Ski Butlers

Ski Butlers is a full service equipment rental delivery company serving 35 North America resorts.

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A Company is only as good as their Team Members. We are lucky to have the best team in the world.

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Our culture is about skiing, its about happiness, its about passion and we love to pass that along to our customers.

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Check out our newest blog with fun activities to do this fall before the snow starts flying.

http://www.skibutlers.com/blog/2015/10/01/fall-activities-in-utah

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Telluride Through the Lens

It’s no secret that the quaint ski town of Telluride is situated in what many of us consider to be one of the most naturally beautiful landscapes on the planet. From the towering, picturesque Wilson peaks to the jagged, almost-reptilian Sneffels Range - there is no shortage of staggering subject matter for the avid photographer.

You can capture incredible images from almost anywhere in the Telluride area, such is its vast wonder. However, one of my favorite places to seek out the ‘perfect picture’ is on a little-traveled road that cuts from just above the Telluride airport through to Highway 145 near the Dallas Divide. Known as Last Dollar Road, its often gravely and uneven roads can be a test for many vehicles but the views are unbeatable - especially in Autumn when the Aspens are changing. This is the place to capture the Wilson peaks in all of their astounding glory.

As far as winter-time imagery goes, nothing beats the ski resort! Ride up to the top of lifts 6, 9, 14 or 15 and the view seemingly goes on forever - no coincidence they named it the See Forever trail! From incredible panoramic views of Mt. Wilson, the Sneffels Range, Palmyra Peak and even the LaSalles far off in Utah - there is no better vantage point for capturing the serenity of the San Juans!

For more, check out the Telluride Photo Festival, which occurs in the fall and attracts not only some of the worlds most adventurous photographers but many experts in the field who are excited about sharing their knowledge with the public - learn more about it!

See you out there!

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Greatest Snow on Earth

Utah makes a bold claim when they market the Wasatch Mountains as having “The Greatest Snow on Earth”. Although this will always be a subjective topic, many who have experienced a bottomless Utah powder day tend to agree. With some quick research, you may find that we don’t have the deepest or the driest snow, but what really makes snow so great anyway? If you were to look at a spectrum from Sierra cement, to mashed potatoes, to blower pow, the real question is “Where is the sweet spot”? Legendary Avalanche Expert and Skier, Ed LaChapelle, sums it up well saying, “The best deep powder skiing is not found in the lightest snow, but rather in snow with enough ‘body’ to provide good flotation for the running ski.”

Our good friends over at Ski Utah have put together a wonderful visual of what the Wasatch Mountains of Utah have to offer. Take a look here, http://visual.ly/why-utah-has-greatest-snow-earth . If you are not sold on our high desert lake effect snow, then I suppose you will have to come find out for yourself. You can watch our weather and time your trip by checking out our local meteorologist and powder expert, Evan Thayer, at http://www.wasatchsnowforecast.com/ .

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The Legendary Hobacks

With your legs burning, and nothing but deep, untracked snow in front of you, your mind has to scream at your legs to keep churning, as the excitement overcomes the lactic acid streaming through your quads. Pushing through your last five turns is the correct decision; you look behind you and the 2,500-foot slope is filled with snow and the tracks you’ve left behind.

The famous champagne powder that once fell on the Hobacks is best shown in the 1967 classic ski film, The Last of the Ski Bums by Dick Barrymore with Dr. Bob Smith, founder of Smith Optics, laying down beautiful turns on the perfect 36° slope, We see fewer instances, of storms hitting the Tetons with dry light snow, which makes the Hobacks an even more sought after destination on the deepest day.

Even on bluebird days, with recent snow into buried deep into everyone’s’ memory, the Hobacks are stilla fantastic skiing experience. Few mountain ranges in the world allow one to ski down to the valley floor When the bumps are big, many a skier is still seen testing the endurance of their legs as they push down the beautiful slopes of the Hobacks.

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X Games Aspen 2015

Fasten your seat belts folks. ESPN’S WINTER X GAMES is finally here. This weekend, January 22 - 25 more than 200 of the worlds best winter athletes will arrive in Aspen, CO to take place in the 2015 Winter X Games. In this group of 200 athletes, nearly 100 of them have competed at the olympic level, so it’s safe to say the caliber of competition will be at an all time high this year. Last year, 114,000 fans flocked into Aspen for the four day competition.

To match the ever increasing ability of these winter athletes, Aspen Ski Co. has become well rehearsed in planning for this event, as this will be the thirteenth year in a row that Buttermilk has hosted the X Games. ESPN announced this summer that Aspen will be hosting the Winter X Games until 2019. This is the longest running host site for the competition, both summer and winter. They deserve it, it seems as though every year the jumps and other features get bigger and bigger as these skiers, snowboarders and snowmobilers look to push the limits in search for the Gold Medal.

Although the high flying athletes are the main spectacle of this long weekend, many great music artists are hailing to town to put on their best performance for the influx of travelers to the area. You can expect live music at the base of Buttermilk each day from performers; Chromeo, Skrillex, Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalifa and they will also be playing shows at the Belly Up throughout the weekend. To get a better understanding of the weekend’s event schedule check out:

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Best Sandwich in Breckenridge

What’s the secret to being able to endure a full 8:30am to 4pm ski day?  An awesome lunchtime retreat that takes you into a warm environment for an hour for your body to defrost and to refuel the body for the second half of the day!  Let’s face it, a full ski day is exhausting, so it’s important to spend some tine during the day relaxing and recharging before hitting the lifts again for the afternoon push.  Here are some local recommendations for you and your family and friends to take advantage of next time you are in Breckenridge.

On mountain options are a good way to get in and get back to the slopes quickly.  The Sevens, located at the base of Peak seven, a 2 ½ ton open hearth oven with bistro style food.  Featuring outside bar service, a warm atmosphere, an inside seating area to let the toes defrost, and a new Sevens-to-Go window for a quick snack or coffee, the Sevens is a great all around pick for lunch on Breckenridge’s slopes.

On the opposite end of the spectrum there is the local’s favorite sandwich place; Duggan’s Deli.  This hole in the wall sandwich shop is a local’s secret that is down in the actual town of Breckenridge instead of on the resort.  Duggan’s deli is a relatively inexpensive place to get an awesome sandwich while also getting a chance to get off the slopes via the gondola and experience the town of Breckenridge the way locals do!

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Night Skiing in the Rockies

Few things put me in the holiday spirit like donning my favorite Christmas sweater and heading out into the crisp winter air at Keystone.  Keystone’s Outpost gondola whisks you to the top of Dercum mountain in the comfort of a wind-proof Gondola.

  Keystone runs its Gondola and a chairlift to access the legendary groomed blue squares that provide excellent terrain for skiers of all abilities.  The terrain is well lit but be sure to bring a pair of light lenses for your goggles.  On some Saturdays Keystone barrages the alpine skyline with a complimentary fireworks display that rockets from the ski slopes.  Skiing under the fireworks through light rocky mountain powder is the holiday experience of a lifetime.     When chairlifts stop spinning all over the West, Colorado’s Rocky Mountain resorts keep options open to ski as late as 8PM.  This can be an amazing chance to catch an afternoon-evening snowstorm (a common occurrence allying Colorado’s I70 corridor).  This can also be a great chance to have the slopes to yourself and work on your skills.

 But night skiing in the rockies does not stop at the resort boundaries.  Last full moon, my friend Dan and I strapped climbing skins to the bottom of our powder skis and toured high up on the powder flanks of the 14,000 foot Summit County mountain Quandary.  The full moon reflecting of the white alpine snow made it light as day as we climbed high above tree line.  Across the road, a huge bonfire raged on the flanks of Baldy mountain as skiers and boarders celebrated the full moon between powdery laps.     Make the most of your time in the Rockies by heading back out onto the slopes after dinner; you may have your best turns of the trip!  And we promise the hot tub will feel even better after you log a few more laps on those skiing legs!

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Fine Cuisine in a Ski Town? Jackson Holes' Best Eateries

Il Villaggio Osteria

Fine cuisine is not always associated with ski culture, but that is not the case in Jackson Hole. From wonderful wild-game to magical creations that will make any foodies’ mouth water, Jackson has food for anyone and everyone’s palate. Featured here are seven of Ski Butlers’ favorite places to dine in Jackson Hole.

Il Villaggio Osteria makes wonderful Italian creations that both taste great and look amazing. Osteria is a perfect option for folks looking for delicious Italian food paired with a perfect wine.

Alpenrose

Nothing says ski fare like traditional Swiss Austrian food. Offering everything from the best fondue in town to delectable wild game including Antelope, stepping into the Alpenrose, feels like you've teleported to the Swiss Alps; you can’t go wrong by visiting the Alpenrose.

Local

Located in the town of Jackson, Local is a great place for everything from Buffalo Tar Tar to Local Trout. Also a favorite of almost every local in Jackson, the atmosphere is always jovial.

Sudachi

Are you a Sushi fan who stays away from inland Sushi? Do not fear, Sudachi, Jackson’s premier restaurant for Japanese cuisine features fresh seafood flown in daily. Sit at the bar and watch, as your food becomes a tastey piece of artwork before your eyes.

Thai Me Up & Melvin Brewing

Although the American influenced Thai food Thai Me Up provides is wonderful, Thai Me Up’s real treasure is their in-house brewery; Melvin Brewing. Melvin Brewing’s most recent accolades are two medals in the World Cup Medals in 2014. If you’re a fan of IPA’s, try the 2x4 if they have any left.

Pinky G’s

If you are coming to Jackson with your family and desire pizza for both kids and adults, Pinky G’s is the place to go. Voted as the best pizza in Jackson three years running, parents will love the Funky Chicken, or Abe Froman, while a simple cheese pizza will be sure to make the kids happy. 

The Granary

At the Granary the best view in Jackson is matched by some of the best food . The only restaurant in a wildlife refuge, dine on exquisite food while enjoying a breathtaking view of the Tetons. The Granary is known for its wonderful Game menu, from The Trout Dip as a starter to a Cajun Spiced Elk Tenderloin for an entrée.

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Our Culture is our Brand

Ski Butlers Core Value # 2:  Our Culture is Our Brand

  Ski Butlers, a seasonal lifestyle, and the mountains tend to attract a certain demographic.  After filtering through the riff raff, we find ourselves with a group of quality individuals sharing similar passions.  Simply put, we love the mountain life and wish to share it with others.  Such a basic thing to have in common can produce profound results.  Instant friendships and a fun dynamic workplace are born. Almost the entire first day of training we talk about the “Why” of Ski Butlers.  We are a customer service company who just so happens to deliver ski rentals.  The successes of a day include things like putting ski boots on a 4 year old for his first day ever and knowing that he will likely be hooked for life.  Driving to a hotel as the sun rises over the fresh 18” sparkling on the peaks of the Wasatch with a pair of freshly tuned powder skis for that expert skier is what gets us up in the morning.  A slight grin, small nod, and a simple thank you can pierce into your soul.  It feels like we are all in on a little secret that few know about.

During your experience with Ski Butlers we strive to make you feel like part of our family.  Need a recommendation for where to eat?  Enjoy art galleries, museums, or spas?  No clue what to do on your rest days?  Wonder where that secret powder stash is?  We got you covered.  We will let you in on the local scoop.  On second thought, you may have to work to get that powder stash out of us.  Our equipment and service are quality but what truly sets us apart is the compassion uniquely displayed in each and every Ski Butler on our team.  On your next delivery you may be so lucky to share the contagious laughter of Chris.  Perhaps, you will hear a captivating story of Kailyn’s white water rafting or sky diving adventures.  If you happen to stop into the Park City shop you can challenge any of our self-proclaimed table tennis professionals to a quick match.  We know the carefree energy of the mountain lifestyle and are eager to share it with all of you.  Give us a call for ski rentals, local info, or just to chat.  See you on the mountain!!

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A few crazy ideas on how to turn Utah into the premier North American ski destination:  

http://www.skibutlers.com/blog/2014/03/05/connect-utah-resortsnow

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We are excited to announce our first ski giveaway of the season. Head over to our Instagram page to be entered to win a pair of brand new Rossignol Super 7's! 

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Thoughts from our Ski Butler's founder Bryn Carey on why the greatest risk is life is to risk nothing.

http://www.skibutlers.com/blog/2014/12/01/the-greatest-risk-in-life-is-to-risk-nothing

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Ski School Breckenridge - What you Need to Know

http://www.skibutlers.com/blog/2014/11/26/skischoolbreckenridge-whatyouneedtoknow

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There's a lot to love in Telluride, but our favorite lift is 12, Prospect Express.

http://www.skibutlers.com/blog/2014/02/26/my-favorite-lift-at-telluride

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There's enough variety of lodging options in Tahoe to please everyone. From casinos, to rented mansions, to bed and breakfasts; read our blog post to find out which is right for you!

http://www.skibutlers.com/blog/2014/11/20/wheretostayinsouthlaketahoe