Snowboard Ski Mountain

Sky freestyle

2008-08-25T20:12:00.000-07:00

Ski Freestyle Avoriaz Alpes

Ski Freest by Rolland Simon

Winter Fashion Show

2008-08-23T09:43:00.000-07:00

The best girls from Argentina

Ollie

2008-08-22T17:45:00.000-07:00

The ollie is the essential trick to getting your board into the air. The snowboarding ollie, just like the skateboarding ollie, as it uses a transfer in weight as well as your knees to get you in the air but unlike skateboarding the ollie on a snowboard uses the flex in the tail as a spring.

HOW-TO
1. Start out by bending both knees so you are slightly crouched and clear your mind. You need to start this trick riding flat on the base of your board. It is recommended you start with minimal or no speed at all (doing it incorrectly is a lot less painful this way) and on hard pack/corduroy. After you get the feeling of how to do this trick you can do it with more and more speed and start looking for bumps or imperfections on the groomers and aiming for them. After some practice you can use these bumps as small kickers to practice olling off of. You can also look for imperfections or even snowballs that were kicked off the snowcats and practice olling over them (do this before you start picking obstacles that won’t move, like stumps and rocks). Eventually you will be using the ollie anytime your board goes into the air, basically anytime you do a trick.

2. You start the trick by rocking your weight from being centered over your snowboard back onto your back leg and then into the tail of your board, kind of like a manual.

3. Use the movement of shifting your weight backwards to raise up your nose and front foot of the snowboard by bending your front knee. Make sure to keep your weight centered over the back of board and not towards either your toe or heel edge because that will throw you off balance and make landing very difficult.

4. After the tail is flexed (due to your weight being shifted back) it will want to flex back to its original position. Use this pop to aid you as you uncoil your crouch and jump. At the same time that the board wants to flex back use your back knee to finish the jump. Steps 3 and 4 happen at nearly the same time.
5. You are in the air, don’t freak out. Make sure you remain calm and don’t flail because you will look funny and flailing makes landings harder. Bring your knees back into chest so that you are in that crouched position in the air. Also bring your body weight and board back to being centered. This will make your landing easier and keeps you from going sideways in the air and landing on your bottom.

6. Chances are if you ollie off of just flat ground you won’t have much time to throw a grab in but if you are olling off the lip of a jump then you are going to want to throw in some sort of grab, even if you are spinning or flipping, because it will help stabilize you in the air and make it look smooth. Style is everything in snowboarding and when you are smooth with any sort of trick you are perfecting your own style.

7. After you have reached your apex or peak of the ollie (gotten as high up as you are going to) you need to start to spot your landing (make this its own trick).

8. For the landing try and come down flat on your board. Catching a toe or heel side edge now will usually result in a crash. Use your knees to dampen the impact of coming back down to the snow and stomp (make this its own trick) your landing. Landing totally flat is hard and will take practice so if you have to land more on one edge then another go for your toe edge but make sure not to land fully on that edge. Also try and not land with too much weight on the nose of your board as it will then catch and throw you to the ground and make sure not to land with too much weight on your tail or your tail coming down first because it is easy to have the snowboard slip out from underneath you.

9. As soon as you land either go straight on ahead or onto your toe edge for a turn, DO NOT try and turn heel side because it is way too easy to butt check here and butt checking after a trick voids the trick and you have to go and try it again. After you have mastered stomping your landing then feel free to turn what ever direction you want but it is amazing how many less butt checks you will have when you turn toe side.

10. Well done, you did it grasshopper! Now practice this a million times because it essential in the world of snowboarding and you will use it for everything.

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Breckenridge

2008-08-20T07:12:00.001-07:00

This Is Breckenridge
Four amazing peaks with over 2200 acres of skiing and riding, five kicking terrain parks, four half-pipes, two high-speed Super Chairs, the highest altitude chairlift in North America, a top-rated children's ski and snowboard school, miles of grooming, all kinds of events - on and off the slopes and a historic mining town with plenty of shopping, dining and nightlife. So That's why they call Breckenridge "The Perfect Mountain Town".

Adventure Awaits!
Located in the heart of Summit County, Breckenridge offers versatility and variety, on and off the slopes. Breckenridge is the perfect resort for active families. 2,200 acres of winter fun on four mountains for every type of skier and rider, including expert runs from the 12,677-foot summit (now served by a high speed lift), served by 16 interconnected ski lifts and four high-speed quads to virtually guarantee un-crowded slopes and minimal lift lines. For snowboarders and skiers of all ages and skill levels, Breckenridge boasts an incredible snowboard park, arguably one of the best in Colorado. Breckenridge Lodging options range from Ski in ski out hotels to condos that feature all of the comforts of home. Ski Breckenridge and you'll discover an authentic Victorian Mining town with a real Western feel.

New Breck Connect Gondola
New this year, Breckenridge Ski Resort and the Town of Breckenridge boasts a new Gondola that will transform the way visitors access the town and mountain and starts the first of two new base villages at Peak 7 and 8.

The Imperial Express "Super Chair" Adding to the success of North America's highest lift and some of Colorado's most breathtaking combination of terrain and scenery, Breckenridge has added "Snow White", 150 new acres of expert terrain featuring chutes, cliffs and cornices as well as more above-timberline, open terrain. This brings the total amount of new terrain, opened up by the "Imperial Express" to 550 acres of previously hike-to terrain.

After The Slopes Close
Skiing and snowboarding all day is just part of the reason you take a winter family vacation. Each night after the slopes close we offer a variety of activites for kids and the whole family. Enjoy Tubing, Free movie night, Fireworks on Saturday evenings, Outdoor Ice Skating, Guided snowshoe adventures, and more! Whether you're looking forward to a day off the slopes, or searching for a little alternative adventure, Breckenridge has as much to offer off the mountain as it does on any of its 146 trails. As the largest historic district in Colorado, Breckenridge features a wide variety of shops, activities and attractions to entertain and delight visitors.

Breckenridge Stats and Facts:

Over 2,358 acres
Skiable Vertical: 3,398 feet
Base elevation: 9,600 feet
Summit elevation: 12,998 feet
Annual Average Snowfall: 300+ inches

Trail Breakdown

52% Expert/Advanced
33% Intermediate
15% Beginner
Bowls - 772 Acres
Terrain Parks: 5
Halfpipes: 4
Longest Run: 3.5 miles - Four O'Clock Run

Getting Here
With hundreds of daily direct flights into Denver International Airport and being in close proximity to Vail's Eagle County regional airport, enjoying a weekend visit to the slopes in Breckenridge or a week long visit is easy. By car, Breckenridge is 104 miles from Denver International Airport and only 63 miles from Eagle Airport.
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Ski Accessories Manufacturers:

2008-08-18T10:59:00.000-07:00

Alpine Tools
Makes ski and snowboard maintenance items.

Babushkah
Makes a line of reversable Polartec Fleece bandanas, headscarves and ski bandanas.

Backcountry Access
Avalanche and safety equipment for skiers.

Backside
Ski tuning products.

Boot Buddies
Chemically dries your boots quickly.

Bootglove
A way to keep your feet warm when skiing.

Bowtie Ski Carriers
A carrier to carry your skis and poles.

Conquest
Ski tuning tools and accessories.

Diamond Machining Technology
Makes the mini ski and snowboard diamond stone.

Dominator Racing Wax
Ski wax.

DryGuy
Ski boot, shoe and glove dryers.

Elpex rollerskis
Elpex makes a complete line of rollerskis.

Equinox Industries
Makes ski sleds for hauling your kids in the snow.

Fast Wax
Waxes for all type of snow and ski conditions.

Fischer Ski
Besides their big ski line, they also offer ski and travel bags.

FK Tools
Waxes and tuning kits.

GearTec
Bags for carrying your skis and gear.

Glissade Ski Bags
Bags for skis and boots and whatever.

Grindrite
Tuning supplies for snowboards and skis.

Grabber Warmers
Makes hand warmers.

Hands Free and Ski
A portable system to carry your skis and poles.

Heat Factory
Portable heat packets and warmers.

Hertel Wax
Ski and snowboard wax.

High Sierra
Bags for carrying your skis and gear.

Hot Loc Ski Locker
Ski and pole storage and security system.

Hotronic USA
Boot heaters, hand and feet warmers

Jenex
Makes a line of roller skis, ski poles, clothing and accessories.

Karhu
Besides their complete line of skis, poles and bindings, they also have carrying bags and gloves.

Kryptonite
Ski and snowboard security products.

KUUsport
Snowboard and ski waxes, carriers and repair kits.

KWIK Ski Products
Ski and snowboard waxes, tuning and repair equipment, and boot dryers.

Leki
Makes ski poles, helmets and guards.

Life-Link
Produces ski poles, shovels and avalanche/emergency equipment and tools.

Liquid Speed
Company sells lubricants, waxes and sunglasses.

MountainChalet.net
Sells a variety of unique ski gifts and novelites.

One Ball Jay Industries
Ski waxes.

Ortovox
Sportswear, backpacks and avalanche safety gear.

Profeel ski tuner
Alpine ski tuner.

Race Place
Ski tuning products.

Rainey Designs
Makes bindings, ski crampons and mounting kits for free-heel skiing.

RC Power Products
Ski carrying bags and locks.

Salomon
Besides their line of skis, boots and bindings, also offer hats, gloves and ski bags.

Scott
Goggles, gloves and poles.

Serious Snow Socks
Socks to keep your feet seriously warm.

Ski Bones
Holder for storing and carrying skis.

Ski Clip
Ski hangers and carriers.

Ski Lift/Board Dog
Ski and board carrying bags, locks and waxes.

Skiput
A product for carrying your skis and poles on your back.

Smith Sport Optics
Makes ski poles, goggles and sunglasses.

SnowBags
A way to carry your skis, boards and gear.

Solda
Makes waxes for Nordic and alpine skis and snowboards.

Spirakut
Maintenance supplies and repair kits.

Spoonfish
Security locks for your snowboard.

SportTube
Carrying cases for your skis.

Sun Valley Ski Tools
Ski tuning and repair tools

Swix
Waxes, carrying cases, repair tools and other accessories.

Test Pilot
Bags, locks and ski maintenance products.

Toko Wax and Tools
Maker of waxes for Nordic skis, alpine skis and snowboards.

Tools4Boards
Specializes in developing and manufacturing ski tuning tools and vises.

TrailFinder wearable ski maps
Company makes and sells arm worn waterproof trail maps.

Vortex Backpacks
Backpacks for all outdoor activities.

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Roast Beef Grab

2008-08-17T16:40:00.000-07:00

A grab with the trailing hand on the heelside edge between your bindings. If you reach around your leg with your trailing arm then you are grabbing stalefish.

HOW-TO
Head straight toward the jump with a little speed.

Start your ollie on the transition of the jump so you have finished it by the lip of the jump.

Pull your knees towards your chest, don’t bring your chest to your knees, and reach that back, trailing hand between your legs and grab that heelside edge right between your bindings. Throw your front hand straight up into the air so as not to throw your balance off in the air.

Hold the board tight and try extending your front foot as much as possible; this is called tweaking your grab.

Hold that tweaked grab position past your apex and as long as you can. However make sure you start looking for your landing as soon as you pass the apex of your air. Start at the spot as soon as you find where you think you are going to land.

Hold the grab for just a little longer, then let go, but keep your knees bent.

As you get very close to your landing extend your legs out hard but never completely, that is how you blow out your knees. Stomp the landing and ride away but don’t’ even think about making a heelside turn and butt checking.

Nice job. That is one of my favorites.

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Snowmass

2008-08-16T08:57:00.000-07:00

And she is one BIG mountain! Snowmass is the largest of the four Aspen/Snowmass Resorts. With so many runs, and so much variety...Snowmass has something for everyone. Boasting a vertical rise of 4,406 feet, andmore than 3,100 acres of cruisers, steeps, terrain parks and halfpipes, it's a virtual Mecca for skiing/snowboarding enthuisasts. Experts won't want to miss KT Gully, Hanging Valley and the Cirque. Head over to the "Campground" and you may very well feel like you've found your own mountain full of steep fun and adventures!

Endless Adventure... For the Entire Family!
Wide-open, groomed cruising and family-friendly activities. Snowmass has long been rated one of the best family ski areas in North America. At Snowmass, you're always close to home - 90% of the lodging is classified as slopeside or Ski-In/Ski-Out.

New Village
Just minutes from the excitement and energy of Aspen, Snowmass is undergoing a village transformation of it's own that will create a unique ski vacation experience with easier access to the slopes, interconnected pedestrian plazas with enhanced shopping and dining options - even an outdoor skating rink. Already complete are two new gondolas, a new high-speed six pack and numerous
on-mountain improvements. Be a part of the renaissance at Snowmass!.

Best-kept secret: The daily "Noon Groom," a freshly groomed run that reopens at noon. Also, breakfast at Gwyn's High Alpine can't be beat. And not that it's a secret, but don't forget, your Snowmass lift pass offers you "The Power of Four" with full interchangeable access between Aspen Mountain, Snowmass, Aspen Highlands, and Buttermilk - home of the Winter X-Games!

Start Packing!
Let us help you plane an unforgettable Snowmass vacation today and watch the wondeful memories start to pile up!

Snowmass Stats and Facts:
FACT: Topping out at 12,510 feet, the Cirque lift was the first in the country to be operated solely by clean, renewable wind power.

One Lift Ticket - Four Mountains of Fun!
Over 3,128 acres of uncrowded terrain
Vertical Rise: 4,406 ft./1,343 meters
Base elevation: 8,104 ft./2,473 meters
Summit elevation: 12,510 ft./3,813 meters
Annual Average Snowfall: 300 inches

Trail Breakdown

32% expert
62% intermediate
6% beginner
90 Named Trails on the map
Longest Run: 5.3 miles/8.5 km

Getting Here
Aspen/Snowmass is one of the most accessible Rocky Mountain resorts. With nearly 150 nonstop and connecting flights weekly into Eagle Airport and Aspen/Pitkin County Airport. You can start from either coast and be here in a half a day, give or take. Eagle Airport with Non-Stop jet service on 6 major carriers from many cities across the country is located 65 miles from Aspen/Snowmass. Aspen's smaller regional airport is only 3 miles outside of town and six miles from Snowmass Village.
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Top Ski Tips

2008-08-15T09:54:00.000-07:00

Gliding down a mountain through virgin powder with the sun glistening on surrounding snow covered peaks, all topped with a deep blue, clear sky, has got to be one of the most incredible feelings on earth...
Here are a few tips for skiers of all levels to help you enjoy the sensation as much as I do


The Basics
Gravity - This takes you from the top of the mountain to the bottom in the most direct route. This isn't always the safest or most desirable route so being able to steer and stop are key!!
Balance - snow is slippery! Trying to balance whilst sliding down a mountain isn't easy! You need a stance that is comfortable but stable on the move. Dress Code - Stay warm! It is best to check the weather forecast every morning before you get dressed to make sure you keep warm and can see! Sunglasses for the sun, goggles for the shade/cloud! Don't wear a cotton under layer or you'll get cold! Have a thermal layer next to your skin. Use layers of clothes, not big jumpers - it keeps you much warmer! Only wear one pair of socks - more will actually make your feet colder! Make sure your outside layer is waterproof - especially your bottom half! Make sure you have lots of pocket space! You can take off layers when you get hot and carry extra ones in case the temperature drops... Run/trail colour coding - All pistes are given a colour code which reflects their difficulty! Green slopes are the easiest, then blue, red and blacks are the most difficult. Ski with care and don't dive in the deep end first thing in the morning or late afternoon! Insurance - accidents can happen. Make you sure you get travel insurance that includes winter sports cover. Protect your skin - from the sun, wind and cold! Snow reflects the suns rays which is great for tanning but you don't feel its power so pack plenty of sun cream! Some sun cream also coats your skin in a protective layer which stops wind and cold burn too...

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More links:

1. ABC-of-Skiing

The skiing portal. Beginner courses, equipment info, techniques, historic info. All you need to hit the slopes.

2. Become and Expert Skier

Online ski lessons to help recreational skiers become expert skiers.

3. Cosley and Houston Alpine Guides

Tips to help you with your ski trip to the Alps.

4. How to Carve a Turn

Article by Chris Davenport

5. Shoppertron

Compare prices on skis and gear.

6. Ski Ergonomics

Improve skiing through the science of biomechanical alignment, balance and power.

7. Ski-Tips

Tips on how to improve your skiing technique as well as a list of ski resorts with reviews and links.

8. Skiing

Tips and tricks on skiing, equipment and snowboarding.

9. Snow Skills

Snow Skills provides tips for skiers, snowboarders, nordic skiers, and snowshoers.

10. Survive Outdoors

Information on confronting emergencies and survial in the outdoors.

11. Ted's Home Page

Personal site for Ted Amenta, a Breckenridge ski instructor. Ski Tips, skiing ability levels, and jokes for the chairlift.

12. The Pivot Slip Turn

Tips on pivot slip turns.

13. Tips for Skis, Boots, Bindings, and More

A variety of tips from Wilburger's.

Vail

2008-08-14T08:46:00.000-07:00

Vail... There's No Comparison!
Vail boasts three distinct areas of the mountain, each with their own features and flavor, including four terrain parks, seven bowls of freeride terrain reaching seven miles from side to side. Vail's legendary Back Bowls represent just one-third of Vail's total terrain. Combined with the adventure experience of Blue Sky Basin and the variety found on "the Front Side", there's 5,289 acres of the best ski day you've ever had. In fact on an average day at Vail, there are only two skiers per acre. On a busy day, a whopping four per acre. Imagine having this much mountain to yourself.

Vail is ranked #1
Once again the readers of Ski Magazine agree. As the largest single mountain ski resort in North America, Vail offers a combination of quantity and quality that can't be beat. Vail continues to focus on guest-driven improvements each season.

Adventure Ridge - NEW ACTIVITIES FOR 2009!
There's a whole other world of outdoor winter fun that doesn't require skis or boards-just an adventurous spirit. Adventure Ridge is the place to play all day and night in more directions than just downhill. With Tubing, Snowmobiling, Trampolines and Ski Biking, it's perfect for anyone looking for some unique fun! This year the excitement expands with Family Dinner Theatre featuring the "Buckaroo Bonanza Bunch" wild western theatre company, Nature at Night for wildlife tours under the stars, and Free Family Movie Night at Eagle's Nest every Tuesday.

Vail's Villages
From the Austrian-inspired Vail Village to the family-friendly Lionshead village, Vail is all about the perfect vacation, with all the amenities of cosmopolitan living nestled within a dramatic winter setting. Dine and shop, wander through art galleries, pamper yourself at luxurious spas and revel about it all over apres-ski before relaxing in your slopeside accommodations. Of course, when you're not wearing your ski goggles, Vail has events all winter long from recreational to cultural, including Vail Snow Daze, Taste of Vail, the Vail Film Festival and Spring Back to Vail. You'll always find reasons to keep coming back fo more.

World Class Dining to compliment World Class Skiing!
From five courses to five-minute bites, Vail has a bounty of options and flavors. Vail's signature Game Creek Restaurant offers guests a sensory experience that includes phenomenal French-American dishes coupled perfectly with fine wines. Arrive at Game Creek by snowcat for a true one-of-a-kind experience. Over 70 other mouth- watering alternatives include cozy pubs and a range of family-friendly eateries.

Nightlife
After the fun on the slopes winds down, a whole new side of Vail begins to emerge. Dozens of hot spots for dozens of reasons. Sunny decks and cold beers after a day on the slopes, an intimate piano bar for relaxing or perhaps, a dance club where you can catch some great live music. Whatever your speed, we've got your spot.

Mountain Stats and Facts:

Base Elevation: 8,120 ft./2,475 meters
Summit Elevation: 11,570 ft./3,527 meters
Vertical Rise: 3,450 ft./1,052 meters

Trail System

Permitted Acres: 5,289 acres
Trails: 193 named trails
Trail Classification:
- 40% Expert
- 32% Intermediate
- 28% Beginner
- 87% Expert
- 13% Intermediate
- 0% Beginner
- 53% Expert
- 47% Intermediate
- 0% Beginner
Longest Run: Riva - almost 4 miles
Snowmaking: 390 acres
Grooming: On average Vail grooms 1,300- 1,600 acres of terrain per night, which is more than most resorts have in total skiable acres!

Getting Here
Is easy - Just get here as fast as you can! Discover the convenience of flying directly into Vail/Eagle County Airport, located just 30 minutes west of Vail on Interstate 70. Take advantage of nonstop air service from 13 major cities across the country on six of the largest domestic airlines with 757 Jet service. Plus, you can connect from virtually any departure city in North America. Additionally, Denver International Airport is only 110 miles away via Interstate 70.
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Indy Grab aka Indy Air

2008-08-13T11:34:00.000-07:00

Indy–

The Indy Grab is a grab on your toe edge with your trailing hand between your bindings. If an Indy is done with a spin then it has to be a backside spin. If you are spinning frontside and grab Indy you have really just done a Frontside grab.

The Indy is a good starting point for a grab and for getting air. Doing a grab or adding a grab in a more complicated trick helps to stabilize yourself in the air and makes you look like you know what you are doing.

HOW-TO

Like any other time you are going to get air start off with some speed and head straight for your jump.

When you get to the transition of the jump start your ollie so that by the time you hit the lip of the jump you are olling off the top of it.

As you feel yourself becoming air born make sure to pull your legs up by bending your knees. You don’t want to bend over, that will totally discombobulate you in the air and you will probably end up crashing.

Reach down with the hand that is closest to the tail of your board and firmly grab the toe edge of your board between you bindings. With your other hand reach straight into the air. You are using your front hand as a counter balance.

Hold on tight because you want to tweak your grab. This refers to extending one leg as much as possible (trying to make it straight) while still holding on. This is big points in the style game. It is also important to hold that grab for as long as possible.

However, make sure that after you have passed the apex of your jump you start to look for the exact spot you are going to be landing and stare hard at it. You want to spot your landing.

old on to that board as long as you can. When you do let go keep your legs bent up until that last second. Right as the ground rapidly approaches extend your legs and stomp your board down onto the landing. Make sure the board is coming down completely flat. This will help you keep from falling. Make sure you absorb as much of the impact as you can in your knees. After you land start a toeside turn to keep yourself from butt checking.

Well done, one down and one million to go.

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Aspen

2008-08-12T08:56:00.000-07:00

This Is Aspen!
Rising out of the heart of downtown Aspen, and famous for its steeps, bumps and incredible views, Aspen Mountain and its double-blacks and tree runs are fun for riders and skiers alike. Looking for style, comfort and double-diamonds? Take the express route to the top via the Silver Queen Gondola as you're whisked to the Sundeck restaurant and treat yourself to a well-earned lunch.

Sixty Years Strong!
Sixty years after dedicating the first chairlift on Aspen Mountain, Aspen/Snowmass continues to deliver...
And the skiing and riding at Aspen/Snowmass is only getting better: $50 million in on-mountain improvements over the next five years means quicker lift rides and easier access. Ride the NEW eight-person Elk Camp Gondola at Snowmass, or check out the NEW CABINS on Aspen Mountain's Silver Queen Gondola. Both are Swiss-made and come with floor-to-ceiling windows so you can soak up the surrounding views. Combined with last year's new high-speed Village Express six-pack, Sky Cab Gondola and Aspen Highlands' Deep Temerity triple chair, five new lifts have been added in the last two years and more than 200 acres of in-bounds backcountry terrain have opened up.

Calling All Powder Hounds!
If you love powder... Take a POWDER TOUR. Luxury snowcats take you to prime untracked stashes on the backside of Aspen Mountain. Fresh tracks guaranteed and gourmet lunch is included. For reservations visit the Aspen Mountain Powder Tours desk in the gondola building, call 970-920-0720.

Aspen Mountain Numbers:

Over 673 acres of terrain
Base elevation: 7,945 feet
Summit elevation: 11,212 feet
Vertical rise of 3,267 feet
Longest Run: 3 Miles
Average Annual Snowfall: 300 inches

Trail Breakdown

31% expert
56% intermediate
13% beginner
76 Named Trails - over 64 miles of fun!

Aspen's Other Resorts!
Snowmass: 3,128 acres; easiest - 6%, int/advance - 62%, expert - 32%
Aspen Highlands: 1,010 acres; easiest - 18%, int/advanced - 46%, expert - 36%
Buttermilk: 435 acres; easiest - 35%, int/advanced- 65%, expert - 0%

Best Known For:
Aspen Mountain, the flagship mountain of the Aspen/Snowmass resort, offers excellent intermediate to expert terrain that includes steep and bump runs that drop right into the town of Aspen. And with a lift ticket that's good at all four Aspen/Snowmass Resort mountains, you might just want more than a week to explore it all!

Best Kept Secret:
Groomed, intermediate cruising runs under Ruthie's and Ajax Express lifts, the "shrines" on Aspen Mountain.

Getting Here
Aspen/Snowmass is one of the most accessible Rocky Mountain resorts. With nearly 150 nonstop and connecting flights weekly into Eagle Airport and Aspen/Pitkin County Airport. You can start from either coast and be here in a half a day, give or take. Eagle Airport with Non-Stop jet service on 6 major carriers from many cities across the country is located 65 miles from Aspen/Snowmass. Aspen's smaller regional airport is only 3 miles outside of town.
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Manual (Wheelie)

2008-08-11T08:44:00.000-07:00

The manual is a when you ride down the hill with your board flexed so that all of it except your tail are just above the snow. The hardest part of this trick is being able to find then hold a balance point.

To start find a flat place where you will not start sliding no matter which direction you are facing. (not a parking lot, there is gravel in that snow that is just waiting to take a bite out of your base).

Practice standing centered and flat and then rocking your weight backwards onto your back foot then onto your tail. Don’t go overboard at first, this takes a while learn. Rock further and further back each time and try holding your body and board a little longer in that position each time. You want to do this until you put too much weight on your tail and it butters out and you fall on your butt, this way you know how far back is too far. When you are doing this make sure you are staying centered over your board/tail each time you do this as it is very important later on.

After you rock your weight back and find a good balance on your tail and can hold it for a few seconds on flat ground then it is time to move to a mellow slope and basically repeat what you have been practicing.

Start slow. The more mellow (flat) the slope is the easier it will be. I would also recommend to keep your manual practice to groomers. As you find your magic zen balance spot at each speed time, try going a little faster and always try to hold the manual as long as you can. The faster you get going the harder it will be to find that balance spot because the contours and bumps in the snow will be knocking your board around. Same thing with non groomers, ruts and soft spots make learning to manual a lot harder.

If you are blessed, you can also practice your manual in deep fresh powder. In powder you will have to be riding with most of your weight on your back foot anyway so you don’t catch your nose under the snow and tumble. The fresh powder makes it a lot easier to stay in a manual.

After you think you are a manual master then it is time to ollie from a manual or even start and land spins in a manual.

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The medals war --Olympics in Beijing

2008-08-10T10:55:00.000-07:00

Discussions about China’s chances to become the first Olympic power and to overcome the US at the next Olympics in Beijing started at the end of the former edition in Athens, 2004. In Athens China reached its top result, both for gold medals (it was second with 32 golds) and for total medals (third with 63). China’s first Olympic appearance was at Los Angeles 1984, and in twenty years it doubled the number of won medals (recall that in Los Angeles the USSR and all the East-European countries did not compete). At the end of the Athens Olympics many observers predicted that in Beijing China will finally outdo the US in the medal struggle. Nevertheless, China’s sport officials maintained a low profile and claimed that the country did not reach yet the top of its potential. In Athens the chief de mission of the Chinese delegation Yuan Weimin had declared “Though China is in second place in the gold medal standings, we are not a sports superpower […] There is still a considerable gap between us and the United States and Russia […] We are still comparatively weak in track and field and swimming, two premier sports at the Olympic Games”. Last year I quoted the result of a research by the British Olympic Committee according to which, if the Games had taken place in 2006, China would have been ahead of the US in the gold medal count. Now the society PriceWaterhouseCoopers published a study according to which China could win 88 medals, the US 87 and Russia 79. The results for the five top nations would be the following (the study only considers the number of total medals):

	Beijing 2008	Athens 2004	difference
1. China	88	63	+25
2. US	87	103	-16
3. Russia	79	92	-13
4. Germany	43	48	-5

The diagram illustrates the total number of medals won by the first four Olympic powers from 1984 (the year of China’s Olympic debut) to 2008, if the predictions of the study are correct, and shows in particular China’s amazing progression.

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Spread (Eagle)

2008-08-10T10:40:00.000-07:00

Skis and arms are spread out to the side of the body.

HOW-TO
Assume the position and approach the jump with plenty of speed. Pop off the lip and take flight. Be patient with the spread, initiating it right off the lip can throw you off balance. Wait until you approach the apex of your air. Then, spread your arms and legs out to the side and away from your body with some pride and hold it. Then release and land. It’s a real crowd pleaser you hot dog!

Once you get this down step it up to a Pole Dancer. Same concept but a bit more challenging.

Editors note
If you do this trick correctly you look like the Da Vinci Man... but with skiis and a big grin.

-Johnny S.

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The New Crested Butte

2008-08-09T09:33:00.000-07:00

This Is Crested Butte
By definition, a mountain that stands separate and distinct from others. A fitting description indeed! Far away from any interstate traffic or busy commercial centers, Crested Butte is pure, authentic Colorado. With a history as vast and colorful as it's people, enhanced by boutique shops and top-rated restaurants, Crested Butte's local spirit is evident both on and off the slopes. So change your expectations of a Colorado ski vacation and see why Crested Butte keeps visitors coming back year after year.

What's New?
Better than What's new... What's not new? Under the direction of new owners determined to maintain Crested Butte's signature charm and local flavor, Crested Butte is in the midst of a wonderful transformation with on and off mountain improvements designed to enhance the Crested Butte experience for everyone from die-hard powder hounds, to people visiting the mountains for the first time.

Most obvious is the $200 million dollar base village transformation which includes the new Mountaineer Square as it's focal point. This deluxe hotel and condominium property is a full service resort center complete with dining, shopping and conference space. In the center of it all is the new Courtyard meeting place. Here the Crested Butte Adventure Center serves as the "resort concierge," a one-stop shopping site for skiing, riding and outdoor activities. Visitors can buy book Crested Butte Mountain Schools lessons and clinics, make dinner reservations, find out about activities like snowmobiling or horseback riding, or just ask directions to a great local watering hole.

On The Mountain
The planned on-mountain improvements include several new lifts, a few lift realignments and replacements, additional snowmaking, glading, new trails and restaurant additions and expansions. Upon final "blessing" from the U.S. Forest Service Crested Butte will be able to proceed with planned upgrades, additions and overhauls to the mountain over the next five to seven years.

Beyond The Slopes
Crested Butte is the perfect place to disconnect -- and reconnect with family and friends. Bustling with action, but laid back in attitude, you can feel the vitality as you wander through the quaint, Victorian historic district with its choices for fine dining, brew pubs, shopping and nightlife. The town boasts one of Colorado's largest National Historic Districts, with charm impossible to convey in words. Although "sophisticated" and "charming" are words synonymous with Crested Butte, this doesn't mean the town hasn't kept a bit of its irreverence.

Best Known For:
The historic town, the nightlife, fun and excitement, and the resort's "Extreme Limits" terrain, offering some of the best extreme skiing in the world. Home of "Colorado's Best Corduroy" and "Dreampipe", the superpipe with a view!

Crested Butte Stats and Facts:

Over 1,167 acres
Skiable Vertical: 2,775 feet
Base elevation: 9,375 feet
Summit elevation: 12,162 feet
Annual Average Snowfall: 300+ inches - more than 25 Feet!

Trail Breakdown

20% expert
57% intermediate
23% beginner
121 Named Trails
Longest Run: 2.6 miles - Peak to Treasury

Getting Here
Crested Butte is only 30 miles from Gunnison Airport. Both American and United Airlines offer convenient daily flights through Dallas and Denver, respectively. Transfers are quick and easy and will have you to your home away from home in no time at all.

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Utah Skiing

2008-08-08T16:45:00.000-07:00

Skiing in Utah, being profoundly ingrained in the history of North America, was rooted from the traditional legacy of the state’s town resorts - Alta and Brighton being the most prominent ones. Over the past years, Utah, with its diverse number and classification of slopes and terrains, has been the perfect destination when aiming to experience the real thrill of Skiing. Utah Skiing also boasts of its waist-deep expedition coined as the "greatest snow on earth". Cruising a sedate ski ride is also a good option to experience especially with Utah’s world-renowned mountain ranges.

The Ski Utah Interconnect Adventure Tour is organized, with the state’s initiative and support, to interconnect all of the state’s resorts and to establish a Skiing ritual, which would be only that of Utah’s. With the group’s effort, a thrilling expedition at the Wasatch mountain backcountry was conceptualized through routes in and out of five different ski resorts. Hence, by resorting to such activity, the rider may be able to experience a unique feel of the resorts’ expertise simultaneously. As this tour is of a great risk, seasoned professional guides are present to pilot the team over extraordinary off-piste turns and implausible scenes. As a precaution, the weather (along with other circumstances) is the main consideration to permit such a trip. Likewise, only advanced skiers of good physical condition are allowed to take part therein.

With the proliferation of Skiing in Utah, the notion that the state is only for native Alpine riders had been busted over the past years. Besides, the same Utah snow that drops on the downhill ski resorts also falls on its vast cross country ski areas. Over the years, Utah shared its enthusiasm to Cross Country Skiing when its local Soldier Hollow resort hosted the Nordic Skiing sport of the Olympic Winter Games in 2002. After which, Soldier Hollow had been known among skiers as they aspire for an Olympic-level practice and demonstration.

Offering the real challenge of Skiing, Utah had made its way in the fast-paced society as a gauge of being a first-class Skiing destination. Utah also provides Cross-Country Skiing which is the prominent form of relaxation in snow - slowing down the thoughts, speeding up the heart rate, and at the same time showcasing Utah’s picturesque landscapes.

Nordic spots at Sundance, Homestead, Solitude Mountain, Ruby’s Inn, and White Pine - featuring spruced trails and slopes amidst Utah’s perfect rough country - are the best picks in town.

With all these great resorts and a lot of Skiing opportunities, you will surely have a great Skiing Vacation in Utah.
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Colorado Snowboarding - Snowboarding in Colorado

2008-08-07T07:53:00.000-07:00

Snowboarding, which was on one occasion a major course for insurgences in garb and feat among the youngsters, had now become a mainstream activity. Shred Betties and teen guys in the late 80s and 90s who took up Snowboarding are now riding with their kids. In fact, several rider parents enroll their children in special Snowboarding programs, which normally cover three years of lecture and actual riding practices. According to surveys, parents who are snowboarders themselves would want their kids to start riding instead of Skiing. It was also reflected on Colorado statistics and surveys that wannabe snowboarders enrolling for classes range from 3 to 60 years old, with women in their late 20s and 30s forming one of the largest groups.

Snowboarding, or riding as frequently called by people engaged in the sport, agreed that their addiction is all about pleasure on ice. Performing a corkscrew 540 in a pipe, cruising downstream a groomed slope, or sliding over a tabletop in a park would only be a few of the cool ways to release their enjoyment of Snowboarding.

With the growing Colorado population engaged in Snowboarding, resorts with terrain parks and pipes became more prevalent. Beginner snowboard classes for those desiring to learn freestyle or freeride are also provided. Colorado is also rich in hosting both amateur and top pro and Olympic riders competition. Snowboarding, like Skiing, has several different styles of riding which include the smooth riding maneuvers. The freeride is an all-mountain activity, which includes riding on slopes, on trees, down the steeps, and even through the moguls. Freestyle, on the other hand, with its growing popularity in Colorado, entails snowboarding in a pipe or in a park, which is filled with fun boxes, rails and other unique riding features. Both freestyle and freeride riding are forms of Snowboarding. Conversely, Alpine, the Colorado race riding, is principally a competition.

Colorado terrain parks are currently rising in number compared to moguls on a steep slope carved by freeriders on twin-tip boards following a two-foot snowstorm. Newly built parks are likewise designed to cater to particular skill levels of riders. There are beginner parks, which have specialized tiny rails surrounding the ground. Roller coaster rails, tabletops, and fun boxes are also available in huge parks for advanced riders.

Nationwide, Colorado has a reputation as a home of Snowboarding. This proliferating status could be well-proven when the state had been selected to host riding events like the Outdoor Life Network’s Winter Gravity Games in Copper Mountain and the ESPN’s Winter X Games in Aspen.

Eventually, several major resorts and even smaller ones held amateur competitions, which include the Breckenridge 's Mountain Dew Vertical Challenge and the Copper Mountain Snowboard Series-Superpipe Competition. There is also the SOS Outreach Series, which consists of 15 competitions for snowboard amateurs from all over Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, Steamboat Springs, and Buttermilk.
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Snowboarding Tips

2008-08-06T07:26:00.000-07:00

Welcome to our Snowboarding Online Course, your all-out tutorial for basic skills, techniques, and maneuvers in Snowboarding. Know How to Snowboard and learn the proper moves right from the very beginning so you will have a good foundation before venturing into the intermediate and advanced skills. Animations are also provided as we want you to see a particular move before you actually try it out. We hope that you will learn a Snowboarding Tip or two in these sections.

	STEP 1: Find a flat area or gentle incline. Keep away from high-traffic areas. Rest your Snowboard on the snow, with the bindings facing down. This is to secure your board in place and keep it from getting away from you.
	STEP 2: Turn the board towards you. If you are on a gentle incline, attach the safety leash on your front leg to keep the board from sliding down.
	STEP 3: Start fastening with your front foot. Place your foot in the front binding. Fasten the ankle strap. Make sure that your heel is securely in place.
	STEP 4: After fastening the ankle strap, secure the toe strap. Make sure that it is snug enough without hurting your foot. Now that your front foot is buckled in, you can start getting accustomed to your board.
	STEP 5: Stand up and move your board up and down using your front foot. Do this repeatedly until you get comfortable with your board.
	STEP 6: At this point, put your free foot forward. This is the same as Step 5 but this time, the board is behind you. Move it up and down to acclimatize yourself to the board.

Gearing up on the slope and getting accustomed to your board are some of the fundamentals in learning how to ride. Getting comfortable with your board and your set of equipment in general can help you in performing various Snowboarding skills, techniques and maneuvers.

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Snowboard Ski Mountain

Sky freestyle

Winter Fashion Show

Ollie

Breckenridge

Ski Accessories Manufacturers:

Roast Beef Grab

Snowmass

Top Ski Tips

The Basics

Vail

Indy Grab aka Indy Air

Aspen

Manual (Wheelie)

The medals war --Olympics in Beijing

Spread (Eagle)

The New Crested Butte

Utah Skiing

Colorado Snowboarding - Snowboarding in Colorado

Snowboarding Tips