Once you have caught a glimpse of the Greatest Snow on Earth here in Utah, the thought must cross your mind: how can we make the snow possibly last all year? Well, for some of our Snowbird staff that’s easy - take advantage of the snowmelt by rafting the great rivers of Utah and Colorado!
This is what two senior Snowbird ski patrollers have done to extend their passion for the outdoors into a yearlong activity. Patrollers Kevin Meadows and Jon Donaldson are entrepreneurs in the whitewater rafting industry, co-owning Adrift Adventures and River Runners in the snow off-season.
These companies provide professional, guided whitewater adventures ranging from one-day to five-day expeditions.
“It was a great way for us to continue the type of work we do here at Snowbird Ski Patrol into the off-season,” said Meadows. “Working with people to provide a fun, safe outdoor experience is what we love to do.”
And this passion for challenging yearlong outdoor work has caught on to other Snowbird Ski Patrol and mountain staff.
“We have employed many fellow Snowbird employees in the off-season with our rafting companies,” said Donaldson. “We enjoy the fact that other snow lovers can find meaningful, outdoor work with our businesses in the summer months without having to travel abroad to find more snow.”
From riding Gad Chutes and Baldy in the winter to exploring the unique canyons of Dinosaur National Monument by raft in the summer, it would appear these two have a life like no other.
“I’ve never thought my life was glamorous,” said Meadows, “but when you think of all the time I spend outside, doing what it is I love to do, yeah, it’s pretty great.”
There are certain qualifications to be a professional ski patrolman and after making his way into a senior position at Snowbird Ski Patrol, including the avalanche gun squad and becoming a qualified backcountry avalanche dog handler, Meadows realized what safety aspects he needed to bring into the rafting industry.
“Whitewater rafting is a dangerous activity, just like skiing,” said Meadows. “Our companies pride ourselves on being known throughout Colorado and Utah as ‘The Whitewater Professionals’ and that is because we extend our training beyond state requirements to exceed our guests expectations.”
Whether you find yourself skiing the beautiful slopes of Snowbird on your next vacation, or partake in a whitewater rafting adventure with Adrift Adventures or River Runners, at least you know that Patrolmen Kevin Meadows and Jon Donaldson are there with a great team of professionals to ensure your safety.
Download River Runners Colorado & Utah Rafting Media Kit
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For More Information, Contact
Scott Peterson - Marketing Director
River Runners & Adrift Adventures 24070 CR 301 Buena Vista, CO 81211
888-723-8923
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