Author: Molly Andersen

Park City Bike Demos’ Second Act When this unique bike shop closed its doors, it seemed like the end of an era. But with a boost from a big name in cycling, it’s reopened to bring its “concierge” concept to one of the hottest biking spots in the Mountain West. It started with a bread truck and a dream. In 2014, Andre Shoumatoff took two former delivery vans, filled them with bikes, tools, and knowledgeable staff, and began delivering rental bikes to Park City visitors at their hotels or chosen trailheads. Soon, though, Andre realized an unexpected side effect of…

Adventuring Through Time In its thousands of years of human occupation, Utah’s story has centered on the changing, but always intimate, relationship between its places and its people. From the mysterious stone dwellings of the Ancient Puebloan culture to the trails forged by wagon trains, people have left their mark on the landscape—and, in turn, the landscape has shaped human history. Though these historical happenings may seem remote from everyday life, there’s one surefire way to bring them vividly to life: with an in-person visit. And, fortunately for Beehive State residents and visitors, many of Utah’s most fascinating historical sites…

Summer hikes can be carefree, challenging, or even exhilarating. But almost without exception, they’re dusty and hot. That’s why finding Utah swimming holes along your path can be like stumbling upon a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow. Unfortunately, many mountain lakes along the Wasatch Front are watersheds that don’t allow swimming. So the next time you want to take a refreshing dip after logging trail miles, head out of the city and dive into one of these six destinations. 1. Upper and Lower Calf Creek Falls Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in Escalante, Utah Tucked among weathered…

Raise a Glass to Local Makers of Potent Potables There’s no denying it: Throughout much of its history, Utah hasn’t been the friendliest place for people who enjoy unwinding with a glass of something stronger than root beer. But in the last couple of decades, looser laws and a more relaxed social environment have made the state a growing mecca for fans of locally produced beers, wines, and even harder stuff. With both industry veterans and newcomer offerings on tap, there’s bound to be a drink to suit your taste.

Food of the Future or Nutritional Nightmare? It’s like something out of science fiction: a premeasured, packaged drink that purportedly contains all the essential nutrients needed for health. Easy to carry and consume anywhere, and with a high-protein macro balance, these meal replacement drinks are especially tempting for endurance athletes. And with big names in fitness signing on to promote them, they’re enjoying increased visibility at the store, online, and at the gym. With no worries about planning, prepping, cooking, or monitoring nutritional balance, who wouldn’t sign up to give them a try? Though “supplemental nutrition drinks” have been available…

Winter Warmers Chilly winter months spent adventuring outdoors call out for hearty, rib-sticking fare like soups, stews, and classic casseroles. But all too often, these traditional dishes are laden with empty calories and light on the nutrients your body craves. These five dishes offer the best of both worlds: wholesome comfort food that doesn’t skimp on nutrition. As a bonus, each features ingredients that have been shown to help promote good health all season long, assisting your body in fighting off pesky seasonal afflictions from the common cold to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Chicken Soup Serves 4 Centuries of folklore…

  Ruffled Feathers: Why Ethical Down Matters On a snowy slope or at the end of a long day on the trail, there’s no cozier feeling than snuggling into a jacket or sleeping bag filled with down. Warm, lightweight, and packable, down has stood the test of time for centuries; its use in quilts and mattresses dates back to the 1400s. But with the development of inexpensive synthetic down alternatives in the last few decades, does down still deserve its place in your outdoor gear? First, a quick definition: Down and feathers are not the same things. Both are harvested from…

Utah Glamping Guide – 9 Camping Destinations with a Touch of Luxury Sleeping under the stars—on a pillow-top king-size bed. Taking a break from technology—but not from flush toilets. For a summertime getaway that combines outdoor adventure and delightful (if not decadent) accommodations, “glamping” offers the best of both worlds. Treat yourself (or a group of friends) to a glamping trip at these scenic Utah locations. Located in spectacular natural surroundings, often just steps from world-class biking, hiking, and rafting opportunities, they provide the chance to go hard all day, then relax and rejuvenate at night…without the stuffiness of a…

Preventing (and Spotting) Skin Cancer Stephanie was fresh out of the shower, applying moisturizer to her face, when she noticed the spot on her cheek for the first time. She didn’t think much of it; as an avid hiker and busy mom of three, she spent plenty of time outside, and she figured it was just another addition to her collection of freckles and moles. But there was something different about this spot. Its texture was rougher than the other marks on her skin, and over the following months she noticed it slowly increasing in size. Finally, reluctantly, she made…

Easy, Delicious Snacks for the Slopes On the slopes or on the trails, there’s no surer way to bring a great day to a screeching halt than to let “hanger” get the best of you. Combine humans’ natural drive to eat more in the winter with the calorie-crushing burn of a day spent snowboarding or snowshoeing, and you’ll find yourself gripped by sinking blood sugar, crashing energy levels, and a plummeting mood to boot. Though your first inclination might be to cram down a couple of energy bars and keep going–or, secondarily, to abandon what you’re doing and head to…