Glade Skiing Action

Snow skiing is a popular winter sport in many parts of the world, and keen skiers often enjoy an off-the-beaten-track challenge – and glade skiing fits the bill. Glade skiing is basically any sort of downhill skiing that takes place through trees. But this doesn’t mean that anything goes, as most ski resorts have boundaries and restrictions imposed for the safety of skiers. Boundaries prevent skiers from inadvertently encroaching on busy trails, as well as keeping them clear of major hazards such as large streams and cliffs.

While boundaries may be set and major hazards identified, glade skiing remains a sport most suited to advanced and experienced skiers as an element of danger remains. In addition to the trees themselves, there are countless smaller hazards such as tree wells, logs, creeks and streams which require sharp reflexes and considerable skill to negotiate. Moreover, it is more difficult for rescue teams to reach glade skiers should the need arise.

While people living in remote areas may have been using skiing as a means of getting around for decades, in recent years it has been gaining popularity as an extreme sport, with more and more resorts opening up gladed areas that had previously been out of bounds. For your own safety and wellbeing, there are some points to keep in mind if you want to try your hand at glade skiing. Firstly, be aware that glade skiing requires a high level of competence as a skier, and most glades are Black Diamond graded. If you come across a barricaded or roped off area it is because experts have deemed it unsafe to enter – respect that. As these vast areas have limited patrolling, never ski alone and be sure to carry a radio or cell phone. A helmet and goggles are essential, as even small twigs can prove hazardous to your eyes and face, and head-butting a tree without a helmet is an experience you would rather avoid. Don’t glade ski late in the day, you don’t want to spend the night in the woods if something goes wrong.

Snow skiing enthusiasts who have tried glade skiing generally love the challenge. The solitude of being in the woods, the thrill of uncharted territory and excellent quality of snow (often powder) that has been protected by the trees, keeps them coming back for more.

Ski Area Improvements in NH

There is good news for skiers and snowboarding enthusiasts who look forward to heading to their favorite ski resort in New Hampshire. It was recently announced by Ski NH that improvements and renovations were on the cards for a host of ski areas, which will not only develop larger and more exciting activities, but offer skiers better facilities to enjoy. A list of areas that will be targeted first has also been released, as well as the improvement plans for each site. Areas such as Cannon Mountain, Cranmore and Loon Mountain await magnificent developments.

Cannon Mountain, for instance, will have a new double chairlift installed to replace the old lift in the Mittersill Backcounty ski area. Upgrades will also be made to the grooming machines and snowmaking machines, as well as additions to be made to the base lodge. Cranmore, on the other hand, will be receiving chairlift upgrades, the relocation of the tubing park, the installation of a Mountain Coaster, improved ticketing systems and a colorful children’s center. A tree skiing area of twenty acres will be opened at Loon Mountain, with renovations being done to the chairlift, snowmaking equipment upgrades and new grooming machines being purchased. Snowmaking guns will be purchased for Pats Peak, including the construction of a new building on the summit, improvements to the training centre and a new ski patrol building.

A brand new mountain coaster is to be installed at Attitash, in Bartlett, and expansions at Bretton Woods will provide skiers with a new terrain to explore. Past proposals for tree ski areas at Wildcat Mountain will be looked into, the creation of two new ski trails and new technology for the snowmaking system at this ski area is being negotiated. Golf and Ski Warehouse will be joining forces with Balsams Wilderness, providing this ski area with a large retail store, enabling winter sports enthusiasts to have convenient access to skiing equipment. Millions of dollars have been set aside for this large scale project, with other ski areas on the improvement list including Crotched Mountain (Bennington), King Pine and Purity Spring Resort, McIntyre Ski Area, Black Mountain, Granite Gorge, Ragged Mountain and Mount Sunapee.

Skiing in Scotland

Most people picture kilts, long-haired cows and sheep when they think of Scotland – yet the country has a lot more to offer than just that! One adventure activity that you might consider trying is skiing in Scotland.

Despite irregular snowfalls and rocky surfaces, Scotland is home to several ski resorts where you can try your hand at skiing, snowboarding and other snow-related activities. Perhaps the most famous of the lot is Aviemore in the Scottish Highlands. Despite the fact that this is a classy, traditional ski resort, it has a wonderfully friendly atmosphere. Aviemore offers some of the best skiing in the country and is often a first choice. Its facilities are also world class. However if you prefer to stay away from more mainstream locations, there are plenty of other great ski resorts to choose from. These include Glenshee (near Edinburgh), Cairngorm (not far from Aviemore), Nevis Range (Fort William), Glencoe Mountain and The Lecht. Each has its own special appeal – from beginner runs to new and exciting facilities.

It is good to keep in mind that snow skiing in Scotland is not quite the same as skiing in other countries. Scotland has a very irregular snowfall which can result in many of the runs being closed during your stay. However, there are always invariably a handful of days between the bad ones where the weather is just right and the snow is pristine. If you play your cards right you can get some great skiing in. If you get them wrong, you may find yourself faced with slushy, wet snow, icy winds and rocks which threaten to break your equipment to pieces – with that in mind it is often best to hire equipment and save your prized stuff for areas with a higher snowfall average. Moreover, if you do find yourself faced with unbearable weather conditions for a few days of your stay, it is often best to make the most of it by going sight-seeing, playing golf or enjoying the beauty of nature.

Many visitors also find that food at the top of the piste can be expensive. It is a generally a good idea to pack a hamper of delicious foods for yourself that you can snack on during your skiing adventures on the slopes. If you get bored with the skiing or tired of waiting for good snow, you’ll find that the nearby cities offer plenty of exciting entertainment. Skiing in Scotland may not be the same as in other parts of the world – but it is the differences that make it all the more special. So pack your bags and head for Scotland on your next skiing adventure!

Skiing tips for Canada

Hundreds of skiing enthusiasts flock to Canada each year, to enjoy its magnificent skiing opportunities and variety of winter sports. What makes Canada so enticing is the fact that there are so many resorts to choose from and each resort has its own unique features and activities for all to enjoy. When looking at skiing resorts and when trying to find the perfect location in regard to difficulty and family attractions, there are a few that have become favorites in the skiing community and are recommended.

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Glide Down the Slopes of Lebanon

In 1913, the excitement and enjoyment of skiing was brought back to Lebanon by an engineer who had gone to study further. After being exposed to skiing in Switzerland, the young engineer tried to promote the sport when he got home, but only a handful of locals took to the slopes. All changed in the 1930′s, when a group of youthful skiing enthusiasts from Lebanon and France transformed skiing into a serious sporting activity. Today, Lebanon has six ski resorts that attract thousands of local and international skiers each year.
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Fun and Thrills on the Slopes of Romania

Romania is a picturesque country that borders on the Black Sea and has Ukraine, Bulgaria, the Republic of Moldova, Hungary and Serbia as its neighboring countries. It is known for its magnificent countryside, breathtaking attractions and historical buildings, such as Bran Castle which was constructed in 1212 and is believed to have been the home of Vlad III Dracula. Of course Dracula’s Castle is amongst the most popular attractions in Romania, but when it comes to activities, skiing is at the top of the list.

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Resorts Offer Specials to Ward off Economy Blues

The winter vacation market is not likely to escape the current downturn in the economy, which is permeating every level of society and every business sector. With this in mind, ski resorts throughout the United States and Canada are offering amazing specials to lure skiers to their slopes in what can be seen as a true win-win deal. Snow sport enthusiasts will be getting more value-for-money than ever before, while resorts will ensure that their facilities are fully utilized and they snap up some consumer vacation dollars.

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Enjoy the Experience of Skiing in Poland

A wide variety of snow sports are popular winter activities in Poland, with snow skiing topping the list. There are majestic mountains all along Poland’s southern border which receive plenty of snow, offering superb skiing conditions from December right through to the end of March. Ski resorts are found throughout the Polish mountains and skiers are sure to find a resort to suit their taste and their budget.

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Experience the Thrill of Snowskiing in Slovenia

The Republic of Slovenia in southern central Europe is situated in the heart of snow skiing territory, with its neighbors being Italy to the west, Croatia to the south and east, the Adriatic Sea to the southwest, Hungary to the northeast and Austria to the north. Slovenia’s winter is short, but spectacular, starting in mid-December and ending in March with Planica, the world ski jumping event. The two main ski areas in Slovenia are Lake Bled and Kranjska Gora, and snow sport enthusiasts can rest assured that when heading for either of these destinations they are in for plenty of excitement, in a setting of great scenic beauty.

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New Hampshire Resorts Get Ready for New Season Action

During the summer months each year, the New Hampshire ski resorts set about making improvements in preparation for the next snow skiing season. Regular visitors look forward to seeing what is new each year, while new-comers never fail to be impressed with the high quality of the New Hampshire ski resorts. So what can skiers look forward to in the 2008-2009 snow sport season?

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