Black bears are the only native bear species currently in Utah, and they have an amazing sense of smell. They also have no problem eating the same type of food that people eat. As a result, many…

Read More

Hops on the Hill Returns to Stein Eriksen Lodge for Summer 2019 Tuesday is the new Friday at Deer Valley. Hops on the Hill is Stein Eriksen Lodge’s popular craft beer tasting, food, and free concert event that’s returning for another season beginning in July. This year the eight-week summer series is on Tuesdays, July 9-August 27 and you won’t want to miss it! Each evening begins with a craft-beer tasting at 6 p.m., featuring award-winning Utah breweries, accompanied by Chef Zane’s tasty food pairings. As a past attendee, I can vouch for the tasty food, which ranges from savory…

Read More

Road Tripping Through Inland California California: the land of beaches, palm trees, and Hollywood stars. Or is it? Instead of your typical California coastal drive, this road trip takes you to the state’s inland hotspots, passing through small towns in search of epic outdoor adventures. Beginning in South Lake Tahoe and ending in Mammoth Lakes, here’s our 140-mile, long weekend guide to these landlocked wonders. Day 1: California’s South Lake Tahoe Where to Stay: Hotel Azure or Basecamp Hotel Straddling the Nevada-California state line, Lake Tahoe is North America’s largest alpine lake and is known for its stunning blue waters.…

Read More

Even with this year’s record-breaking snowfall, winter can only last so long! And Utah’s ski resort adventures don’t stop when the snow melts. Head to the mountains for Utah ski resort summer activities like hiking, mountain biking, chairlift rides, kids’ programs, and thrill rides until September. Get full details on resort websites or skiutah.com. ALTA SKI AREA After offering lift-served hiking for the first time last season, Alta is returning to foot-served hiking only in 2019. Trails are accessible from the Wildcat and Albion base areas or hike via the summer road for a fee. Visit July 21–22 for guided…

Read More

FROM THE EDITOR Solo travel: Love it or hate it, exploring on your own is always a rewarding experience. Last summer, I road tripped on my own from California’s South Lake Tahoe all the way to Mammoth Lakes, stopping to see the valleys of Yosemite, the tufa towers of salty Mono Lake, and the crumbling ghost town of Bodie. With no one’s opinions to consider, I braked for Mono Cone’s soft serve, detoured for sunset snapshots, and selfied with every road sign. The simple freedom of riding solo made it one of my best trips of the year. If you’ve…

Read More

Play Tunes Anywhere with Stealth Labs Speaker Backpack Blast tunes, charge your phone, and safely tote your gear with the Stealth Labs Speaker Backpack.  Its powerful Bluetooth speakers connect to your cellphone in a snap and offer continuous playtime for up to five hours. While we think it would be pretty annoying to ruin people’s hiking solitude with your jams, this pack is perfect on a bike ride, at the campsite, and picnicking. We love that its rugged, ergonomic design makes it comfortable to wear and protects your gear and valuables from the element. It also keeps you charged on…

Read More

Save on your entry fee and join us at the Salt Lake Marathon 10K! If you’re not ready for a full or half marathon, but a 5K feels a bit short, join us at the Salt Lake Marathon 10K this Saturday, April 13. The fast, flat course practically guarantees a PR, and it’s the perfect way to kick off spring training. It’s the newest event at this race series and is a great addition as Salt Lake has very few 10K races. Utilizing a portion of the half marathon course, the race starts near 500 S and 900 E.…

Read More

12 Fresh Picks for Race-day Runs As the snow melts and race season kicks off, start training right by adding some new spring gear to your closet. From apparel to tech, we pick items that should top your must list. Buff Pack Run Cap Delivering UPF 50 sun protection when you need it, this crushable hat can be folded and tucked in a pocket when clouds roll in. Built of moisture-wicking polyester, it regains its shape whenever it’s unfolded while taking up virtually no space. $30 Brooks Women’s Stealth Tee Constructed to reduce irritation, this ultralight, quick-dry top is the…

Read More

DREAM ON: Why Sleep Matters for Athletic Performance “If you told an athlete you had a treatment that would reduce the chemicals associated with stress, that would naturally increase human growth hormone, that enhances recovery rate, that improves performance, they would all do it. Sleep does all of those things.” —Casey Smith, Head Athletic Trainer, Dallas Mavericks Lie awake at night counting sheep? Or just don’t have enough time in your day to sleep? You’re not alone. According to the CDC, more than 35% of Americans sleep less than the recommended seven hours per night, and the consequences can be…

Read More