It’s really beginning to feel like ski season in Moab now! The La Sals have received heaps of snow over the last few days and are currently sitting silhouetted proudly by a crisp blue sky. We aren’t forecasted to get much more snow in the next week or so, but the temps in the La Sals should stay consistent enough to keep the snow pack from melting too much. With clear skies on the horizon it is likely to be a beautiful week to explore the Nordic Trail in the La Sals!
The Utah Avalanche Center has issued a Moderate to Considerable warning in the La Sals right now. If you plan to go off the twice weekly groomed Nordic Trail (thank you LUNA!) and into the backcountry, please check the Utah Avalanche Center’s report and be conservative! It has been a record year for avalanches and deaths in Utah.
The Salt Lake City avalanche condition rose was completely black during the last snowfall, so please be careful as you explore the mountains.
We’re Hiring! Please apply on our website under the ‘Jobs’ tab. Folks interested in applying should be willing to commit to working through May. We are looking for folks with all experience levels who love the outdoors. Maximum flexibility in your schedule!
Moab Gear Trader is Moab’s Winter Sports Headquarters! We have Moab’s largest selection of hiking traction for icy trails, snowshoes for mountain adventures, backcountry avalanche gear, and one of the largest brick and mortar collections of Nordic Touring Gear in the US. We also are well stocked with NEW & USED hats, gloves, scarves, balaclavas, snow boots, hand warmers, goggles, and mittens. These tools will allow you to enjoy our desert and mountain home comfortably.
La Sal Mountain Conditions
(Photo Credit: Marshall Dvorscak)
All throughout the winter and spring, the La Sal Loop Road is likely to be snowy with patches of ice. As you drive into the mountains to recreate, please remember to drive slowly, bring chains, and take the 4×4 vehicle if you can!
The La Sals are currently covered in a beautiful layer of snow. It is possible to ski, snow shoe, and snowmobile all throughout the mountains now, not just on the groomed Nordic Trail.
With March just around the corner, we’re unsure how much snow we will see this spring. The tourist season is looming on the horizon, so get in your time in the mountains while you still can!
We have Nordic skis, snowshoes, and traction devices for sale at Moab Gear Trader as well as gaiters, gloves, boots, and more. Any and all of your outdoor recreation needs can be met at Moab Gear Trader, so please come by and get your snow equipment before it’s too late!
Moab Conditions
(Photo Credit: Marshall Dvorscak)
While the La Sals have been getting snow all week, Moab has been getting a consistent deluge of rain. There have been patches of sun passing in and out, but overall each day we have received a fair amount of rain. This means the trail conditions are variable.
North-facing hiking trails have been fairly wet, but anything with consistent sun and wind has been more dry. Please check the Poison Spider Bicycles trail conditions updates before you decide to mountain bike this week.
As far as climbing goes, sunny crags are in, but shady crags are out.
Regional Conditions
(Photo Credit: Marshall Dvorscak)
It has been a terrible year for avalanches, so with any snow recreation in the Colorado Plateau/Southwest, please check conditions!
Earlier this year it was predicted to be a very bad year for precipitation, however after looking at the accumulated precipitation it is not as bleak as it was. Don’t get too excited though, we are not yet out of our drought state, and this summer is likely to be very hot and very dry.
Denver: Ranging from the mid 40’s to the low 30’s with snow on Saturday, Wednesday, and Thursday!
Vernal: Low to mid 30’s with snow on Saturday
Jackson Hole: High 20’s with snow all week long
Salt Lake City: Low 40’s to high 30’s with snow on the weekends!
Flagstaff: Mid 50’s to mid 40’s
Durango: Low 40’s with snow on Wednesday and Thursday
Weather Forecast
(Photo Credit: Marshall Dvorscak)
The weather over the last few days has been rainy. Solis are still very wet and certain Mountain Biking Trails are closed because of this. However, things are trending towards warmer throughout the next few days. We should have mostly sunny skies with scattered cloudy days and temps hovering around the mid 50’s. The nights will continue to cool off and stay cold, around the mid 20’s at their coldest.
Spring is threatening on the horizon! It is not quite shorts and t-shirt weather, but we’re getting closer every day.
Shop Conditions
(Photo Credit: Marshall Dvorscak)
With the onset of spring, we’re beginning to stock the store for river season. We’ve pulled the PFDs out, and will have bedrock sandals in stock very soon.
Did you win any river permit lotteries yet? You can see a full list of permits you’ll need for certain stretches of the river here.
We also have a copy of The Confluence at the store for sale. The Confluence is a newsletter from the Colorado Plateau River Guides.
As a reminder, you can check out all of our new and used gear at our online portal for both shoppers and sellers.
Nordic Skiing
With backcountry skiing being so dangerous right now, we encourage our customers to take up Nordic skiing! There is an excellent groomed trail in the La Sals, Geyser Pass Road, and it’s a great social distancing activity as well! Our nordic ski equipment will be the most commonly updated item in our store this time of year.
Snow Shoes
Another fantastic alternative to backcountry skiing is snowshoeing. We encourage everyone to just get out into the mountains (safely) as often as possible. Until the avalanche danger clears up, we should all be getting out on to the groomed track in the La Sals. Our friendly staff can help you pick out the right snowshoes for you, just stop by and we’ll get you set up in no time. Stay warm, layer up, and have a good time out there!
Avalanche Gear
The shop is stocked with avalanche gear this time of year, so stay safe and stock up. The avalanche danger is at an all-time high in most areas right now. Stay safe and if you do venture into the backcountry, make sure you bring your avi equipment. We have shovels, probes, and beacons, from brands like Black Diamond, Arva, and Pieps. If you intend to do some winter mountaineering this season you will need a fully equipped avalanche kit. We also have plenty of ice axes, snow flukes, warm winter mountaineering jackets, and boots!
Camping
Many people will be forgoing camping this time of year, however, we know there are still a few snow camping crazies out there. Are you one of them? Make sure you have a warm sleeping bag and pad to keep you cozy during the below-freezing night temps. Stop by the shop to check out our large selection of 0° and even colder rated bags. Did you know your sleeping pad also needs to be insulated for comfortable winter camping?
Hiking
Warm layers aren’t just about jackets and boots. Make sure you have a neck gaiter, warm socks, gloves, hats, long underwear, and more for your weekly hike to Hidden Valley. Layering up will be crucial to your enjoyment of outdoor hikes. At this point in the year, it would be silly to hike without traction devices. Get yours today to make your favorite Moab hikes safe and enjoyable.
Climbing
Climbing in Moab is just about to come into season! Get yourself and your gear in shape for the upcoming season. We have ropes, cams, shoes, harnesses, and climbing clothes in the store for sale.
Biking
We always stock basic accessories for bikes, including lights, bells, gloves, sleeves, and more. Our newest addition to the store is brand new helmets from Smith, so keep that in mind when shopping for the Mountain Bike enthusiast in your life.
We look forward to seeing you (with a mask!) in our store for all your winter needs very soon.
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