December 2020 | Vol. 6 Iss. 12
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VETERAN SKIERS PLAN A VARIETY OF APPROACHES TO AN UNCONVENTIONAL SEASON By Drew Crawford | d.crawford@mycityjournals.com
U
tah is known for its wintertime wonders, and skiers and snowboarders are anxious to hit the slopes for the first time since resorts closed early in March as a result of the COVID-19 lockdown. Ski and snowboard enthusiasts, however, can expect some changes this season. Many modifications are in place, and resorts have implemented a reservation system and have started enforcing social distancing guidelines. As a result of the changes, some skiers are taking an unconventional approach to the season, planning for a mix of reservation days and backcountry skiing. “It’s kind of what I expect I’ll be doing this season is a mix of both. My strategy is that I’m going to frontload my reservation days because I don’t know how long ski resorts are going to stay open. I’m not saving any days for March, but we’re going to see,” Michael Tzovaras, a veteran skier who moved to Utah last year, explained. Tzovaras, who has an enthusiasm and infectious attitude for the sport, is not too fazed by the actions of others and the chance that they will get in his way on the slopes. He plans to maintain his own distance during his runs and doesn’t plan on hanging out in resort lodges or riding in the gondolas. “I love skiing at resorts on Saturdays and hanging with
friends and grabbing a beer, and that whole sort of sense of camaraderie of being at the resort,” he said. “At the same time, I definitely enjoy my days in the backcountry. I love to hike; my wife and I do a lot of hiking; we like the outdoors. Backcountry skiing for me is less about skiing, but it’s more about being outside and finding a little bit of peace and solitude, getting to be out in nature. They’re quite different.” Tzovaras is encouraged to see that so many people want a piece of the action this year, but also recognizes the unique challenges that are posed by others who want their fix out on the slopes. “I think I’m excited that so many people are getting into ski touring. Yesterday, I toured up Alta in the morning because they got snow, and I was excited, and it was an absolute zoo, it was crazy. I got up there a little bit earlier, and by the time I was making my way down the parking lot was completely full as if the resort was open,” Tzovaras said. “I think that there is going to be some challenges with backcountry skiing and everyone getting into it. I know some people are a little nervous with safety and that sort of thing with so many people getting into it,” Tzovaras said, recounting comments made by others on social media Mike Harp skis the backside of Alta. (Linnea Lundgren/City Journals) Continued page 5
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