One Good Thing About the Inversion, I Suppose....

January often brings the dreaded "inversion" to the Wasatch Front. High pressure hovers over the valleys, trapping in smog, fog, pollution, as well as cold temperatures.

In the mountains, however, it is a completely different story!
Crystal clear, cloudless, blue skies, and pleasant temperatures. 49 even!!

Monday morning dawned with the thermometer reading 1 degree, but moving up to higher elevations, came higher temps. And, if I failed to mention previously, an incredible day of snow-cat skiing in the Uintahs. (check out Thousand Peaks Ranch)
The weather was SO nice, and warm... that I actually skied "old school"-- no helmet, with the hair blowing in the wind. Quite liberating, actually!

"Cat-skiing?" you are wondering... yes, you should be envious.... the comfy snow cat takes you up to a new, untracked run, each and every time (with the exception of the one run that was so nice we asked to do it twice). No liftlines, a nice warm ride up (not that we needed it...it was warm enough to ride up "commando" style--the back door wide open), with snacks, dark chocolate, and bottled water to enjoy between runs. What a dream. Really.I was lucky enough to be invited for an incredible day of skiing with my friend Greg, and a few of his friends and their families. It was an awesome day!!We could see Timp way in the distance. The views were spectacular!

A few new skiers!! ... and a few more shots of the Holidays

It's been over a month since I have updated the blog, and the last entry really wasn't much of an update, at that.

The Holidays, 2008 were a bit tough for me, as I was sick with a nasty cold and sinus infection for almost 3 weeks. It sapped my energy, and kept me home from a few days of skiing.

I'm happy to report that the health has much improved, and, I have a new found appreciation for HEALTH.

It was great to have family in town for much of the holidays... it was get-togethers aplenty. It was so nice to see everyone we don't get much time with. Ian and Tyler even made a few cameo appearances. Ty is a master with the blow torch on the Creme Brulees. It's always a plus when he can use his pyrotechnic skills for practical purposes! Cosi and Kristi braved Grizzly Ridge, and Bandlands... gutsy skiers. Black Diamond runs. Awesome. Way to go girls! I'll ski with them anytime!

Lindsey, Katie and Ellie ventured out on skis for the first time. We now have 3 more skiers in the family!! Grandpa would be so proud. They learned where their dad learned, about 25 years ago. They did great!