Winter Adventures Beyond the Lifts
More ways to play in the snow: snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, snow tubing, and backcountry touring, with gear and safety basics for each.
By Justin McKelvey, former Vail and Salt Lake City local.
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Snowshoeing for Beginners: How to Start and What You Need
How to go snowshoeing: choosing snowshoes by weight and terrain, what to wear, technique on hills, where to go, and winter safety basics.
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Cross-Country Skiing for Beginners: Classic vs Skate
How to start cross-country skiing: classic vs skate technique, gear and rentals, where to ski, first-day tips, and how it compares to downhill.
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Snowmobiling for Beginners: Tours, Rentals, Gear, and Safety
How to try snowmobiling: guided tours vs rentals, what to wear, basic riding and safety, avalanche terrain awareness, and how to book a trip.
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Snow Tubing: How to Find a Tubing Hill and What to Expect
Snow tubing guide for families: how to find snow tubing near you, ticket and age basics, what to wear, safety rules, and how it differs from sledding.
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Backcountry Skiing for Beginners: How to Start Safely
How to get into backcountry skiing safely: avalanche education first, essential gear, touring setups, finding partners and guides, and resort sidecountry rules.
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Splitboarding for Beginners: Gear, Technique, and Safety
How splitboarding works: what a splitboard is, bindings and skins, transitions, touring technique, avalanche safety, and how to start with a guide.
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Avalanche Safety Gear: Beacon, Probe, and Shovel Explained
What avalanche safety gear you need: transceiver (beacon), probe, and shovel, how they work together, airbag packs, practice, and why training matters most.
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Best Snow Boots: How to Choose Warm, Waterproof Winter Boots
How to choose snow boots for men and women: insulation ratings, waterproofing, traction, fit with thick socks, and boots for town vs trail.
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Heated Jackets: Are They Worth It and How to Choose
How to choose a heated jacket for skiing and winter: battery life, heat zones, warmth when off, washing, airline rules for batteries, and who they're for.