Tee and ski: Blend spring/winter sports into one day

It's possible, at this time of the year, to actually blend spring and winter into a single day ... ski in the morning (winter) and golf in the afternoon (spring). Or, go cross-country skiing and biking or snowshoeing and hiking or snowmobiling and playing tennis or even taking a run in a dog sled followed by fly fishing. Or, for that matter, mix and match any combination of the seasonal activities into one full day.

It all depends, of course, on individual preferences.

Options, however, are starting to melt. At least the winter part.

Resorts have already started to close. Wolf Creek and Beaver Mountain have closed, and Sundance will close Sunday.

Other closings are: The Canyons, Deer Valley, Park City Mountain Resort and Power Mountain on April 11; and Brian Head, Snowbasin (weather permitting), Brighton (weather permitting) and Solitude on April 18. Alta will end daily operations on April 18 but will reopen its Collins and Sunnyside lifts April 23-25. And, Snowbird, as is always the case, will continue operations through Memorial Day weekend, conditions permitting.

Other winter sports like cross country and snowmobiling are snow dependent. And as long as there's snow on the ground, which in some areas, like in the High Uintas, could be for a month or more, winter activities are possible. Other areas, like in the lower valleys, have lost their snow, which, of course, has opened up the links.

"All it takes is one good day or one good weekend to get people thinking about the transition from skiing to golf," said Steve Young, head pro at the Old Mill Golf Course.

How many choose to combine a day on the slopes and the links, he said, he's not sure, "but I have asked a couple of people who looked like they had been skiing. On good days, now, we are busy."

Other courses also report seeing cars with skis and snowboards in the parking areas and also report heavy traffic, especially on good days, "and even on days that are not so warm," said one course manager.

Skiing and golfing in a day is mainly an option for locals, who have the choice of days and are more familiar with golf courses.

Along with golf courses, ski slopes have also been busy. Spring is a popular time at resorts. The days are warmer, and longer, and skied or snowboarded correctly the snow can be some of the most enjoyable.