To many people, skiing is an excellent way to get out into the Great Outdoors and enjoy nature at its most pure level, and this to them can become a bit of a religion. It sounds a little goofy, but for some, it’s true. Tying their sense of personal identity and their active hobby life isn’t unusual in these cases.

That’s why it’s okay to look at the slopes and wonder, how can I ski like I would? How can I hit those slopes in style? If you’ve ever looked inside a ski shop and wondered how good those boots or those pairs of skis might look on you, this article is for you.

Here are some tips for hitting the slopes in style:

• Budget – You can’t very well hit the slopes in style if you’re spending beyond your means and have no hope of the kind of purchasing power you’ll need to acquire some of your desired trinkets. So budget, understand your limits, but don’t be afraid to give yourself a little leeway to find the right materials for you. If you’re looking for a particular ski jacket, but the price seems to steep, give it some good thought first, but do give it some thought. If you want to purchase an extravagant item, do you feel like you might get a hint of “buyer’s remorse” afterwards? Keep that in mind.
• Accessorize – Nothing says “wannabe skier” like an unnecessary accessory: people know you’re trying to hard. But if you can find a trinket that you don’t need to advertise, and it fits your needs as well as your personal style, go for it. Don’t hold back just because other people might make snap judgments on your appearance. Hitting the slopes in style means giving the appearance of a confident and experience skier who doesn’t mind being exposed to a few ribbings from friends and family. Wear the accessories; don’t let them wear you.
• The right equipment – This is the most fundamental part of your style: find the equipment that suits your skiing style. How can you find this equipment? Simple: ask around. If your ski slopes have a pro shop you can visit, feel free to ask salespeople about the kind of equipment you’ll need. If you’re worried about them taking a “sales” approach to it, don’t worry: you’re not committing to anything. Just get an idea of your skiing style and how certain boots, skis, or poles might suit you best. And don’t be afraid to get skis with flames on them!

Originally posted 2008-11-12 04:55:54.

Thrillseekers - Speed

What kind of skiing personality do you have? Do you enjoy the sounds of nature, or are you more of a “tuned-in” type of person that has to be connected to your iPod at all times? Here are some reasons you might choose one or the other.

Wiring Up

Reasons to do it: If you’re addicted to your iPod, you might feel a little trepidacious about bring the wire with you on a skiing trip. But there’s nothing to feel guilty about – you’re not necessarily depriving yourself of any specific experience. In fact, if you’re wiring yourself up, there’s a good chance you like to make your own experiences, setting the soundtrack to your life. It can help the downtime pass by and can really heighten the overall skiing experience.

Reasons not to do it: Many people say “why wire up when you have plenty of sounds to thrill you?” To them, an iPod doesn’t enhance the experience, but dumbs it down into a sort of MTV-like existence in which you’re not fully outdoors because your ears are still hooked to the tube. Again, this might be a personality issue for many, or simply a difference in tastes.

Going “Naked”

Reasons to do it: No, not because the cold air feels good on your skin – not that kind of naked. Instead, going “naked” would mean simply abandoning the wire and enjoying the sights and sounds of skiing – and there are plenty of those to enjoy. Wiring up means you can’t hear the swoosh of your skis cutting through the snow beneath you, and some people really think those sounds should be savored.

Reasons not to do it: Sure, that’s fun for many, especially if they’re not big listeners of music. But if you’ve usually got a beat in your head, it’s simply not as fun to be outside by yourself or with friends without a little something extra to get your heart pumping.

Ask yourself what kind of person you are – but the truth is, you probably don’t need to take my advice. If you’re already a “wired up” kind of person, the chances are good that you’ve already put together your own ski hill play list.

Photo Credits: Uqbar is back

Originally posted 2009-05-12 05:17:00.

Aspen!

What is it about Aspen that makes it such a special place – isn’t the snow there as cold as anywhere else? Let’s take a look into this a little more deeply to discover exactly why Aspen has developed into such a top skiing destination and answer that question this article poses: why is Aspen so great?

• Terrain, baby, terrain – One of the great parts about Aspen is that its location in the Colorado Rockies provides some access to some of the best skiing hills in the world – and not just a few skiing hills, but all of the skiing hills in places like Aspen Mountain and Aspen Highlands. In other words, Aspen is in the middle of one of the best terrains built for skiing in the world, smack dab right in the center so that everyone can enjoy aspen at different levels.

  Aspen isn’t only for the professionals, but for those skiers who are just getting involved and want to experience what high-end skiing is all about. Just because it’s aspen doesn’t mean you have to be totally fluent with your ski poles; instead, you’ll be able to tackle a wide range of difficulties and terrains, with some of the top ski instructors of the world.

• The people – I just mentioned “some of the top ski instructors of the world.” There is a bit of a chicken-and-the-egg element to this point, but it bears mentioning that because Aspen is already so popular, it draws some of the most consistently professional and talent skiers in the world to its slopes. Even skiers who have a greater need for thrillseeking and the more audacious slopes in the world will eventually find themselves landing back in Aspen, if only for the prestige that Aspen carries with it.

Does Aspen sound like the right kind of place for you? If you’re a local in a state like Maine or Wisconsin who simply enjoys skiing as a winter sport but doesn’t necessarily feel too involved with the sport itself, Aspen might not be for you. But for others, Aspen is the Mecca of the skiing world. For more information, continue to do research on Aspen to find out what separates it from some of the other ski resorts in the world.

Photo Credit: ishrona

Originally posted 2009-01-27 04:55:55.

iTrailmap 3D App screenshot.

It’s called the iTrailmap 3D App for the iPhone 3G, and it comes with a couple of features. First, the aforementioned tracking feature integrated with GPS allows you to tell exactly what you’ve been doing all day. Ever wonder what your favorite routes are? You’ll be able to browse them easily using the iTrailmap App, viewing your habits throughout the day with the tap of your iPhone. For many people, this alone would be worth the $4.99 price of the App.

If that wasn’t enough, you can also find trail maps of some 500 snowboarding resorts in the iTrailmap App database. If you come across a resort that’s not in the App, send an e-mail to the App’s creators, as they’re constantly trying to update it and make the information it contains more comprehensive.

What exactly might you be able to do with this information? Granted, it won’t totally change your life, but it will make snowboarding even more fun. If you’ve ever been running and used a GPS tracker to track your route, you understand how much can be added to an experience if you get a bird’s-eye view of what’s been going on. You also know that having GPS information at your disposal can be a great incentive to learn more about what running/snowboarding trails you can use.

Having a GPS App like this one doesn’t give you license to take greater risks, but it does help you to find resorts you might not have known about before. If you always wanted to integrate GPS with the way you snowboard, this is the App you’ll want to download. Even if you’ve never thought of yourself as a GPS person, this may be the way to get introduced to the technology. The price is very reasonable, and it might just inspire you to keep getting out of the house!

Originally posted 2010-01-19 03:53:01.

Have fun and enjoy your trip!

• Step 1: Location, location, location.

Consider where you’re going well in advance of the trip. You’ll want to take a variety of things into consideration, including how crowded the ski resort will be. You’ll also want to keep the lines of communication with your guests open so that there are no scheduling conflicts. The more you plan in advance, the better you’ll do.

• Step 2: Make sure to avoid busy times.

One of the best ways to make sure that your ski trip is flexible? Make sure you don’t go to where it’s busy. If you go off-season, you’ll have more opportunities to explore sites and events that you wouldn’t have been able to because of long lines and heavy crowds. Since it’s vital to keep your ski trip flexible, you can make sure you stay flexible by avoiding those crowds.

• Step 3: Check the weather in advance.

Before you make reservations, make sure you check the weather forecasts for your ski trip. Weather forecasts aren’t always 100% accurate, but they can help you understand possible trends and potential storms that may be looming. If you have two weeks to choose from and the only variable is weather, choose the week with better forecasted weather.

• Step 4: Make sure everyone’s got plenty of equipment.

There’s nothing more annoying then planning a ski trip only to find out that one of your friends or cousins realized they don’t have skis. But if you plan ahead, you should be covered: make sure your ski resort has reasonable renting options and supplies available in case someone in your party needs them.

• Step 5: Relax!

When planning a trip like this, it can be easy to get caught up in the details, like scheduling. Be flexible, take breath, and relax. Everything doesn’t have to go according to plan in order for the ski trip to be successful. In fact, the more you’re able to customize you’re experience, the more you’ll enjoy it. Make sure there’s plenty to do during down time to keep the trip flexible.

Photo Credits: jmacphoto.com

Originally posted 2009-07-24 05:32:37.

glasses for skiing

It seems that the people of today just can’t get enough skiing and that is likely why the sport has increased so much in popularity on a worldwide basis. For anyone that loves the snow, skiing is the best way to take it all in. Of course if you plan to hit the slopes it is of the utmost importance that you wear the proper gear so that you have the opportunity to actually enjoy yourself. One item that can actually make or break the whole day and is very often underestimated is the sunglasses. They are very important for various safety concerns.

First and probably most important is that when you are flying down the slopes there must be something in place to cover the eyes otherwise pieces of ice or any other debris can fly up and possibly hurt your eyes. Some skiers don’t head for the piste but rather prefer the wooded trails. In this case sunglasses are even more important because of some of the overhang that is present in these conditions. Of course, sunglasses are made to keep the sun out of your eyes too which is very important, especially when you get that added glare from the snow that can cause you to be temporarily snow blinded. Sunglasses also protect you from harmful ultra violet rays which can harm your corneas.

One factor that is crucial really is that the sunglasses must fit properly. If they don’t fit right they can often be more of a hindrance than a help. You don’t want them falling off of your face while you are skiing at high speeds nor do you want them so tight that they are uncomfortable either. You should also make sure that they are of quality. Pay a few extra bucks so that when you are skiing at high speeds your sunglasses don’t shatter. If you are uncertain as to what to look for when shopping for the right pair of ski glasses you should be aware that the color of the lens should depend on your skiing conditions. Try them on and make sure that they fit snug, that the strap is strong. Also make sure that you have your helmet with you so you can ensure a proper fit with that on too. If you wear prescription glasses then you must make sure that your ski glasses will fit over the goggles.

Make sure that any selections of your ski sunglasses include anti fog lenses which you will likely find more of when looking at double lens glasses and some are treated so that they don’t fog up. It is important to remember that the sun is much brighter when on the snow than any other time because of how the light is reflected off of the snow. Definitely look for the level of UV protection that your new sunglasses will offer. Look for blockage of a 95% minimum from UVA and UVB rays. This is even more important if you intend to spend hours outside.

Finally, make sure that the glasses are durable and have strong lenses. You will want shields from both the sun and wind for added protection but pair that also offers maintaining optimum vision. There are sunglasses that are specifically designed to withstand extremely cold temperatures and these should be the ones that you are looking at. And while they might cost more than what you originally may have expected to pay they will last a lot longer and perform much better than any other types.

Photo Credit: Manoosh26

Originally posted 2008-10-30 04:55:08.

Snowboard Bindings

Your snowboard bindings.

What are snowboard bindings?

They’re the part of the snowboard that encase your foot, allowing you to attach your boots and remain fastened to the board itself. Once you’ve purchased a board that suits your skills (finding the right length, style, and even design), the second part of the board you have to handle will always be the bindings.

There is more than one type of snowboard binding – make sure you peruse this list before you decide what’s best for you:

-Step-in Bindings:

Step-in Bindings are pretty self-explanatory, allowing you to “step in” to your bindings with maximum convenience. This is typically better for the beginner who isn’t necessarily looking for peak performance. Beginners or novices are usually looking for convenience over performance, but that doesn’t necessarily mean a step-in binding won’t work for more advanced boarders, either. Make sure you shop around to find the step-in bindings that most closely meet your convenience and performance needs.

-Strap-on Bindings:

Strap-on Bindings look like shoes with Velcro laces – a back plate guides your boot in while two straps cover the base of your foot as well as the toes. These are typically used with “soft boots,” so make sure that you have the correct and optimal boots before you decide to opt for a strap-on binding. This type of binding will typically give you greater control over your board, making you more agile, but will take an extra moment to “lace up.”

-Plate and Lever Bindings:

These bindings, associated with hard boots, will give you the most direct control over your snowboard. With more control can come less comfort, particularly if you’re a novice snowboarder who doesn’t need that degree of control for your boarding attempts. But if you’re serious about snowboarding, these might be the right bindings for you, as they cut out on lost energy between your feet and the board, making the board more like an extension of your body than something you simply “ride on.”

This brief guide to the different types of snowboard bindings should help you get an idea of the different options available to you. If you’ve already got a snowboard bind that works well for you and gives you an adequate amount of control and safety, there’s no need to make any changes. But if you’re looking for an upgrade, you might want to explore one of these snowboard binding options.

Photo Credits: Ted Percival

Originally posted 2009-07-07 05:41:57.

One of the things that make the Alyeska Resort stand out above the rest is that it is never crowded. That usually means that there is a surplus on the slopes and no waiting in the lift lines which is good news for skiers. Although there is only one cable car line there are multiple chair lifts and surface lifts to accommodate. There are over 60 various trails that are attractive to novice skiers as well as the most advanced.

Night time skiing is very popular at the Alyeska Resort and offers spectacular views of the hanging glaciers and the Northern Lights amongst all of the snow capped mountains. It is no wonder that this particular ski resort is high in the ranks of the top twenty places to go for a wonderful skiing trip. The Alyeska Resort welcomes all from the middle of November all the way through the middle of April. You are sure to get all of the skiing that you can imagine with this part of Alaska offering over 15 hours of day in April. Be prepared though because in December there is barely any light (less than seven hours daily) so if you are a night time skier then head to Alyeska Resort during December.

If you just love skiing then the Alyeska Resort can be a special winter vacation because while it offers the finest in outdoor skiing it also offers as much pampering indoors as you could want. Go outdoors and ski and when you have had enough go inside where it is warm and enjoy yourself. It doesn’t matter who your ski partners are or if you brought the whole family, there is something for everyone at the Alyeska Resort. As a matter of fact, many families do plan their winter wonderland vacation in this very location.

There are other splendid ski resorts located all over Alaska that are just as exquisite. Look around until you find the perfect one for you. In Arctic Valley, the Alpenglow is a wonderful ski resort too. Outside of Juneau, check out Douglas Island which is where many seasoned skiers call home as their vacation ski resort.

Moose Mountain is another very popular ski resort because it has well over 1200 feet of vertical slopes and also offers anything from bunny slopes to thrilling slopes for the advanced skier. There is one thing that makes this resort more unique and that is the protection that is offered due to the location that protects this area from wild winds. This along with the ample sunshine makes this area much warmer than its counterparts.

Don’t bypass the Mt. Aurora Ski Resort because you will want to get a glimpse of the “Silver Star Double Chairlift”. It is the most northern chairlift in the country, maybe even in the world. Remember that the possibilities are endless when it comes to ski vacations in Alaska.

Originally posted 2008-11-20 04:55:34.

Ski Resorts

Location is Key

When you’re looking for a ski resort it’s crucial to consider how much of a factor location will be playing in your decision. Are you picking this location to be a once a year family vacation spot, or are you wanting to make trips every few weekends because skiing is your hobby? You need to ask yourself questions like these when trying to make your decision in which ski resort is right for you.

Price

When looking for a ski resort it’s important to question what price is right for you. If you’re finding a location where you can visit weekly is it too expensive, or can you afford it in your budget? Likewise if you’re making a yearly trip make sure that you can cover the cost it will take to cover the hotel. With both types of stays it’s very likely that you’re going to have to do some traveling to get there, so think about traveling expenses.

Accommodations

Are you looking for any special features in this ski resort, like a daycare for your children? Try to think of all the possible accommodations that a ski resort could feature and then find the ski resort that has the most of these accommodations fulfilled. Things to think about include: harder slopes, easy parking, daycare, food, etc.

Ask Around

One of the best ways to gather information about all the different resorts is to ask anyone you know. This could be people on the internet or people you know in real life. A positive recommendation makes it much easier for you to decide if the resort is worth your money or not. Many magazines and publications also feature ranking systems that you could question for potential answers.

While there may not be too many places for you to go skiing, you should definitely consider all of your options and weigh them accordingly based on the above criteria. If you do take your time it’s more likely that you will make the right decision and have a ski resort that you will want to visit time and time again.

Photo Credits: wheany

Originally posted 2009-09-30 03:36:07.

Skiing instructor.

When they’re all skill and no teaching. Sometimes, seeing a ski instructor’s talent makes you feel like they must be a good teacher – after all, they seem to have been a good student! But when it comes to teaching you, it’s an entirely different skill. A ski instructor might be world-class when it comes to riding the slopes himself, but that doesn’t mean they know all that much about how to teach a student of their own. If a ski instructor is too invested in himself and too eager to impress, you should consider that a red flag for a bad ski instructor.

When you don’t receive direct answers to questions. For students, there should be no questions that are too dumb to be asked. So if you notice that your ski instructor isn’t answering your questions directly, forcing you to ask them again, there’s a chance that they’re not exactly in tune with your needs. This doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re a bad instructor, but you should let them know that they’re not answering your questions clearly. Remember, since you’re paying them to teach you, they’re essentially working for you. Get your money’s worth.

When the lesson is suspiciously easy. Listen, skiing isn’t always an easy sport, especially for beginners. So when your lesson is too easy, there’s a good chance that your skiing instructor isn’t challenging you enough. Maybe they’re too eager to be your friend rather than your teacher, but whatever the reason, you should feel that your skills are being pushed. Without that “push,” your body won’t have the incentive to adapt and improve at skiing. If your ski instructor is too light on you, ask them to take it up just one notch.

Be on the lookout for a bad ski instructor, because they won’t come out and tell you that they’re not very good. Instead, ask yourself whether you feel both comfortable and challenged in your ski lessons.

Photo Credits: Jasmic

Originally posted 2010-01-26 03:02:55.