Last Chair: The Ski Utah Podcast

Last Chair explores the challenges of opening big mountain terrain with Alta Snow Safety Director Dave "Grom" Richards

Show Notes

Dave Richards is a part of the culture and fabric of Alta, one of Utah’s most beloved ski areas. As snow safety director, he’s your most important friend on the mountain - helping to keep you safe. December is that time of year when everyone’s asking, ‘why can’t I ski there?’ Getting a bit alpine mountain ready for the ski season is a challenge, with everyone itching to get back to their favorite line. Richards, affectionately known as Grom, is at the forefront of seasonal preparation as a team of professionals prepares lifts, snowmaking and other infrastructure for the season. Most importantly, as the snowfall comes his team of patrollers work night and day to ensure the safety of guests.

Richards literally grew up on the mountain at Alta with his father a patrol leader. The Wasatch backcountry was his home and remains deep in his heart. Last Chair will explore Alta through the eyes of the ultimate Alta local - the values he holds and the importance of keeping skiers safe. Grom will be ever philosophical as he tells us about his favorite mountain stash and how you can find your own!

Listen in this week on Last Chair for a locals tour of Alta, one of America’s most magical mountains.

What is Last Chair: The Ski Utah Podcast?

Ski Utah's new Last Chair will take you inside Utah's resorts for the story behind the Greatest Snow on Earth®. In a weekly series of audio features, host Tom Kelly will bring you behind the scenes with resort leaders, athletes and fascinating figures who are the stories inside Utah skiing and snowboarding. Whether you're a passionate local snow rider, or a guest to the Utah mountain landscape, you'll learn about mountain life through the stories of the men and women who shape the Ski Utah experience. Each Last Chair episode is 30-40 minutes, with insightful questions and fun anecdotal facts. As a career communicator, Kelly weaves stories with ease bringing listeners inside the mountain tales of Utah skiing and snowboarding.