Powder Trips provide weekend entertainment
With gas prices steadily rising and time constantly being consumed, finding a few spare hours and money to visit some of Utah’s greatest ski resorts may be a challenge.
That’s why Brett Hamilton said he is bringing Powder Trips to USU. Powder Trips is an all-inclusive weekend that provides students with lift tickets, hotel accommodations and a ride to Salt Lake.
“I’m trying to give people a good deal,” said Hamilton, who is the program coordinator. “It’s a total package.”
For prices starting at $269, Hamilton said students will receive a two-day lift ticket to Alta, round-trip transportation, free breakfast and a two-night stay at Shilo Inn, located in Salt Lake City.
“We get a special deal on lift tickets, and ski resorts love college kids,” Hamilton said.
Alta employee Connie Marshall echoed the sentiment and said the resort welcomes groups of any kind and loves college students. For students trying to save money, the group discount Alta offers is reason alone to be a part of Powder Trips, she said.
Billy Wheeler, undeclared sophomore who has snowboarded more than 10 years, said the price is good for what students get.
“A lift ticket alone is like $60, plus gas and stuff isn’t cheap” Wheeler said.
Although Alta prohibits snowboarding, Hamilton said snowboarders are still taken care of. For $5 more they can get a pass to ride on Snowbird’s 2,500 ski-able acres and 89 runs. The Snowbird Terrain Park and Superpipe are two more draws for snowboarders looking to express themselves in the form of aerial art, he said.
From skiers to snowboards and beginners to veterans, Hamilton said Powder Trips are open to every skill level.
“Usually a group will drag a beginner down to teach them how to ski,” Hamilton said.
Hamilton said most people bring their own gear, but for those who don’t have their own, there are rental options. The Outdoor Recreation Center, located on 1050 N. 950 East in the southwest corner of the parking lot above the football stadium, rents skis, poles and boot as well as snowboards, boots and bindings to students for $15 a day. Hamilton said he can also hook people up with the right gear if they need it, since he works in a ski shop.
Hamilton recently relocated from Colorado and said he is excited to get on the slopes and turn Powder Trips into a regular event that allows students to enjoy Utah’s top resorts.
“Alta is legend,” Hamilton said. “It’s one of the first resorts in Utah. They both have expert terrain, but plenty for beginners too.”
Although this will be the first Powder Trip Hamilton has organized in Utah, he is eager to spread the word about the trips. The more people, the better, he said.
Earlier this month Hamilton hosted a movie night featuring “Apples and Oranges” and “Seven Sunny Days” to get students interested. The films featured skiers and snowboarders traveling and enjoying the sport. Hamilton said the movies were a part of the advertising he plans to do on campus to inform students about Powder Trips.
The first Powder Trip will take place Feb. 1-3 and will depart from Logan. Hamilton said he is also planning trips that leave from Pocatello and Twin Falls, Idaho.
“The conditions are great, we’re gonna get pounded,” Hamilton said.
“When everyone’s stoked to go, that’s the fun part,” Hamilton said. “Also the night life. I like to just show people around and have a good time.”
Hamilton said the hotel Powder Trip participants will stay in hotels located downtown, just a few blocks away from Trax so everything is minutes away. While there is a specific time set aside for skiing and snowboarding, Hamilton said the rest of the day everyone is free to do their own thing.
For more information or to register for Powder Trips, visit www.powdertrips.com
-amanda.m@aggiemail.usu.edu