Ski Vacation Resorts And Deals

The Worth of Appropriately Waxing and Tuning Your Ski and Snowboard

2012-02-10T02:44:00.000-08:00

Skiing and snowboarding are extreme sports and taking care of your equipment has to be a priority if you want to be safe and give your best performance. All responsible and smart skiers and board riders know that if they take care of their sport gear, then it will take care of them. Beginners and dabblers in winter sports are more likely not to understand this, and therefore put themselves at risk. In this article, we'll be discussing how to wax and tune your skiing and snowboarding equipment to help keep you safe.

If you're too eager to get moving to do a proper tuning/waxing job, then we'll say this about waxing. Using any quantity of wax at all on your skis or board can really make a significant difference in how they behave in the snow. At the very least, apply cold wax to your bases, working it in to the best of your abilities. If you want better results, you have to apply hot wax to your skis or board, but cold wax is the next best thing.

Follow the advice of the manufacturer regarding the edge angle when edging your skis.

Skiers who have been doing this for a while, of course, develop their own preferences in this regard. Unless you are confident in your own judgment, however, it's best to do what the company suggests. The edge angle will usually vary from between one and three degrees. A lot of people prefer to use an appropriate file plus the file guide. If you are very adept at filing you may not need a file guide, but it can be helpful. After you've used a file on every edge, then you'll want to go over them again with a diamond stone. If the diamond stone is a little damp before you use it, it will work better.

A brush should be used to remove any wax from the base that's left after you've edged your skis. A horse hair brush or another stiff type of brush should first be used. Then, if you want the best results, you should also use a nylon brush. When you brush, you'll start at the ski tip and work down to the tail. When you're finished brushing you won't see hardly any wax getting brushed out.

Skiing and snowboarding can be fun and exciting, and keeping your equipment tuned is one aspect of these sports you can't overlook.

Learning how to tune and maintain your gear will keep you safer, and it will mean your equipment lasts longer. If you're going to own quality equipment, you may as well take the best possible care of it. You can get some good information about equipment from people in shops where it's sold, but it's also good to do your own research. Only you can decide how to care for your own equipment. If you want to be safe and enjoy winter sports for years to come, keep your gear in great condition.

2012-01-02T23:02:00.001-08:00

The Truth about Skiing and Snowboarding

Surfing the internet and wondering where to go skiing this season, I found a very interesting headline "The truth about skiing." In the review I read that we could be safe from injury andavalanches, and that I would lose weight by skiing or get into shape. Then, I started asking myself, "What was I doing all these years on the snow?" When I think to myself, I am not sure that I would act properly in a case of an accident. I went skiing totally unprepared! I have read that if I do not like it, I could get it back and get a refund, so I tried it!
The chapter on ski diets was very useful to me, as I always struggled with some extra pounds! You do not have to trust me. I lost a few pounds very quickly, and I have eaten more!
The second chapter discusses the preparations for skiing and theory of training. Following training and exercises in the book, in order to attain the proper condition, I now think that most others do it the wrong way. I have exercised three times a week as the book had recommended, and I feel great!
I have also learned a lot about some equipment that I hadn't heard, but it was very important for me to have it! I also didn’t know that there are goggles with different colors of lenses for the different types of weather: cloudy, foggy, stormy, and sunny days. The dark yellow (amber) lens is universal. I just loved that chapter about goggles; it was very interesting to me!
I also ran into an interesting part on additional skiing equipment that I didn't have. I was lucky. I went freeriding a few times with only a thumb injury!
Besides the parts on skiing equipment, there are sections can also help you to modify your skiing style, and help you to stay dry and warm. My favorite, though is the -Freeriding chapter. This is the chapter for passionate skiers and boarders, who have gone far beyond beaten paths and regularly marked slopes. It's for the ones who know to appreciate the fascinating feeling of adrenaline running through their veins with the same speed as they are running down the powdered slopes in the untouched wilderness. I also learned a lot about avalanches, so now I can go freeriding feeling more relaxed.
Thanks a lot to the author! I wish him a lot of books sold, and all of you should look into this excellent book, which is full of useful information. I highly recommend the book, whether you are a skier, athlete, parent, beginner, advanced, or professional skier!

Find out more information by clicking here: The Truth about Skiing

All About Oregon Ski Vacations

2011-12-22T21:21:00.000-08:00

Oregon is famous for the ski slopes found around the state, and if you are planning a ski vacation, you should definitely consider Timberline Lodge, located near Mt. Hood in Oregon. There is quite a bit of history in the area, starting with the lodge that was built during the Great Depression by a master craftsman. The Timberline Lodge also has a bit of more recent history attached to it. Part of the movie, The Shining, was filmed here. Many of the ‘outside’ shots were done at Timberline Lodge.

The lodge is entirely hand made, and well preserved. The hand woven draperies and the hand hewn beams add to the rustic charm and history of the place. The lodge sits in the middle of 1400 acres consisting of 35 trails. The trails are perfect for beginners, intermediates, and experts. The top elevation at Timberline Lodge is 8504 with a vertical drop of 2501. There are six chair lifts to accommodate skiers.

One of the most unique things about Timberline is that it is the one place in the United States that offers year-round snow skiing. Palmer Snowfield is part of the Timberline Resort, and it is permanently covered with snow. Beginners are not always allowed on Palmer snowfield – the conditions are considered each day when making this determination.

Skiing, snowboarding, hiking, snowshoeing, and lodge tours are the main attractions at Timberline. Here, it is all about the powder! Mt. Hood is an active volcano which is considered to be dormant. Occasionally, tremors are felt, and steam vents are often visible. The Cascade Dining Room is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day, but the hours do change with the seasons. Other fare can be found at the Ram’s Head Bar, the Blue Ox bar, the Wy’East Kitchen Cafeteria, the Market Café, and the Mt. Hood Brewing Company.

Rental equipment is not available at Timberline. You must bring your own equipment. However, smaller items such as gloves and goggles can be purchased at the lodge, along with some clothing items. There is
a snowboard and ski school on the premises, and private and group lessons are available.

If the idea of a ‘rustic’ ski vacation appeals to you, as opposed to trips with accommodations that are a
bit fancier, then Timberline Lodge in Oregon is the place to be! Again, it is definitely all about the history
and the powder here. However, whether you ski or not, you must not miss the Magic Mile, which offers a
panoramic view of the Cascade mountains that cannot be matched!

Crystal Mountain

2011-12-22T21:19:00.001-08:00

If you are in or near Washington State, you should definitely check out Crystal Mountain. With an elevation of 7004 feet and a vertical drop of 3102 feet, Crystal Mountain actually sits below Mount Rainier, which has a top elevation of 14,408 feet. Between the months of November and April, several feet of fresh powder falls on Crystal Mountain, due to the cold Cascade storms common to the area.

This is rough terrain, and there is little offered to beginners as far as the ease of the trails go. But lessons are available, as well as rentals for ski’s and other equipment. At Crystal Mountain, there are morethan 2300 acres and fifty trails, making this the largest ski area in the state of Washington. There are ten lifts available: 2 high speed six passenger lifts, 2 high speed quads, 2 triple chairs, 3 double chairs, and 1 children’s surface lift.

The season runs from the middle of November to the middle of April, when the most snow fall is experienced. There are several places to choose for lodging, meals, and nightly entertainment, but the biggest attraction is the skiing, of course.

The Crystal Mountain Express Buss service runs on weekends from the middle of December to the middle
of March. You will be picked up from your lodge and dropped off at the base plaza – where you can begin
a full day of fun on the slopes. After a day of skiing, you should definitely head over to East Peak Massage & Fitness to take advantage of the hot tub, sauna, showers, and even the game room. Massages are also available, with a reservation.

If your kids aren’t quite ready for the black diamond trails – but you are – you can register them in the Kid’s Club. The Kid’s Club is open from 8am to 4pm each day for children aged four to eleven years old. The kid’s aged 4 – 11 will be supervised while they ski on a ‘kid appropriate’ slope, and snowboarding is also available for children aged 7 – 11 years old. Your child will have fun, while being supervised and taught. The cost of the care includes a four hour lesson, a lift ticket, lunch, and supervision. Rental equipment is available for the kids for an additional fee.

Everyone has fun at Crystal Mountain. It is a great place for a family vacation, but again, the slopes are more for intermediate skiers and expert skiers – although beginners will have fun as well. Just use good sense, and avoid trails that you don’t feel like your ready for.

Big Sky Ski Vacations

2011-12-20T06:51:00.001-08:00

With all that Big Sky, Montana has to offer skiers, it
is amazing that so few know about its existence!
Known for its wide open slopes and short lift lines,
Big Sky Ski Resort has one of the largest lift served
vertical drops in the United States. Over 5300 acres
of ski slopes and trails await skiers, with over 33 feet
of snowfall each season.

Big Sky Ski Resort features twenty three lifts, 220
trails, and a 4350 foot vertical drop. The top elevation
is 11154 feet. Along with the ski lifts, there are also
two cable car lines available. While there are
beginner slopes, most of the slopes are geared
toward intermediate and expert skiers.

There are many places to lodge in Big Sky Resorts
Mountain Village, which rests at the foot of the
impressive Lone Peak mountain. Enjoy Sleigh Ride
dinners, ice skating, parties, snowmobile tours, and
a variety of community events. At Big Sky, there are
no strangers. Big Sky, Montana is one of the highest
rated Ski Resorts in the United States, and there is
something here for everyone.

Aspen Ski Vacations

2011-12-20T06:50:00.001-08:00

Aspen Mountain has long been known as the playpen
of the rich and famous – and it is. But it is also a
great place to take a family ski vacation. Christmas
in Aspen is especially wonderful! Aspen Mountain
rises above the town of Aspen, with a top elevation
of 11215 feet and a vertical drop of 3269 feet. There
are 76 trails suitable for beginners, intermediates,
and experts, accessible by eight lifts, including
seven chair lifts and one cable car line.

While Aspen has much to offer skiers, as well as
those who enjoy the night life in a ski town, you
should expect lots of crowds and lift lines on the
slopes. Again, this is the playpen of the rich and
famous, and many people choose this ski vacation
spot simply for that reason – as well as for the great
runs and nightlife.

There are numerous places to stay in and around
Aspen, with more than 100 restaurants to choose
from as well. Ski instructions and equipment rental
are abundant in the area, and snowboarders are
welcome.

Alaska Ski Vacations

2011-12-20T06:44:00.000-08:00

Alaska, which has always been a source of awe and
mystery, has some of the best skiing in the world,
and the Alyeska Resort is one of the finest resorts
in the state. With a top elevation of 2751 feet and a
2501 vertical drop, the area gets an average of 631
inches of snow annually.

Although this is some of the best skiing in the world,
you won’t find the slopes overly crowded, and there
are no long lift lines. There are nine lifts, including
six chair lifts and two surface lifts, and one cable
car line. There are 68 trails for beginners,
intermediates, and experts, with the majority of the
trails designed for intermediate skiers.

Night time skiing is allowed, which makes your ski
experience more adventurous and thrilling. You will
see snow capped mountains, hanging glaciers, and
of course, the famous Northern Lights. This resort is
ranked number nine of the top twenty-five killer ski
trips by Skiing Magazine.

The season begins at the Alyeska Resort in mid
November, and runs through mid April. This area of
Alaska boasts the longest daytime areas in the
United States, with approximately sixteen hours of
daylight each day during April. During December,
however, there are only about seven hours of daylight
– which makes night time skiing necessary if you
are going to get in the time that you want to spend
on the slopes.

The Alyeska Prince Hotel is the place to stay! Here
you will enjoy elegant rooms and fine dining. Nightly
entertainment is available as well. There are other
nightlife spots in the area as well, that are not
associated with the Hotel.

If tubing interests you, then visiting the Glacier
Tubing Park is an absolute must! Featuring two
lanes of terrain and a surface lift, everyone in the
family will enjoy spending time at the tubing park.
The Alyeska Terrain Park is a must for
snowboarding enthusiasts. Other winter activities
that can be enjoyed in and around the Alyeska
Resort include flight seeing, helisking, ocean
cruising tours, dog sledding, ice climbing, back
country skiing, mountaineering, and polar bear
viewing.

At the Alyeska Resort, the ultimate winter vacation
can be experienced. Brave the elements, then return
to the Hotel for some pampering. Get a taste of what
Alaska is really like, and what skiing is meant to be!
There are activities for the entire family to enjoy, and
there are many area sights and attractions to be
enjoyed as well. This really is an awesome winter
family ski vacation!