Skiing Form.
At some point during your introduction to skiing, you notice that your muscles adapt, your core gets stronger, and you no longer get sore after a good long day of skiing. But if you continue to have pains or soreness in areas that might not even include your muscles, you might want to think about fixing the way that you ski. This means fixing your form. If it sounds like a cumbersome process, these tips should help you get started.
Get an outside perspective. You go to the doctor so that they can diagnose your problem – not only do they bring an outsider’s perspective, but they’re better at diagnosing illnesses than you. The same holds true if you have a problem with your skiing form – ask someone more knowledgeable with skiing (preferably an instructor or a professional) to watch you ski once or twice to see what you’re doing wrong.
You can’t fix what you need to fix if you don’t know what’s been hampering you, so do your best to show them how you naturally ski and you should get some crucial advice that helps you move forward – or, in this case – down the hill!
Concentrate on proper form, not “fixing” bad form. Huh? Don’t fix your bad form? What kind of article is this? Yeah, you heard me: if you concentrate on the proper form, your bad form should hopefully go away naturally as the result of two particular phenomena. First, of course, is that practice makes perfect, and the second: when you become aware of a problem and simply move forward in your practice, you sometimes automatically correct it. So don’t think about your old form; that doesn’t serve you much. Instead, concentrate on doing the right form the correct way; you’ll naturally get away from your bad form before.
Treat it like taking on a new skill set. When you started skiing, you took on a new skill set that wasn’t always easy. In fact, it might have been downright frustrating. Unfortunately, you’ve got to go through these growing pains again as you fix your form. Don’t worry if you don’t get it right the first time; persistence and faith are the most crucial elements in your success. So even when you feel frustrated, keep going – eventually you’ll get there.
Photo Credits: jawcey
Originally posted 2009-11-17 03:17:43.
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Posted by Ski Snowboarder on February 8, 2010 in
ski basics, ski tips
Water Skiing
When most people think about skiing, they probably think about hitting the slopes in Aspen or somewhere in the Alps, skis gliding quickly down snow-ridden hilltops. But that’s not the only type of skiing there is, and if you live near a lake, you already know this: there’s also water-skiing! Water skiing is such a different way to ski that it should be considered its own sport, but it’s a great summertime alternative for skiing that keeps you out and gliding.
If you haven’t been water skiing before, here are some quick tips for getting started.
First, you have to consider your “infrastructure.” What kind of equipment do you have for water skiing? Do you have access to water, and a way to tow yourself around? Water skiing is a very social sport, and you can’t exactly put on the skis and head out into the lake yourself, as you can with the slopes if you’re skiing in the snow.
You don’t have to buy everything you need, you just need to have access to the right equipment. If your friend has lake access and a boat, and another friend has the water skis, try to see if you can organize some water skiing excursions.
Second, start out slowly. You won’t have the hang of it right away, and while it may look easy to glide up on top of the water when that boat starts pulling, it can actually be quite the challenge. If you’ve never been skiing of any kind before, this challenge is further compounded. If you have been snow skiing, don’t have an overinflated ego before you get in the water – they can be two very different sports.
Have some patience as a beginner, as well, because it can be tempting to give something up after a failed session or two. You don’t have to be racing around the lake right away; just make sure that you work on the fundamentals and eventually they’ll come quite naturally to you.
Third, have fun. Even if you don’t get the hang of it right away, give it some practice and bring out a water tube that will allow you to get some fun out of the day. You don’t have to be perfect every time, so have some fun with it. The more you have fun with it, the more likely you are to come back to the lake – and that means you’ll improve as a water skier.
Photo Credits: evocateur
Originally posted 2009-11-10 03:13:50.
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Posted by Ski Snowboarder on February 7, 2010 in
water skiing
What ski type is for you?
One of the most common responses to the question “what type of ski do you have?” is simple. People might look at you a little dumb-founded, wait a bit, and then say “there’s more than one type?”
Skiing can be a multi-faceted sport, filled with different styles, terrains, and strategies, so it’s fitting that the skis themselves are just as versatile. The answer is yes – there are plenty of different types of skis, and if you want to find the best in comfort and performance, you should try to see which one works best for you. This article will explain of the few different types and who they fit the best.
Ski type #1: the Alpine ski.
Also known as the “traditional” ski, as the Alpine ski was one of the first types of skis to be developed, the Alpine ski started out as little more than two boards that could be attached to the feet. Through the years, the Alpine ski has evolved to better grip snow and terrain (including adding an upward tilt to the front) – one might consider this type of ski to be suitable for a beginner who doesn’t want a lot of frills attached to their ski.
Ski type #2: The twin-tip ski.
A variation of the Alpine ski, the twin-tip ski is built with an Alpine-style upturned tip on both front and back, instead of only the front as in the traditional Alpine ski. The reason for the twin tips are to allow a greater range of landing and mobility for skiers who are interested in tackling more ambitious “tricks” like a half-pipe, which was introduced to winter sports in part because of the increased popularity of snowboarding.
Ski type #: Cross-country skis.
If you’re not feeling adventurous enough for the twin-tip or even the Alpine ski, you could try to tackle cross-country skiing with a good pair of cross-country skis. Cross-country skis are lighter and more narrow, built to be more parallel for ease of movement as you trek across icy terrain. Often, the boots for cross-country skis only attach at the toe, meaning these skis are definitely not built for downhill skiing in the slightest.
Part of choosing a type of ski that fits your personality is answering this question: what is your personality anyway? Are you looking for a new hobby like skiing but don’t want to push yourself too far? Try the Alpine ski. Are you adventurous and love the feeling of flying through the air? Go for a twin-tip. Do you want to avoid the thrills altogether and simply want some good exercise this winter? Try the cross-country skis.
Photo Credits: Indiewench
Originally posted 2009-07-14 05:47:04.
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Posted by Ski Snowboarder on February 6, 2010 in
ski gear
Start with the gear.
During these difficult economic times, the first things we cut out from our lives are the extracurriculars that require too much time and money – snowboarding being one of them. A snowboard is expensive, clothes will have to be bought, and winter passes can be great deals but still require upfront investment. Life is tough, huh?
It doesn’t have to be that way. You can save money on snowboarding without sacrificing your safety or enjoyment: it just takes a little common sense and a little know-how. This article will help explain some quick ways to save money on snowboarding next winter.
Equipment:
To start saving money on snowboarding, you’ll have to worry about the equipment first: if you don’t own any snowboarding equipment, this can be a little intimidating. For people with dwindling bank accounts, this might seem like a luxury. Even so, you’ll be able to find deals on used snowboards at ski shops that will cut your expenses way down.
There are plenty of ways to buy used snowboards – using the Internet, checking local stores, shopping at thrift stores, or asking people you know. If you have any snowboarding friends, they might even be willing to donate you an old snowboard outright. The key is to investigate before you buy – make a fun goal out of seeing how little you can pay for a snowboard.
It will also be helpful to buy your equipment during the off-season. In summer, snowboarders are more willing to part with old snowboards that haven’t done much but take up space. You’ll also fetch cheaper prices at local ski shops on everything from snowboards to visors. If you can’t wait until the off-season, just look for more used equipment that you can inspect before purchasing.
Timing will be crucial in order for you to save money on snowboarding. Buying holiday passes for snowboarding season at the wrong time might mean you’re missing out on a deal that was better during the off-season. Constantly be on the lookout for great ski lift passes that will save you money and time, even if you think you won’t use the pass for another few weeks. Saving money on snowboarding will require some outside-the-box thinking on your end, so make sure that you’re always looking for snowboarding opportunities.
Snowboarding doesn’t have to be a drain on your wallet if you know how to shop. The key is to keep a scrutinizing eye on every deal you come across. Ask yourself “can I get cheaper than this? How much am I saving here?” Keep your eyes peeled and your mind alert, and you’ll be able to snowboard on a budget in no time.
Photo Credits: Matt Biddulph
Originally posted 2009-05-05 05:12:34.
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Posted by Ski Snowboarder on February 5, 2010 in
snowboard tips
Alpine Skiing Preperation
What do you imagine when you hear the phrase “Alpine skiing?” Do you see flashes of the French and Swiss Alps, with professional skiers nearly falling down the slopes of mountains at near-suicidal angles?
Well, you’re not too far off (though you might be thinking a little too dangerously about it), as Alpine skiing – while not limited to the Alps in Europe – is defined by an advanced type of skiing that scales down slopes. Simply, in other words, Alpine skiing is defined as downhill skiing, in the way that most people generally view the winter sport of “skiing” itself. To many, this type of skiing involves certain risks that aren’t worth the effort, while others find this sport thrilling and well worth the investment.
You don’t have to scale and zap down mountain edges in order to engage in Alpine skiing; instead, if you have been skiing downhill, you’ve most likely been involved in “Alpine skiing.”
Alpine or downhill skiing is characterized by longer skis that give a greater amount of control, since downhill skiing (as opposed to other types of skiing such as cross-country skiing) means making use of your natural speeds as you travel with the force of gravity. For many people, downhill skiing is a difficult skill to master, and learning how to do it initially can be a very cumbersome process.
Like many other skills, Alpine or downhill skiing requires plowing through the “learning curve” in order to access a place in which you are more comfortable undertaking a ski hill. Learning curves refer to periods of time in which, at the novice level, the skill is exceedingly and even frustratingly difficult. However, many skiers find that they accept this part of the learning curve because of the rewards and thrills of skiing downhill.
What are the other types of skiing that someone can engage in? If you’re not a thrillseeking type, or simply don’t want to get invested in downhill skiing, you can tackle other ski-related winter sports. Cross-country skiing is a more long-distance form of skiing that takes away the risks involved with Alpine skiing and placing more emphasis on athletic endurance.
Other types of skiing involve include more acrobatic feats such as ski jumping – commonly seen at the Winter X Games – and even water skiing, which is the most popular form of summer skiing.
If you’re interested in getting involved with one of these forms of skiing, or Alpine skiing specifically, do more research and take a lesson or two to try it out – you might learn more than you ever expected.
Photo Credits: BadSwan
Originally posted 2009-06-23 05:27:11.
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Posted by Ski Snowboarder on February 4, 2010 in
ski basics, ski tips
When you are planning a skiing trip usually the question that sits on the top of the priority list is what type of snow you will be dealing with. If you were going on a canoe trip you would want to know what the river was like and if you are headed golfing you would want to know what the green was like. Being curious about the type of snow that is offered at a ski resort is a very good question because there are many types of snow and each have their advantages and disadvantages depending on the skier.
Skiers that are just starting out can often be taken by surprise when they discover how different the snow can be and how it can change daily. A novice skier might ski one day and get a good feel for the snow and believing that he has this skiing thing down pat only to discover the next day that all that has changed. What could have been lovely powder yesterday can be crud today? Advanced skiers usually find this pretty fun because it offers a sense of adventure, never knowing what the terrain will be like and after all it is part of the fun, but it can be frustrating for the novice. The thing with this is that you have to practice and once you get all types of snow down pat, it won’t matter at all. The factor that dictates what type of snow conditions that you will be faced with depends on what type of weather has come through and how many people have been skiing on the terrain.
When the weather is very cold the snow generally stays dry and dry snow provides the powder that many skiers love. The problem is that the more people that ski on that snow the more dense it will become and as the snow becomes older and more worn it then begins to develop icy patches while the snow melts and then refreezes. Because it can vary so much it is really important to know what lies ahead.
Powder snow is now snow; it’s fluffy and hasn’t been skied on yet. Most skiers are in search of this type of snow but there is a problem, it doesn’t stick around long. Avid skiers have been known to do crazy things and drive insane distances to be the first to ski the powdery slopes. The technique for skiing on powder snow is very unique and the beginner might fall often but even the falls are fun. The secret to skiing on powder is to distribute your weight evenly and because powdery snow is very delicate each step will likely cause the snow to sink in. Most avid skiers know to place more weight towards the rear of the skis while skiing on powder.
Then there is crud which is basically used snow or snow that has been skied on. The more skiing that is conducted in an area the more the snow will become packed leading to a temporary melt and a refreeze. This can be especially challenging for even the best skier. Although skiers do like crud they usually know that it calls for a more aggressive skiing style compared to skiing on powder. Crud can also develop from the sun melting the snow. It’s actually skiing on ice which is why it is so challenging.
Photo Credit: wmacphail
Originally posted 2008-11-03 04:55:38.
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Posted by Ski Snowboarder on February 3, 2010 in
weather
Free Fall
Any active sport like snowboarding or skiing carries a certain amount of risk. After all, if you’re going to expose yourself to new challenges and fun adventures, there has to be even a slight amount of danger if the element of adventure is going to mean anything. Most of the time, this danger is minimal, but you should still be aware of some basic safety precautions that could help you prevent injuries while snowboarding.
In this article we’ll take a look at some of those injuries that snowboarders commonly come across and we’ll learn how to do our beset to prevent them.
First, understand the high risk of wrist injuries.
Yes, snowboarding is generally a leg-driven sport, but it really incorporates different aspects of the entire body. When you fall, what are you going to use to break that fall? In all likelihood, you’ll put your hands out to cushion yourself. That puts a lot of pressure on the wrists, and this is where a lot of accidents happen.
Spraining or fracturing your wrist can mean a lot of time away from the ski hill, so you’ll want to make sure and take proper precaution in order to avoid injuring them. One way to help prevent these injuries is to actually practice how you fall. Learn how to take the impact on your body with the parts that better absorb impact, including your elbows and even your butt. Also, wearing a helmet will help you to skip the “head-protection” instinct in order to protect the other parts of your body. Don’t ignore your head even if you have a helmet on, but be prepared for injuries of all types.
Second, know your equipment.
You won’t only find equipment to protect your wrists, but you’ll find knee guards, ankle guards, and helmets that will help you absorb a greater amount of impact without injury. You’ll especially want to wear these pads if you’re a novice, but that’s no reason to shun them once you feel you’ve developed to a competent level. There’s always a risk for injury, and there’s no point in looking good if you can’t feel good and avoid those tough snowboarding injuries.
Remember that injuries are part of any active sport, and to some extent you should expect some sort of pain to happen. That’s not a reason to avoid these activities; rather, it is something to keep in mind so that you can take the proper precautions and live an adventurous, active life without as many bumps and bruises. Just keep injury prevention as a daily habit for yourself, and you can continue to enjoy the slopes.
Photo Credits: t a k k
Originally posted 2009-04-14 05:30:29.
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Posted by Ski Snowboarder on February 2, 2010 in
snowboard tips
Build endurance.
We’re familiar with the body-types of many top athletes: we know that swimmers tend to be tall, muscular, and lean like Michael Phelps, and that cyclists tend to be smaller, strong-legged people like Lance Armstrong. But when you see skiers on television, you don’t really see what their body looks like. So it’s understandable if you’re a little confused about the type of condition you’ll want to be in case you want to be a more frequent downhill skier. Here are five tips that should help you understand a skier’s body.
Tip #1: Be a flexible runner. By “flexible,” we don’t mean that you should be a runner who can put their elbow behind their head. Instead, be a runner who avoids the narrow-track, treadmill style of running so many people employ today. Go running on a hiking trail, or find terrain that twists, turns, and challenges you. This will help build up the right muscle groups that will contribute to your overall strength when twisting and turning down the ski slope.
Tip #2: Build endurance. Skiing can be a day-long activity, so you can’t expect to go from couch potato to downhill skiing machine overnight. You’ll want to build endurance. Endurance is built simply by pushing yourself to go farther and longer than you did before – eventually, your systems will adapt to the demand you place on them and your endurance will grow.
Tip #3: Keep your legs strong. Mountain biking is a great way to accomplish this, working your leg muscles while putting you through some tougher terrain, similar to tip #1. Since skiing can be an unpredictable way to travel from A to B, you’ll want your legs to be strong and capable of adapting to different bumps and changes along the way. You can also incorporate a number of different leg workouts to build up leg strength.
Tip #4: Build your core. The “core” can be a tricky part of the body to exercise, so you might like this suggestion: play tag. Remember running around, twisting your body, and making sudden shifts in direction as a kid at recess? Playing tag is a great way to get that core going again; you will probably feel sore the next day if it’s been a while. If you don’t have anyone to play tag with, simply simulate it by running around randomly as if you were. You’ll look a little nuts, but you’ll also get in shape!
Tip #5: Practice what you want to become, and ski! If you want your body to adapt into a skier’s condition, there’s only one true way of getting there: you’ll actually have to ski. The other workouts can help you cross-train, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore the slopes.
Photo Credits: William A. Franklin
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Posted by Ski Snowboarder on February 2, 2010 in
exercise, ski tips
Sweet Solar Coat
If you find yourself to be a slope junkie, chances are you’re always looking to mix things up. Skiing in itself is an adventure, finding challenges that enhance your skills and scale up your “woo!” factor. But there are always different ways to find new ways of hitting the slopes, and sometimes they’re as close by as your ski jacket.
Your ski jacket? Don’t be so hesitant. Skiing is a big industry in America, and envelope-pushing companies are always looking for the inside edge to grab the consumer’s attention.
If skiing is fun for you but you’re always looking to find the next level, or other ways to experience an adventure on the slopes, this article is a good place to start.
Here are some freaky and fun ski jacket ideas:
With a, shall we say, less-than-generous tag price of $1,350, the ski jacket that doubles as a personal power plant isn’t for everyone: just your hardcore skiers. But if for you, skiing is a lifestyle, this might be the jacket you need.
Using solar technology, this jacket can charge up your gadgets – your iPhones, your iPods, you mobile phones – while you’re enjoying your skiing trip. No muss, no fuss – just energy gleamed from the white winter sun while you hit the slopes.
Of course, the question many people have, especially with the hefty price tag, is this: is it safe?
With Microtene material waterproofing the jacket, thereby protecting your gadgets – and you – you’ll still feel safe and comfortable even while powering your gadgets.
The Gargoyle Jacket is the ultimate in protection for the more amateur and casual skier and, heck, for skiers of any level. With a neck-protecting hood and totally sealed seams, the Gargoyle is the perfect complement to the perfect skier’s base layer – total sealed protection for the best in warmth and dryness. You want to be sure that you’re bringing yourself to the snow, not the snow to yourself.
So what’s so freaky and fun about it? Everything. Buddy lift clips, internal goggle pockets, an avalanche rescue reflector, dual-entry hand-warmer pockets, and internal pockets, you’ll be a regular warrior on the slopes.
One jacket powers your gadgets, the other powers your ski experience. What could be more freaky and fun for the passionate skier?
It’s easy to keep skiing a fun sport, but with a little ingenuity, you won’t have to look hard to find ways for it to be creative, too. If skiing is your passion, continue to bring energy and love to your passion by seeking out the new, the novel, and the unique: it will enhance your overall experience and you might just discover some new products and items you never otherwise would have known about.
Originally posted 2008-10-24 15:03:44.
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Posted by Ski Snowboarder on February 1, 2010 in
ski jackets
Skiing through the trees.
When you hear the word “etiquette,” you probably think about table manners and gentlemanly gestures. That’s a much more reasonable association than to think about
ski hills. But etiquette still applies on the slopes, unless you have your own private ski hill – in which case, you don’t have need for articles like this. For the rest of us, we’ll probably be skiing with strangers around, and there’s no getting past that. Since we’re going to be sharing the hill, it will help to know how to get along.
Skiing Tip #1: The people ahead of you – or further down the hill – have right-of-way. When someone has right-of-way in an automobile traffic situation, you yield to them. The same principle applies in skiing, where you don’t want to clip ahead of people, cut off their route, or get in their way. You can pass other skiers, sure, but you don’t want to do it in an intrusive way. If there’s not enough space to pass them, give them the right-of-way.
Skiing Tip #2: Don’t ski recklessly with other people around. Doing so puts them in danger and makes people downright uncomfortable. If you can ski fast, under control, and don’t get in anyone’s way, that’s fine, but if you’re not at that skill level yet, you’ll want to avoid this kind of behavior.
Skiing Tip #3: Yield to oncoming traffic. If you’re on a trail that’s merging into a slope with other skiers on it, yield to them, as if you were turning onto a highway. The people with the speed have the right-of-way here, so make sure you look uphill and see who’s coming. Enter when you can do so safely both for you and for other skiers on the hill.
Skiing Tip #4: Let more talented skiers go ahead of you. More talented skiers can generally handle faster speeds, so it makes more sense to let them go ahead of you. You won’t be hampering them, and letting them go ahead of you should create more space for you to enjoy anyway.
Skiing Tip #5: Make sure you’re always in control. If you can’t control yourself while you ski around other people, then you put them at risk, as well. Make sure you don’t take a hill that will make this too difficult for you.
Photo Credits: bhenak
Originally posted 2009-12-17 03:23:17.
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Posted by Ski Snowboarder on January 31, 2010 in
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