Mountains of Color and Fun
The snow never melts from spots near the top of Utah's highest mountain peaks. I've enjoyed playing in that snow on many a summer backpacking trip. This summer in particular there were huge snowfields in the tops of the Uinta Mountains, left over from the record snowfall we received last winter. Backpacking in the Uintas, a dozen or more miles from the trailhead, approaching Utah's highest peaks, we will stumble onto a snowfield. We drop our packs and race to the top. Run and jump and slide, hiking boots serving as skis, arms flailing as we struggle to stay upright. Often tumbling head over heals into the course, icy snow.
The summer snow is fun but not like the white stuff that has made Utah's ski resorts world-famous. During winter our ski resorts pick up tremendous amounts of fine, dry powder - it's known as "The Greatest Snow on Earth." It's a primary reason Deer Valley Ski Resort has been ranked #1 in North America by Ski Magazine, again, and that other Utah resorts also rank near the top of the annual list. Summer is over now. Change is blowing in with the cooler night air. Foliage is being painted with vivid hues of scarlet and gold. This is the time to drive Utah's byways and enjoy the extravaganza of fall colors.
Just remember, the snow is coming. It comes to the high country first. Snowstorms are common in the Uintas during September. In October snow will start to accumulate at our ski resorts. Last year most resorts were open by mid November - some saw their earliest openings ever. The seasons are changing. I can feel it. But the most obvious sign is the sound of telephones ringing with people booking ski trips. Resorts report very strong early bookings. Holiday periods will be totally booked out within the next couple weeks. If you want lodging close to the resorts during the Christmas/New Years or Presidents' Day holidays, you'd better book immediately. The snow is coming. Last year was Utah's best ski season ever. This year is expected to be just as good or even better. -- Dave Webb Here are some upcoming events of special interest: GEM FAIRE: Sept 30-Oct 2, 2005, Utah State Fairpark, 155 N 1000 W, Salt Lake City. Fri: noon-7 pm, Sat: 10 am-7 pm, Sun: 10 am-5 pm. Admission $5 weekend pass. Take advantage of the lowest prices in the market for the finest quality of jewelry, gems, beads, crystals, silver, rocks, minerals, and much more. Nearly 100 exhibitors from all over the world will be on site. Jewelry repair while you wait. Classes & demonstrations throughout the weekend. For more info: 503-252-8300 or info@gemfaire.com. Escalante Canyons Everett Ruess Days Working Arts Festival, Oct 3-9, Escalante. Everett Ruess was a young adventurer, artist, writer who wandered along searching for beauty. His journals and sketches are remarkable. In November, 1934, at the age of 20, he mysteriously vanished into the barren Utah desert. This festival is held in his honor. It features exhibits, workshops, lectures, music and entertainment, poetry, plus plenty of food. Contact Harriet Priska, 435-828-4810 Uintah Arts Council 10th Annual Juried Photography Show, Oct 4-28, Vernal. Uintah Arts Council Outlaw Trail Festival of the Arts 10th Annual Photography Show. On display October 4th thru 28th, 2005. Hosted by Uintah County Western Heritage Museum 328 E. 200 So. Vernal, Utah. Categories: Theme "Traditions of the Old West", Enhanced or Altered Digital, Scenic, Portrait, and Animals/Pets/Wildlife. Contact Christine Y. Smith, 435-790-0858 Moab Century Tour, Oct 7-9. The Moab Century Tour encompasses an inspiring variety of landscape to awaken the cycling spirit. From the depths of the red rock canyons of Moab, riders begin to glimpse at the towering mountains above. This spectacular route rises from the sculptured canyons of the mighty Colorado River up into the La Sal Mountains, and then descends back into the canyons leaving you speechlessly in awe of the grand scale of this magical place. Channel the energy of riding through this grandeur of Moab's canyon country by putting purpose behind your cycling. By focusing proceeds of the Tour with the Lance Armstrong Foundation, each participant becomes a powerful force against cancer. For more information contact 435-259-2698. Utah's Big Game Hunting Seasons: General season elk, Oct 8-20. General season deer, Oct 22-30. MOAB HALLOWEEN BIKE FEST (Formerly the Moab Fat Tire Festival), Oct 27-30. (Held at various Locations in Moab) - This annual festival has developed into a great rendezvous for mountain bike enthusiasts from around the globe. Cycling enthusiasts from all over the World will have the opportunity to mingle with bike manufacturers, racers and journalists. Phone: 435-259-7882. |
The snow is a bonus. We come to enjoy the mountains, the forest, the fish and wildlife. 
But there is still time to enjoy outings in the sun. The water is warm and fishing is excellent at 