Like a warm cup of cocoa or those falling-apart Uggs you just can’t toss, your usual winter routine—ski here, snowboard there—is familiar, comfortable and possibly a little bit boring. This season, shake up your schedule with a new destination or a whole new sport. We’ve chosen six of the greatest winter escapes around the state. There’s something here to fit every taste, every schedule and every budget. Find a friend, grab your keys and get ready to head out on a whole new adventure.
Author: Molly Andersen
Molly Andersen
Molly writes about fitness and nutrition from her home in Portland, Oregon. When she’s not at her desk, you can find her teaching history, hiking the Gorge, or hitting the archery range.
By Molly Newman You wouldn’t think of hitting the slopes without a jacket to stay warm or goggles to shield your eyes from glare. Within the next few years, another piece of safety equipment may become second nature as well: a helmet designed just for snow sports.
Photo Credit: www.istockphoto.com/ellobo1 Why Athletes Need to Hit the Mattress By Molly Newman For faster race times, higher energy and that all-around healthy glow, you plan your meals and workouts down to the last carrot stick and push-up. But you’re probably neglecting the part of your training that heals injuries, rebuilds muscle, and occupies up to a third of your life. Whether you’re a runner, a biker, a climber or any other kind of athlete, getting enough of the right kind of sleep is critical for optimal performance.
Our Picks for iPhone and Android By Molly Newman and Suzanne Lewis Ship We sort through the hundreds of fitness and training apps available for iPhone and Android to bring you these workout standouts. Want to improve your 10K time? Tone your deltoids? Step away from the dessert tray? There’s an app for that. (Well, maybe not one that will physically pry that éclair out of your hand.) We sacrificed our phone batteries and data plans to download, test and compare a smorgasbord of fitness-friendly apps for iPhone and Android phones. A few standouts—and a few surprises—made the cut to…
Is Running Without Running Shoes For You? We Give you the Facts. It’s a tough world out there for a runner’s feet. Slamming against the ground dozens of times a minute, flying over all kinds of obstacles, chafing and swelling from constant abuse. No wonder most running shoes offer serious structure and cushioning to protect feet from all these possible traumas.
The Myths and Realities of Avalanche Survival By Molly Newman It’s a gorgeous winter day in Utah’s backcountry. After a series of storms, there’s a thick layer of fresh powder on the ground. You and your friends are thrilled to be outside again, carving down an untouched slope at top speed. As you’re heading out on your third run of the day, the sun warms your face—and the top layer of snow. You lean into one sharp turn, then another. Suddenly, you hear a low rumbling from behind you. A swirl of snow rises in your wake. You zig and…
The dog days of summer have drawn to a close, and Utah’s mountains are waiting for their first dose of snow. Now’s the perfect time to head to the hills for a backpacking getaway. You’ll miss out on crowds and scorching temperatures, and you’ll experience fall’s kaleidoscope of changing colors for yourself. Whether you have just one night to spend or four days to really get away from it all, we’ve got a trip to suit your schedule and your experience level. If you’re a new backpacker, brush up on the basics outlined below. Then grab your gear (see sidebar…
Compete in your favorite sport—or try out a new one—at the 25th annual Utah Summer Games. All through the summer months, Utah plays host to dozens of marathons, cycling races and other competitions. But whether you’re a serious athlete or a weekend warrior, one event stands out from the pack: the Utah Summer Games. From June 9-27 this year, nearly 10,000 athletes will come together in the southwestern corner of the state to try their skills in sports from archery to wrestling. What makes the Summer Games different? For one, they’re affiliated with the U.S. Olympic Committee. And for participants,…
When you hear the word “yoga,” your first thought may be of a roomful of blissed-out, chanting devotees. But as a growing number of serious athletes are discovering, this ancient practice can help strengthen muscles and build skills valuable for success in any sport. Whether you’re a climber, a cyclist, a runner or a skier, these tips will get you ready to grab your mat and discover yoga’s benefits for yourself.
Even beginner-level cycle racing is a demanding and exciting experience. Photo Credit: James Newman, jamesnewmanphoto.com Maybe you’ve been inspired by watching Lance Armstrong and Mark Cavendish conquering the Pyrenees in their quest for the yellow jersey. Or maybe you’ve signed up for a Saturday-morning criterium on a whim and been bitten by the racing bug. Once you’ve decided to step up your game and make the move from recreational to racing cyclist, these tips will help you make smart choices and avoid common mistakes as you start going for the gold. Join the Club. “The first thing for new racers to…