HIGHLIGHT: UTAH
Brian Head: For more than 30 years, Brian Head Resort has sacrificed skis and snowboards to Ullr, the Norse god of snow. The burned equipment isn’t just an excuse for a party, says Mark Wilder, public relations coordinator for the resort. He believes it works. “We do it every year, and it pays off every year,” he says. “We believe in it. We burn skis, snowboards and items like that to ensure a bountiful snow season for us.” Ullr was worshipped by Vikings and pre-Christian Germanic groups, but in the late 1960s, American skiers started the snow ceremonies. Saturday’s festival included a drum circle, fire dancers and live music.