Heber Valley Life

Tag: Winter

Winter Trails

The beautiful Wasatch Back, Heber Valley, and west Uintah Range are home to a wide and growing collection of multi-use trails; many available for use in winter by Fat Tire Mountain Bikers (FT), Cross-Country (XC) and Back-Country (BC) skiers and boarders, and snowshoers. Hikers are not allowed to use the groomed trail system as they sink deep into the snow and may ruin the trails. There are groomed roads for winter hiking in most areas. Further, your dogs are welcome to join you as long as you pick up after their mess. Also, no motorized vehicles are allowed other than the machines that make and groom these trails. Let’s take a tour of our trails, starting to the West of the Heber Valley.

Wasatch Mountain State Park Trail System

Wasatch Mountain State Park (WMSP) hosts an amazing collection of rangers, guides, and volunteers to help safely access incredible terrain and geology, including ‘lost mines,’ gorgeous views, rugged roads, and numerous multi-use, all-season trails. Starting at the park headquarters, where folks can rent FT bikes and XC skis, a multi-use summer/winter trail system begins. For beginners, the winter golf course trails and Green all-season trails wind up Snake and Pine Canyons, and offer FT riders, XC and BC skiers the opportunity to practice and test their skills and equipment with little fear of a bad crash.

However, the Green trails are limited and quickly turn into Blue and Black all-season trails. Summer hikers and mountain bikers share the trails, as do winter FT riders, XC and BC skiers, split-boarders, and snowshoers. The longest and most popular trail is the WOW trail, which starts just above the SP Campground and climbs Pine Canyon to the bottom of Bonanza Flats. Most mountain bikers (summer) use a two-car relay system to start at the top and fly to the bottom — a few bent bikes and broken bones have occurred on this challenging path! In winter, the WOW trail is ungroomed, but a few hardcore FT bikers tackle it early before the snow gets too deep, and a few more BC Skiers and Split-Boarders climb the trail then negotiate the WOW and side trails down Pine Canyon in rather dense tree-covered terrain.

About two miles from WMSP HQ/Pond, driving or riding east along Pine Canyon/River Roads, then north up Dutch Hollow Road, is the WMSP Dutch Hollow multi-use, all-season trail system. This is my favorite trail system in the Park, with trail names like Prospector, Donkey Ridge, The Barrell, Boneyard, and 1000 Turns. In summer, the mountain biking here is phenomenal.

Last winter, some friends and I climbed to the top of Burnt Ridge. I was on BC skis while my friends climbed in snowshoes, holding their snowboards. We skied/rode a steep slope down to the parking lot. Pure fun and a great workout! Finally, there are a few trails groomed by residents for FT riders, and the snowshoeing and XC/BC skiing are fantastic back in Dutch Hollow. The longest trail, up Dutch Hollow Road, eventually leads to the intersection of two canyons and a few old silver mines.

Wasatch State Park to Park City and Deer Valley Connector Trail System (In Development)

The Dutch Canyon Trail System in Wasatch State Park will eventually connect via multi-use trails to Park City and Deer Valley. This system will likely utilize routes up Pine Canyon then through Bonanza Flats, and from Dutch Hollow along the foothills west of SR 40 then along the base of the new Mayflower-Deer Valley ski complex and Deer Crest Portal. This will be a non-winter mountain bike trail system, but in winter, a few sections will be accessible on skis and snowshoes, except where they cross ski resort downhill trails.

Mayflower/Deer Valley Resorts Trail System (In Development)

According to a new agreement, and plans in development for winter use, many of these trails will be ski lift-accessed for skiers with passes in winter. Any skier with safety straps or brakes and a pass could use these trails, including Telemarkers (TM) and BC skiers. Snowboarding will not be allowed on Mayflower and Deer Valley properties. In Summer, however, hikers and mountain bikers will have access as they do at Deer Valley Resort’s trail system, using lifts/gondolas to access them. Mayflower will add a lot of new multi-use trails and trail extensions. Some trails here may not require a ski lift pass to access, but which of these will be accessible by FT Mountain Bikers and XC Skiers/Snowshoers during the winter remains to be determined. Currently, the Mid Mountain and other multi-use trails, accessed from parking lots, including the Ontario Mine and Empire/Guardsman Pass Road parking lots, are open for XC/BC skiers and snowshoers without a ski lift pass. However, only a few are groomed in winter for FT Mountain Bikers.

Jordanelle/Coyote Ridge Multi-Use Trail System: In winter, this is a groomed FT mountain bike, snowshoe, and XC/BC trail system best accessed from a small parking area and Cutthroat Trail Gate at the apex of the Heber City – Francis Road, Hwy 32, south of Jordanelle Reservoir. A multi-use trail around the Reservoir also begins at Rock Springs, SP. However, south of Hwy 32, in the Coyote Ridge or Jordanelle Ridge area, numerous groomed and well-maintained trails provide some of the best biking, snowshoeing, and XC/BC skiing near Heber City.

Big Pole Trail System

Only a few minutes by car or bike from downtown Heber City, the Big Pole trails cater to hikers and bikers in summer and XC/BC skiers and snowshoers in winter. The trails are maintained but not groomed in winter. To get there, take Center Street east from town to Little Pole Road, hang a left, and follow the road a few miles to the Big Pole Trailhead. Located in a private community, parking is limited. Here, as at Jordanelle/Coyote Ridge, an abundance of rugged Keatley Volcanic Epoch lava-mud-rock flows cover the hills — there are various trail options, from under three miles to a 10+ mile loop. All boast incredible views of the Wasatch and Mt. Timpanogos to the west, and once you get to the top of the trails, of the High Uintah Mountains to the east.

Soldier Hollow Trail System

Soldier Hollow also boasts a new, world-class, late Spring-Summer-Fall Mountain Bike trail system that, in many places, intersects their winter Nordic trails. This did not stop them from hosting several FT Mountain Bike races last season, and they are thinking about grooming at least one trail for permanent winter FT riding that steers clear of the Nordic ski tracks. Soldier Hollow has hosted several mountain bike races (in conjunction with NICA and UHSCL, and others) over the past few years and plans to offer several national-level mountain bike races in the future. Besides, with a Soldier Hollow year-round membership, the public can access all their trails all the time, rent E-Mountain bikes if needed, and enjoy this fantastic single-track paradise with its new apres-ski/bike facilities.

Soldier Hollow Trail System, New for 2024

As we’ve seen, the Wasatch Back-Heber Valley-western Uintah mountains offer many excellent multi-use trails, many of which cater to year-round sports. This winter, you might want to rent or buy a Fat Tire Mountain Bike, XC or BC skis, or snowshoes and navigate the trails in Dutch Canyon, Jordanelle/Coyote Ridge, Big Pole, or Soldier Hollow. Let’s, pray for snow and get ready to play outside!

VOLUNTEER OR DONATE TO OUR TRAILS IF YOU LOVE YOUR TRAILS

— please consider volunteering and becoming a member. Wasatch Trails Foundation: wasatchtrailsfoundation.org
December 7, 2023
Biathlon

The biathlon is a winter sport that combines cross-country skiing and rifle shooting. The sport is rooted in the skiing traditions of Scandinavia, where early inhabitants revered the Norse God, Ull, as both their ski and hunting God.

Initially, the combined skills of skiing and rifle marksmanship were developed for the region’s militaries during the 1700s. In 1776 the first recorded biathlon competition took place along the border dividing Norway and Sweden; it was between patrol companies. The first biathlon club, the Trysil Rifle and Ski Club, was established in Norway in 1861. The biathlon was included as a demonstration event at the first Winter Olympics in Chamoinix, France, in 1924 and in 1960 the biathlon was added to the Winter Olympics as an official men’s event. International biathlon competitions for women began in 1981. Today, the biathlon has become a popular sport for men, women, and children with programs and clubs all over the world — including our own Team Soldier Hollow in Midway.

If you were competing in the 1960 Olympic biathlon, you likely carried a rifle loaded with either .30-06 or 7.62x51mm NATO rounds1. (Which interestingly enough, or not, considering the biathlon origins, is the choice round for many hunters.) For those who have never fired such a rifle, to do so accurately requires skill, finesse, and calm. When every muscle of the core, back, arms, and legs is converting oxygen and glycogen to raw power in order to move your skis across snow, the idea of lying on the ground to calmly shoot a target with a rifle conjures a certain echelon of human.

Historically, skiing can only be traced so far before the trail evaporates into time ethereal. Etched by someone 5,000 years ago on the wall of a famous cave in Norway, the image of a person on skis is testament to the mysterious, prehistoric nature of skiing. In Norway, skis were part of the hunting implements.

In today’s competitions, biathletes use .22 caliber rimfire cartridges. The rifle is sighted using “peep sights,” a pairing of an aperture in the rear and a pin at the muzzle. Finally, a skier’s rifle must weigh a minimum of 3.5 Kilograms. Rifles are carried using a split sling, allowing it to go over both shoulders; centering the rifle over the back with minimal sway while the skier races up and down the track; keeping the hand and arms free to use their ski poles.
At intervals the biathlete stops at firing ranges to shoot five targets located 50 meters (164 feet) away. Most races require the competitors to shoot from both standing and prone (lying on the stomach) positions. Target size varies depending on the skier’s position; when standing, shooters aim at an 11.5-cm (4.5-inch) target and while prone contestants shoot at a 4.5-cm (1.8-inch) target. Biathlon’s have been governed by the International Biathlon Union (IBU) since 1993. The IBU authorizes six types of biathlon events—individual, sprint, relay, pursuit, mass start, and team.

Racing traditionally takes place on groomed, snowy tracks. However, as devoted skiers learned to train in summer months using “roller skis” on dry pavement rather than skis over snow, someone figured that biathlon was no longer a winter only event. During the warmer months of the year spectators can watch biathletes compete from the comfort of a warm bleacher with a cold beverage rather than in a parka with a hot cocoa.

It has become increasingly more common, during spring and summer, to see Nordic ski athletes training around the valley, especially near Soldier Hollow and the road around Midway. Soldier Hollow Nordic Center located at Wasatch Mountain State Park is known locally, and internationally, as the site for many of the Nordic ski events of the 2002 winter Olympics. Even their phone number ends in “2002.” Did you know that World Cup and Olympic level athletes train there? As far as biathlon goes, it boasts a very specific shooting range that matches a Nordic facility standard around the world. Heber Valley is often host to some of the world’s top athletes because of this world class Nordic facility; earning the title ‘world class’ is no easy feat. In 2017 Soldier Hollow was awarded the bid for a World Cup Cross Country Ski event. This helped lay the foundation for reaching the top.

Soldier Hollow boasts several coaches with international training. As of this writing, one of those coaches was currently in Sweden at an IBU conference. Zach Hall, the Head Biathlon Coach, shared that, while Soldier Hollow coaches and trains the most elite athletes and maintains the highest coaching standards, it really is about community. Soldier Hollow offers three biathlon programs; the Devo/Devo plus Flex Biathlon, Comp Flex Biathlon, and Masters Biathlon Team. It’s pretty amazing to think that our local kids have the opportunity to not only learn to ski and shoot on the same field as many international elite athletes, but also carry on a tradition that started 300 (or more) years ago — right here in our very own back yard!
December 1, 2022
Ice Castles
In the early 2000s, Brent Christensen, a Pleasant Grove, Utah resident, was looking for fun things to do with his kids in the winter.

He thought building Igloos would be a cool thing to do. What began as a fun backyard adventure quickly developed into the foundation for today’s Ice Castle masterpieces. As Christensen graduated from his backyard ice rink and ice forts to his current icy creations; his simple drive for exploration, innovation, and seeking joy in the cold winter months has also brought joy and wonder to others.

Neighbors soon discovered Brent’s beautifully frozen sculptures, and word spread. It didn’t take long for neighbors and local news crews to start driving by his home. Motivated by the positive reactions, Christensen began thinking about expanding the Ice Castles and making them a public attraction. After approaching nearly every resort in the area, Midway’s Zermatt Resort was the only one to show interest. Luckily, the small-town charm of Midway turned out to be the perfect choice for the Utah Ice Castles.

Christensen’s hobby rapidly grew into a successful business, and after several seasons the company set its sights on expanding — but where? Midway has unique features that are key to the success of the Ice Castles. Cold weather is critical! But the castles also require easy access to a water source, drainage, parking, and proximity to a central metropolitan area. Eventually, the Ice Castles would find a home in four additional ‘perfectly unique’ locations: New Brighton, Minnesota; North Woodstock, New Hampshire; Lake George, New York; and Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Brent is involved in the planning and design of each location, while a local management crew oversees the daily operations.

Aside from thousands of guests who tour the Ice Castles each year, Christensen’s creations have also been featured in TV shows, music videos, marriage proposals, and a mass Valentine’s Day wedding in Minnesota. The Utah, Wisconsin, New Hampshire, and New York locations also offer “VIP Arctic Alcoves” that are available to rent for private functions.

As you might imagine, building an outdoor attraction made of ice can be daunting, especially in the face of climate change and warmer winter temperatures. Regardless of the forecast, the Ice Castles crew aims to be ready with design plans and water lines by the end of October, with a goal to start building by the end of November. It takes four weeks of intensive labor to sculpt the castles, towers, thrones, tunnels, and slides. The process starts with setting up water and electric lines. From there, thousands of “icicles” are created each day, then harvested and sculpted into magical ice castles.

The Utah Ice Castles are run by a core group of five to ten people from the Heber Valley; the remainder of the workforce is supplemented by seasonal workers and those living a nomadic lifestyle. As housing in the Heber Valley becomes more difficult to secure, it’s become a vital part of the compensation package for workers. Subsidized rental housing is provided to a number of seasonal employees who come from out of state for the winter season.

An ideal season runs from early January through March, but the dates are completely up to Mother Nature. A December snowstorm can bring warm weather and set the crew back by a couple of weeks. Last year saw one of the shortest seasons for the Ice Castles, at only three weeks long, while the prior season lasted nearly eight weeks. I asked the founder if it was disappointing to see his work melt away after just a few weeks. His response? “It’s just part of what we do.” Truth be told, that’s what makes tickets so hard to come by, and part of what makes the Utah Ice Castles so special!

PRO TIPS:
- Getting Tickets: Weekend and holiday tickets sell out quickly. Sign up for the mailing list and you’ll be the first to know when tickets go on sale.
- Dress for Cold Weather.
- Warm Boots
- Hat
- Mittens or Gloves
- Hand or Foot Warmers
Photographed by Melissa Smuzynski
December 1, 2022
Tail Gating
Not long ago, setting up a day-use camp in a ski resort parking lot would have been considered strictly taboo. There would have been a high likelihood that, should you bust out a tailgating kit, a resort employee would be out in short order explaining that you needed to pack up your chairs and that — barbeque grill — or you will need to leave the property. Others might be observing in bewilderment, silently pondering, “Don’t they know that you are supposed to eat and relax in the lodge?”

Like many other variables today, the snow sports industry and its consumer base have changed. The pivot started in the winter of 2008 — when the first Epic Pass by Vail Resorts was released. Vail, and the industry as a whole, had begun to receive criticism from ski resort locals over the costs associated with the sport. The solution for Vail was a corporate-controlled co-op pass that sold at nearly 1/3 of the cost of a resort pass to a single resort. Vail resorts were unique in the market then because of the number of properties they owned. Epic pass holders now had an excuse and green light to travel to maximize the value of a multi-resort pass.

Ski bums are going to ski bum. If said skiers showed up to a new resort in their travel camper, they wouldn’t be paying for a hotel that evening. The compact mobile camper quickly became the weapon of choice for ski bum travel pursuits. The far reaches of parking lots started to resemble campgrounds. The deal was sealed by the pandemic closures, restaurant restrictions, and discouraged time indoors throughout those years. Thus spawned a new culture of ski resort travelers and the cross-over discipline of ski resort tailgating.

In today’s ski culture, it is becoming more and more common to pack some tailgating necessities and hang out in the parking lot. Much like the football tailgate parties — the more, the merrier, and given the right circumstances, parking areas could erupt into an entire scene! It is strategic for most and a great way to enjoy the alpine weather or kill some time while mingling with your crew in the most casual way possible.

It’s all in the setup

Should you want to pack tailgating necessities on your next day at the resort: here are a couple of ideas to get you started.
- Secure a grill suitable for your cooking pursuits. Gas grills take less time to set up / take down and are generally less messy than charcoal. There are lots of options that range from camp stoves to hitch-mounted grills. Find the one that fits your vehicle and taste preferences and roll with it. Don’t forget grilling tools and cutlery!
- A quality insulated cooler will help you to keep your food fresh in the spring and from being frozen solid in the winter. Coolers are also helpful in organizing your ‘kitchen’ and keeping your vehicle clean and tidy.
- Comfy collapsible chairs are pure luxury for the parking lot skier. Camp chairs help take a momentary load off your feet, facilitate a mobile boot-changing station, and multiply the ‘chill’ of your gathering exponentially.
- Set the mood with a Wi-Fi speaker. Leave it behind when you head to the chairlift. Nobody likes the lift-line DJ.
- If your ski area permits it, some great ‘smokeless’ firepits are available. Live fire can be a source of heat and create a center to ground the conversation in your gathering.
The most important part of a successful ski outing is going to start with being smart. Make good decisions. Respect your neighbors on the hill and the road. Share a hot dog with your new friends and get to know the people around you! If you can find your ‘chill’ there are going to be many others that will reciprocate. Be safe and enjoy the Wasatch!

Sharing a bite is always a great way to meet new friends

Megamaster Propane Tabletop Grill

SOLO STOVE Smokeless Fire Pit

Orca Classic Seafoam Cooler
Megamaster Propane Tabletop Grill
Available at Tractor Supply Co., Heber City

SOLO STOVE Smokeless Fire Pit
Available at Timberline Ace Hardware, Heber City

Orca Classic Seafoam Cooler
Available at Sportsman’s Warehouse, Heber City
December 1, 2022
Ladies Day Cross Country Ski

Ladies of all levels welcome! Ladies Day cross country skiing at the Nordic Center is incredibly popular and continues to gain momentum each year. Participating in the Nordic Center Ladies Day at Sundance is a great way to stay in shape during the winter months in an environment that is fun and friendly, safe, and affordable.
December 14, 2021
Lace-Up and Get Ready To Skate
If You’re Skating On Thin Ice, You Might As Well Dance!
Anita Shreve

When all the leaves have fallen, the gardens put to rest, and frost starts to sparkle our mornings; some might lament the coming of winter. However, others look forward to this time of year for one special reason — the Midway Ice Rink is ready to open.

Visitors who come to Midway often say they come for the magical, quaint, small-town feel. Midway draws visitors and locals alike with its lively town square, plenty of incredible restaurants and shops within walking distance, the unique Swiss architecture, and of course known and loved by both — in the heart of it all — The Midway Ice Rink! Skating in Midway has become a rite of passage for locals and visitors. Everyone that comes to skate is instantly rewarded with feelings of a simpler, more carefree time. The quintessential setting of lights, music, and festive decor, makes it easy to create lifelong, cherished memories.

Opening the day after Thanksgiving and closing mid-March (weather permitting), the ice rink is open seven days a week for open skate. Boasting over 15k square feet of ice, it’s the largest outdoor ice skating rink in Utah. It takes a hardworking crew approximately ten days, from start to finish, to build the rink and create the 2½ – 3 inch thick ice.

The Midway Ice Rink committee was formed in the fall of 2017 after a group of citizens realized the city would not be opening the rink for the 2017 winter season. The committee acts as a concessionaire and oversees all management and operational responsibilities, which prevents a single person or entity from personally profiting from the rink. The ice rink is an entity of the Midway Boosters, who are the operating arm of Midway’s beloved Swiss Days and Swiss Christmas celebrations. The change ensures the future of the ice rink by providing needed updates, purchasing new equipment, hiring employees, and creating a consistent seasonal schedule.

Shannon Wilson, the ice rink manager since 2017, started as a volunteer on the committee but now enjoys an up-close and personal view (literally!) of the rink. Hailing from a professional, competitive ice skating career, Shannon has brought unparalleled knowledge, insight, and trust that only a professional would know, to the operational side of the ice rink. She recalls that the rink was originally built by committee members that wanted a hockey rink for the Wasatch High School hockey club. For years, there has been no hockey on the ice but Shannon, the committee, and locals alike are thrilled that there will finally be hockey offered this winter season!

The rink has several planned improvements such as new acrylic panels that are much easier to store and install than the previous glass panels. A new Zamboni will also make its debut this year since good ‘Ol’ ‘Bini’ has finally gone into retirement. The upgraded machine will be cleaner for the environment and make grooming the ice faster and easier. Another much-needed item that is new this year is a skate sharpening machine that can sharpen the 300 pairs of skates in a breeze! Shannon is also hoping to add even more ambiance with more outdoor decor, so Santa can feel right at home during his yearly Christmas time visit.

A big reason why the ice rink is so special is the people that work there. The staff consists of mostly local high school students, which keeps the rink fun and interactive. It brings in the younger crowds every year, who enjoy a fun and affordable outing with friends. Skating at the rink is part of our youth’s culture, and it’s not uncommon for them to catch up with friends or meet new ones while waiting for their chance to hit the ice. The helpful employees are glad to offer skating tips and tricks to new skaters any chance they get, and many even take their breaks on the ice.

During the holidays, the magic of the rink is at its peak. The holidays are about tradition, which is why being outside in the fresh mountain air, ice skating with the ones you love, quickly becomes not only a wonderful familial holiday experience but a tradition for many! “It’s the best family activity, it’s affordable, open all weekend, any age can do it, and we have great concessions including the best hot chocolate in Midway to keep you warm!” Shannon’s enthusiasm is contagious.

Whether you’re a beginner at the ice rink or a seasoned pro, Midway Ice Rink has plenty of opportunities for everyone to get out on the ice this winter season. For an old-fashioned rite of passage, lace-up, don your favorite matching scarf and gloves, and join in on the fun at our beloved Midway Ice Rink. Triple Lutz not required.
Pricing

$7 Adults

$6 Kids (6-12 Yrs)

Free – Children Under 5

$3 Skate Rentals

Punch Passes Available
What To Expect

Equipment Rentals

Concessions

Spectator Seating

Warming Area

Handicap Friendly

Private Rentals Available
Hours

Monday………………. 4:00 – 8:00 Pm

Tuesday………………. 4:00 – 8:00 Pm

Wednesday………….. 4:00 – 9:00 Pm

Thursday……………… 4:00 – 8:00 Pm

Friday…………………. 4:00 – 9:00 Pm

Saturday…………….. 12:00 – 9:00 Pm

Sunday……………….. 12:00 – 4:00 Pm
Location

75 West 100 North
Midway, Utah

435-709-2980

midwayicerink.com
November 24, 2021
6 Tips to elevate your skincare

Do you feel as if it’s time to turn in your skin resignation? Or, have you reconciled with the skin you inherited from your parents? Don’t give up! Having nice skin can be at least partly attributed to our genetics; however, there are environmental impacts that should be considered as well.

Air, water, health, diet, sun exposure, heat, and products applied to our skin, all have a significant impact on our skin, health, and look.

In my book 30 Day Skin Fix I help you learn rapid, simple, and scientifically proven steps for better looks and healthier skin; brushing aside unnecessary detail I immediately hone in on what you need to know and help you separate the fact from fiction; giving you real results and confidence to find the best skin care suited for you. Let’s ‘face it’ living at a higher altitude in the Wasatch Back, we have unique forces affecting our skin daily. Here are a few tips from my book that can help you know how to deal with the elements and learn to love the skin you were given!

Air

Dry air, common to Utah’s arid climate may trigger dry skin problems like winter itch or eczema, which can lead to an increased risk of skin infections and hypersensitivity. Daily moisturizing with a moisturizing cream is a crucial first step to protecting your skin from rashes, winter itch, and eczema. You can also use a humidifier in your bedroom or humidify your central air to help combat the effects of our dry climate on your skin.

Humid air or climates tend to result in better moisturized skin but sometimes over-moisturized skin is prone to yeast or fungal infections. You may need to dry your skin better after bathing to avoid rashes and infections, especially in skin folds. Applying a powder to your skin folds, and other areas that get oily or moist may be helpful. Antiperspirants that are clinically strong may be helpful to apply not only on your armpits but to other areas like feet, inner thighs, mid chest, and under breasts. Use the antiperspirant sparingly or you can over-dry and irritate the skin.

Water

Hard water contains minerals that can worsen your dry skin, aggravate acne, and even accelerate aging of your skin. Some studies show more dry skin problems like eczema in communities with hard water. It is theorized that soap surfactants do not rinse off the skin as easily with hard water and, instead, may clog pores worsening acne. Also, the minerals in hard water can remain on the skin as cations, which can form harmful free radicals. Free radicals cause the break-down of the youthful collagen and elastin in your skin and lead to premature skin aging. If you have hard water, don’t panic, you just may need to use extra moisturizing and gentle soaps. If you do suffer from recurrent eczema or similar rashes, then you may want to consider getting a water softener in your home.

If you love swimming, be aware that sometimes we can catch mild rashes from microorganisms found in our local lakes. It is best to rinse off with a mild soap and warm water immediately after swimming in a lake, pool, or hot tub. A trick I recommend for the rash-prone regular swimmers is to apply an occlusive moisturizer like Vaseline ointment all over your skin prior to getting in the water. The ointment creates a barrier to protect your skin and can reduce your odds of getting a rash.

Health

In order for your skin to be healthy, the rest of your body has to be healthy too. That includes getting regular, or at least, annual primary care doctor checks. An annual skin cancer screening with your dermatologist is also critical to the early detection of skin cancers. For the healthiest skin, quit smoking, minimize alcohol intake, exercise regularly, and eat a well-balanced, low glycemic diet. When we are at our healthiest, our skin is said to glow. Some of us get trapped into trying too hard to get our skin to glow or be colorful and resort to tanning salons or heavy makeup. This can be counter-productive and, when overdone, may actually look unhealthy. Finally, the ultraviolet radiation we get in tanning salons is just as harmful, if not more harmful, as tanning outside in the sun. Cumulative tanning can cause not only wrinkly aged skin, but deadly skin cancer too. There is no such thing as a safe tan. Unless, it is the fake spray tans, those are ok. Just don’t inhale them.

Diet

For better overall skin health it is best to eat more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, antioxidants, and omega 3 fatty acids. If you are acne-prone, then avoid sugar and lactose. If you are wart-prone, try increasing your zinc intake. For healthy skin, hair, and nails, make sure you get adequate vitamin D and B12 in your diet or consider obtaining those nutrients in a supplement. If you tend to have rashes such as eczema, psoriasis, or other inflammation in the skin, you can try a turmeric dietary supplement. Turmeric is known to calm inflamed skin.

Recent science has shown that acne is worse in sugary or high glycemic diets. New studies have even shown that the gut bacteria in people with acne are different than normal. A healthy and low glycemic (low sugar) diet should protect most people from this imbalance in bacteria or you can see a gastroenterologist MD for testing.

Sun Exposure and Heat

With the sunny, high altitude we experience living in Wasatch County we have the advantage of getting adequate vitamin D — even if we are outside for only ten minutes per day. I do not recommend sunbathing for vitamin D — or ever — for any reason. It is a false myth that sun is good for acne. The sun does suppress our skin’s immune system briefly after exposure which gives the illusion that the acne is better. However, all the dead damaged skin cells left by the sun exposure clogs the pores and creates more acne later.

Bottom-line, avoid the sun like the plague with protective clothing, hats, and mineral sunblocks that are applied evenly, and repeatedly every one and a half hours. The sun ages our skin with more force than any other factor. Just like those who live by a sunny beach, we who live on a sunny mountain will be at increased risk for aging brown spots on our skin, wrinkles, pre-cancers, and skin cancers. It is believed that for every 1,000 feet above sea level, we get at least 5% more UV radiation.

Heat may amplify some of the damage that we already experience to our skin from sun. Are you one of those people that flushes easily with heat? If you have this heat-sensitive condition you may be particularly at risk of experiencing skin problems like rosacea or melasma from heat. With this sensitivity, you should avoid hot tubs, saunas, steam rooms, hot showers, hot yoga, and other vigorous exercise in heat if you do not want to worsen or trigger your condition.

Moisturizers

Daily application of a moisturizing cream is a crucial first step to protecting your skin

Moisturizers may add moisture by containing ingredients that absorb water from the environment or lock-in moisture already there on the skin. Ideally, you may want both kinds of moisturizers in your collection. Petrolatum and Dimethicone are common ingredients in moisturizers that lock-in moisture and act as effective barriers to the elements. Both are non-comedogenic (won’t cause acne). While petrolatum is known by dermatologists as the most effective moisturizing skin barrier, dimethicone is less greasy and more cosmetically acceptable for use on the face. Water-absorbing Humectants such as glycerin, sorbitol, propylene glycol, hyaluronic acid, and sodium PCA, are also important ingredients to look for in moisturizers. For more severe dry skin, the moisturizers that lock-in and absorb moisture are the best choice.

Recently there has been a lot of chat about “ceramides” in moisturizers. Ceramides are fats or lipids that are part of our skin and allow formation of our protective skin barrier. When you have eczema or dry skin, you may be naturally deficient in ceramides, and daily replacement might be helpful. Make sure to look for the ingredients best suited to help your skin’s situation as you shop your favorite brands.

While we may get frustrated by our unique set of skin problems, inherited or not, we can be empowered to take charge of our environment and how we care for and protect our skin. Understanding our skin’s environment is a simple but rewarding step we all can take.
November 24, 2021
Things to Do in 2021

Covid restrictions may change the way we gather and participate in events, but that shouldn’t stop us from living our best lives in 2021. When in doubt, get outside!

It’s never been more important to support our friends and neighbors that operate small businesses. Not sure if they are open to the public or holding that special event you like to attend each year? Check in with them to see what requirements they may have for attendance. After all, we’re in this together. Let’s show each other how much we care.

Best selling author, Gretchen Rubin and her sister and screen-writer, Elizabeth Craft, offer tips on being happy in their top-rated podcast “Happier.” Years back, this witty twosome offered up a whimsical way to celebrate goal setting and living your best life throughout the year. They challenged listeners with a fun spin on a bucket list and New Year’s resolution. The approach was this, create a list of things you would like to accomplish in the upcoming year — or conveniently check the boxes here that interest you. When you write it down you become more committed. I have had these yearly lists for awhile now and have to admit, they have stretched me in my adventures.

I hope to become a runner, purchase a few pieces of jewelry symbolic to me, begin my Masters program, take more walks, carefully consider nature and my surroundings, and take more one-on-one outings with my children.

The world we live in today may feel a bit different than it did just a year ago. Lucky for us, we live in an amazing place!

Now go get started!

Family-Friendly Things To Do

Eat Out:
or eat in with curbside pickup. Try a new restaurant monthly or even weekly. There are more than 52 places to eat in the Heber Valley!

Bowl A Strike:
visit holiday lanes for a game night out.

Take A Hike:
did you know that we have year-round beginner, intermediate, and expert hike and bike options all around the valley?

Ice castles:
Bundle up and celebrate the magic of glowing ice sculptures and structures.

Small Town Christmas:
The holidays get festive each year with Swiss Christmas, The Creche, and the Christmas Festival for the Children.

Ice Skating:
Visit Midway’s small-town outdoor ice rink and sip a cup of hot cocoa.

Light Hunting:
Kick-off holiday seasons in the warmth of your car and see festive light displays.

Ride The Rails:
Themed train rides on the Heber Valley Railroad are always a big hit with the family or visitors from out of town.

Local Flicks:
Enjoy a night out at the movies with real movie theatre popcorn. We have two historical theatres here in Heber.

Friday Night Lights:
Attend a local high school sporting event. Go Wasps!

The Show Must Go On:
Theatre productions happen year-round in the valley. Check out Timpanogos Valley Theater and High Valley Arts for their schedule.

Sleepover In The Outdoors:
You don’t need to travel far to spend the night in the great outdoors. Visit one of our local campgrounds and be sure to reserve in advance.

Stargazing:
Celebrate our dark skies at Wasatch Mountain State Park.

Visit A Working Dairy:
From autumn hay mazes and pumpkin patches, to cheese making classes and baby animal days, there is always something engaging happening at Heber Valley Artisan Cheese.

Heber Market On Main:
Thursday evenings all summer long you’ll find friends and neighbors at the Heber City Park for live music, vendors and food.

Boots, Chaps And Cowboy Hats:
The Wasatch County Fair, Demolition Derby, and Rodeo are some of the biggest events in the valley each August. No cowboy hat required.

Swiss Tacos Anyone?
Midway’s Swiss Heritage is celebrated each Labor Day weekend with Swiss Days. Pageants, craft booths, food, live music and a parade.

Sheepdogs:
K-9 athletes and competitors flock to the valley each Labor Day weekend for the Soldier Hollow Classic Sheepdog Competition.

Salmon Run:
Did you know that we have Kokanee salmon in our local Strawberry Reservoir? In the fall, you can see them spawning right next to the board walk at the north end.

Cascade Springs:
Take the short drive up to a natural spring. There is a beautiful hiking path, boardwalk and tons of photo ops!

Wagon Or Sleigh Ride:
Haunted wagons and horse-drawn sleighs are so much fun with the whole family.

Service-Minded Things To Do

Yard Cleanup:
Help out a neighbor in need. Rake their leaves, mow their lawn, shovel their snow. You never know how much it may matter to them.

Take Out The Trash:
A full trash bin can be extremely heavy for an injured or elderly neighbor to move. Lend a hand and take it out to the curb and/or back in from the street.

Share Your Love For Nature:
Invite a friend or neighbor to go for a walk along the river and breathe in a little fresh air and perspective.

Donate:
Some of our incredible opportunities include: Sub 4 Santa, Shop With A Cop (Christmas).

Food Drive:
Hold a food drive and donate to the local food pantry to help fight hunger in our community.

Read To A Child:
Open their world to new possibilities through literature.

Get Involved:
There are plenty of good causes to affiliate with in the valley. Choose one!

Perform:
Play an instrument or read for the elderly in our local rest homes or care facilities and scatter a bit of sunshine.

Write A Thank You:
Heartfelt thank you cards, written to local service providers can bring joy in an otherwise stressful day.

Foster Or Adopt:
Our local shelter, Paws for Life is a no-kill shelter and is always looking to find fur-ever homes or temporary homes for their animals.

Babysit:
Volunteer to babysit for a young couple so they can get out on a much-needed date night.

Relief Supply Drive:
Gather and donate materials for a Native American community. (Lynn Epperson: 435-671-5839).

Beautify:
You don’t need to adopt a highway to clean up trash along a road or street. See something? Take action.

Climb:
Hike Memorial Hill and pay respect to those who sacrificed in service of our country.

Give Blood:
Sign up with the American Red Cross and donate at a local blood drive.

With A Friend Or A Date

Moonlight Snowshoeing:
There are organized hikes throughout the winter. Check out Friends of Wasatch State Park for a schedule.

Romantic Train Rides:
Hop aboard one of Heber Valley Railroad’s finest cars and revel in the Chocolate Lover Train or Hot Summer Night Ride.

Staycation:
You don’t have to go far to feel like a tourist. Spend a night at one of our local resorts, get room service and sleep in.

Horseback Riding:
Local outfitters offer riding opportunities year-round. Saddle up and take to the trails.

Treasure Hunting:
Rise early and scour yard sales and thrift shops for treasures.

Visit The Library:
Discover a great novel, movie, or a magazine, get hot chocolate on the way home and cozy up in your favorite blanket.

Break Out The Lederhosen:
Bottoms up at the annual Oktoberfest hosted by Heber Valley Brewing Company.

Paddle Into The Sunset:
Pick up a paddle board, canoe or rental boat and head to our local reservoirs for a day out on the water.

Namaste:
Perform sun salutations in the fragrance of sage brush hills with an early morning yoga trek.

Hot Air Balloon Ride:
Elevate your perspective and see Heber Valley from 4,000 feet. It’s amazing!

Plein Air Paradise:
Feast your eyes at the summer’s most beautiful event, hosted by the Midway Art Association with a painting contest, art exhibition, and sale.

Sunrise On Timp:
Set out early to summit Mt. Timpanogos and watch the sun come up over the grandeur of our little valley.

Adventure Junkie

Soldier Hollow Biathlon Experience:
Discover the thrill and challenge of firing a precision rifle on an Olympic-calibre range. Private group sessions are available, winter and summer.

Mountain Bike:
Spin your wheels on one of our year-round trails! Rentals and sales are available at local outfitters.

Fly Fishing:
The fish eat all year so the fishing’s on! Book a local guide to show you the sweet spots.

Tee Time:
With over 90 holes of golf in the valley, you have no excuse but to get out and hit a few balls.

Ski/Snowboard:
New to winter? Take a lesson and learn to enjoy one of Utah’s most popular winter sports.

Snowmobile:
Safety first! Learn how to get outside and enjoy winter in the Wasatch with one of our local guided tours.

ATV/RZR Rides:
Go for a drive on a back country dirt road to explore our local mountains.

Rock Climbing:
A dangerous sport in the outdoors, or you can keep it safe and visit our indoor climbing wall — The Crag.

Scuba Dive:
The only warm U.S. destination to dive is right here at the Homestead Crater. Learn to dive and get certified!

A River Runs Through It:
Provo River is a great place to raft. We recommend a local outfitter for safety’s sake.

Tubing:
Snow is a fast, slippery surface for rocketing down the hill. Visit Soldier Hollow for rope-towed access to the best slopes in the valley.

Ready? Aim. Fire!
Big Hollow Shooting Range is open to the public at no charge. They specialize in pistol and rifle range shooting.

Zipline:
Glide through the fresh air on Zipline Utah at Deer Creek State Park.
November 20, 2020
Avalanche
Avalanche, it’s a sleeping giant in the snow, waiting below the surface like a troll under the bridge. Be on top of your game this winter. Avoid avalanche danger at all costs, and be prepared.

You need to be “street smart” and “snow smart” in the backcountry. Tyler St Jeor, professional Ski Patrolman and current patroller with Wasatch County Search and Rescue filled me in on the conditions that lead to avalanches. What happens is this; the snowpack gets grumpy with rapid temperature change. Strong winds can also move tremendous amounts of snow, stripping it from windward slopes and depositing it on the mountain’s leeward side, forming dense, stiff slabs of snow. Imagine a precarious stack of folded laundry or a house of cards. The wrong shift of weight or misplaced addition, and it all comes toppling down!

Some of the most likely days for avalanches to occur are those following heavy snowstorms. The snow needs time “to become comfortable in its own skin.” St Jeor understands waiting can be challenging. “As an individual who enjoys snowmobiling, I realize how tempting those beautiful days following the big storms are. The air is crystal clear, and the snow looks amazing. However, consider the new weight load the snowpack is trying to adjust to. Be smart and give it a little time.”

Early season snow or infrequent storms also lead to potentially unstable layering; as thin snowpacks tend to be structurally weak, the snow turns into a pile of sugary crystals, or what avalanche experts call facets. The slope angle defines avalanche terrain. Slopes 30°- 45° are considered avalanche territory. As the slope increases, so does the danger. The gravitational force increases with the slope (Weed, T. (n.d.) Steepness. Utah Avalanche Center. utahavalanchecenter.org/blog/16386). Don’t forget, the area below these slopes is not always safe either; they may be connected to other dangerous slopes above or adjacent to where you’re riding. Having the ability to identify avalanche terrain and the knowledge to travel through that terrain safely becomes imperative to survival in the backcountry, even on a “low danger” day. There is always danger in certain areas. Avoiding those areas entirely on high hazard days becomes the best practice for survival and safety.

How can you learn to identify avalanche terrain? The best and most responsible level of instruction is hands-on, intensive training held right on the mountain. The most responsible thing to do is to spend time with a professional on-site. To find local offerings check the utahavalanchecenter.org.

Craig Gordon has been a forecaster with the Utah Avalanche Center for 20 years. He explains, “Avalanche accidents don’t happen randomly; it’s not like getting struck by lightning. There’s a great deal of science involved . . . before loading up your gear, check-in with the Utah Avalanche Center and get the latest forecast. Remember — avalanches are incredibly violent events, and nearly 1 in 4 people are killed by trauma — getting slammed into trees or carried over cliff bands. Even if you’re prepared, if you trigger a slide and need to use your rescue gear, it means you screwed up. If you’re caught and buried, you can’t just pop out of the snow because avalanche debris sets up like concrete in just a second or two; you can’t even wiggle your fingers. That means you’ve got to have all the rescue gear, and you have to know how to use it. It’s the only chance to find your partner under the snow.” Gordon continued with, “Let’s face it, even the best rescues have sad endings. So your best offense is a good defense; simply avoid getting caught in the first place. Your local avalanche forecast gives you all the tools you need to safely navigate the mountains and get a great day of riding in. But avalanche avoidance — that’s the big-ticket item.” Before heading to the backcountry, always ask yourself this question; what is today’s avalanche forecast in my area? And discover the answer first before going out on your winter excursion.

Take someone with you! Four is a good, reliable number. If the group gets too big, risks increase, and communication becomes difficult. Buried alone, you won’t stand a chance. Be smart and take a partner or two that are trained. Remember, in the event you end up on the bottom of the pile, you’re entrusting your life to your buddies. Choose wisely.

Absolute MUST HAVES:
- Shovel
- Avalanche Transceiver
- Probe
It is IMPERATIVE that you wear these items ON YOUR BODY. The avalanche transceiver must be worn under your coat, close to your chest. The shovel and probe should be in a sturdy backpack. Too often, snowmobilers will store their gear in their tunnel compartment. During the event of an avalanche, they may become separated from their sled. At that point, the tools are of no use.

Avalanche Transceiver: A transceiver, also referred to as a beacon, is a device worn on each person in a party that continuously emits a radio signal. If an individual becomes a searcher, they switch their transceiver to the receiving setting. This action stops their transceiver from emitting a signal, and it now becomes a receiver for radio signals of victims in the vicinity. Transceivers should be checked for functionality, both as receivers and emitters, before every ride. Be sure to change out your transceiver’s batteries once they reach 50%. The transceiver’s search function drains batteries fast. Lithium batteries are an absolute NO GO! Only alkaline batteries should be used. Extra batteries should be part of your avalanche essentials included for every ride.

Shovel: This is an essential tool with multiple options. Consider the style of your shovel as you invest. It should always be metal. St Jeor is emphatic that plastic isn’t allowed on the hill with his Search and Rescue crew. They break. It’s like trying to dig yourself out of jail with a plastic spoon! Shovels must fit entirely in your pack. If it is not a good fit, you risk losing it during your ride; especially in case of an avalanche, this life-saving tool could be torn from your pack (Delatado, N. (2020, January 13). The Best Avalanche Shovels for Portable Use. Retrieved October 09, 2020, from backyardboss.net/best-avalanche-shovel-reviews). You may feel that a shovel is too cumbersome and heavy to haul with you. However, the weight range is generally between 1-2 pounds, not a considerable burden at all when the cost of saving a life is in the balance (evo (n.d.). How to Choose an Avalanche Shovel. Retrieved October 10, 2020, fromevo.com/guides/how-to-choose-avalanche-shovel).

Probe: This is the tool that determines the exact location of an avalanche victim. According to the Utah Avalanche Center, the most popular length is 279 cm long. This also happens to be the minimum length of probe you should ever invest in. Probes come in various lengths and are either aluminum or carbon. Remember, speed is the most critical factor. Be sure you can use your probe effectively (evo. (n.d.). How to Choose an Avalanche Probe. Retrieved October 16, 2020, from evo.com/guides/how-to-choose-avalanche-probe).

Good to HAVES:
- Air Bag
- Personal Locator
- 2-Way Radio
- Basic First Aid Kit
- Food
- Water
Wear appropriate outdoor winter clothing! Shovels, probes, and beacons may save you if you’re buried, but they won’t protect you from the elements of the winter climate. The cold is real. The cold and wet may be unrelenting, and hypothermia can become your next problem, avalanche or not.

Airbag: This handy device has a ripcord attached to a pack. If you hear that unmistakable rumble, the airbag can be deployed. Large airbags help bodies stay near the top of the rubble. St. Jeor compares it to being a “big chip in the bag.” Just as the big potato chips stay close to the surface of your chip bag, you stand a better chance of rising to the top of the debris and chunks of snow when attached to a deployed airbag.

Personal Locator: Personal locators have direct locator technology and are a much faster and more reliable way of signaling for help than making a phone call. Pushing the SOS button sends an exact geo-tagged location directly to local search personnel.

2-Way Radio: Good old walkie-talkies may be the best way to communicate with your party. Communication is paramount when working together in locating and accounting for your crew.

Basic First Aid Kit: Knowledge of basic first aid skills and a simple set of first aid tools come in handy in countless situations. Materials for splinting are important must-haves as breaks and fractures are common. The top medical needs to address in avalanche rescues are airways and bleeding.

Food and Water: Calorie boosting foods and water are always vital to have on hand when traveling or participating in outdoor recreational activities. Remember, once victims are secured, keeping them in the best condition possible for retrieval and travel is essential. This includes being well nourished and having sources of hydration.

If you hear that distinct whoomph and the earth feels like it’s falling away from you — you’ll only have a nanosecond to do some quick thinking. Instantly, you are at the mercy of Mother Nature. Ideally, you have a game plan playing in your head before you even step foot on the slopes. Trees can be your best friend or worst enemy, depending on the stage of the game you encounter them. If you’re lucky enough to be next to a tree, immediately grab a hold. It is very likely to secure you through the slide and save your life. However, if you are moving with the avalanche and come in contact with a tree at the force of the slide, that tree is likely to be your demise. Experienced riders may be able to “ride it out” or make it to the side, out of the avalanche’s path. St Jeor says to deploy your airbag at once and do everything in your power to stay on top. “Fight like hell, swim, keep your head on top of the snow.”

Here are the facts:

In the event you’re lucky enough to escape the destruction yourself, you should know that right away, a clock begins to tick. In most cases, without an air pocket, you have about 10 minutes of survival time to save individuals buried.
1. One person take charge.
2. Get a headcount. How many searchers and how many victims do you have.
3. It now becomes a “resource management game.”
Searchers MUST switch their transceivers to search mode. Otherwise, their signal emission will interfere with the search, and they cannot receive a signal for the victims.

Use your personal locator now! DO NOT go call for help. The ugly truth is that unless rescuers are on the mountain with you, they will not make it in time to retrieve a live body. You are the rescuer! Search and Rescue can help get you off the mountain once you have located and unburied the victims. They will not be there in the crucial 10 minutes you have to find survivors.

Quickly scan the area for visual clues. You may see a glove, a ski, a sled. Check to see if any of the items are still connected to a person. If the person is not with the item, leave it where it is to document the scene. Keep searchers paraphernalia from cluttering the search area. Items not belonging to the victim can confuse the hunt.

Be aware that avalanches flow like water. Follow the “flow line” after the last seen point to find your victim. Immediately begin a beacon search to pinpoint your person. If the area to search is small, have others in the search party ready probes and shovels. If you have a vast area to cover, get several transceivers in a pattern to search simultaneously. Systematic searches where muscle memory can kick in and searchers are familiar with their gear are far more successful than unpracticed searches, which is why it is imperative to have training and practice. Practice keeps you prepared. Practice saves lives.

Once the beacons do their job, it’s time for probes. Begin probing until you have a strike. When you have a strike, LEAVE THE PROBE IN and get shoveling. Shoveling is the most time-consuming step. Once your buddy’s out, if they are unconscious, the first thing you need to check is that you are in a safe location, preferably out of the snow, then check their airway. If they are wearing a helmet, get it off, and clear their mouth of any snow packed in by the force of the slide. Breathing and bleeding are going to be your top priorities to address — in that order. CPR is a back-pocket skill you may need. At this point, it is time to make that phone call, if you didn’t already push a button on a personal locator. Remember, your friend will probably be in shock and need to be kept as warm and dry as possible.

Be on top of your game this winter and remember: Prevention is paramount. Get trained. Get supplied. Get a plan. Then, get out there and have fun!
November 20, 2020
Taste The World At Global Grill

In a time when people are traveling less, the Heber Valley has a new little gem providing a huge variety of worldwide flavors. Global Grill is just that — a global food experience unmatched in the area. Their slogan “Come Taste the World” says it all.

The unique menu is listed by the type of food, but also by origin. Patrons can order a bowl from Japan, India, Indonesia, or Cuba. Pasta dishes are available from Italy, Argentina, Thailand, and Mexico. Burritos are listed from four different areas of Mexico: Cancun, Zacatecas, Michoacán, and Sonora. Burgers celebrate ingredients from Korea, America, Mexico, and Persia. And there is a variety of multicultural kids’ meals and desserts too. There are even daily specials to add a little more flavor, from Polynesia, Greece, and the Gulf Coast!

Owners, Rick and Elizabeth Moreno created the concept, and the menu, specifically for the Heber Valley. They looked at what was already available in the area, and they decided to create something entirely different. “I created the menu this way because I can see people two to three times a week,” explained Rick Moreno. “Today, you may want an authentic Mexican burrito, but tomorrow you may want Indian food.” The same idea applies to an office lunch setting. “They come in, and they can get a burger, and they can get pasta, and everyone’s happy,” said Moreno.

The Moreno’s are well-versed in the restaurant business. “I’m a chef,” said Rick. “My background is in restaurant executive management. My family has had restaurants since 1951 back in California.” Moreno also worked for large companies, such as Hilton Corporation, to gain even more experience. He also created restaurants, menus, and bars for casinos in Montana before moving here.

Elizabeth has been working in restaurants since 1999. She was a sous-chef at the former Mayan restaurant in Sandy. In fact, that’s where they met. Rick was creating recipes and consulting for the massive, cliff-diver restaurant.

“[The Mayan] could seat a thousand people, and had three levels of kitchens,” Rick recalled.

One night, Elizabeth was the kitchen supervisor over multiple cook lines. The restaurant was so big that they had eight cooks for each line, so 24 cooks total. The servers were complaining that the food service was getting slow. Finally, Elizabeth went to the cook line, moved all the cooks out, and started preparing the food by herself. Rick shared, “The servers were saying, ‘tell her to slow down. We can’t keep up with her!’”

“They needed their food right away, so that was my mission,” laughed Elizabeth. Originally from Sonora, Mexico, Elizabeth learned from Rick’s mother, who ran a restaurant in California, and shared her recipes with Elizabeth. She has also worked for Chevy’s and Café Rio.

The couple lived in Utah during the 2002 Olympics, and during that time, Rick created the restaurant Guru’s Cafe with two partners in Salt Lake. They eventually had four locations. His original recipes were used at the restaurants. The Food Network even did a show on Guru’s, where they showcased one of Rick’s recipes.

Recently, the Moreno Family was living in Montana until they unexpectedly relocated to the Heber Valley last year. They had planned to move to Texas, moved their RV there, and then went back to Montana to pack. The couple’s older daughter was already living in the Heber Valley, and they decided to stop for a visit on the drive back to Texas. While visiting here, the Moreno’s found their current restaurant location and decided to stay. They created the Global Grill, opened in December 2019, and then the COVID pandemic hit. While it has slowed down the business, Global Grill is going strong. The food is full of variety and flavor, and the portion sizes are huge. Rick explained, “I did [large portion sizes] purposely because I wanted to make sure that, everyone’s getting the value for their money. And most people take part of it home.”

He continued, “We also have family meals. People can call us every day and ask for an Indian family meal, burrito, or whatever. We have two sizes; small is for four to six people, and large will feed ten to twelve.”

“Just like our portions for our bowls,” Rick said, “We made sure that our family meals are huge.” Value for the money is a priority for the Morenos. “I hate to go somewhere and get a little disappointed with the food portions.”

It’s not only the portion sizes that keep bringing people back. The food is all made fresh, in-house. And many of the recipes can be modified for those with dietary concerns. 90% of the menu can be served gluten-free, and 50% can be made vegan. They will also have alcohol available soon.

The food variety found at the Global Grill is unmatched. “Besides our core menu, we feature other countries as specials,” Rick explained. “We do Russia one day, and we do stroganoff, and then we do Swedish meatballs. On Saturdays, we do Polynesian. Every Tuesday is Taco Salad, and Thursdays is the Greek Gyro Platter…Fridays is the Captain’s Platter.” said Rick.

In addition to the meals, the Global Grill has two core desserts; tiramisu and tres leches cake. However, they also have other desserts available, such as chocolate tres leches, cheesecake, carrot cake, and tropical bread pudding. “The main ones are always tres leches and tiramisu, but I change sometimes,” explains Elizabeth. One day, Rick suggested that Elizabeth offer to make whole cakes, and “now she makes so many of those cakes!” said Rick. “It’s like a bakery too!”

The Global Grill also does catering, but not just this menu. “Because of my background in large casinos, I can do anything. Literally, we can do carving stations or whatever. We can do any country and anything that they want,” Rick explained. “I’ve catered from 15 people to 1000 people.”

The Global Grill fills a niche that the Heber Valley has been missing. And the Morenos are confident that the concept would be a success in other places too. They are preparing to create additional locations for the unique restaurant. Rick shared, “Right now, we’re ready to license them. If someone wanted to do one in Park City, or somewhere else, they could.”

“We’re still trying to do that uphill climb because of COVID, but we see the light at the end of the tunnel,” said Rick. “We are very thankful for the support they’ve given us here in Heber. Everyone’s responded really well to the food, and the locals here have been good to us. They keep coming in and supporting us, and we want to say thank you. We appreciate that. Especially being the new guys.”
November 20, 2020
Holiday Traditions

The crisp fall air brushes against our mountains, painting them with vivid oranges, yellows, and reds. Cornstalks rustle, and the nutty smell of squash, burning ditches, and cinnamon awaken our senses. Autumn arrives, ushering in anticipation for the Holidays — and the foods that come with them.

Food sustains life and nourishes our bodies, but food also sustains cultures and nourishes our identities. Food is generally at the center of all we do. Foods are symbolic in our religious rituals and associated with specific celebrations. Our food preparation can be sacred, an exact science, a lesson in chemistry, or just some good ole’ fashioned fun — with a pinch here and a dash there! Creating delicious dishes binds friends and families together — or, if you’re on a cooking show, it can turn into a hellish-battle!

Conversations, stories, history, and heritage are shared — traditions are passed down, and new ones are created — all while we gather around food.

As we prepare to enter the Holiday chaos, it might be fun to learn a bit about the foods used in celebrations around the world. We invite you to sit back, relax, read for a moment — or two — then take a deep breath, exhale, and prepare to dive into whatever your Winter season looks like (don’t forget to pack a snack).

While some people carve pumpkins for their October 31 celebrations, residents of Oaxaca, Mexico, are preparing to celebrate Noche de Rabanos (Night of the Radishes). This tradition takes place on December 23 and has been practiced for over a century. Large radishes (upwards of six pounds) are grown and harvested specifically for the event. The radish artists can spend days creating and carving their masterpieces, many of which display nativity scenes, animals, or Mayan imagery. The best radish carver can receive a cash prize worth thousands of pesos (hundreds of USD).(https://www.wvpublic.org/news/2018-12-20/holiday-food-traditions-are-as-much-about-connection-as-eatin)

The week-long celebration of Kwanzaa (December 26-January 1) is full of dancing, singing, gift exchanging, and culminates in a large feast. Catfish, collards, macaroni and cheese, jerk chicken, gumbo, and accras (Caribbean fritters), have become traditional foods used during the festivities. (https://www.africa.upenn.edu/K-12/Kwanzaa_What_16661.html)

The Feast of the Seven Fishes is a Southern Italian tradition celebrated on December 24. Whether you’re celebrating in North America or Italy, you won’t find seven specific types of fish being served. Think of it more as a seafood celebration. Typical fish used include: baccala (salt cod), frutti di mare (shellfish), capitone (eel), calamari (squid), scungilli (conch meat) and vongole (clams). Fried vegetables are also a popular accompaniment to the fish. Traditionally, the feast takes place in the morning’s early hours, after midnight mass. “Then it’s time for dessert, which may include biscotti, panforte, pandoro, and panettone.” (https://www.italiarail.com/food/feast-of-the-seven-fishes)

Worldwide, it is Jewish tradition to eat matzah on Passover, and apples dipped in honey on Rosh Hashanah. During Chanukah (Hanukkah), eating traditional oily foods such as latkes (fried potato pancakes) topped with applesauce or sour cream, and sufganiyot (deep-fried doughnuts) or other kinds of fritters, is in homage to the miracle of the oil that burned for eight nights instead of one. (https://www.chabad.org/holidays)

Midnight snacking takes on a whole new meaning if you are celebrating New Year’s Eve in Spain. Apparently, eating one dozen grapes at midnight isn’t just a tradition — it’s a serious superstition. On Noche Vieja (Old Night), it is customary to stay at home until the clock strikes twelve. Families and friends gather around their bowl of lucky grapes (uvas de suerte) and wait to hear the chimes ringing from the Real Casa de Correos in Madrid (broadcasted via television across the country). The bells toll twelve times — one for each month. With each chime, you ‘pop’ a grape into your mouth — and probably try not to choke — or laugh. If you eat them all, you will have good luck in the new year. (https://www.donquijote.org/spanish-culture/holidays/nochevieja/)

This next dish sounds delish! Lechón (Spanish for roasted suckling pig) is one of the most popular dishes in the Philippines and many Latin American countries. The pig is usually stuffed with lemongrass, tamarind, garlic, onions, and chives; it is roasted on a large bamboo spit over an open fire. Lechón is traditionally served whole on a platter at celebrations like weddings and Christmas. It is often served with a thick, rich liver sauce cooked with sugar, fresh herbs, and vinegar. (https://www.tasteatlas.com/lechon) I don’t know about you, but all this talk of food is making me hungry!

If you need to stop reading and make a food run — go for it — I get it! There are a few more unique victuals to share, but then I think we should go to work on creating our own traditional cuisine and get some food in our bellies!

Onward — we go!

In many European countries, you will see processions of girls dressed in a white dress with a red sash, wearing a wreath with candles upon their heads, singing, and carrying Saffron Buns in celebration of St. Lucia on December 13. In Greece, many fast before the holidays, and when Christmas arrives — they go all out — after they break their fast. One of the more popular traditional foods served is Melomakarona, a sweet, honey-soaked cookie topped with ground walnuts. Of course, there’s always the traditional Plum or Figgy Pudding from the UK, Danish Kransekake or Almond Wreath Cake, and all the marzipan, chocolate, red cabbage, and roasted goose from Germany. In Australia, Christmas and New Years are smack dab in the middle of Summer! They celebrate by throwing whatever they feel like on the barbie (grill for the rest of us mates) and enjoying seafood, cold cuts, alcohol, pavlova, and trifle, just to name a few, along with a challenging game of cricket. Here’s an interesting tidbit. According to BBC, for 40 plus years, many Japanese families have gathered around a KFC ‘Party Barell’ for some finger-licking-good chicken as part of their Christmas celebrations — bet you didn’t see that one coming.

Food is an extension of who we are. Regardless of culture or religion, food is an integral part of life celebrations across this beautiful globe we call home. Food unites. Where ever you are in the world, and whatever you celebrate or don’t celebrate, whether you’re honoring a generations-old tradition or creating new ones; this winter season, we invite you to come, gather — eat and enjoy!

Gather your kids, friends, and family to discover different cultures and the food they eat. Try out a few new recipes, and prepare them together. Participate in a festivity you’ve never celebrated before. Eat new foods. Share and create a new tradition!
November 20, 2020

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