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Go Green while Skiing

Editor — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 08:10:43 +0000

The sports of skiing and snowboarding are under threat. Not because there is a decrease in enthusiastic winter sports men and women, but due to the picturesque slopes suffering under the weight of modernization, demand and carbon offsets. Many environmentalists predict that if nothing is done to minimize the impact that skiing resorts have on nature, many skiing areas will one day become a mere memory. There is, however, a number of ways skiers and snowboarders can contribute to saving the mountains, and many resorts have already changed over to alternative energy sources to encourage eco-friendly skiing fun.

Everyone would agree that without snow there would be no skiing or snowboarding experiences for anyone to enjoy. Most resorts and winter sports enthusiasts are involved in skiing not only because they are passionate about their sport but also because of their love of nature and the outdoors. Eco-friendly skiing resorts are trying to encourage others to join their cause and ensure that humans do not impact the environment negatively. Skiers who would like to assist in ensuring the survival of ski areas can follow a few simple guidelines to contribute.

Heli-skiing or cat skiing has a major impact as it requires a helicopter or snowmobile to transport skiers to remote areas where as cross country skiing does not involve any form of chair lifts or snow blasting machines to ensure a smooth down hill run. Cross country skiing also allows skiers to enjoy the beauty of nature and take on the natural challenges they might find along the way. A few equipment manufacturers have also begun using bamboo and Paulownia in producing skis and snowboards, reducing the demand for wood. Vegetable based board wax is also available, as well as organic outdoor wear and solar powered ski suits. Donating old gear and equipment will reduce the demand for gear produced from wood, and some companies recycle old boards to make affordable furniture. A number of resorts have also changed to wind power as an energy source, as well as offering shuttle services and alternative transportation methods to and from the resort.

Locating eco-friendly resorts and identifying eco-offenders is relatively easy. Skiers are welcome to join online communities, such as Ski Area Citizen’s Coalition, where resorts that continue to damage the environment are flagged and eco-resorts are recommended. Assist in saving the slopes and the natural surroundings that support winter sports by becoming a green skier or snowboarder.

Winter Dew Tour Schedule

Editor — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 07:52:58 +0000

Approximately seventy thousand skiing fans gathered at the various host resorts to be a part of the 2008 Winter Dew Tour. Organizers believe that this year’s event will be just as successful due to the excitement and anticipation building up around the coming event from both spectators and participants. The three venues for the Winter Dew Tour and its schedule have been released and includes a new host resort in the line-up. The Winter Dew Tour 2009, will be kicking off in Colorado in December.

The first leg of the Winter Dew Tour will be hosted by the Breckenridge Ski Resort from the 18th to the 20th of December 2009. The Snowbasin Resort in Utah is the new addition to the schedule, and they will be hosting the second part of the tour that takes place from the 15th to the 17th of January 2010. From the 5th to the 7th of February, the action will be in Vermont at the Mount Snow Resort, where the tour will come to an end.

The world’s top winter athletes attend the Winter Dew Tour, competing in various divisions, such as the snowboarding divisions, which are superpipe and slopestyle, and the slopestyle and superpipe freeskiing divisions. Some of last year’s winners will be back again to either defend their title or improve on their previous efforts, but no matter what their motivation, the tour will be filled with exciting showdowns between the large group of talented athletes. Last year’s winners included Spencer O’Brien, Kelly Clark, Tanner Hall, PK Hunder and Shaun White. Another wonderful feature of the Winter Dew Tour, is that skiing enthusiasts who cannot make it to the host resorts will not be missing out on the action. NBC, Fox Sports Australia, Extreme Channel, USA Network, Eurosport 2 and MTV2 will be televising broadcasts of the events, which proved to be another success last year, as an estimated six million viewers watched the event from the comfort of their homes. Attending the Winter Dew Tour is a must for avid winter sport enthusiasts as it is an exciting event and gives them the opportunity to see their favorite athletes in serious live competition action.

Good snow keeps resorts open

Editor — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 11:11:10 +0000

At a time of year when the skiing season should be coming to an end, and resorts begin to get ready to embrace the summer season, many resorts have remained open due to favorable snowfall, continuous snowfall and perfect weather conditions that have maintained the slopes. Skiing enthusiasts in Europe and in Northern America are therefore making the most of the extended winter season. Some resorts have reported up to 40 cm of snowfall in the last week, while others have maintained deep snow during their skiing season.

When looking at France, the resort Cauterets has received a wonderful snowfall, as have most resorts around the country. Pyrenees is still experiencing snowfall and in Spain, resorts such as Sierra Nevada have had such a good season that they are remaining open till at least the 15th of May 2009. Although Baqueira Beret will close as scheduled, both Masella and Boi Taull have confirmed that they will be remaining open for another month.

Scotland has been unfortunate in regard to snowfall, with few resorts remaining open and others only operating on weekends. In contrast, Canada has reported between six to eighteen feet of snow in various locations, with Lake Louise, Sunshine Village and Banff benefitting from receiving blanketed slopes. Skiing conditions have also remained favorable in Italy and Scandinavia, and even though Germany and Austria have not received any new snowfall, their slopes average between thirteen to fourteen feet of snow. Switzerland has not received as much new snow as other countries have enjoyed, but is still operating with Saas Fee, Zermatt and Andermatt-Gotthard all having approximately thirteen feet of snow.

Skiing enthusiasts are recommended to get down to the nearest resort that have extended their skiing season, and make the most of this rare opportunity. Beautifully manicured slopes are waiting at resorts around the world, and with almost twenty countries being able to remain open a little longer; last minute skiing options are endless. With extended time on various resorts, skiers have no excuse, not to get onto the slopes and enjoy the thrill of snow sports one last time before summer.