For many outdoor enthusiasts along the Front Range, the Labor Day holiday represents an important weekend to acquire season passes and gear at hugely discounted prices.  Those planning to stay in the mountains for several days at a time also start thinking about accommodations.   The trigger for me was an email from a few friends with whom I usually enjoy a 5-day skiing trip in Vail during mid-December:

My sister and I pooled our Starwood + Mariott points (and borrowed some from our parents) to make a reservation using points at the Hotel Talisa, the hotel formerly known as the Vail Cascades.  . . . we would love you to stay there or close by. . .

While I am sure the Hotel Talisa has been beautifully redecorated and reborn, I simply can not justify $800 per night for a hotel room in Vail.   So then I started thinking about the economics of skiing.  It seems like it’s either grossly expensive, or incredibly inconvenient.  The best way to enjoy the mountains, in my opinion, is over several days.  First, you drive up in on a weekday, leaving at a time when you are normally awake and functioning, but before or after the morning rush hour.  Then, enjoy a languid (or adrenaline-filled, depending on your preference) day at any of the resorts up I-70.  Following an excellent day of skiing, you’d sip a hot chocolate or other beverage of choice, and finally retire to a nearby home or hotel.

Absent a flexible schedule and ample funds, though, how do you do have a great ski day?  Well, you’d leave Denver at an ungodly hour, maybe 5:00 or 5:30 a.m., to avoid I-70 gridlock.  Then, season pass in hand, go to your resort of choice.  Hopefully you’d arrive in time to get a decent parking space.  After skiing, you could either stay at a budget-friendly hotel (if you can find one!), or schlep your tired body and all of your gear back into your car and head back down to Denver.  Of course, you’d need to leave the mountain either before 2:00, or linger for happy hour or dinner and wait until around 6:00, to avoid the dreaded gridlock.

Sounds like a hassle, right?  Well, it kind of is.  I know there are some people that have it down to a science:  what time to leave home, how long to ski, what time to leave, etc. to minimize traffic and maximize your ski day.  So I’ve been thinking about alternatives.  I will discuss a few options next time.  Would love to hear yours in the meantime!

The post Skiing economics (part 1) appeared first on Snowgrrl.

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Having grown up in Colorado, I have not often yearned to ski outside of the state.  With Vail, Breckenridge, Beaver Creek, Keystone, A-Basin and other resorts a short drive away, why bother? Well, this spring I realized why people travel to Utah to ski.

Discovering Utah

A friend of mine organized a little group to meet up in Utah.  Two homes in an area called Coalville, about a 20 minute drive to the resorts, acted as our home base.  Four of our five days there provided abundant sunshine.  Spring skiing conditions graced our days at Park City, Utah and the Canyons, as well as a small resort called Powder Mountain.  Fortunately, it snowed a few nights while we were there! We woke up to light, fluffy powder that was so much fun to ski in.

A gondola connected Park City and Canyons resorts.  If you are ambitious or a very fast skier, you could cover both resorts in one day.  We spent two days at Park City and one at Canyons.  The varied terrain allowed everyone in our group to enjoy time on the mountain.  Gentle slopes kept the beginners occupied, and the experts sought out the more narrow, bumpy runs.  A few of us intermediate skiers (ahem) might have gotten caught on those narrow runs, but everyone made it down, and no one got hurt!

Given the opportunity to return to Utah, I would definitely say yes!

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This Labor Day weekend, Gourmet on Gore brings Vail Village to life with four days of gourmet fine food and drink.  As we all know, Vail is a great place to visit in the winter.  Some love it even more in the summer! Vail’s relaxing mountain oasis provides a beautiful background to sip internationally renowned wine, beer and spirits, and taste bites from world-class restaurants along the quaint streets of Vail Village. Proceeds from the event benefit the Vail Veterans Program.  The program offers military injured and their families free world-class therapeutic programs designed to build confidence, create life-long relationships, and tap into the freedom the mountains bring out in all of us.

Highlights from the weekend include a Friday night Gourmet on Gore Tasting Tour presented by Alpine Bank.  This gives participants a progressive evening around town to enjoy some of Vail’s finest restaurants and hot spots for the perfect start to the Gourmet on Gore weekend. Each location will include a signature beverage as well as savory hors d’oeuvres to keep your taste buds happy.

Saturday and Sunday feature more of Vail’s finest foods with an open-air tasting on Gore Creek Drive & Willow Bridge Road with pay-as-you-go for bites and pours.  That afternoon, Slifer Smith & Frampton provides an Open House Tour. Swing by their LIVE LOCAL booth during the open air tasting for more information! While you are there, feel free grab a treat for you and your four-legged friend!  There’s a complimentary Kids’ Culinary Corner for culinary activities, crafts and fun just for kids!

Finally, Monday brings Brunch off Bridge Street, a stroll through the heart of Vail Village for one final palate-pleasing day. Enjoy mouthwatering pay-as you go brunch delights, wines, beers and spirits paired with easy-listening music.

We love great food, so combined with a good cause this weekend is looking downright irresistible!

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With a full line of hiking, trail running and travel footwear, Treksta offers a shoe for virtually every outdoor user.  Snowgrrl was lucky to get a sneak preview of a Treksta hiking boot. The particular boot they sent is designed to be ideal for fall and winter’s changing and colder, even frosty, conditions.

Treksta sent me the Evolution Mid 161 GTX in a lovely pink/salmon and grayish tan combo.  This mid-cut hiker is light with a durable and supportive synthetic buff upper.  The Evolution also features mesh construction, and something called Independent Suspension Technology for on-trail stability.  The hiking boot’s Hypergrip outsoles with IceLock provide superior traction, even on wet or icy surfaces.  Add GORE-TEX® XCR to the mix and the result is a waterproof, breathable, supportive light hiking boot. NestFit construction provides a comfortable fit from the start to the end of a long day on the trail.

A note of caution, though: order a half size down from your normal size if you get these shoes! The foot bed and deep heel pocket that make up the “Nestfit” create about half a size of space inside the shoes.  Normally, I wear a size 10, sometimes 10 1/2.  I wish I had gotten these Trekstas in a 9 1/2!   My feet were sliding around a little during my trial run.  The Trekstas are now in corner of my closet with thick socks on top of them, to remind me to wear those particular socks when I get the shoes out again so that I won’t have any looseness.

Chilly the dog hiking Matthews Winters Park

The Evolution was tested out on a hike that started at Matthew Winters parking lot, over to Red Rocks Trail, and ending at the Morrison Slide trail.  The hike group leader promised a 4 mile round trip hike.  Our hike ended up being closer to 10 and we finished in the dark. . . . ah, but that’s a post for another day, perhaps (trusting your leader/when to go on your own?).  Other than the slightly too big fit, the Treksta Evolution boot kept me comfortable throughout the very long hike.  The trail was alternately rocky/dusty and muddy in places.  During all ten miles, my feet felt supported, dry and comfortable.

Treksta’s Fall/Winter options all share the company’s signature NestFIT construction, a unique and dynamic system, which unites last, insole, midsole and outsole to cradle the feet and support them in a fully natural position. Treksta designed to ensure long-term comfort and prevent muscle fatigue. They actually scanned over 20,000 human feet to produce an anatomically correct fitting shoe, which also incorporates a slight ridge at the back of the toes for added support, leading to greater comfort and performance.

Grippy sole of the Treksta Evolution Mid 161 GTX

Snowgrrl recommends the Treksta Evolution Mid 161 for a comfortable grippy hiking boot.  Just remember to size down!

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For many outdoor enthusiasts along the Front Range, the Labor Day holiday represents an important weekend to acquire season passes and gear at hugely discounted prices.  Those planning to stay in the mountains for several days at a time also start thinking about accommodations.   The trigger for me was an email from a few friends with whom I usually enjoy a 5-day skiing trip in Vail during mid-December:

My sister and I pooled our Starwood + Mariott points (and borrowed some from our parents) to make a reservation using points at the Hotel Talisa, the hotel formerly known as the Vail Cascades.  . . . we would love you to stay there or close by. . .

While I am sure the Hotel Talisa has been beautifully redecorated and reborn, I simply can not justify $800 per night for a hotel room in Vail.   So then I started thinking about the economics of skiing.  It seems like it’s either grossly expensive, or incredibly inconvenient.  The best way for a Denverite to enjoy the mountains, in my opinion, is over several days.  First, you drive up on a weekday, leaving at a time when you are normally awake and functioning, but before or after the morning rush hour.  Then, enjoy a languid (or adrenaline-filled, depending on your preference) day at any of the resorts along I-70.  Following an excellent day of skiing, you’d sip a hot chocolate or other beverage of choice, and finally retire to a nearby home or hotel.

Absent a flexible schedule and ample funds, though, how do you do have a great ski day?  Well, you’d leave Denver at an ungodly hour, maybe 5:00 or 5:30 a.m., to avoid I-70 gridlock.  Then, season pass in hand, go to your resort of choice.  Hopefully you’d arrive in time to get a decent parking space.  After skiing, you could either stay at a budget-friendly hotel (if you can find one!), or schlep your tired body and all of your gear back into your car and return to Denver.  Of course, you’d need to leave the mountain either before 2:00, or linger for happy hour or dinner and wait until around 6:00, to avoid the dreaded gridlock.

Sounds like a hassle, right?  Well, it kind of is.  I know there are some people that have it down to a science:  what time to leave home, how long to ski, what time to leave, etc. to minimize traffic and maximize your ski day.  So I’ve been thinking about alternatives.  I will discuss a few options next time.  Would love to hear yours in the meantime!

The post Skiing economics (part 1) appeared first on Snowgrrl.

Ski shares, room rentals, and friends, oh my!

Last time, I wrote about all of the logistics involved in enjoying a fun day in our mountain resorts.  I concluded that it is possible with military-like planning and precision or a thick wallet, but some alternatives may exist.

Ski Shares

There are “ski shares” and rooms for rent in mountain towns.  On the East Coast, friends get together to rent a beach house in the Hamptons or Fire Island.  Similarly, a ski share is basically a group of friends (or strangers!) who pool their funds to rent a (usually ridiculously overpriced) home for the entire ski season.  And when I say overpriced, I’m not kidding!  Think $5000 for a studio apartment, as advertised on Craigslist.  This exceeds the price per square foot you’d pay even in Manhattan.  Once the funds are pooled together, the group must find a place friendly to multiple people.  Planning out who stays in which bed when can be accomplished on a shared calendar.  This can be a great way for people to avoid the hassle of going back and forth when tired from an intense day on the hill.   As long as someone is willing to coordinate the logistics, ski shares can be a great solution.

Room Rentals

I also know people who have rented a single room in another’s home for the season.  Like a ski share, a seasonal room rental offers the benefit of a place to rest your head at the end of a long day.  If you don’t mind sharing living space with strangers, or know people with a room to spare, this could work out well.  Personally, I am leery of any situation where I am sleeping in close proximity to strangers.  So, this would never work for me.  I would also be concerned that the host/owner would impose limits on what parts of the home the tenant could use.

The Holy Grail: Your Own Home, or a Friend’s

The best situation, of course, is owning your own place or staying with a friend who does.  Being in the mountains for days or weeks on end can become monotonous.  Visitors add a bit of distraction and entertainment.  When the guest also offers to bake something delicious, run errands, or otherwise make the host’s life easier, that visitor will most likely be invited back.  And yes, I speak from experience here!

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Our new Snowgrrl contributor Tracie, based in the Swiss Alps, shares her and her friends’ tips for staying fit off season.

Fall in the Alps

Chilly air, vivid colors, and frosty peaks peer over us from the mountaintops to remind us that winter is on her way to the Alps.  Swiss cheese and chocolate lure us into a warm comfort.  We must not become too complacent lest we skimp on our preparations for ski season.  Earlier this month, I gathered a few ski friends to help with the fall harvest of our small family vineyard.  During the harvest, we had the opportunity to catch up on each other’s summers and learn what each person is doing as pre-season preparations.

Off-Season Swiss Fitness

Friends age 23-59 discussed how each is preparing for the upcoming winter/ski season, while harvesting grapes in the countryside.  Here are their strategies:

Rachael – age 23

I like to keep fit before winter by hiking and exploring all the local mountain huts we have around us with family and friends. Nearly every weekend we choose a new “cabane” (hut) to explore.  We hike there together and spend the night in good company and a magnificent environment before hiking back the next day. For spending time in good company and keeping in shape, it’s a win-win!

Debra – age 59

I hit the weights hard to get in shape for the season. I try to lift relatively heavy weights 3 times a week. Those workouts are also a great for cardio. I add in some biking, hiking, kickboxing, straight cardio on the non-weight days. In addition, I’m doing a 100 day burpee challenge together with a 100 day squat challenge.

Christel – age 42

For me, mountains are an all year play (training) ground and I can never get enough of them! Autumn brings an amazing spectacle of colors.  The sun still warms the vineyards, while we smell fallen leaves.  The cold crispy mornings and the excitement of the first dustings of snow make me truly feel alive! I’m a believer in making sure you enjoy what you are doing and also in cross training. Fall temperatures are great for doing aerobic activity.  You can find me on the bike, on long mountain hikes, climbing a classic alpine ridge or picking grapes at a friend’s vineyards… all in good company. When home, I do a few proprioconception exercises every evening which are great for the core and for balance on the skis.  Of course, I finish with good food and rest.

Tracie – age 45

After 14 years as a professional athlete, I’m fairly tired of completely organized workouts. I know it’s important to keep fit so I try to enjoy my fitness with long dog walks, hikes in the mountains, and cycling. A few weeks ago, my husband and I got a tandem bike and had a blast riding around. I’ll continue to do rides this winter on the indoor bike with Zwift, an online Virtual Reality biking program.

Stay tuned for more updates throughout the season from Tracie and her crew!

The post Staying fit with the Swiss appeared first on Snowgrrl.

In the spring, we wrote about some unique pieces that stood out during the SIA trade show, including fun base layers dreamed up by Kari Traa.  Kari Traa is a the ultimate snowgrrl: she’s a Norwegian former Olympic freestyle skier with three medals to her name.  Kari has used her familiarity with sports and creativity to deisgn a line of great looking sportswear that “lets you live life in full color.”  Since SIA concluded,  we’ve had the opportunity to test several items that are available in the U.S.   The Kari Traa line bring happiness, because of the quality construction and cheerful colors.  We were lucky enough to try out the Ulla half-zip, the Vrang long sleeve top, and the Rose half-zip tops.

The tops differ slightly in their color and construction.  The Vrang long sleeve top is made of a durable blend of 60% merino wool and 40% lenzing modal.  The comfortable jacquard knit and flat-lock seams felt soft and dreamy next to my skin.  Strangers complimented me in the lodge on first day I wore the top in Park City, Utah.  The fun pink and gray color scheme and very flattering bright pink shaped seams make this top stand out from boring plain colored base layers.  On the mountain under a mid-weight jacket, the top was breathable and warm.  I never felt too hot or too cold.

Similarly, the Rose and Ulla half-zip tops have now claimed permanent status as ski season wardrobe favorites.  I will admit, I first tried out the Rose top at Starbucks (paired with jeans and Uggs).  Again, because of the bright contrasting seams, this top really shows off curves, and fashionable looking women approached me to ask where I got the cute top.  It consists of 100% merino will.  The front zip design provides ventilation, while the fabric and construction provide comfort, warmth and stretch when and where you need it.

I am very happy to welcome Kari Traa’s lively and well-made pieces into my winter wardrobe and can’t wait for more of her line to be available in the U.S.

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As we have discussed before, skiing is not a poor man’s sport.  With apparel, accommodations, lift tickets, and skis themselves all costing a pretty penny, shortcuts are few and far between.  But, Snowgrrl is here to save the day and help you find some affordable ski clothes!  Following are our options for finding cute clothes to wear on the slopes that don’t break the bank:

1.  Swap meets and ski shows — The upcoming Colorado Ski and Snowboard Expo features a booth by Colorado Ski & Golf, peddling last year’s gear at 40-60% off.   The large outdoor stores also have sales with huge discounts on last year’s ski clothing, hard goods, and accessories around labor day. Numerous other, smaller ski swaps occur throughout September and October, and sometimes into November, offering the opportunity to sell your old gear and acquire someone else’s ski or snowboard clothes and gear.  Scarpa is known for a parking lot sale in early September; Vail and Breckenridge each host a swap meet geared to locals; and any google search of “ski swap meets” is sure to yield results.  Check in late August to be able to hit the most relevant sales for you.

2.  Consignment stores — The online consignment Thredup sometimes has very affordable active wear, including ski clothes.  A word of warning, though: while prices to buy items on the site may be great, use extreme caution when selling.  I tried out the service by sending in two different bags full of gently used clothing.  One yielded $100; the other, $.60, and the items inside each bag were not so different from each other.  Your local consignment store may also have some good deals on gently used clothing.

Forever 21’s ski bunny camouflage top

3.  Forever 21!  Never thought we would utter the name of that store on this site.  However, a recent visit revealed cute and under $100 ski pants ($39.90!) and jackets ($69.90!).  No word on whether these “luxe” ski clothes are warm/practical or just brightly colored – Bronco’s orange, anyone?  I couldn’t resist this ski bunny base layer for $14.99, currently part of the activewear sale.  At 30% off, it was less than $11!!

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The ski personality test simply consists of skiing down a mountain with someone you don’t know well.  You might be surprised to see all the insights that are revealed in a few hours, or less!  The ski personality test works equally well for work colleagues, potential romantic partners, and friends.   Skiing together will highlight your partner’s score on at least a few of these attributes:  patience, decisiveness, selfishness, and leadership.  Here’s how you find out:

1.  The lift line.

   On a busy day, sometimes multiple lines merge into one.  Does your partner edge forward, on top of the tips of other people’s skis or snowboards?  Does he or she ignore the protocol for who gets the next chair?  Or is he happy to chat with you while patiently waiting his turn?  This is a good way to see both patience and selfishness.

2. Top of the hill

   Getting out of the gondola or off of the chair, choices abound.  You need to decide which trail to take; the steepness, bumpiness, and overall rating.  An indecisive person will hem and haw and second guess her decision to take the groomed blue.  Maybe the green would be better?  Or maybe the groomed black could be fun?  Hmm it is so hard to know.  Beware — this person may be a “maximizer,” as described in Barry Schwartz’s fascinating book The Paradox of Choice.  In the end, a “satisficer” – someone who makes a choice that they think will be “good enough” — is happier than the person who tries to eke the maximum out of every experience.  We all know that person — the one who wants to get in the most vertical feet, get the best deal on new skis, stay at the best quality but least expensive hotel.  Oh, I may have been guilty of that in the past – but I am working on being happy with my initial instinct/decision.

3. Ski with a friend

   Inevitably, in a group of friends, or even among two people, ability levels differ.  One person will be a very strong skier, while the other is just struggling to stay upright.   How the strong skier treats the weak skier speaks volumes about his or her personality.   This is a cornerstone of the ski personality test.  A good leader will choose a trail on which everyone feels comfortable.  It may be a tiny bit of a stretch for the weakest skier, or a bit boring for the strongest, but he’s not going to lead everyone up to, say, Vail’s Challenge run (a short but steep/moguly black) and wish them luck.  Similarly, if your friend complains that her knees are sore and she just wants to take it easy for the last few runs of the day, an unselfish person will join her on some groomed blues, rather than push his own agenda to quickly ski the long, bumpy black next door.  Alternately, there comes a time when parting ways is a good idea; that’s what lodges and hot chocolate are for!  If your levels are vastly different, sometimes it makes sense to do a few runs on your own and meet up after to swap stores.  A selfish/maximizer will always choose what’s best for him without regard to the consequences for others.  Of course, setting expectations at the outset can be helpful.  Does the weak skier expect the strong skier to hold his or her hand all day?  Or is she independent enough to try some things out on her own?  Has the strong skier offered to give the weak skier “tips,” but then rushes straight down the mountain without stopping?

Skiing with a new person offers a fascinating look into his or her personality.  Next time you’re on the hill with someone new to you, pay attention to how they act on the mountain.  It probably won’t be so different from how they are in the bedroom or the board room.

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Packing the ski essentials for a day or several days on the slopes is so important that I have a “note” saved on my phone to check before I leave home.  Until I finally created and saved the list, I would inevitably end up on the mountain with all of my gear except one or two highly necessary items (say, gloves. . . ).  To spare you that inconvenience, here is my list of packing basis for a ski or snowboard trip, together with brands snowgrrl is psyched about:

Skis:  We love the look of these Coalition Snow skis, made by women, for women.

Goggles: At SIA, we demo’d the super cool Zeal Optics goggles with a display showing GPS and online functions including speed, distance, altitude, vert, temp, run count, and position.  Personally, I snagged the Protect Our Winters goggles because the goggles themselves are great and I felt good helping protect the environment while getting an essential piece of gear for skiing.

Helmet: I currently have a “matte black” Smith helmet.  Please, get some helmet by some brand and Love Your Brain.

Jacket  & pants: NILS is snowgrrl’s favorite favorite brand, combining style and functionality, and I love the Mariska jacket and Betty pants in long (long ski pants are so hard to find for us tall girls!)

Compression socks: My legs get a little tired after so many runs, I have found compression socks to be a ski essential.  They help energize my legs for those 30,000 vertical feet days!

Mittens or gloves:  I love love love my Swany mittens on super cold days.  They have a little zippered compartment where you can put a hand warmer!  For more temperate days, the Gordini Venture gloves (reviewed by SG Spring 2017) are comfy, lightweight, and cozy.

Hand warmers: If you’re going up for more than a day, get a 10-pack.  You will be a hero amongst your frozen-fingered friends.

Neck gator (or a turtleneck)!  We love the Colorado-made Phunkshun designs!

Lip Balm: One of our honorary “SnowMen” tried out AllGood’s lip balm and sunscreen, and loved them.

Sunscreen: Having tested numerous sunscreens, the verdict is that Snowgrrl loves Supergoop! We still think it needs a sexier name, though.  It provides natural SPF coverage with a bit of tint to cover up imperfections (not that you need it! You’re perfect!)

Boots w/gripping soles for walking on icy surfaces: Check out these NAOT “Konini” boots!  Or get some good old Sorrels. I’ve had mine since high school!

Wicking base layers: Kari Traa and Babool make great ones!

Epic Pass: Your best value for multiple days of skiing at the awesome mountains that make up Vail Resorts’ collection.  Hope you got yours in time!

Bikini & flip flops (for après ski!!): Must be hot tub ready after a challenging day on the slopes!

The post Ski essentials appeared first on Snowgrrl.

Last Wednesday, my friend and I enjoyed a bluebird day at Keystone ski resort.  Considering how very early in the ski season it was, we had low expectations.   We checked conditions at Keystone ski resort, A-Basin, and Breckenridge before leaving that morning.  From the information we found, it seemed like all three resorts had only a few lifts and a few runs open.  Keystone advertised three lifts and three runs.

Getting ready

We worked out some kinks in the morning.  First, my friend attempted to pick up his skis from the ski shop, but they weren’t ready.  However, one of the ski techs gave us some quick tips on waxing!  So then he got fitted for rental skis.  On the way up, I loaded the Bonx app on both of our phones and paired the devices via Bluetooth, so we could test the Bonx Grip communication devices on mountain.  After arriving at Keystone ski resort, we probably spent a good twenty minutes figuring out how to use the Bonx app.  Devices secured in our ears, we gathered our gear and were ready to ski – almost.  I had to activate my Epic Pass at the lift ticket window.  At long last, we grabbed some seats in the gondola.

Conditions

Looking at the mountain from the gondola was slightly dismaying, as there was not much snow yet.  The gondola, Montezuma express, and a tiny lift for first timers were running smoothly.  Keystone’s open terrain consisted of the following:

• Schoolmarm, a long green/blue;
• The terrain park to skier’s right of Schoolmarm;
• And a first-timer baby slope to skier’s left.

Since we are neither first time skiers nor interested in sharing the terrain park with snowboarders, we spent most of the day on Schoolmarm, and playing with my new phone’s camera.  We enjoyed the sunny skies and nicely groomed Schoolmarm run.  There is some pin on EpicMix earned only by repeating the same chair lift multiple times.  We earned it!   (Yes, I’m proud of my EpicMix badges).  All in all, a sunny, easy day.  More on our experience with the Bonx Grip (can you hear me now?) coming soon.  Meanwhile, do a snow dance…

The post Keystone ski resort – early season appeared first on Snowgrrl.

We’ve enjoyed Swiss Alps skiing since November 10, 2017 — Verbier, Switzerland to be exact! The resort of Verbier 4 Vallées officially opens daily from December 2, 2017 and stays open through the end of April, 2018.

How’s the snow?

A heavy snowstorm hit the region last weekend and lasted all day Saturday. Despite heavy snow and extreme winds, Verbier was able to open a good portion of the mountain for intermediate to expert skiers.  Four gondolas and four chairlifts were available. Slopes were open up to 3000 meters high.  By Sunday the storm gave way and gifted skiers with nearly 2 feet of fresh snow over the beautifully groomed trails!  As a result, we had some impressive fresh powder runs at the start of the day. With bluebird skies and frigid temperatures, the base for the season is off to an amazing start. The majority of the slopes are intermediate to expert level.  Several resorts joined together to compose Verbier 4 Vallées.  This creates a 400 square km zone of skiable runs, in addition to off piste areas and heli-ski possibilities.  Verbier attracts a variety of people who want to experience Swiss Alps skiing because of its accessibility and terrain.

The area called Gentianes at 3000 meters (9800 feet) high. The round building is called the igloo and houses both a self service restaurant and gourmet service restaurant. To the left of the igloo is the station for the gondola that goes up to the top of the Mont Fort glacier.

How do I get there?

Access to the Swiss resort located in the state of Valais is quite easy. If you are flying in from abroad, the closest international airport is Geneva, which is 1hour 45 minutes by train to Verbier.   Several bus services run from Geneva to Verbier as well.  Another option is to take the train directly from the Geneva airport (track 3 towards Brig) to Le Chable (with a change in Martigny to track 1).  Le Chable is a town below Verbier with an extensive parking lot and a Gondola that goes up to the resort for Swiss Alps skiing. Gondola hours are 9:00 am to 7:30 pm daily, so be sure to plan your travel within that time.  If you miss the gondola, you will need to take the bus, which departs hourly and costs 6.20 francs. Because Switzerland is not part of the European union and the local currency is in Swiss Francs or CHF. Many businesses accept euros but may give change in CHF.

Who skis in the Swiss Alps?

Verbier is a fun resort with an active nightlife. It is a hotspot for the British Royals, Madonna, James Blunt and more. I recommend skiing Verbier 4 Valées especially during the non-holiday periods to really benefit from the wild terrain, and to catch a glimpse of some favorite celebs. A guide or ski instructor from the Swiss Ski School will make it easier for your first time on this vast mountain. The language in the region is French, however most people speak English, but please greet the locals with a “bonjour” and “merci beaucoup” to show you can make the effort to communicate in their language. See you on the slopes!

The post Swiss Alps skiing: an insider’s view appeared first on Snowgrrl.

I recently had the chance to do a Bonx Grip review.  The device consists of a Bluetooth earpiece that enables cellular network-based group communication with up to 10 users anywhere in the world.   The opportunity to test it out intrigued me.  After all, who doesn’t want to be able to stay connected to friends on the slopes without the hassle of taking off your gloves?

The Bonx Grip box opened

Background

During our first day in Keystone, my friend and I set out to test two Bonx Grip devices.  We liked the idea of being able to communicate without the hassle of getting our gloves off and phones out to dial.  Our Bonx Grip review fell perfectly into our plans.  We worked out some other kinks that day; neither of us was stressed or time constrained.  I paired the devices to each of our phones on the way up.  Halfway there, when we stopped for gas and coffee, however, the first issue arose.  I tried to record the hilarious Breeze rentals guy discussing ski waxing. But, it seemed there was no sound coming out of my phone!  Eventually I realized the sound was going through the Bonx Grip, though the device was outside, several hundred feet away in the car.  The powerful device just wants to keep running!

The test

When we arrived at Keystone, our Bonx Grip review began in earnest.  We activated the devices and tested them by whispering to each other while standing on opposite sides of the car.  I heard everything my friend said, through my earpiece, but he couldn’t hear a word I uttered.

Testing the fun pink colored Bonx Grip

Once again, we played with the apps on our phones and skimmed through the instructions.  Eventually, we figured out that there is an “always on” mode and a “push to talk” mode.  That discovery made a big difference!  We continued playing with/testing the devices throughout the morning in Keystone.  The challenges were figuring out the optimal ways to utilize the different modes and the app.  When it was on constant-on mode, the microphone picked up a lot of background noise/other conversations.  For instance, I could hear everything that each person in my friend’s gondola was saying.  But, in “push to talk” mode, pushing the “talk” button (the big circle) on the device through the helmet proved challenging.

Scary warning

A few times that morning, we each got a warning message telling us that the device was no longer in an area with a strong cell signal.  This message mildly annoyed us in Keystone, but I could see how it would be scary if one of us was lost… in other words, the Bonx Grip is only as good as your cell phone signal.  Avid snowboarder and outdoorsman Takahiro Miyasaka designed the Bonx Grip well for a mountain environment.  The device boasts water and shock resistance.  The Bonx Grip, as it’s name suggests, ‘grips’ the ear.  The device stays put during rigorous outdoor activity.   The open-back earphone allows the user to hear surrounding noises.

Summary

At a price of around $139.95 per device, the Bonx Grip seems a bit of an indulgence.  Then again, normal bluetooth devices aren’t shock or water resistant.  With practice, you could probably figure out exactly where to press the “push to talk” button.  The box also indicates that it “constantly learns and adapts to its sound environment” with machine learning technology.  After some practice, the Bonx Grip could enable easy easily communication with your group of friends without draining your phone’s battery.  The devices would also be great for a hike or other activity where you’re not wearing helmets and want a hands-free way to stay in touch.

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Beginning in the 2015/16 ski season, the skincare brand Supergoop!, made its sunscreen available to Vail Resorts visitors.  Supergoop! let Snowgrrl know about the launch, and sent a little package of products of Supergoop sunscreen for us to test and review.  Soon, I started seeing it everywhere!  Last winter, Vail had a big basket full of sample size sunscreens at Two Elk lodge.  This season, I noticed a Supergoop! dispenser in the ladies’ room at the Keystone mountain-top lodge.

Supergoop! + Vail

Supergoop! has done a great job working with Vail to help visitors learn a good sun protection habit.  The sunscreen is available at virtually all of the resorts on the Epic Pass.  Let’s face it, playing in the mountains does not come risk-free.  Because higher elevations receive a stronger dose of sunshine (yep, even on cloudy days), we need to take steps to protect our delicate skin.  “I have been skiing in Colorado my whole life and it wasn’t until about a decade ago that I began to see helmets become the rule rather than the exception. We want to see sun safety also become the norm and we are excited to partner with Vail Resorts to help lead the charge and spread this message,” said Holly Thaggard, who founded Supergoop! together with tennis great Maria Sharapova.

Supergoop! Sunscreen and Supergoop Daily Correct CC Cream review

Snowgrrl was fortunate to try Supergoop!’s Daily Correct CC Cream, as well as the brand’s Everyday Sunscreen.  The Everyday Sunscreen comes out of the tube white, but spreads on in a transparent layer.  Importantly, it did not make my skin break out, as many sunscreens tend to do.  I continue to use the Everyday Sunscreen on my hands and body, but I LOVE the Daily Correct CC Cream for my face.  The product goes on smoothly, without any stickiness or odor.  It claims to “restore skin’s natural radiance and glow.”  I appreciate the high SPF (40), silky formula, and healthy, formula free of controversial ingredients. The CC Cream evens out my skin tone, without feeling cake-y or thick.  It makes my skin look flawless in all those Instagram photos!  I even mix it with moisturizer or a lighter weight face cream for days when I am not on the slopes, because I like the coverage that much.

The verdict:  Supergoop sunscreen definitely has earned a permanent place in snowgrrl’s arsenal of sun protection products!

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Consistent with all snowgrrl reviews of products tested, this Salewa Polartec Hoody review states my honest opinion about this product received at no charge from Salewa.

PEDROC POLARTEC® ALPHA® – WOMEN’S HOODY

Reviewed by “QUICK CHICK”, Tracie Max Sachs

First impression of the Salewa Polartec Hoody.

Tracie is a 5 time World Cup Champion in Speed Skiing. She is the American Women’s record holder, and 4th fastest woman in the history of skiing. She is currently a ski instructor at the Swiss Ski School of Verbier.

How Salewa describes the PEDROC POLARTEC® ALPHA® – WOMEN’S HOODY:

• wind-resistant
• breathable technical women’s sweatshirt
• built according to the SALEWA body mapping system, with different materials at different body parts
• hybrid sweatshirtused as mid or outer layer.
• Windbreaker shell to block the wind
• Polartec® Alpha® inserts offer active temperature-regulating insulation
• Polartec® Power Grid inserts at the collar, sleeves and sides, bottom and back for lightweight moisture management.
• “so comfortable you won’t want to take it off.”

Initial reaction?

Comfortable lightweight breathable hood. I was thankful to have this hood, I forgot my headband and it kept me warm in the frigid alpine air.

This is not your average hoody. The Salewa Polartec Hoody is a really technical sport shirt with a hood.  It has no correlation to your typical gym hoody that you’ve worn for the last 10 years. The Pedroc Polartec Alpha Women’s Hoody is a truly technical piece of equipment that can be used to enhance your outdoor experience. It features two front zip pockets.  I found them both very practical.  One pocket I used for my phone and the other for some treats for my adventure buddy Twinkie.

Where was it tested?

Testing the polartec hoody in Verbier in the Swiss Alps was great fun.  Jogging with my dog gave me the perfect opportunity to give this sporty hoody a run for the money. Because it is light weight and can be used as either a mid layer or an outer layer, I wore a good base layer underneath.  On my way up the mountain I wore a down jacket to keep me warm in the 32 degree (0  degree celsius) weather. It was sunny but cold and as soon as I started my run with Twinkie, I took off my down coat.

How did it perform?

Running along the snow, trying to keep up with Twinkie.

While running, I felt completely comfortable. This shirt has a nice ease of movement.  It allows the wearer flexibility, stretch, and complete mobility. It has breathable light weight fleece sections in all the right places.  At first, I was concerned my arms would get cold because the wind tech material doesn’t go all the way down the sleeves.  My arms actually felt great, untouched by the cold.  The middle of the back also has a more breathable layer which allows heat to escape while exerting energy. I am a size small and this shirt fits true to size.  It has an athletic shape and suited my athletic, yet petite body perfectly.

Room for Improvement?

One improvement I thought Salewa could make would be thumb holes in a bit longer sleeve. Perhaps they could add a little hand mitt at the end of the sleeve to cover your hands.  This would alleviate the need for gloves or mittens.

Recommendations?

I highly recommend the Salewa Pedroc Polartec Alpha Women’s Hoody.  The manufacturers suggested retail price of 180 euros may seem high. After thorough inspection and testing I think the price is fair and comparable to other technical gear in the same category of clothing.  The quality, the stitching, the zips, the numerous seams it requires to put together a technical shirt like this, merit the higher price tag.  This is a piece of equipment you soon won’t want to go without on any athletic adventure.  When coupled with the correct under and over layers it can be a really versatile top.

Twinkie approved!

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Consistent with all snowgrrl reviews of products tested, this Salewa Alpenrose hiking boot review states my honest opinion about this product received at no charge from Salewa.

Reviewed by “QUICK CHICK,” Tracie Max Sachs

Tracie is a 5 time World Cup Champion in Speed Skiing. She is the American Women’s record holder, and 4th fastest woman in the history of skiing. She is currently a ski instructor at the Swiss Ski School of Verbier.

The boots:

The Salewa Women’s Alpenrose Ultra Mid GTX Speed Hiking Shoe is a waterproof, breathable mid-cut shoe with GORE-TEX® protection and a MICHELIN® sole, which Salewa has designed specifically for speed hiking and high-intensity mountain training.  Salewa touts the boots as having the following features and benefits:

• MICHELIN®’s technical performance outsole featuring a design with grooves and sculptures for traction and stability over hard and uneven terrain.
• Promotes natural foot movement and agility – especially on downhill sections. T
• GORE-TEX® construction to keep your feet dry in wet and muddy conditions.
• Trademark SALEWA 3F System connecting the instep with the sole and heel for ankle support, flexibility and a precise fit.

SPECIFICATIONS:

• Specifications:Vegan

• Salewa Alpenrose on the trail in Verbier 2200 meters high.

  Weight:330 g

• Gender:Female

MATERIAL:

• Lining:GORE-TEX® Extended Comfort
• Outsole:Michelin® Ultra Train
• Upper:Breathable mesh / Coated fabric

Initial Reaction?

First and foremost, I was impressed by the light weight of the package I received in the mail.  The Salewa Alpenrose Ultra Mid Gortex Women’s hiking boots are really well made, cute, stylish, and generally pleasing to the eye on first impression.  These boots looked relatively small compared to other hiking boots I own, so I was slightly scared about the size.  Excited about trying them out, I quickly unlaced the shoes.  I almost always take a size 7.5 US so that is what I chose.  Despite their diminutive looks, they fit perfectly!  They have great lateral support and the overall length and shape fit my low volume, rather normal size foot just like Cinderella’s glass slipper.

Tracie and Twinkie test the Salewa Alpenrose boots in the Swiss Alps!

What were the test conditions?

I’ve actually made a point to wear the Salewa Alpenrose Ultra Mid Gortex Women’s shoes daily since I received them.  I am very impressed with the fit.  No “break-in period” was needed.  I wear them on daily walks with my dog Twinkie. We walk and jog and hike on all sorts of terrain.  I tested the shoes in rain, sleet, snow, dry and wet rock, dirt and generally variable conditions. 

 Performance?

The grip is good everywhere I’ve been. Only crampons hold well on glare ice and I don’t like falling down so I didn’t spend much time on pure ice. On fresh snow to hard packed snow the MICHELIN®’s technical performance outsole held really well.  On downhill sections my feet did not slide forward. The arch support and lateral stability proved to be excellent while running in softer snow.  They also held up on hard pack.  The Salewa Alpenrose Ultra Mid GTX provided cushion for my joints on hard surfaces. I had no bad pressure points anywhere on my feet.  The soft tongue provides enough flex for quick movements. The stiff sole and mid height exteriors performed well when pushed to the limits.

Room for improvements?

Though the shoes fit me perfectly, I asked a friend who has particularly wide feet to try them on.  She normally wears a 7 wide, and the 7.5 fit her perfectly.  If you have very wide or high volume feet, consider going up a half a size. The shoes are harder to get on then a typical sneaker so be prepared to actually sit down and loosen the laces to get them on your feet.

Recommendations?

Twinkie Approved…

These high quality shoes were great in my tests. The suggested retail value of 190 euros (US $138) is a good price point, competitive with other brands. An added bonus is that these shoes are Vegan.  Though I’m only vegetarian, it is important to me to lesson my impact on the environment and to be kind to animals, so that’s a nice surprise. I recommend the Salewa Alpenrose as an all around hiking shoe.  They are perfect for short trips or long.  I’ve had the opportunity to climb Kilimanjaro, and these would be perfect for a trip like that. When you need to pack light and have a shoe that is sufficient for all conditions, this is it. Since I’m tough on my footwear, I may need to do an update after a few months of wearing these.

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Here in Colorado, we have dealt with a winter with no snow or very little snow so far.  However, it’s no problem!  Opportunities abound for indoor and outdoor adventures with or without snow!

Both Denver and our mountain resorts have experienced a pretty dry winter so far. The average snowfall is at least seven to eight inches  of snow per month. As of December 20, 2017, total snowfall measured 2.8”, all of it from a brief storm on October 9, 2017. Alas, there are other opportunities exist for winter adventures! Here are a few:

1. Outdoor adventures

My bible is 60 Hikes in 60 Miles – a very handy guide book listing a bunch of hikes organized by distance, difficulty, and even special interests like “hikes for kids” and good winter hikes.”  I have completed all of the hikes up to 3 miles, mostly with my dog in tow.  I am currently on the lookout for a comfortable backpack that can fit both my dog and some gear, to try the longer hikes with my best friend.  I tried a front-facing pack from Outward Hound, but it was extremely uncomfortable and difficult to adjust without the help of a friend.  I’m thinking about ordering one  from Amazon, but I wonder whether the low price signals low quality.  Has anyone found one that is comfortable and has pockets for gear as well as your dog?

Solaris plaza ice skating

Vail has a few outdoor and one indoor ice rinks.  Solaris plaza has a nice outdoor ice rink in Vail Village, and there is also Alderhof Ice Rink, in Vail Square, which is located in Lionshead.  For serious indoor skaters or hockey players, there’s Dobson Ice Arena.  Booth Falls near Vail and on the free town bus route is rumored to be spectacular; I hope to check it out soon.   Options for winter adventures are not limited to just skiing and snowboarding!

2.  Spa-ing

Vail Racquet Club outdoor pool and spa

When the ski hill does not beckon, why  not spend a few hours relaxing with a dip in the hot tub or a massage?  Most hotels have at least a hot tub, and upscale resorts generally also have a pool and spa area, too.  Some people find going to the spa even more invigorating and refreshing than skiing or snowboarding.  Plus, you don’t need to put all those heavy clothes on – just a plush bathrobe!

3.  Shopping

Shopping in Vail Village

If you’ve exhausted your body, you can always start emptying your pocketbook by browsing at the many upscale boutiques in Vail or other resort towns.  You may find unique stores ranging from pet clothing boutiques to high end human apparel and accessories stores.  My favorite is the Golden Bear in Vail, and I proudly wear one of their necklaces.   If your wallet has already been emptied, window shopping can be a fun pastime as well!  Just imagine that you have unlimited funds and want to try, for example, a $400 under-eye cream. . . .

So when there’s no snow, no problem!  Just enjoy one of our top three non-snow activities!

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Editor’s note:  This month begins author Stacy Gold’s tips for those determined to move to a ski town AND date to find true love. 

So, you’re in your twenties and have moved to a ski town – congratulations! Or, maybe you’re just thinking about it. Either way, if you’re single, you may wonder about the dating scene. Maybe you’ve heard about the high percentage of men to women. Or guys sporting Goretex shells and enough merino to keep a sheared sheep warm turn you on.

Far more men than women indeed exist in most ski towns.  However, far more women than men, percentage-wise, actually show an interest in going out on a real date or (gasp) even a relationship.  Why?  Because men in their twenties are inherently self-centered, and men who move to ski towns are more self-centered than most.

I don’t mean that in a bad way.  It’s just, these guys have managed to ignore all the naysayers and family members likely telling them what they’re supposed to be doing with their lives.  Instead, they opt to take crap jobs in order to ski every day.  Such men are, first and foremost, more concerned about their own immediate happiness.  Sure, there are always exceptions to the rules, but if you’re in your twenties, chances are you’re going to date ski bums who fall into one of the following categories:

Young ski couple in love… photo compliments of Stacy Gold

1. Just here for a season

This guy is taking a break from “real life”, maybe a year off before or after college. He might be fun to date for a while, but he won’t stay with you any longer than he’ll stay in that town.

2.  No friends on a powder day

We also call this guy the Maximizer.   His sole focus is skiing (or boarding), as much and as fast as he can.  That means no girlfriends on a powder day, either (even if you keep up just fine). This guy might be good for a date and a night (or assorted days/nights) of fun, but don’t expect more.

3.  You’re cramping my style

This guy wants to do exactly what he wants to do, and he doesn’t wasn’t a woman interfering, making demands, or inserting herself into his friend group (even if you rip).  Could have maximizer/loner traits as well.

4.  The player

He’s out for a good time, and in this guy’s mind, relationships are NOT a good time. Sleep with him if you want a fling, but don’t expect anything more.

5.  Figuring himself out

Whether you live in a ski town or a big city, this guy is always poor relationship material. Give him five years and try again.

6.  True loner

He might be sexy. He might be an amazing skier, and charming to boot. But if he spends most of his time by himself, even when he’s chasing big/dangerous lines, he’s never going to be that into you.

7.  The braggart

This guy is always talking about his sick lines and big air. Even if you aren’t intimate with him, chances are good he’ll brag about it anyway. Avoid this insecure dude at all costs.

After reading this article, maybe you’re thinking the single, ski bum life isn’t for you. Don’t despair!  Most guys, even ski bums, eventually grow up and decide they want more out of life—a wife, kids, a house.  Just recognize they may never give up their season pass.

Stay tuned: If you’re still determined to move to a ski town AND find true love, next month Stacy will be back to profile “7 Types of Ski Bums You’ll Date in a Ski Town If You’re in Your Thirties or Older.”

About the Author

Stacy Gold is an avid telemark skier who spent the better part of her twenties ski-bumming in Breckenridge, Whitefish, and Jackson Hole. She’s owned 23 season passes, still skis 40 days a year, and insisted her husband learn to ski as a condition of marriage. In 2014, Stacy gave up her day job as Communications Director of a nonprofit mountain biking organization to write sassy, steamy, contemporary romance novels.

Stacy’s stories are packed with strong, independent women finding love and adventure in the great outdoors. In Deep, the second novella in her steamy Emerald Mountain ski series comes out January 31^st, 2018.

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