Paragliding the Point

This past summer I had the fantastic opportunity to try out paragliding at the Point in Draper, UT.  Paragliding is known as a fun and safe way to experience flight in its simplest form.  A paraglider is a free-flying, foot-launched aircraft.  For newcomers to the sport, it is required that you fly tandem with an experienced pilot before flying solo.

Tandem flights use a wing large enough to hold two people.  Each person has a seat of their own.  Once the kite and pilot are ready and every one is strapped in - you simply walk off the side of the mountain and put your faith in wind.  A breeze catches the kite's wings and lifts you up gently.  Voilà! -  you are airborne.

The take off was smooth and effortless.  It felt, to me, like I was butterfly floating gently in the breeze.  I have also tried skydiving in the past and the two are totally different.  One gives you an adrenaline rush and the other seems to calm your every fiber.  The paragliding flight lasts approximately 15 minutes - long enough to get in some great pictures.

Paragliding ROCKS!!

Desolation Lake

Desolation Lake is a fun, moderate trail located along Big Cottonwood Canyon Drive.  This is popular hiking as well as mountain biking trail.  But don't expect to see all of the bikers riding their bikes - with a 2,000 foot elevation gain from the trail head to the lake, most bikers find walking easier than biking.

I took a trip up to the canyon a few weeks ago - just as the leaves were beginning to turn.  The trail is well marked and the hike will give you a good workout.  Be careful for those mentioned bikers - some of them are not too keen on the hiking/mountain biking etiquette.  I almost got run over by a couple of yahoo bikers who failed to yield on their way down.

Once up at the lake, there is a short, but steep trail, that will take you to the top.  The views from the top are breathtaking.  You will be able to see 360 degrees.  From the west you will have a view of the entire Salt Lake valley and from the East you can see Park City and Heber City.  It is worth the extra effort to climb to the top.

Here are a few pictures from my recent hike:

Ski Season 2011 - College Discounts!

If  you haven't already bought your ski passes for the upcoming ski season, then you missed out on some great pre-season prices.  But don't fret!  Most ski resorts offer student discounts - even after the  pre-season sale date.  Here are the student prices for some of the more popular ski/snowboard resorts in Utah:

Brighton Ski Resort:  Regular pass (good any day of the week) - $599 (as compared to $949 for a non-student)

Alta Ski Resort:  Regular pass - $599 (as compared to $999 for a non-student) College spouses are also $599!

The Canyons Ski Resort:  Silver College Pass - $449 if purchased before October 15th, $549 thereafter. (some restrictions apply. See their website for details).

Deer Valley Ski Resort:  Does not offer student discounts. Booooooooo!

Park City Ski Resort:  Several options are available.  Prices range from $450-$950 (as compared to $699-$1299 for non-students).

Snow Basin Ski Resort:  Regular pass  for young adults 19-26 - $650 (as compared to $1100 for reg adult).

Snowbird Resort:  Regular pass - $699 (as compared to $1099 for non-students).

Sundance Ski Resort:  Regular pass - $499 (as compared to $529 for non-students).

There are a few other resorts that I did not include in this listing.  Also, some restrictions may apply for some of the above prices.  Always check with the resort for details before purchasing.  I have links for all the resorts in my blog.

Winter is almost here!  I'm ready to ski, are you?