More cliffs and tech skiing. Weekly GoPro Log #2
Solitude, Alta, and Snowbird this week. Might try to post every Monday this year. Lmk what you think.
Henry ZakowSki
Henry Zakowski is an American freeride skier whose profile has grown through a modern mix of YouTube edits, resort laps on storm and “low-tide” days, and steady collaboration with rider-forward brands. Based in the Salt Lake City area, he spends most winters stacking footage at Solitude and Alta while coaching and joining visiting crews for photo and video shoots. Rather than chasing televised podiums, Zakowski’s lane is film-first: concise, watchable edits that show how a strong skier solves real resort conditions—firm chalk, wind buff, and chopped afternoon snow—as well as deeper days when Honeycomb Canyon and the Wasatch backcountry-style lines fill in. What sets his skiing apart is composure and line-reading. In resort terrain he prioritizes clean takeoffs, centered landings, and speed management through natural features—side hits, wind lips, gullies, and technical trees. When conditions are thin, he switches to a more precise style that emphasizes edge control and terrain absorption, making clips educational for everyday skiers looking to refine technique. On deeper days he’ll push into steeper pitches with confident fall-line choices, but the footage remains grounded in lift-accessible zones that viewers can recognize and aspire to ski. Media cadence matters in this lane, and Zakowski has leaned into a consistent YouTube presence. His channel intermixes two-minute resort laps, short park practice cuts, and trip edits, giving viewers a season-long narrative rather than a single annual part. This distributed output suits today’s discovery patterns: individual clips can travel on their own, while playlists and thumbnails make it easy for newcomers to binge through a body of work. The tone remains approachable—captions that explain snow quality, route choice, and what the camera doesn’t show (wind, crusts, variable light) help the audience understand why certain lines work on a given day. Brand and community ties reinforce that identity. With Pret Helmets, he’s appeared in quick-tip pieces about resort etiquette and confidence, aligning with his coach’s voice. Collaborations with ski manufacturers on travel shoots and local meetups highlight an ability to adapt style to different snowpacks and audiences. Regionally, you’ll find him linking up with Utah shop employees, filmers, and visiting athletes for “hot lap” episodes that double as resort guides: here’s where the surface stayed cold, here’s a traverse into a lightly skied pocket, here’s how to ride when the base is firm. That pragmatic angle—less sizzle reel, more real skiing—keeps engagement steady. Travel segments broaden the picture. Southern Hemisphere footage from New Zealand’s The Remarkables shows the same characteristics—measured speed, sluff awareness, confident exits—applied to a lean snowpack, which makes line choice and edge quality even more important. Viewers get a look at how a pro-minded skier keeps the day productive when coverage is limited, a scenario many encounter in shoulder seasons at home. Equipment-wise, Zakowski trends toward a versatile freeride setup: mid-fat skis with enough backbone for firm mornings and enough rocker to stay loose in trees, bindings with predictable elasticity, and boots tuned for progressive flex and shock absorption that won’t punish the shins on chopped exits. The message to fans is consistent: choose gear that matches conditions and your speed tolerance, then focus on line economy—fewer checks, cleaner exits, better flow. As his catalog grows, the roadmap is clear: continue releasing tightly edited resort laps that decode daily conditions; drop a few marquee clips each season that show creative problem-solving on consequential terrain; and collaborate with filmmakers who value readability over spectacle. For skiers researching Solitude/Alta lines, looking for coaching-informed breakdowns, or just wanting relatable, high-signal edits, Henry Zakowski’s channel offers a steady reference—grounded, repeatable, and rooted in the actual surfaces most of us ski.
Alta Ski Area
Alta Ski Area in Utah’s Little Cottonwood Canyon is a skier-only resort famed for deep, consistent powder, classic fall-line terrain, and a throwback lodge culture that prizes time on snow over frills. Sitting roughly 30–40 minutes from Salt Lake City, Alta enjoys a prime Wasatch location where cold storms funnel into the canyon and stack up meters of snow each winter. Its identity is built on a simple promise: soft snow, sustained pitches, and a community that values traditional ski culture—think boots clacking through historic lodges, early-morning bootpacks to favored lines, and locals trading storm-day beta in the lift maze. Terrain variety is broad and rewarding. Beginners start around Albion and Sunnyside, where gentle slopes, reliable grooming, and clear progression let new skiers level up quickly. Intermediates find long, satisfying laps off Sugarloaf and Supreme, with natural rollers, bowls, and tree shots that come alive after a storm. For advanced and expert skiers, Alta is a playground: Collins and the Wildcat zone deliver classic steeps and chalky faces, while High Rustler (a rite of passage), Ballroom, Devil’s Castle, Baldy Shoulder, and Catherine’s Area serve up sustained lines that showcase what the Wasatch does best. Traverses and short sidesteps open pockets of untracked snow well after the lifts spin, rewarding those who read terrain smartly and move efficiently. Snow quality is Alta’s calling card. Elevation, aspect, and canyon geography combine to keep mid-winter snow cold and light, with frequent refreshes and wind-buffed chalk between storms. On powder mornings, patrol-managed openings sequence terrain methodically—guests who follow signs and stay alert can stack memorable laps without chaos. When high pressure arrives, groomers hold an edge and north-facing shots keep their quality, making for balanced days without needing to leave the resort boundary. Lift layout encourages exploration over lap-counting. A mix of high-speed and fixed-grip chairs funnels skiers to distinct pods, each with its own character. Traverses are part of the Alta game; they can be busy on storm days, so spacing and awareness matter, and patience is often rewarded with cleaner snow. Alta connects physically and culturally to neighboring Snowbird, and combined products in many seasons let visitors sample both personalities—Alta’s classic feel and Snowbird’s big-mountain vibe—on the same trip. Village life remains intentionally low-key. Iconic ski-in/ski-out lodges—rustic yet comfortable—anchor the base areas, with hearty breakfasts, communal dinners, and lounges where stories flow as freely as the hot cocoa. You’ll find rentals, demos, and a respected ski school for all ages, plus a handful of shops and cafés that cover essentials without diluting the mountain’s soul. Day trippers from the valley appreciate straightforward access when roads are open; on storm mornings, canyon travel may pause for avalanche work, so early starts and flexible plans are wise. Families do well at Alta thanks to beginner terrain that feeds naturally into blues, clear wayfinding, and a culture that keeps the focus on skiing. For aspiring experts, short hikes, traverses, and controlled steeps offer a safe progression path. Safety-wise, Alta is in-bounds, patrolled terrain; nevertheless, respect closures, watch for variable visibility, and remember that steep bowls and chutes demand solid judgment even when rope lines are open. Gear choices are simple: bring a versatile all-mountain or freeride ski in the 95–110 mm range for storm cycles and trees, and a narrower, torsionally strong carver for crisp mornings between systems. Tuned edges and appropriate wax matter given the dry continental snowpack and elevation. Helmets are common sense, and a small pack with water, layers, and a snack keeps you comfortable on colder canyon days. In short, Alta blends abundant Utah powder, storied terrain, and a skiers-only ethos into one of North America’s quintessential resort experiences. Come for the storms and the legendary lines; stay for the community, the understated lodges, and the feeling that the mountain—not the marketing—sets the tone.
Snowbird
Snowbird is one of North America’s premier big-mountain resorts, tucked into Utah’s Little Cottonwood Canyon about a half-hour from Salt Lake City. It’s famed for deep, consistent snowfall, steep fall-line terrain, and the iconic Aerial Tram that rises to Hidden Peak. The combination of reliable storms, sustained pitches, and a long spring season makes Snowbird a bucket-list destination for powder chasers and strong intermediates to experts, while still offering learning zones and top-tier instruction for newer skiers and riders. The mountain’s layout invites exploration. From the Tram or high chairs, you can drop classic shots off the Cirque, carve chalky faces, or hunt for storm-day trees in Gad Valley. Mineral Basin delivers a sunny, bowl-style playground on the backside with groomers, glades, and soft-snow laps that stay fun well into spring. The Peruvian Tunnel—an engineering novelty—links frontside terrain to Mineral, turning the resort into a connected network of routes where traverses and short sidesteps reward those who read the map and the fall line. Even on busy days, thoughtful route choice and timing unlock quiet pockets and fresh surfaces. Snow quality is the calling card. Canyon geography funnels cold, dry storms that refresh the surface frequently. Between systems, prevailing winds buff many upper-mountain aspects into supportive chalk, so you’re rarely stuck waiting for “perfect” conditions. Spring is a highlight: long days, consistent corn cycles, and top-to-bottom laps where you can start on groomers, chase softening bowls late morning, and finish in tree-sheltered shots when the sun gets high. Lift infrastructure blends efficiency and character. High-speed chairs keep the main pods moving, while the Tram remains the resort’s soul—fast vertical, sweeping views, and direct access to the steepest lines. Because much of Snowbird’s best skiing sits in consequential terrain, patrol opens zones methodically after storms. Respecting closures and rope lines isn’t just etiquette; it’s how everyone gets the goods safely and in sequence. Road access can also be storm-dependent, so flexible timing and early starts are part of the Snowbird playbook. Village life balances convenience and mountain focus. Slopeside lodging centers around a landmark hotel and condo options with restaurants, cafés, rentals, tuning, and a full-service spa—handy for multi-day trips or mixed-ability groups. Après is energetic but not overdone; most conversations orbit where skied best, what opened when, and whether to set alarms for an early canyon drive. Day trippers from the valley appreciate the quick approach when roads are greenlighted, making powder mornings feasible without complicated logistics. Families and progressing skiers do well here with the right plan. Morning laps on groomers build confidence, then instructors can guide you toward mellower sections of Mineral Basin or blue/black transitions on the frontside. Terrain signage is clear, and there’s ample space to step up gradually before eyeing steeper bowls, chutes, or traverse-accessed lines. For riders who love variety, Snowbird pairs naturally with neighboring Alta on many itineraries, letting you experience two distinct personalities in the same canyon. Gear-wise, think versatility with a bias toward stable platforms. A 95–110 mm all-mountain or freeride ski handles storm cycles, wind-buff, and chopped powder; on firm mornings, a narrower, torsionally strong carver is satisfying on groomers and upper-mountain faces. Tuned edges and temperature-appropriate wax pay dividends at Snowbird’s elevations. Helmets are the norm, and a small pack with layers and water keeps you comfortable when the weather flips from stormy to bluebird. Pass options and programming make trip planning straightforward. Snowbird participates in major multi-resort passes and runs a full calendar of demos, clinics, and spring events. If you’re building a Wasatch vacation, it’s easy to anchor several days at Snowbird and add side missions around the canyon based on conditions. For content-minded skiers, the resort’s media channels showcase storm cycles, patrol notes, and spring corn windows that help you time your day. Bottom line: Snowbird offers the classic Wasatch experience—deep powder, steep continuous terrain, and a high-alpine feel—delivered with efficient lifts and a village that keeps the focus on skiing. Come for the Tram laps, the Mineral Basin corn harvest, and those wall-to-wall powder mornings; stay for the rhythm of a mountain that rewards smart choices, strong legs, and an appetite for real-deal terrain.
Solitude Mountain Resort
Solitude Mountain Resort is a powder-forward ski area in Utah’s Big Cottonwood Canyon, about a 30–40 minute drive from Salt Lake City International Airport. The resort is best known for consistent snowfall, quiet lift lines compared with some neighbors, and Honeycomb Canyon, a signature zone that delivers sustained pitches, natural features, and a backcountry feel within the lift-served boundary. For travelers planning a Utah ski vacation, Solitude combines easy access with an off-the-beaten-path vibe, making it a strong pick for powder chasers, families, and intermediate-to-advanced skiers who prefer terrain over scene. Terrain and snow define Solitude’s identity. The mountain spans roughly 1,200 acres with a vertical drop a bit over 2,000 feet, and it regularly racks up deep totals thanks to canyon microclimates that favor cold, dry storms. Summit elevations crest above 10,000 feet, keeping mid-winter snow light and preserving quality days after a storm. Honeycomb Canyon is the headline, offering bowls, chutes, and glades that reward strong intermediates and experts. Frontside laps under Eagle, Apex, and Moonbeam mix groomers with quick shots into trees, while Summit and Powderhorn unlock steeper lines and traverses into Honeycomb when patrol opens the gates. Despite the advanced allure, Solitude is welcoming for newer skiers. The Moonbeam area near the main parking and base facilities has learning-friendly pitches, reliable grooming, and easy progression to longer green and blue runs. Ski & Ride School programs cater to kids and adults with private and group options, and on-mountain signage makes wayfinding straightforward. Intermediates can spend full days exploring blue and mellow black terrain without needing to drop into the steeps. Lift infrastructure is efficient and exploration-oriented. High-speed chairs on key pods keep laps moving, while fixed-grip lifts serve quieter nooks and tree lines. Because much of the best skiing sits in glades and natural fall-line terrain, spacing and communication are important on storm days; Solitude’s patrol culture emphasizes terrain control and phased openings, particularly into Honeycomb. Adjacent Brighton Resort sits at the head of the canyon, and many visitors pair both areas in a single trip; there are connective routes and combined products in some seasons, so checking current details before you go is wise. Village life is compact and convenient. Lodging options include slopeside hotel rooms and condo-style units clustered in Solitude Village, with restaurants, a small market, rentals, and tuning steps from the lifts. Après is low-key by design—think local beers, pizza, and bistro fare—suited to families and powder hounds who prioritize first chair over nightlife. Day trippers from Salt Lake appreciate fast morning access and the ability to leave the car parked until last chair. A notable differentiator is the Nordic network. Solitude operates a cross-country and snowshoe center with groomed trails in and around the village, offering a change of pace on stormy days or rest days. This complements the downhill experience and gives mixed-ability groups more to do within walking distance. Weather and timing tips help maximize a visit. Mid-winter (January to early March) is the sweet spot for cold storms and preserved powder, while spring brings longer days, soft snow cycles, and excellent tree-skiing surfaces when freeze-thaw cooperates. Canyon travel can be impacted by snowfall and avalanche control mornings; starting early, carpooling, and monitoring road advisories are smart habits. Parking policies evolve with demand—fees and carpool incentives are common—so set plans before driving up. Pass products and media presence are straightforward. Solitude participates in major multi-resort pass programs, making it easy to fold into a Wasatch itinerary alongside other Utah icons. The resort maintains active social channels and an official YouTube presence that shares conditions updates, safety notes, and athlete or patrol features—useful for planning powder mornings and scoping Honeycomb openings. For gear, a versatile all-mountain setup shines at Solitude. On storm days, a 100–110 mm waist ski with some rocker makes Honeycomb laps playful; for groomer mornings or high-pressure stretches, a narrower, torsionally strong ski carves confidently on the frontside. Avalanche gear isn’t required for in-bounds terrain but situational awareness is: obey closures, respect patrol work, and save any true backcountry travel for properly equipped days with partners, education, and a plan. Bottom line: Solitude Mountain Resort offers big-feeling terrain, reliable Utah snowfall, and a calmer atmosphere than many marquee resorts. Come for Honeycomb Canyon, stay for the sustained fall-line skiing, family-friendly layout, and the satisfying rhythm of powder mornings followed by sunny groomer afternoons. For skiers building a Salt Lake-area itinerary, Solitude is a high-value, high-quality stop that delivers exactly what its name promises: room to breathe and space to ski.
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