Skicow Ski and Snowboard Articles

Driving Ski Vacation in British Columbia

Fri, 07 Aug 2009 13:38:49 +0100

For many skiers (and snowboarders), the thought of having to get in the car and drive the the ski field each day is not their idea of a vacation. That's fair enough, it's nice to be able to roll out of bed onto your skis and ski down to the lift for your first run. For this type of vacation, I suggest you make sure there is a large enough terrain to guarantee you won't be bored by the end of your stay. Whistler/Blackcomb in British Columbia is one such resort. Alternatively, you may like to mix it up a little - have a few days in one resort, then go on to explore another.

Utah Back Country Tour

Tue, 17 Feb 2009 22:16:03 +0100

Anyone who has skied in Utah knows how great its resorts are. The Wasatch Mountains are home to seven ski resorts, six of which can be visited in a single day with a little back country skiing between them - not too much hiking is necessary.

Utah Ski Resorts Review

Sat, 14 Feb 2009 14:37:03 +0100

When one thinks of skiing in the U.S., thoughts invariably spring to the famous Colorado resorts such as Vail and Aspen. Whilst these are world class ski resorts, so too are many of their cousins further west in Utah. There are no less than seven fabulous ski resorts that are all within an easy 45 minute drive from Salt Lake International airport making them more convenient for the international traveler to get to than the Colorado resorts. �If they are good enough to host the 2002 Winter Olympics they should be good enough to host you.

The Canyons Ski Review

Fri, 13 Feb 2009 06:19:50 +0100

Introduction The largest ski area in Utah, The Canyons (http://www.skicow.com/ski/The-Canyons/408) has enough varied terrain to entertain beginners and advanced skiers alike. An easy half hour drive from Salt Lake International Airport, The Canyons lies at the North East extremity of the Wasatch Mountains.

Brighton Ski Resort Review

Thu, 12 Feb 2009 17:41:54 +0100

Introduction Boarders may be excused for thinking they’ve died and gone to heaven on a big powder day at Brighton (http://www.skicow.com/ski/Brighton/407). This skier was wondering if it got any better than this after a 12 inch dump of fresh dry stuff. On that visit there was not a groomed trail in sight (or had been covered by a foot of fluffy white stuff) and fresh tracks were in abundance.

Snowbird Ski Resort Review

Wed, 11 Feb 2009 14:31:26 +0100

Introduction If Henry T Ford had invented skiing he would have surely designed Snowbird (http://www.skicow.com/ski/Snowbird/414). Designed for the mass market, the resort of Snowbird has all the charm of a concrete bunker designed to withstand a direct nuclear hit. If the concrete box that houses the cable car (somewhat confusingly referred to as a ‘tram’) doesn’t raise an architectural eyebrow then the shipping container that greets you at the top will surely drop a designer jaw. Charming it aint.

Solitude Ski Resort Review

Wed, 11 Feb 2009 13:49:22 +0100

Introduction Located just 40 minutes from Salt Lake City (http://www.skicow.com/ski-accommodation/Salt-Lake-City/606) along the very scenic Big Cottonwood Canyon Road, the Solitude ski resort (http://www.skicow.com/ski/Solitude-Mountain/415) lives up to its name. On first sight one can be forgiven for thinking they�ve been transported over the Atlantic to a small village somewhere in Swiss alps. Solitude easily outdoes its neighboring resorts on charm.

Alta Ski Resort Review

Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:35:06 +0100

Introduction 35 Minutes out of SLC lies a throwback to the original days of skiing where men were men and the skis long wooden sticks with leather bits. Alta (http://www.skicow.com/ski/Alta/404) might not pamper to the fake tanned Deer Valley (http://www.skicow.com/ski/Deer-Valley-Resort/409) set but is does provide a good old fashioned skiing experience. An intimate resort with only 7 lifts serving 2200 acres of skiable terrain, Alta is not the biggest or most modern resort going around, but it was the first resort in the area (Utah) and one can’t help but to be reminded of how it must have been before Mr Gortex and his Nylon brothers came along. Respect for the pioneering techniques established early last century is the main reason why snow boarders are not welcome at Alta.

Thredbo Resort Guide

Mon, 12 Jan 2009 16:02:29 +0100

Introduction When the snow is plentiful, Thredbo provides a world class ski experience. Although snow reliability is not the best in Australia, Thredbo has an extensive snow making system which provides top to bottom skiing for most of the season. Thredbo has a great village atmosphere and provides all the amenities a skier needs. Free shuttle buses run through the scenic village at regular intervals.

Mastering Moguls

Sat, 22 Nov 2008 10:10:10 +0100

Only a small percentage of skiers ski moguls well. Many advanced skiers can ski groomed pistes beautifully, but fall apart on the moguls. A skier who has mastered the art of moguls makes it look easy since the motion is fluid and seemingly effortless, however, this is definitely not the case.

Steeps

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 10:10:10 +0100

Steeps require shorter, yet full turns to control your speed. This necessitates your full weight being removed from the skis so they can swing around to make the turn in the time and space available. This contrasts the carving turn where the weight is never fully removed from the skis and the shaped edges turn the ski in a long arc.

Ski & Snowboard Helmet Buying Guide

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 10:10:10 +0100

Introduction A helmet is probably the most important piece of safety equipment for any skier or snowboarder. The Australian and the USA national ski areas associations recommend wearing helmets for all snow sports activities – skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing etc. Not only will a helmet reduce the likelihood of head injuries, it will also provide good insulation for colder days. Helmets these days are specifically designed for snow sports and provide better coverage and impact protection than other helmets such as bicycle and skateboard helmets. This article provides important considerations and advice relating to the purchasing of ski and snowboard helmets.

Smith I/O Lens Review

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 10:10:10 +0100

Hitting the market in time for the 2007/2008 season, Smith's I/O goggles promise to shake up Goggle styles for some time to come. The goggles have vertually no rim around the lenses resulting in a sleeker look and allowing lenses to be more easily swapped. The spherical lens shape and lack of frame also results a great field of view.

North Face Fusion Jacket

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 10:10:10 +0100

Feeling absolutely bullet proof in my “Recco� avalanche rescue reflector” fitted North Face Fusion Jacket, I removed the “Helmet-compatible EZD-tach hood”, tightened up the binding on the boots and headed out for a day exploring The Canyons, in Utah’s spectacular Wasatch Mountains.

A Guide to Snowboarding in Tignes

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 22:50:06 +0100

(by a man with Br�vi�res in his heart and a snowboard on his feet) Ancient history tells us of a place where skiing was encouraged as soon as it was born. Way back in the 1920s the area welcomed the first pioneer skiers with open arms. The same warm welcome has been extended to Tignes (http://www.skicow.com/ski-accommodation/Tignes-les-Brevieres/287) Snowboarding enthusiasts ever since they started to appear in the mountains during the 80s.

Ski Boot Buying Advice

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 22:16:33 +0100

Introduction The most difficult ski challenge you'll probably ever face is not the toughest black run in resort, but finding a comfortable fitting boot that also performs well. Remember before you buy your skis, it is important to get the right boots. Ski boots are the first piece of ski equipment that you should buy. It is crucial that your boots are comfortable, warm, and suited to your style of skiing. Unsuitable, ill fitting boots, will severely affect your comfort and ultimately dictate whether you have a great day on the slopes or one spent pining for the chalet. If you're going to spend serious money on any piece of equipment, spend it on your boots. Here is a check list to help make sure your next ski boots are the best ever!

Les Arcs Resort Guide

Sun, 18 May 2008 10:18:48 +0100

Les Arcs is a large ski resort centrally located in the French Alps, just below the Aiguille Rouge and with spectacular views of Mont Blanc.

Ski Links

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 16:16:30 +0100

Listed below are some useful ski related resources:

Skiing at Whistler-Blackcomb

Fri, 08 Feb 2008 00:50:31 +0100

Introduction: This article is based on my personal experiences of skiing at Whistler-Blackcomb. These experiences are based on the three and a half year period I lived in Vancouver.

Carving Turns

Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0100

Carving turns involve maximizing the time you spend on your edges with the effect of increasing control. Weight is applied to the edges of both uphill and downhill skis as this provides better balance which also results in more control. The turn is produced by the hourglass shape of your skis' edges.