The credit union sign reads 8:56pm and 11 degrees Fahrenheit in Vernal, Utah. We've just vomited the contents of my Toyota 4Runner into the bank's parking lot to put finishing touches on our backcountry packs and sleds under the streetlights of civilization. In a few moments, we'll point the truck north and chug up the switchbacks of Highway 191, the two-lane road that traverses the Uinta Mountains' eastern half. We buzz, bee-like, as we putter in the frigid night, powered by Taco Bell burritos and a moderate concern about how cold it could be up high.

Early in 2006, my wife and I began planning our annual February snowshoeing trip. By going in February, we find that snow conditions are usually good and we avoid the spring break crowds and prices that begin in early March. After snowshoeing in Colorado and New Mexico the three previous winters, we decided to try Utah for a new snowshoeing experience. Having gone to Utah for a couple of ski trips in the early 90's, we were impressed by that wonderful dry Utah powder- and lots of it. With a bargain air fare to Salt Lake City, we were off for a week of fantastic snowshoeing.