Avalanche Beacons

Avalanches are one of the biggest threats to everyone that takes on the snow-capped peaks, be it while snow skiing, snowboarding or hiking. No one wants to entertain the thought of being buried under meters of snow, so to be prepared for an avalanche, is the best defense. Carrying an avalanche beacon while on the slopes is vital for survival and for rescue. Technological advances have improved avalanche beacons and made them easier to use. It is a piece of equipment that could prove life-saving after an avalanche has dealt its potentially deadly blow.

Navigating Using the New Satski Device

When thinking about the risk of getting lost on a mountain, or skiing down a mountain for the first time, it does instill a sense of fear and apprehension, not knowing what lies ahead. Fortunately, a British company has designed a GPS that could benefit skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts. The Satski handheld GPS is a satellite navigation system that will assist skiers to find their way on a mountain and map their route, which is only two of the features this amazing satellite navigation system offers.

Terrain Park Safety

Due to the increase in popularity of terrain parks and the growing number of snowboard and skiing enthusiasts, the National Ski Areas Association has stepped in to prevent serious injuries by implementing the Smart Style Terrain Park Safety Initiative. They have reached out to all mountain ski resorts, terrain parks and the entire industry that promotes free style riding. The awareness and education in safety is necessary, as snow sport has started to appeal to younger skiers and boarders.

Enjoy the Snow and Slopes By Sledding

Most people that live in countries and areas where it snows will be able to recall fond memories of their childhood, while sledding. The fascination with sledding began in the 1800’s and since then many children have pushed sledding to different levels together with the neighborhood friends. There is nothing more exciting than racing down the slopes to find out who has the fastest sled or loading the sled with as many friends as possible just to see how far you can get before tumbling down the snow covered hill. Adults seem to forget the joy and excitement that sledding can bring till they have kids of their own and once again find themselves braving the hills and slopes.

Avalanches: The Snow Skier’s Greatest Fear

An avalanche is a slide of snow, mud, rock or occasionally a combination of all three that proceeds down the slope of a mountain under the force of gravity. Avalanches can flow at speeds of up to 60 mph and can carry immense volumes of material, in some cases weighing over 100,000 tons. Being caught in an avalanche is truly a skier’s worst nightmare, and unfortunately it is one that too often comes true. Most large ski resorts conduct aggressive avalanche prevention programs and procedures, and the alert is usually at its highest after large snowfalls and/or when weather conditions conspire to make the likelihood of avalanches more likely.

Snow Skiing – Ski Patrol

The Ski Patrol combines the functions of the police, emergency workers, mountain guides and search & rescue teams for the purpose of establishing as safe an environment as possible for recreational skiers. Skiing can be a dangerous activity if rules and regulations are not followed to the letter, and even if a skier does follow the rules they may suddenly become mired in a situation that is beyond their control, resulting in injuries that can be life threatening. As well, the cold and often isolated conditions where skiers can meet up with misadventure can turn mild injuries into potentially fatal ones very quickly.

Snow Skiing: Jean-Claude Killy, the Flying Frenchman

Jean-Claude Killy ranks among the top French skiers of all time. Some say that he is, indeed, the very greatest. Born in 1943 in Saint-Cloud, France, Killy spent his boyhood in the traditional French skiing haven of Val d’Isere where he learned the fundamentals of skiing. As Killy’s skills improved, so did the equipment he used. The 1950s brought about a revolution in skis, bindings, gear and clothing, allowing skiers to go faster with more comfort and much improved safety. Skiers of Killy’s generation made the transition from wooden skis and rigid bindings to lightweight fibreglass skis, synthetic waxes and custom-fitted boots and bindings.

Ski Pole Clinic: Cross-country Ski Poles

In cross-country (Nordic) skiing, poles are essential. They provide far more than just an aid to balance. They are also an essential means of propulsion, and allow Nordic skiers to get a full-body workout.

« Previous Page