LIFE LOVE AND SKI

2012-12-24T02:13:00.001-08:00

JAPAN DREAMING
I'm officially jealous. Very jealous. There's an impending ski trip in February and I can't go. I made a deal that benefits me in a way that rivals a trip for my husband to ski Japan. My end of the bargain must be good. It is.

Being a friend of research, both online and via word-of-mouth I have been a part of this research, involving Jake joining a crew of ski-nuts who have skied Japan extensively and have found their groove. There's a catch - I'm not allowed to blog about it, it's to remain unblogged. Sheesh!

That has led to blog silence from me . I can allude to it, via process of elimination.

IT'S NOT NISEKO
IT RIVALS THE BEST USA RESORTS HAS TO OFFER
THESE PEOPLE JAKE IS JOINING HAVE SKIED USA AND CANADIAN RESORTS FOR 17 SEASONS SO THEY SHOULD KNOW.

THE CRITERIA
Ski tickets have to be cheaper than the States. They are.
There must be powder. There is.
The slopes must be uncrowded. They are.
The travel times from Australia must be short. They are.
The food must be good. It is.

VESTED INTEREST
All going well (appropriate ski school, hotel to slopes distances are good etc) we will take the entire family there in 12 months, so Operation Reconnoiter it is.

Giddy up

WHITEFACE USA

2012-10-05T04:28:00.000-07:00

Adam Baker is no Weekend Warrior. He may be currently raising a young family in beautiful Sydney, Australia but he began his love affair with skiing as a four year old at Whiteface, USA, host to the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympic Games.

ADAM

Racing Slalom, Giant Slalom and Super G, he qualified for the USA Junior Olympics at age 14. Growing up geographically isolated from any neighbours in Port Kent, New York State, he grew accustomed to donning knee high wool socks, cross country skis and boots and heading out into a moonlit night with his family. When choosing to cheat on his local ski resort (Whiteface Mountain), Adam courted Paleface, Gore Mountain, Stowe and Killington, but always returned to Whiteface, his true ski-love. Bringing good luck with him, as he moved to Australia in 2004, Adam enjoyed his first Australian snow winter in 2005 in Thredbo and Perisher, enjoying a bumper season, "lucky e ough to experience a dump!" .

Adam shares Whiteface below:

THE LOCAL PERSPECTIVE

Well known as a 'challenging' mountain and not for the faint of heart, Whiteface has the highest vertical drop in Eastern USA (3,430 feet) along with a trail that's 5.6 kms long. Trail names include Excelsior, Wilderness, Skyward and the infamous Cloudspin, Trailhead to the Mens Downhill with two massive bone shattering headwalls. Views and visibility from its elevation are breathtaking. Whiteface is on the northern side of the Adirondack mountain range with striking vistas south to the "High Peaks" (46 of them, Mount Marcy being the highest and also headwaters to the mighty Hudson River which flows 500 kms to NYC. To the east is beautiful Lake Champlain, the 180km long glacier lake that is the northern border between NY State and Vermont. And to the north, on very clear days, you may just catch a glimpse of Montreal.

Whiteface is a mountain frequented by locals but happy to host and collect money from the odd bus tour of New York/New Jersey tourists. It can have its fair share of French Canadian skiers down from Montreal. A snowy version of Aussie 'Nippers' (kids surf life saving training) on the weekends. As a kid, my father and I would be in the car by 7am for the 35 minute drive (depending on road conditions) and make sure we got first tracks. Eventually I convinced my dad to become a volunteer ski patrol so the entire family would be a free season pass. Sweet.

BEST TO LEAVE HIGH MAINTENANCE GIRLFRIENDS AT HOME

Whiteface can be extremely cold with windchill well below 30+ degrees Celsius and deservedly earning the nickname of "Ice face". It's a hardcore, no frills, racers mountain with extremely long runs, steeps and customer service of a quality that comes with being a state run facility. Yes, Whiteface is owned by the State of New York. Always has been as Whiteface is located in the Adirondack State Park, the largest State Park in the USA. With that comes heaps of environmental protection policies which limited almost all development on and around the mountain. So there's no resort per se, but a 25 minute drive through "the notch" (a tricky, windy drive along the Ausable river) brings you to the village of Lake Placid, NY, a very genuine and isolated mountain town with an eclectic mix of old school Olympians, service industry lifers, tradies and bohemians –all having the love of snow and mountains in common.

FOR THE NON-SKIERS?

Off mountain activities are unlike any other ski town I know. A bobsled ride with a professional driver, a very careful peak at the start ramp of the 80 meter ski jump or a moment of silence at the the site of the 1980 miracle on ice –the young US Ice hockey team's defeat of the evil commie russians. :-) Or do what the town is best at… drink lots of beer and local brewed beer at that.

BARGAIN HUNTERS TAKE NOTE

So here's the kicker. How much is a Season's pass for 2012?

$400 for a "non holiday pass" and $700 for adult full season.

The price for under 6 years old is $30.

And $300 for 7-12 year olds OMG Thredbo! :-)

Photos from Adam courtesy of

http://adirondacklifestyleblog.com/2010/10/telemark-tuesday-bonus-whiteface-chosen-best-ski-resort-in-the-northeast/

LIFT PASS LOVE

2012-09-23T22:24:00.001-07:00

Lift passes can be a killer on the old budget. That's why I'm stoked to stumble on LIftopia the discount lift ticket site. Lift passes are discounted up to 51% on some tickets. Definitely worth keeping an eye out if you know your ski trip dates. Destinations include USA, Italy. Canada, Austria and more. Click on the icon below to check it out.

THREDBO Great couples weekend away with a side of skiing

2012-08-27T02:47:00.002-07:00

Cheeky weekends away are hard to come by. A great place to spend one is at Thredbo. The reasons may be surprising.

NOT JUST A SKI JOINT -> Thredbo is great for couples who don't or can't ski. Restaurants are decent, there is a plethora of bars and cafes, a little shopping, an indoor pool and walking around the village is a pleasant and social experience. Glimpses into self-contained accommodation is a window into family traditions that could be yours. From today if you like.

VILLAGE OR TOWN? -> Entering Thredbo is entering a snow version of Positano, Italy. Self-contained condos and lodges are built one over the other up the side of a hill, providing maximum visuals out of condo and restaurant windows of skiable terrain and tree lined slopes. A fairly large village in nature, bars, shops and eateries centre around a plaza, half way between the ticket office and accommodation.

DEMOGRAPHICS -> I am not in any way answerable to Thredbo, so my opinions are my own. Thredbo positions itself as the premier ski resort, its target market slightly more 'upmarket' than its cousin over the road at Perisher. This is not to say Thredbo devotees can ski better, in fact I know some ski devotees who prefer Perisher because it lacks the snob factor. If you were courting a high maintenance girl trying skiing for the first time, she may prefer the 'premier' atmosphere at Thredbo. Verve Cliquot advertising features heavily this season in bars and eateries of Thredbo. It is an all-age resort, and they do a designated beginner area very well, as do they cater well for large school groups. It is reasonably well set out. Apart from the same thing we complain about at Perisher:

NEED A GONDOLA Call me spoilt, but ski resorts that predominantly supply t-bars and a few chairlifts are tough work. You don't get that significant rest in between runs gondolas provide. Some may say that's more ski time. I say it makes you call it quits far earlier than you want. I know gondolas are big bucks, yada yada yada, but it's my pet gripe. Big resorts like Jackson Hole and Snowbird quickly haul skiers up on gondolas providing more down time. Enough said.

SNOW -> Thredbo Village sits on the edge of the skiable resort terrain, which means lower slopes can be remain bare or man-made snow unless receiving a massive dump. If you can't tell the difference between man-made snow and natural snow this won't affect your day. Trails cleverly coral skiers of general ability into super trails leading down to eateries and get-off points. There are some great stashes if you are keen to go looking. Over to the right side Antons t-bar and the Cruiser chair service some good runs down. To the right of that would be a great basin to put another chair. Thanks engineers and a generous sponsor :) To the right Karel's lift services a couple of great runs, Funnel Web and Canon Ball, but they need good snow to work well or it gets bumpy and tufty. In the centre underneath The Traverse are some great stashes, and the trees are generally not over picked over. Or at least weren't when we we there.

EATERIES AND BARS Depending whether you are in Thredbo for a party weekend, a romantic getaway, a reunion or family holiday there is an eatery to suit. The Schuss Bar has the obligatory lunatic let out of university for the weekend, favouring shots and wacky headwear. The T-Bar has a country feel, with countrylife memorabilia adorning the walls it is warm and welcoming. The salads are surprisingly generous. Chicken Wings need a healthy dose of spice. (see my blog post about chicken wings to know why). Bernti's Grill has great steaks and good wine and is a great place to plot your next ski trip. Cascades does a great Beetroot pasta, what is lacks in ambience it makes up for in friendly service. Eagle's Nest has an excellent, unparalleled view of the mountains. The Lounge Bar hosts a great couple who belt out familiar ballads, it is a great place to chill out by the fire. THUMBS UP Thredbo is a great place to roam around for a drink, chat or meal if you don't want to ski or have finished skiing for the day. The village has atmosphere and it is picturesque if you like your scenery rugged in its beauty. Get yourself out on the slopes well before 10am on Sundays and you avoid the large crush on hungover party people who can't lift their heads before morning tea. That translates to less crowded lift lines and more runs under your belt.

THUMBS DOWN Prices are too high, and this remains the word on the street back in Sydney among skiers. Word travels fast. I do not want to pay $3 per bread roll with my meal and I do not want to pay $20 for 2 gatorades and 2 coffees. $4.50 for a coffee in some parts of Sydney is already considered highway robbery. I realise there is a small window to maximise profits during winter months but day trippers and casual skiers to Thredbo bear the brunt and it's off-putting. Australian consumers are savvy, they like a bargain and are prepared to pay high prices if it represents value for money. This extends to ski resorts. I don't want to take my Australian dollars to overseas ski resorts but, like many, I will if I can't stretch my dollar here. If you build it they will come.

BEST SCENARIO - Thredbo's $699 advance purchase ski pass is the best value, but you need to be organised by buying it in advance. As is the 7 day advance purchase for lift passes. Every little bit counts with this expensive sport we love so much. Access to a family lodge, via purchasing membership or staying with someone who does keeps costs down. Self-catering for meals and bringing your own snacks (gatorades, water, coffees, alcohol) keeps costs to a minimum. As does staying in Jindybyne and driving in for the day, or accessing www.lastminute.com.au for great cut rate accommodation. This gets you sampling different locations of Thredbo and helps determine your needs (close to beginner slopes, close to car park, close to shops etc). I do love you Thredbo. you have a rugged beauty about you and a great atmosphere. Gondola = love you more xx

Thredbo

2012-07-09T05:59:00.001-07:00

Dear Thredbo, I visited you last week. You were everything I wanted you to be. I was struck with nostalgia, and not without a little guilt. You see, everywhere I looked the were memories I didn't know you and I had. There's the spot where I learned to ski as a child with the 'Yogi bears'. There's dad's lodge where, as a teenager it was tiresome to sit around a table chatting to adults after a hard day's skiing but i did it. There's Eagle's Nest restaurant, with its cool birds-eye view of our fine land. The top of Karel's floods me with memories of snow balls and laughter on many a ski trip as a uni student. And there's the ski office where I walked in one day and met wonderful Brad and Monica, who were so amazing, taking us all to Austria to follow our 'Anweiter' ski instructor dreams in Alps that took my heart and stretched it all over the white cold peaks. An engagement in the snow, with an oustretched hand on the chairlift to admire the ring, clutchng it carefully to make sure it didn't drop to eternity below. Guilt, yes, because Thredbo, I deserted you for eight years. I deserted you, not only to sample the delights of overseas resorts, but also to your close cousin Persher because I have an equally persuasive husband who says Perisher, Perisher, Perisher at any opportunity. But I am wiley, like a fox, Thredbo. And I will tempt him back to the Austrian-like hilltop village, the moving waters of the river that feels the drips of ski boots and plops of snowboarder's snow. I haven't forgotten you, Thredbo. I'm merely biding my time. Love me x

DISABLED WINTER SPORTS AUSTRALIA

2012-07-06T00:35:00.000-07:00

The thing about accidents or disabilities is that you never know when it can happen to you or someone you know. I might know this from a personal point of view, but that's another story. The point of it all is that snow sports can provide an avenue that a sport-minded individual can reach still live life to the fullest, and reach personal bests in sport that they could never have dreamed possible. Australians love sport, and will let nothing stop them trying to beat everyone else in the world, and that's why everyone loves us. We're sports-nuts. Check out Disabled Winter Sports Australia www.disabledwintersport.com.au for the awesome things that are happening in our snowy mountains as we speak. You can donate or become a volunteer or sign up to their newsletter, and otherwise get totally inspired. Sven Erikson knows what snow can do to the human psyche and it's a beautiful thing. As the National Program Manager he observes that "Wintersports can have a profound impact on people with disability, with the right equipment it creates a level playing field between disability and no disability". Rip it up people.

Kids ski free

2012-06-09T03:14:00.001-07:00

You've got a carload of kids but you like to ski. You can see the big picture, the sooner the kids improve their skiing, the sooner they're out on the mountain ripping it up and having fun. And not to mention out of the ski school system, which is the biggest cost of a family ski vacation. How can you get tha price of the vacation down? Look for 'Kids Ski Free' resorts. It's a big consideration and it's not to be sniffed at. The resorts that offer the Kids Ski Free deals get your cash. You can plot your next decade by it. Most competitive resorts offer Kids Ski Free till age 12, it's the rare one that offers more than that. Red Mountain in British Columbia offers 'Kids Ski Free' till age 18. Red Mountain is ear-marked for us as a highly desirable resort but free to age 18 means we have two more years for our child age 10, then we know we've got Red Mountain good to go for 6 years. Check out the following resorts to help you plan your next vacation with the grommets. Coz with three boys, we sure will: Kids Ski Free to Age 12 Silver Star Fernie Kicking Horse Revel stoke Banff Jasper Niseko Rutsutsu Kids Ski Free to age 14: Jackson Hole Kids Ski Free to age 18: Panorama Red Mountain If you haven't heard of most of these mountains, you need to get out more. There is more to life than Aspen (cough: only just...).

SNOW PARKS

2012-05-21T03:41:00.000-07:00

Loving this one-stop shop for snow parks. Check out this awesome site where you can shop around via country or resort for features and facilities for shredders. So much of this sport/ entertainment/ lifestyle we call snow sport is so reliant on cash, travel and time. When we can collate info like this and shop from home before we hit the airport or the highway, it saves on everything. And saving equals spending in all the right places. What this site needs is even MORE info for each resort. So if you're a keen boarder and have some love to share, jump onto the site and build it up at www.mysnowparks.com .

THE POWDER BIBLE

2012-05-11T03:04:00.000-07:00

You can do things the hard way or the easy way. For keen powder skiing addicts this refers to trawling the net for hours and putting the research and the time into finding the best stashes of powder to ski. Or you can just buy this new e-book from Australian world-skiing veteran Richard Ross. The bonus you get from reading a book written by an Aussie is there's no fluff or bollocks. Australians love to get straight to the fact of the matter, and for skiing, this means getting straight to the best hills all over the world. I love a good info share, myself. It certainly saves me time and money. I think more people need to get into the info sharing business, feel free to leave account numbers and pin numbers in the comments section below. The e-book can be purchase from Apple for $19.99 or on kindle $9.99.

stories beat stuff

2012-05-08T20:19:00.001-07:00

STORIES BEAT STUFF

2012-05-08T04:03:00.001-07:00

There are two types of people in this world.

Those who accumulate 'stuff' to make them happy.

And those who create memories by 'forgoing stuff'. They live by the credo 'you can't take it with you when you die', prefering to feel the wind on the cheek or the snow in their face or the chairlift under their butts.

There is a way to become a memory-chaser, either as a reformed stuff-collector or as a die-hard travel or ski addict. That's to enter this awesome Winter Highlife contest from Tourism New Zealand worth an amaaz-ball $30K.

The prize is a trip to New Zealand for you and three friends. It includes International and domestic flights, lift passes, ski or snowboard rental equipment, lessons and VIP passes to Queenstown's Winter Festival. Just to make it even more ridiculously cool, they have thrown in Bungee jumping, jetboating and skydiving. Maybe bring along a camera.

Still think you prefer accumulating STUFF? Just saying...

To Enter:

Simply think of something you value that you'd be willing to trade if you won this trip. And enter a video or photo by visiting www.storiesbeatstuff.com. Check out current entries by visiting Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/purenewzealand/app_141439529289323 for inspiration on all current entries.

If you vote on any of the entries you like you can also win a prize, and not just a meazly prize like a beer can holder. The prize is 2 return flights to New Zealand, which is not to be sniffed at.

My entry

I'll give away a surfboard, with a click of the fingers to win this trip. Coz STORIES beat STUFF 100% of the time. Click on my entry to win me in.

Sponsored Post

Vote for my blog

2012-04-16T02:55:00.001-07:00

ASPEN

2012-03-13T23:05:00.001-07:00

FOR THE LOVE OF FOUR MOUNTAINS

Prior to a visit to Aspen, I was an Aspen reverse-snob. You know the type, 'Why go to Aspen?', 'Surely better places to ski than Aspen', 'All I hear is bloody Aspen, Aspen Aspen'.

And then, like all true reverse-snobs. I actually went there and saw it for myself.

Loved. it.
Loved. It.
Loved. It.

In the words of a ski-blogger reverse-snob in the gondola on Aspen Mountain;
"Now, I see why people JUST come to Aspen".

THE NUTSHELL

Aspen is located in Colorado State, accessible via a drive from Denver international Airport or smaller regional airports of Eagle and Aspen. It is a short-ish drive from Vail Resort, and 3 hours from Steamboat Ski Resort, thus making a ski-road trip possible if one was so inclined. (I was inclined).

It is an actual town, with a thriving centre largely focused on tourism. If you've been to Australia and know Noosa in Queensland, Aspen is Noosa on snow. Meaning very significant shopping and dining in a sport/ outdoors sport inclined setting. Buses within the town are free and the SKIER IS KING. When a skier crosses the road, the traffic slows. A reverse of what happens if you attempt this (minus the ski gear) in Shanghai or Hanoi.

This is a great resort for a couple, a long-much anticipated (expensive) special occasion, or if money is no object. I'm planning to return here when I turn 40, sans children.

WHAT'S SO GOOD?

Out of the Gondola window @ Ajax

The main drawcard for this resort is CHOICE. Four mountains of Ajax, Highlands, Snowmass and Buttermilk are linked via the one pass, each mountain catering to very particular skier types. Buttermilk for learners and/or kids, Snowmass is where the ski school is located but can happily accommodate intermediates, highlands for the lovers of hiking, adventure and beauty, and Aspen Mountain (known as Ajax) for the lovers of vertical. Some resorts are just for skiing, but Aspen town gladly accommodates avid shoppers, diners, browsers and people watchers. A great place to take a girlfriend who is only 'half skier, half shopper'.

SO?
If Ajax mountain had a soundtrack, it would be
Braveheart or something haunting backed by drums. Our visit coincided with a handy dump of fresh snow, falling in all the right places. It was unpopulated enough that our thrills came cheap. Not the best place to take my father, who was a little nervy after a leg-break (note to self).

Highlands' drawcard is ' skiing 'the bowl', and keen skiers from all ages line up for 'the bowl' to open after ski patrol bombing, like puppies waiting for a treat. Chairlift rides all over this mountain are spec-tac-u-lar viewing. Runs are generously wide and there are plenty of faces to explore.

SNOWMASS AND BUTTERMILK
We didn't ski there due to time constraints, but the ski school and a lot of supporting accommodation is located at Snowmass, and there X-Games was being held at Buttermilk during our time there. love to hear some reports on experiences skiing there. Some all accounts the skiing is quite decent at Snowmass if it's a family trip you're after.

Highlands. Appreciate THAT.

Waiting for patrollers to finish blasting

Oh yeah!

Waiting for ski patrol to finish blasting to open the lift.

Gorgeous at night

Stunning

The Basin. Beauty you can't buy in a bottle.

ACCOMMODATION

It's tough work getting 'reasonably priced accommodation', so save this resort up for a special trip or when you've just got a raise. We stayed at the Aspen Mountain Lodge, which was as reasonable as we could get in a town where people don't blink an eye at prices. Our room was $170 a night, including breakfast, plenty filling. It got us mingling in the breakfast room with the workers and the early-risers who shared tips on the merits of each mountain if you were heading out.

FAMILY HOLIDAY
If you have endless supplies of spare cash it is a super-family holiday. But if you're regular Joe, this is not the family holiday for you. I cannot comment on ski school at Snowmass, but we took our 'Amazingly talented' 5 year old skier up to Ajax, coz 5 and under ski free. (Call me cheap). He did a couple of runs and survived to declare he 'loved it'. The others had to suck it up @ $30 an hour babysitting rates back at the hotel. Daily lift passes for kids and ski school rates are not as cheap as resorts in Canada, which offer alternate value for money. See post on Big White.

There are cheaper places to stay around Aspen if you're on a budget. Carbondale is a short drive from Aspen, if you're happy to hop in a car each day and commute with the Aspen workers. For this purpose Glenwood Springs is good too, albeit a little further away.

DINING

Aspen offers all budgets of meals from cool 50s style diners for burgers and wings to fine dining. A plethora of Irish and other cosy pubs remind us of Scotland and Ireland, in that 'come in from the cold' style. Very enticing places to have a beer. Plenty of nightclubs and eating holes, basement style. A trendy place to head in case of blizzard. We ate at Jimmy's, enticed by the promise of steak. Apart from the waitress spilling a significant amount of wine on me, it was a cosy place to watch the snow fall while sipping on red wine.

Adaptive sports

2012-01-21T15:55:00.000-08:00

They are right behind you, they are beside you, they are quicker than you so watch out.

Steamboat has a significant adaptive sports program, which effectively means if you have any sort of physical disability such a limb missing or more this proves no barrier to getting out there and enjoying the mountains like everyone else.

It's the way it should be, and it's a great year to be in the world. You are only as limited as your imagination.

On the slopes, in the trees and in the bumps. All manner of mountain vehicle can pass you in seconds. These are the adaptive sport stars of Steamboat.

LOOK OUT. AUSSIES ABOUT

2012-01-12T16:54:00.000-08:00

You can find us in the gondolas. in the ski schools and the stores. After Bali and Fiji is Colorado fast becoming the 10th state of Australia? Why so many Aussies?

1. Aussies love their sports. NSW state ski fields are only 6 hours drive from Sydney and Victorian state ski fields are even closer to Melbourne so it's an easy leap to extend ski passions and interests to overseas ski fields in our off season.

2. USA is closer than travelling to Europe. And, boy do Aussies love Europe (colonial ties and all that), so USA has that in its favour.

3. Great airfare deals. Keep a sharp eye out and you can score a good deal from major Australian cities for just over the $1000 mark per person. That's competitive with other holiday destinations minus the malaria.

4. Great accommodation deals. If you love google you will come up a winner. Condo owners want to fill beds, hotels want to fill beds. It's a no brainer.

5. Large meal sizes. Hello. A $10 kids pizza that had leftovers, it was that large. Roll us home.

6. Ski programs. Skiing is to Americans what rugby league is to Australians. And that means ski camps, endless variations on ski programs, a myriad of levels designed for every diverse skier on each different terrain. Our three year old started out a level 1 skier not even snow plowing. He's currently level 4 leading the charge from the gondola in 2 weeks.

7. Time. This is our summer holidays, things close down. We can come for a looooooong time as well as a good time. Talk to any Aussie you meet and they could be here anything from 2 weeks to 6 weeks. We are a tourism commission's dream. We aren't just coming for 3 days from Colorado Springs.

8. Holiday combining. Come for a ski holiday and do something on the way. See the sights of LA, visit Disneyland, visit Las Vegas, visit a relative, visit a friend. We know people who know people. We're good like dat.

9. Our economy is good. We do have a solid banking system, they don't just lend to anybody, there are incentives to save well, unemployment is relatively low, people work hard, play hard and so people feel they deserve a flipping holiday. So they book one.

10. Who hasn't heard of Colorado? John Denver songs, Aspen. Who hasn't seen Dumb and Dumber. Everyone knows of someone who's been to Crested Butte, Steamboat, Beaver Creek, Vail. People talk. People network, people google, people blog, people read this blog and talk.

Aussies are awesome that's why. We get around. We're like rats with long whiskers.

STEAMBOAT GETS THE BIG NOD TO ENVIRONMENTAL PRACTICE.

2012-01-11T12:09:00.000-08:00

What looks like a plastic cup, feels like a plastic cup but is not a plastic cup?

Ski pass lanyard and drink containers

A cup made from corn. Polyactide to be precise. Lactic acid made from dextrose from cornstarch. The point is cups are 100% compostible and at the rate the skiers on the mountain go through their sips of water from these cups that's a GREAT thing. It's not so hard to replicate everywhere else is it? Think big picture, like Jim Temple did when he founded the ski resort, formerly known as Storm Mountain.

SKI PASS LANYARDS

Its a small thing but it makes a big difference. It's that pesky rope-thing that hangs around your neck with your season pass on it. Made from 100% 'Ecospun' soda plastic bottles, we are all doing our bit.

ALTERNATE ENERGY CHAIRLIFTS

When you get on Christie's Peak Express, Sunshine Express or Burgess Creek Express you can fell positive about the world and its future because these chairlifts use alternate energy to make them move all those bodies up the mountains. Sunshine uses a solar and wind combo whilst the other two rely on wind power only. A bit of vision, cost and risk then up up and away for the future. Not so hard really.

OUT OF SIGHT OUT OF MIND

When skiers exit the gondola building to snap on their skis a large sign greets you, reminding you that this is indeed a National Park and cautions skiers to be mindful and respectful of all that it entails. Along trails back to the base of the mountain, little signs are dotted along the way, naming the creatures big

and small who call this National Park home. Their paw print and silhouette are great entertainment for kids and provide great chat material back at the lodgings in the evening. More importantly, the information keeps it in the forefront of ourminds about conservation and species and habitats. Food for thought.

No Elks were harmed for the purpose of this skiblog.

Texan time

2012-01-10T20:35:00.000-08:00

What do you get when you cross a ten gallon hat with a snow storm?

TEXAS WEEK
This week five thousands citizens of Texas and beyond descended on Steamboat Springs, Colorado to stand in the open air and listen to Texan country music. Crazy? Apparently not. This week-long music festival is booked out a year in advance, year in, year out and attracts a strong following. Talking to Dina and Jim, (originally from NY and NJ) they have been coming here for the last 15 years and just love it. "Texan music is a mix of country and pop. They do a great deal here, $800 gets you accommodation, rentals and music passes. We have a group of 20 here and have a ball".

There are worse vistas, there are worse alternate activities when not listening to music. Says Tom on Gondola ticket duty "They all come out late in the day for a ski so you have the hill to yourselves for the mornings". We were expected hooliganism, tomfoolery at best. But those Texans were pretty well behaved. Yeeeeeeharrrr. (And just what was that coin game they were playing?)

Pretty for a music festival

One bad run....?

2012-01-08T14:44:00.000-08:00

It's been snowing well for most of yesterday and a little of this morning. Today didn't start out so well in terms of getting the kids out the door on the hill so the husband took pity on me and gave me some alone time on the hill.

Quite a few of today's hills were open and skied and they hadn't been open or skied yesterday. Maybe I'm vague but I took a run on a hill that was very skied out from today, not that many people on it when I entered it. No rope to deny entry.

Waiting down the bottom for me was the ski patrol.

"You'd better take your music out and I'm going to wait for all your friends to come down so I can speak to you altogether".

"?? huh?? Friends. I'm alone".

"According to the State of Colorado's laws you can get your season pass taken for two weeks for skiing down a closed run. Give me your pass.

I handed over my pass. I burst into tears. I hate being in trouble.

So now, for a law-abiding citizen who made a genuine mistake I have a chip chopped out of my season pass. So every time I hand my pass over for a discount on my hot chocolate or get my pass checked I have to suffer the humiliation.

Thanks Steamboat Springs. What are all the hoons and lunatics doings? A warning should be a warning. Word of mouth would have done me fine. And yes, you're right. You need to send your guys up to check the closed signs on the runs because there certainly was a lot of traffic coming down after me. I was too upset to agree with those other skiers. Skied off pissed off.

P.S Did you know: 1. In the State of NSW it is illegal to ride a bicycle without a helmet
2.In the State of Western Australia it is illegal to crush a beer can
between your breasts.
3. In all states of Australia it is compulsory to vote.
4. In the State of NSW it is illegal to own a bullet proof vest.

So go easy, ok.......

SEASONAL CHANGE

2012-01-08T08:52:00.000-08:00

Local news networks lead the weather segments with the heading 'Where is Winter?'as mid to higher USA states strugge to achieve even average winter tempratures. Winter is coming,newsreaders promise.

Australia, where I come from is experiencing a similar occurrence. Sydney, usually has great summers. But the current one is wet and chilly st times. A beach holiday may not be spent on the beach. To me, it appears the seasons are in delay-mode.

So,

Why don't we call it- Winter starts January ( northern hemisphere )
Summer starts January ( southern hemisphere).

Radical? Not so.

Evything on Earth starts with an idea, usually a result of something. Look at Daylight Saving, the invention of the telephone or space travel.

Who's for it folks?

SKI HOT JACKETS

2012-01-07T09:36:00.000-08:00

You see some TERRIBLE fashion on the ski slopes. With technology advancements and history and the world at large as inspiration there is really no excuse to look like a goose. Here are TEN drool-worthy jackets for the season to make you look like a ski-hot minx:

(ALL JACKETS AVAILABLE AT STEAMBOAT SPRINGS FLEISCHER SPORTS)
fleischersport.com ph: 907.870.0900

Romina Expedition Jacket

JCDC line for Rossignol

Mirca D by Bogner

Lotta D - by Bogner. The Poler Star Line

Mirca D - Orange, by Bogner

Nadja D by Bogner

Maia D Sports United

All jackets are striking to look at, are fitted to the body slightly, instead of the traditional uni-sex loose fit. Each is inspired by space exploration, sport, the red carpety runway or lifestyle pursuits. In terms of functionality and warmth they tick every box in terms of quality of micro-weave, thickness and quality of zippers and seams.

Box Down Red Rossignol. The 1907 Line.

Back view of the Yasca

Toni Sailor Natalie Fur

Yasca- by Bogner, inspired by
the Dallas Cowboys

Check out www.thewearersright.com.au for its magazine (coming out soon in Australia) for more

of my writing. Join the backlash by Australian and New Zealand designers and beyond to

return to great quality clothing and ethical practices in manufacture and design. No more disposal

fashions. Check out Fleischer Sports, Steamboat Springs for these hot jackets of this calibre.

DEMO SKI NUMERO UNO BBR

2012-01-04T19:12:00.000-08:00

It's a bluebird day, the venue is Steamboat Springs, Colorado, the demo ski is Salomon's BBR all-rounder ski.

North America might be holding its collective breath to see some national snowfall, but it seems the right time to demo this ski, brought out mid 2010-2011 ski season, its distinctive bright blue fat ski is manufactured to fill a niche in the market. The beginner to intermediate skier who would like to access and experience the 'fat ski' phenomenon. An all-round fat ski that goes from groomer to off-piste. My husband and I check it out-

Our usual ski is a Icelantic Nomad fat ski, so it's not coming from regular parabolic to surprisingly fat (just to set the scene). The conditions are not great at hte moment. In sunshine-filled groomed area we encountered anything from slight corduroy to icy slippery slopes with everything in between. Tufts of grass was a regular feature, as was the occasional rock. Our speed had to change from minute to minute to match the conditions.

We found the BBR to be a good general standard, particularly for people who have experienced the parabolic and have done some skiing but have never experienced a 'fat ski'. The slim rear of the BBR made for easy exits out of the turns. The BBR handled all conditions.

We wish we could also include off-piste conditions in this analysis, but alas, alack, it was not to be. And sorry for all the scratches on the base of the ski upon their return.

May the Goddess of powder snow rain down any day now. Amen. And try out the BBR.

WING ADDICTION

2012-01-04T18:45:00.000-08:00

Why can't we get an order of wings in Australia?
What is so hard?

There you go, change of business brought about by the GFC. Bring those wings to Australia please.

I'm not alone, I'm not the only freak. North America has the chicken wings as the Southern Hemisphere has Rugby Union. Chicken wings. Coated in spicy sauce, accompanied by celery sticks, carrots and blue cheese. I've been here one week already, had chicken wings once or twice a day. Is that so wrong?

'The Taphouse', Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Don't be fooled by daytime inactivity. By night it transforms into a pumping, thriving Wing-opolis.

THE CULTURE

It's tuesday night at The Taphouse, Steamboat springs. The place is jumping. Tables are full to the brim, the line is out the door. The phones are ringing hot and the waitresses (quite hot) are placing people left, right and centre. this is 'Wings night'. the wings are 33 cents a wing and come in over 10 flavours.

Peanut butter and jelly
Barbecue
Hot
Super hot
Mild
Medium
Hot BBQ
Oriental
Cajun

Hello, I repeat, what's so hard about doing this in Australia?

Shana, the waittress of the evening is one of the most amiable workers I've ever encountered. Anticipating every wing move, our drinks are there every time we so much as wink, our every whim is catered to...

The next day in a ski shop a customer had the audacity to describe The Taphouse Tuesday Wing night as 'quiet'.

Bring the wings, people. Bring the wings. See you next tuesday for sure........

STEAMBOAT, COLORADO

2012-01-04T11:02:00.000-08:00

A return to 'Ski Town USA' after a 12 year hiatus requires some extra special attention. Read on:

FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Entering Steamboat after dark, it is startling how widespread the township has become. Spread reasonably flat over a large geographic area, white lights twinkle in every direction, as opposed to resorts that squeeze condos in tight, cheek to cheek at the base of their imposing mountains.

Ok, I give it 'Stunning, 5 stars'.

During Earth hour Steamboat would be
hard to spot from the air.

By day, a bizarre thought crept into my mind, as we drove along avenue and avenue of oversized timber condos and hotels, 'if this was London in the 1940-41 Blitz, Germany would have had NO chance' because this is a town that utilises the natural hues of the local environment, blending mass accommodation seamlessly into its surrounds, dark browns, lights browns and greys favoured over bright hues and gawdy decoration in other resorts.

THE RESORT
To tour Steamboat resort by skis is to witness a product that 'sells itself'. There is little need for garish signage or bruhaha, the mountains, trees and broad layout of the runs has a physical effect on the soul. Fresh air and the spirit of the forest seems to reach right in and soothe, the way only nature can. In an instance all seemingly urgent issues of life are forgotten. It is not always this way, but it is in this little part of the world.

Blows all your cares away.

Feel the beauty. Especially if you're
lacking your own.

THE STATS
Steamboat is a series of mountain ranges with a summit elevation of 10,568 feet and 2,965 skiable acres. 165 trails are named, the longest being 4.8km (3 miles). Usually, Steamboat is well-regarded for 'champagne powder' found generously in between trees and on piste areas, as well as off-piste. With a casual base elevation of 6,900 feet in the ski-square, rivalling Australia's highest mountain at 7,310 feet, it is little wonder there is drinking fountains available everywhere and altitude sickness tablets sold in ski shops. This is an extremely legal way to get high.

EXCUSE ME? DOES USA HAVE A GFC RIGHT NOW?
Wads of cash, full bars and restaurants, frazzled but efficient waiters? Waitresses adding 20% to the tab coz she correctly guesses Aussies are bad at tipping. Talk of scooping up great value condos and the beer flows on. Is there a Global Financial Crisis somewhere in the world? Not here it seems. I'm not seeing. Queue at the ski shop? Is Colorado singlehandedly propping up their economy? With the help of Australian skiers, of course. Three Aussie kids in a class of 5. Not bad. Finally we can bring our Aussie dollars to the States and match you dollar for dollar (almost).

LAYOUT AND FEEL OF STEAMBOAT
This is a town with a distinct 'downtown', similar to Park City, Utah in it's splendour, grandour and general beauty. Whilst in town it's easy to forget there's a ski resort next door. Whist skiing it's easy to forget there's a downtown. The town of Steamboat was populated with a flood of punters seeking their fortune gold mining around 1907 and it retains that isolated mining town charm, buildings that have beauty in their timber craft, signage and awnings. Downtown there is a smaller club ski field that is steep and substantial enough to draw night skiers and ski team members to train there.

Feels like a gold rush to me.

Proud of being proud.

Bars and restaurants are unashamedly 'All-American', which I really admire. Let's face it, if I wanted a German beer hall I'd go to Cologne. Walls are proudly adorned with American football and ski team memorabilia, signed basket balls and ice hockey outfits. Very educational, actually. I learnt about the American College 'bowls' today. I'm all for promoting sport for healthy hobbies, evidently.

There is a self-confident feel to the ski resort, and not because they've been selling the same style t-shirts since my last visit as a university student 12 years ago. There's a real sense of we've got something great here'. They've got the system down pat, the price is right and a ski destination niche is filled (more on this below). It's like the finals of Miss Universe when the contestant knows she's got it all. Why stress? That's the feel to Steamboat.

I bet on some days residents
forget there's even a ski resort there.

Slightly spectacular!

GOOD OL' FASHIONED ROADTRIP

2011-12-29T19:10:00.000-08:00

When was the last time you jumped in the car and drove for hours to a destination?

I bet it wasn't too recently. You see, with the developments of the 'easily accessible domestic flight' the roadtrip has gone the way of the Snow Leopard. Endangered, on the point of extinction. It has become untrendy, the ugly second cousin to a quick flight.

But, when you GO on a roadtrip, you remember why it's cool. You have TIME. Time to talk, time to listen to all your music and talk about all your favourite songs. You see things from the ground that you miss from the air. And the kids, they develop skills like patience, turn taking, listening and good old looking out the window. And it's educational.

We drove from LA to Steamboat Springs over a 2 day period. It was FUN. Looking at these sights and discussing them from every possible angle, this is why our kids get comments on their school report cards like 'well-rounded, great general knowledge for his age". You've got to put the time in. Here's some shots from the road:

Las Vegas: The Sphinx, Luxor Casino.
Discussion points: Egypt, construction, ancient cultures.

Las Vegas: Indoor gondola
Discussion points: travel, European cultures.

Las Vegas: The Excalibur Hotel.
Discussion points: Medieval knights and jousting.
Other exciting ways to die prior to the invention of finger printing.

Las Vegas: Why go to Paris when the Eiffel
Tower is right there.

Uplift, sedimentary rocks. Or is it igneous or metamorphic?
Discussions galore.

Precipitation. Environments. Discuss.

Animals, tractors, farmers, the economy.

Species native to the environment. Endless.

BEST SUVs FOR THE SNOW

2011-12-29T10:15:00.000-08:00

International visitors to the USA as well as USA first time skiers may be daunted by the selection of rental vehicles available. Vehicle names and makes are unusual, dimensions are described in USA measurements and it can be difficult to ascertain how much luggage can fit in the back. It's so easy to rent vehicles thesee days, all you need is a driver confident to navigate life from the other side of the road, and a drivers licence, credit card and passport. Vehicles are new or near new and deals are competitive.

Here's three of the best SUVs to maximise your snow vacation:

1. FORD TAHOE.
Identical to the Surburban (below) but not as long in the boot area. Fits 8 people but takes up all the boot space if you do.

2. CHEVY SURBURBAN.
Plenty of space in the boot and fits 8 people. Drives like a Holden because it's made by Holden (General Motors) if you like the way Holdens drive.

3. FORD EXPEDITION.
Plenty of space in the boot and fits 8 people. Fits ski bags in the boot easily.

Ford Expedition

Car rental tips

If you have an Ipad or like a good old fashion map that reassuringly fits in your hand, don't bother with hiring a Navman or other navigational equipment.
If hiring car seats for kids, go with similar seats to Australian standards to maximise safely. Don't be tempted to put infants into booster seats just because they're available. Book ahead to make sure they're available.

NOTE - Enterprise car rentals from LA were amazing with their staff and service. Our vehicle has 29000 miles on it and gets sold when it hits 30000.