Before we jump into it, Moab Gear Trader is hiring! Follow the link to become a part of the Moab Gear Trader team! 

Our Winter Condition Updates are starting to look more like Spring Condition Updates! The weather has steadily improved over the last week and now we’re having daily temps of around 50 degrees. The snow is still sticking around up in the La Sals, and the skies have been blue and beautiful. The Nordic Trail is occasionally groomed by the Lower Utah Nordic Alliance (follow LUNA on Instagram), and the snowpack deep enough to explore off-trail. 

The Utah Avalanche Center currently has the La Sals listed as a Low to Moderate avalanche risk. So if you’re interested in exploring off-trail, now is the time! However, please check the full report online before you go into the mountains, as it has been a bad year for avalanches. 

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

 

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, snowshoe, 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

It has been sunny and nice in Moab all week. We are just beginning to see trees budding, the rivers are swelling, and small animals are coming back to the surface. With the lack of moisture in the desert, many of the mountain biking trails have opened back up. Before you head out this week, make sure to check the Poison Spider Bicycles trail conditions. 

Rock climbing in the area has been exceptional. It’s even possible to climb in the shade at many crags due to the warm temps!  

Regional Conditions

After the devastating winter storm from last week, the entire Colorado Plateau and the Southwest received a ton of snow. Temps were at an all-time low for many states. However, within the next week, things should be warming up. 

Denver: 40’s to 50’s

Vernal: Mid 30’s to 50’s

Jackson Hole: Mid 20s to 30s

Salt Lake City: High 30’s to low 50’s

Flagstaff: High 40’s

Durango: Mid to high 40’s

Weather Forecast

By the end of the week, we may have temps into the mid 60’s! The weather in Moab is trending to warmer and warmer all the time. With no rain in the forecast, it may be a pretty dry summer. All week it should be sunny, dry, with beautiful blue skies. The nightly lows will still be around the 20’s but during the day temps will range from mid 50’s all the way into the low 60’s. 

Shop Conditions

(Photo Credit: Marshall Dvorscak) 

Don’t forget that staying hydrated in the desert is important. With that in mind, we have stocked brand new Moab Art and Moab Gear Trader water bottles! Get yours today in time for the weather to get warmer. 

With the onset of spring, we are stocking new Stohlquist PFDs for the river folks out there, and our bedrock sandals shipment will be here any day. For the spring season, we are hiring! Please apply online. 

There is still time to get into the La Sals and have fun this spring, with that in mind we have Ski Goggles up to 40% off at the shop. 

As a reminder, you can check out all of our new and used gear at our online portal for both shoppers and sellers.  

River Rafting/Kayaking 

PFD’s, paco pads, coolers, river shoes, and more are all on their way into the store right now. Get your river gear prepped for the Spring season! 

Nordic Skiing

Nordic Skiing is a great cardio workout, and thanks to the folks at the Lower Utah Nordic Alliance, there is a groomed trail up in the La Sals for you to take advantage of all spring. Although things are warming up in Moab, we should have enough snow to enjoy Nordic skiing for quite some time still! 

Snow Shoes 

You can still get your new and used snowshoes this year! We have plenty of both in stock. 

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 avy 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

As temps begin to improve, camping out will become more attractive to all of us! We have tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, and lightweight portable stoves for all your camping needs. Whether you’re doing some ultralight backpacking or going car camping with the family, we have what you need for the perfect trip. 

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. 

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. 

We look forward to seeing you (with a mask!) in our store for all your winter needs very soon.