first time skiing at ALTA in 2021! | vanlife utah

[@BucoBucolini]

Alta is the prettiest mountain I've ever been on. Every run is a complete mountain adventure on skis. So my story from Alta is I was on a chairlift riding up with some senior local dude with huge white beard, his chin tucked in his jacket, quiet. Finally I spoke up and we started chatting. He goes "what did you hike to so far?" I said "why hike with all this lift accessible terrain?" He goes "you come to Alta, you hike" His voice was quiet but deep and firm and projected authority so I go "Ok, where should I go?" He looks around, left/right and goes "see that line of people? Follow them" I said ok. As we got off and said goodbye I went to work as the wise man told me to. Joined the line of people hiking up this ridge and at some point we're going across this beautiful untouched face and I'm wondering "why nobody skied down this way?" Even though I knew there must be a reason I just couldn't pass up on the opportunity and I head down. Somebody from up there yells "nice line man!" When it eventually flattened out and I looked around and tried to get back to some run that'll take me back to any lift I realized what I did, I went down the part of the mountain with no real access to connect to any run but to climb up and back across. Took me good part of an hour to huff and puff my way back. But did it ever feel great to float down that face, ah I'll never forget it. Love Alta.

[@LucasCatania17]

Thank you for taking the time to watch the new episode! If you look at Alta’s map, you’ll notice they don’t put double blacks or anything. I think most of these could pass as double blacks compared to other resorts and I think you could argue that the “little chute” could be a triple black based on its pitch, vertical and how narrow it was! I’ll leave it for you to decide! 🤙🏽

[@LucasCatania17]

@Kyran Oliszczak im using the lowepro powder 500 AW!

[@LucasCatania17]

@Liam Riley im not sure either man!! there are definitely plenty of double blacks, but alta just does greens, blues and blacks haha!

[@thomasmedeiros5722]

Alta is a real old school Mountain. The slogan “Alta is for Skiers” means that this is a hardcore mountain that geared towards serious diehard enthusiasts. You have to actually ski High Boy, Eagle’s Nest, Little Chute , or any of the many challenging runs then you understand the difference in difficulty of these runs labeled as Black. You have to experience them to understand the challenges they each offer. Skiing and knowing Alta’s challenges is a special experience. They do have Avalanche gates and warning signs. When you go through the gate be prepared for a variety of possible challenges and hazards. Alta is definitely a place where you can encounter challenging terrain especially if it is difficult to access.

[@markjohnson5276]

There were six of us, we skied Alta every Wednesday for a season. We dropped LSD and chain smoked joints throughout the day. Every Wednesday. It was a season long party as I remember. Can you imagine tripping on LSD while doing East Greeley, or Peruvian ridge. At the end of the day we would screw the cap off a bottle of Jack Daniels and throw it away. PARTYING DOESN'T GET BIGGER THAN THIS. I'm 70 now and still skiing.

[@justinbayola]

What an absolute beast of a video on alta. Alta gets so much attention but an edit like this goes a really long way. Gorgeous!

[@LucasCatania17]

thank you bro! this is one of my favorite videos.

[@lifeinthemiddle55]

I'm a snowboarder, but I love watching your vids because you ride the best terrain, and you're just a humble dude! Keep it up!

[@LucasCatania17]

Thanks brother!!

[@johnhaworth2770]

Forgot how spread out that area is. Huge lines to get on the chair but not many people on the actual runs. Like the fact that it is on the other side of Snowbird. Looks like you had the perfect spring day.

[@LucasCatania17]

exactly!! was about a 10-15min wait at the collins chair, but seemed like no on one the trails. definitely a beautiful area with some incredible terrain!

[@Andrew-bd7mp]

that little chute run you did is some insane content

[@susankeefer5981]

Lucas, thank you so much for this video! I love Alta and it brought back so many memories. One of the reasons that I love it is because it reminds me so much of skiing in Europe. Maybe because of the views and the above tree line skiing, or because Alf Engen started it. So excited that you did it! 🤟

[@LucasCatania17]

thats amazing susan! thank you for watching it! i have never been to europe but it makes sense why it would remind you of it! the grand vistas and awesome terrain etc. im stoked i made it out there before the season ended!

[@susankeefer5981]

@@LucasCatania17 I’m so happy that you enjoyed it so much. Someday, when the Covid nightmare is over, you need to go to Europe. I can tell that you are the type of skier that would make the most of it.

[@stevehori673]

One handed mogul skiing, very impressive Lucas! You make it look easy (sign of a strong skier).

[@LucasCatania17]

Thank you steve! Mogul skiing is my background haha

[@stevehori673]

@@LucasCatania17 in your case it’s genetic!

[@markjohnson5276]

In 1979 I was a ski bum at Alta. I skied six days a week from opening of lifts to memorial weekend. I had a season pass, there were only two ways to get one. You could enter a lottery for 50 bucks and if you won you then got to buy a season pass for $800. Or you could take a job at one of the lodges and they pay was room and board 50 bucks a month, the ski pass. I skied waist and chest deep powder a lot because every time the big dumps would come the road out of the canyon would avalanche shut. It took them a day to dig it out. So that first primo day, no lift lines. Matter of fact I don't ever remember waiting long in a lift line.

[@Yourmomsuccysuccy]

I'm getting the ikon pass and I've just been watching all your videos to hype me up for all these resorts. Love the videos

[@LucasCatania17]

Nice man! Hoping for a good winter!

[@markjohnson5276]

I also use tote overshoes over my socks to go from the car to the slope. You can fold them up and put them in your pocket. Saves that clumpy walking in your ski boots.

[@fredrunzer9264]

I need to get out to Alta at some point it looks so freakin sweet! Great video as always I love the drone shots at the end!

[@LucasCatania17]

Thank you Fred! Definitely worth making the trip next time you’re in the area! And thanks dude! Such a beautiful sunset!

[@timothyosborn1697]

I find it strange that you live in Utah and have never skied Alta. Seriously? I grew up at Alta, Snowbird and Brighton. I learned to ski at Brighton when Brighton was $6/day weekday pass and Alta was $10/day weekday pass, Snowbird $20/day Tram pass weekday. Oh those were the days... Glad you learned that Alta has some great runs! Thanks for sharing!!!! (Oh, BTW, from where I grew up at, when we weren't with dad at some military base, we could see the top tram towers, of Snowbird, from our kitchen window. From when I left my front door, to when I could bee skiing was less than 1/2 hour. Yeah, living at the mouth of Little Cottonwood Canyon was a a blessing.)

[@LucasCatania17]

👍🏽👍🏽

[@markjohnson5276]

Statistically five people a year on average die at Alta. Bad falls, avalanches, going over thousand foot cliffs, heart attacks. We used to say, 'no brain, no pain'.

[@nashmcguire5771]

Sick ... as per usual. Keep it up Lucas👊🏼

[@LucasCatania17]

Nash!! Thank you for your support on the channel. So cool to see the badge turn yellow! Thanks for watching 🙏🏽

[@moniquetempleton604]

Thanks for taking the hike - you are a pro at skiing those drops while holding a camera. Little Cottonwood is my favorite place to ski. I just skied your leftovers today @Targhee - Ha,ha.

[@LucasCatania17]

thanks monique! was a lot of fun! and LCC is my favorite too! just incredible. targhee is a nice second though! but nice! stoked you were able to get out there before the season ended!

[@Andrei_K1G1K]

I've skied Alta for years and have never heard of a lift called saddleback... LOL

[@gusgus2539]

Sugarloaf

[@mattpike8189]

How good are some of those views. Cannot think of much better than a bluebird day on a mountain!

[@LucasCatania17]

seriously matt! i think little cottonwood canyon is so beautiful its wild. and yup! a nice change after being low visibility the last few weekends!

[@owen730]

As a born and raised Ice Coast skiier, Alta would be a dream come true. Gonna make it happen in 2022. Those chutes look gnarly

[@LucasCatania17]

dude id honestly say alta and snowbird are the two resorts that you have to hit. honestly the terrain is just next level! thanks for watching again owen!

[@josephhogan8144]

Only Respect for you!! I skied Snowbird today going to hit Alta tomorrow, all i got is love and respect for you, Keep tearing it up!

[@LucasCatania17]

thank you joseph! hopefully you had an epic pow day today at alta!!

[@24tamez]

Duuuude this one was sick! I live in Texas currently (but planning the jump to Utah) and live my skiing dreams through these vids

[@LucasCatania17]

thank you dude!! stoked you enjoyed it haha! make the jump man!

[@MikeR-bh9cg]

Reeses in oatmeal is a wild move but now i wanna try it

[@LucasCatania17]

dude reeses in anything is so good! oatmeal included!

[@markjohnson5276]

I got to know Alta good enough that I could find untracked powder seven days after the last snow fall. People coming for just a week would pay me 50 bucks to guide them to the untracked stuff. If your visiting consider approaching one of the lodge staff to see if they will guide for you.

[@JHSports]

At night before I go to bed I always watch your videos I love binge watching your vids

[@LucasCatania17]

I really appreciate that man 🙏🏽

[@grandillusion52]

Looks like you had a blast man!! great footage as always :D

[@LucasCatania17]

thank you bro! stoked i made it out to alta before the year end!

[@barbaramurphy8474]

Hey Lucas, another great video! It looks like you were up there in the clouds! LOL!

[@LucasCatania17]

thank you barbara! we were up in the clouds there during the hike! up at 11,000 feet!

[@scottc8350]

Popped up on my recommended. Enjoyed the vid Lucas. Love Alta! Cheers

[@LucasCatania17]

thanks scott! glad you enjoyed the video! cheers dude!

[@DRMET]

You managed to do a lot of great skiing in a short period of time. So glad you got to Wildcat Bowl--what a fun place. Also, very nice heater fix for your batteries!

[@LucasCatania17]

thank you!! i tried to ski every weekend so yes definitely got as much as i could haha! and wildcat bowl was awesome! would be so nice on a powder day!

[@jonathanburky5571]

This is our first year living in Utah and can’t wait to ski Alta! Great video!!! Amazing!

[@LucasCatania17]

thanks jonathan! welcome to utah! so many amazing resorts around here!

[@gusgus2539]

The ski lift you took for Baldy access is Sugarloaf there is not a lift called Saddleback

[@ricardomiracca]

Now that the season has ended (for me) this vids are the only thing that still tethers me to skiing!! Alta is another resort that is on my list for next season after watching this vlog!

[@ricardomiracca]

Also - the go pro doesn’t make justice of how steep it is right?

[@LucasCatania17]

haha thank you ricardo! always sad when ski season ends, but i think it makes us appreciate it more when it is here next time. im really grateful that youre still coming by the vlogs! i know its easy to get disconnected. hope youre doing well dude.

[@LucasCatania17]

and no way! especially the 360 camera on my head, its such a wide POV that it really flattens out the steepness! some of these runs were 45 degree pitches!

[@RyanDeSutter3]

The video 🔥 The song 🫛

[@justinbayola]

I don't think it was mentioned but was this your first time down little chute? This video stands the test of time man.

[@thomasmedeiros5722]

You should get a backcountry set up and skin up Grizzly Gulch, towards Catherine’s Pass and Supreme for some great turns. You don’t need a lift ticket or wait in line. I have been skiing Alta with friends that are locals. They got me into Backcountry touring. I skied the resort for many years but never realized how much more Alta had to offer if you tour the backcountry. You definitely need to check the Avalanche conditions and have the proper safety equipment and training.

[@LucasCatania17]

I did two days of cat skiing back in grizzly gulch this winter and it was epic!

[@JHSports]

Can’t wait for some EPIC summer vlogs 🤙

[@LucasCatania17]

Me neither!!!

[@achair3959]

Great video man! Alta looks sick!

[@LucasCatania17]

Thank you!! It’s one of a kind!

[@markjohnson5276]

Baldy chutes. I watched a girl drop into the chutes. On her third turn she was going too fast and hit the wall. Her body slid for a quarter of a mile once it left the chute, she was dead. Baldy chutes.

[@danbirch8939]

Excellent videos and channel! I love the effort you put into your videos. The music sounds awesome in my home theater:) thx!

[@LucasCatania17]

Awesome! Glad you enjoy the videos. Thanks for watching!

[@ynot0714]

Hey! I was there on Saturday with my buddies! It was a beautiful day and the the best skiing of our trip! Cheers!

[@LucasCatania17]

awesome man! stoked you had a stellar day! chhers!

[@ynot0714]

@@LucasCatania17 Nice Snowbird vid also. We did Park City and Canyons 2 days, Alta 1..Been a few years since I ski Snowbird, but that's gonna change......a buddy bought a place out in Heber last year. :-)

[@emersonodagis2332]

Awesome footage! Can’t wait to ski Alta this season

[@LucasCatania17]

Thanks man! Alta is sick!!

[@dicksonmclean1615]

Great video! Alta looks sick might have to go next year!!

[@LucasCatania17]

thanks man! and definitely dude!! 100% worth it!

[@fernandog.aguirre2791]

Great video, great music! Nice skiing! Alohas from Maui!

[@LucasCatania17]

thank you!!

[@somphetchanthavong4646]

alta vibes goin craaaazy

[@LucasCatania17]

Crazy dude!!! Can’t believe I haven’t skied here more!

[@Skier_202]

LOL "Al's High Rustler"

[@m.e.9974]

Nice video,your va n looks sic..yepper,Alta is the best.Im native Utah,Love wild cat.

[@LucasCatania17]

Heck yea dude 🤘🏽

[@coloradocamera]

Going through your vids bro deciding where in Utah i want to go awesome skiing man

[@LucasCatania17]

thanks man!!

[@jpickle4982]

Alta looks amazing, I think it is skiers only right? Glad you went there to show how beautiful of a place it is and what the ski terrain is like. Love the drone shots, can’t wait till the next video.

[@LucasCatania17]

yes skiers only julie!! honestly so amazing! it is even more beautiful in the summer believe it or not and the terrain there is just amazing! thank you for your continued support! see you next time julie!

[@JHSports]

I was in Utah last week (well in the airport) but you know wanted to tell you!

[@LucasCatania17]

That’s awesome josh! The new airport is so nice!

[@cjthetraveler8309]

Favorite line “need more coffee”. Lol

[@LucasCatania17]

Hahaha it was a rough morning!

[@kylertrautner8395]

Was that a healthy breakfast of Reese's PB cups and M&M's in that oatmeal lol? Good skiing though man! Atla is one of my favs for sure

[@LucasCatania17]

hahah kyler sure was!! needed a little sugar in the morning and im a sucker for reeses. mad good combo haha. but thanks man! stoked i was able to make it out this season!

[@jessesplan7759]

Great video!! Let's ride one day. Also, my house has a nice rv pad, is near that Smith's, and you're welcome to park your van there for an overnighter.

[@LucasCatania17]

thank you jesse! would definitely be down to ride together some day! and the night before I stayed at Kyle's driveway haha so might take you up on that RV pad in the future!

[@JHSports]

Camping in Luna in the summer will be epic

[@LucasCatania17]

I’m really looking forward to doing that man!

[@markjohnson5276]

I skied high rustler when it was all moguls the size of roof tops. Luckily I meet a Swede who taught me how to do moguls with out all the jumping. Still the send was 8 to 10 feet between moguls and I don't care for sending.

[@upbu2007]

Great as usual. Have to ask about the liquid in the jug at 1:43

[@LucasCatania17]

thats my bathroom :)

[@upbu2007]

@@LucasCatania17 it was either that or iced tea!

[@owen_som]

When you do those shots where youre walking/driving away from the camera have you ever forgotten your camera?

[@LucasCatania17]

nope never forgotten the camera

[@JHSports]

Great Vid as always Lucas!!! Alta looks very sick!! With a lot a sick terrain, I love your videos and love the time lapses and I love the intro!!! Also the drone shots are great!!! Keep up the great vids Lucas!! Can’t wait to see some summer vids! Those will be SICK!!

[@LucasCatania17]

josh thank you dude! really appreciative of your continued support dude. im glad you dig the format of the videos! got some more cool trips and activities planned for the future so stay tuned!

[@Jacob-wu5ul]

So awesome! What kind of Armada skis are those?

[@LucasCatania17]

Armada JJs!

[@Jacob-wu5ul]

@@LucasCatania17 Thank you!

[@Andrew55McDonald]

sick! favorite mountain!

[@LucasCatania17]

Might be my new favorite too man! That and snowbird it’s a tough one!!

[@petermeglis]

Objectively sick resort, objectively sick video. Totally understand the hesitation. The GoPros always make it look a lot more mellow than it usually is. BTW, do you just keep your helmet cam rolling the whole day? Or only certain times like when you take out the GoPro on your pole?

[@LucasCatania17]

hahaha! this is awesome! thank you peter! and yeah definitely about the gopro effect. especially the 360 camera on my head because its such a wide angle, it really flattens things out but i like it because its almost impossible to miss a shot. and no - i dont keep it rolling the whole day, but its so easy to turn on and off and the battery lasts all day, that i am pretty loose with letting it roll!

[@JHSports]

You have the best channel on KZbin

[@LucasCatania17]

Haha thank you josh

[@JHSports]

Great Vid as always

[@LucasCatania17]

Thanks for watching josh! Hope you had a good time in Texas.

[@JHSports]

@@LucasCatania17 no problem! I had a great time in Texas

[@JHSports]

I love how little chute is only a black 🤯 it should be a double black or a triple black even those are not a thing

[@LucasCatania17]

Exactly! I think it could be a triple black but certainly a double!

[@jimmyc003]

Love the content! a lot of appreciation for your ability to keep the helmet cam always pointed straight. any technical tips for a skier progressing from blue to black?

[@LucasCatania17]

thanks james! i would say the biggest thing when progressing to steeper terrain like blues to blacks are really focusing on keeping your chest up and pointed down the hill, while keeping your hands in front of you and making sure youre punching the uphill hand down the hill. this will help keep your balance centered and counter the steep terrain. it also is crucial to keep your eyes looking down the mountain, rather than right in front of you. it really helps slow things down. hope this helps!

[@jimmyc003]

@@LucasCatania17 Thanks! wishing you and Luna all the best!

[@NikkyRacks]

Another sick visual experience 🔥🔥 Any plans to hit PCMR before they close or would you say it’s the Cottonwoods for the rest of the season?

[@LucasCatania17]

thanks dude!! appreciate you watching! and honestly not really any plans to hit PCMR before close actually. Will definitely be up in snowbird though a few more times!

[@refoot12]

Moving to Heber Valley this summer! any recommendations of where to ski at?

[@LucasCatania17]

Park city, snowbird, Alta, solitude, powder mountain, Snowbasin!

[@jonathan3902]

Wooooo

[@LucasCatania17]

Yewwww

[@JHSports]

Alta looks pretty dope

[@LucasCatania17]

One of the best resorts out there!

[@JHSports]

12:07 HOLY BLACKS 🤯🤯🤯🤯

[@LucasCatania17]

Yup haha soo many

[@nickroth2255]

high t and hi boyyyyy

[@LucasCatania17]

yea yup!

[@JHSports]

Little chute more like GIANT chute

[@LucasCatania17]

Haha exactly! Not sure about the name on that one

[@cokolino2]

are you rippin groomers with your 110s?

[@LucasCatania17]

I usually just rip groomers with the 116s!

[@jakefischman7365]

Did you go to the backside at all like to Sunnyside or Supreme?

[@LucasCatania17]

I did not man! Just did the hike, high rustler and some wild cat laps!

[@SF-vg7uf]

i was there last thursday!

[@LucasCatania17]

Awesome! Hope it was a good time!

[@SF-vg7uf]

@@LucasCatania17 it was awesome! some of the best powder I've ever skied!

[@2567morgan]

what kind of skiis are those

[@LucasCatania17]

armada JJs 116s!

[@michaelfriedman2221]

what skis are you on?

[@LucasCatania17]

armada JJs!

[@devindiscs]

Sick

[@LucasCatania17]

Thanks devin! Appreciate that man!

[@ccpmarch1980]

⛷🤙

[@JHSports]

When you do you time lapse do you just wait there? When it is filming the time lapse

[@LucasCatania17]

Yeah haha that’s why it takes me a long time to film and ski during the day! Takes about 10min per time lapse

[@scottwilliams4963]

Piss jug at 1:41? I’m sure it’s just iced tea. Or yo kidneys!

[@LucasCatania17]

haha. kidneys! :)

[@maxturner7125]

Sick vid. Full props but the music? nope

[@LucasCatania17]

ahh bummer man. sorry you didnt like the music. tough picking fresh music from one database for 2 videos a week not gonna lie.

[@maxturner7125]

@@LucasCatania17 fuggin sick anyway.come to VT next year and I got you covered 100%

[@lr5081]

Lol that run is really called “glory hole”?🤣

[@LucasCatania17]

hahah yup

[@timmycurtin8594]

First

[@LucasCatania17]

Aye thank you Timmy!!

[@vitang2cool]

your audio sucks, your voice is too quiet so i have to turn up the volume, then your music is way too loud. your video is like a commercial