42. GoShredSum (CA/UT)

From Warmth to Cold: Sun, Snow, and the GoShredSum Epic Pass Adventure (California, Utah, Salt Lake City)

Leaving the warmth of Hawaii behind, I unfortunately succumbed to a cold after the damp, chilly nights of camping. Despite this, we enjoyed three wonderful days with my cousin Van and her husband in San Diego. We savored delicious food, delightful company, and endless conversations and laughter. Being fellow foodies, we connected instantly. Their hospitality was incredible, making us feel completely at home.

Our skiing adventure began in Kirkwood, California. Despite the sunshine, the temperature plummeted, leaving a delicate frost of ice flowers on our camper windows each morning. We began the process of advertising our campervan and mountain bikes for sale online, while simultaneously searching for an apartment in Lucerne for our return to Switzerland. A day trip to Grover Hot Springs provided a welcome respite from the cold, allowing us to warm our bones.

Heavenly ski resort offered stunning scenery, with runs juxtaposing breathtaking views of Lake Tahoe on the California side and the snow-dusted desert mountains on the Nevada side. Northstar marked our last ski day in California. The dry wind and frigid temperatures left my skin feeling rough and itchy, necessitating a recovery day during our drive to the next ski destination.

Driving through Nevada this time was a stark contrast to our summer trip, with the mountains now cloaked in snow. We encountered two accidents caused by the snowy conditions, thankfully involving only light snowfall. I'm grateful for Theo's vigilant driving.

Skiing in Park City, Utah, the largest ski resort in the US, was fantastic. We even enjoyed some fresh powder during a ski tour. I felt like a child, gleefully eating snow off the trees! The runs were excellent, and the pistes were impeccably groomed. Despite the limited snowfall, the conditions were the best we'd experienced so far. However, the nights were bitterly cold, freezing the water in our bottles inside the vehicle. Each morning began with the ritual of scraping ice flowers from the windows. One day, I even got the hero title helping a skier who had a bad fall and lost his skis on a steep slope.

As the weather worsened, we decided to retreat to Salt Lake City, after two weeks of pure skiing. Our priorities were a thorough car wash to remove the salt and ice, a few nights of warmer temperatures, and a chance for me to recover from my cough. Salt Lake City also surprised us with its spectacular coffee scene. Loki, in particular, boasted impressive baristas. I indulged in a delicious Hojicha Latte Almond, its nutty flavor from the roasted matcha leaves a true treat. We also enjoyed some excellent meals in the city.Read more