Ladies Only First Tracks at Canyons Resort

Ladies' First Tracks Participants

Waking up before sunrise is generally on my to-don't list, but last week I banned myself from hitting the snooze button to experience Park City's Canyons Resort in the early morning hours. I joined a group of female media, Canyons staff, and former Olympians for the first Ladies Only First Tracks experience.

If you haven't heard of First Tracks, this program allows you to be first on the slopes of some of Canyon's finest groomed runs. The day begins around 7:00 a.m. and you'll be led by a resort insider and an Olympic skier all over the mountain.

Sunrise at the top of Doc's Run.

Our group was lucky enough to have not one, but two, former Olympians join us for First Tracks, Holly Flanders and Kaylin Richardson, both Canyons' ambassadors and amazing skiers.

I thought I'd be the lone snowboarder, but Kelley Epstein from Mountain Mama Cooks rode one stick too! Check out her blog for some tasty high-altitude recipes.

We began by taking laps on the Orange Bubble Chair (Canyons' heated, enclosable chairlift) and saw a beautiful view of the sunrise at the top. Normally icy Doc's Run was perfectly groomed, and it was a blast to ride it with such talented women!

A rare sight: no lines at Tombstone.

After a few turns on the Bubble we cruised to Tombstone where we rode with no lines, no crowds, and no ice until heading back to Red Pine Lodge for breakfast. When we arrived, the area outside the Lodge was ghostly quiet and normally stuffed ski racks sat vacant. Then as we took off our gear the first gondola arrived and the peaceful space was quickly filled by instructors directing students, kids laughing, and the shuffling of equipment as people hurried to get the first chair.

Inside we exchanged our tickets for a freshly cooked breakfast (included for all First Tracks participants). I ordered scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, and a cheesy biscuit. This biscuit is not like an ordinary biscuit though. I'm told it's a secret family recipe from one of the Canyons' cooks, and after one bite, you'll know it didn't come from a freezer!

I don't say this lightly, but it was by far the best biscuit I've ever eaten. I inhaled it so quickly I didn't even think to take a picture. If you want to try one, arrive early at the Canyons and get it first thing. They sell out fast!

Our group getting ready to ride Tombstone lift. 

Before departing, I rode the Super Condor lift to my favorite run: a natural, unmarked halfpipe called Canis Lupus. Rooty, winding, and intense, this run is exhilarating and challenging. I enjoyed every minute of the ride, but found myself missing my slightly shorter board when it came to making tight turns on the high-banked walls. My legs were already burning from three days of steady riding, so I opted to continue on groomers before finally leaving the sunshine and perfect weather at Canyons to return to my office.

If you're interested in trying the First Tracks, it's offered on Tuesdays and Saturdays throughout the season and is $79 per person. Breakfast at Red Pine Lodge is included, but a lift ticket is not. You can use your season pass if you have one! To make reservations for this great program before the season ends, call 877-472-6306. 

Thank to Canyons Resort for hosting me at this fun event!