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Ins and Outs of Snowskates

Editor — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 08:56:23 +0000

A Snowskate can be described as a combination of a snowboard and a skateboard. It allows snowskaters to perform tricks usually done by skateboarders on hard surfaces. The sport of snowskating has grown in popularity. There are a few different snowskates on the market that snowskaters can choose from, made by leading brands in the winter sport industry.

The history of snowskates actually dates back to around the 1960s, with the creation of the Snurfer. Many consider this to be the first snowskate, as it had no bindings attached to it. During the 1970s, however, the term snowskate was coined by a board that was being sold in sporting equipment stores and even in toystores, and resembled what is known today as the bideck snowskate. It was a very primitive version that featured attachments that looked like skis in its sides, allowing the skateboarders to move over the snow. Over the years, the designs improved and changed to produce the modern products that are seen today.

There are four types of snowskates to choose from today, namely the bideck, the powderskate, the single deck and the 4×4. As snowskates have no bindings and look like a form of skateboard, they are all fitted with non slip surface to allow riders to maneuver their boards.

There are two types of bideck boards, namely a single blade and multiple blades. This means that the snowskater would stand on the top deck of the board, while the lower deck, fitted with blades or a blade, is in contact with the snow. It is believed that Steve Frink was the original designer of this board in 1994. Prototypes were released in 2001, and avid bideck snowskaters will use the shorter version to perform tricks and the longer one for snowskating in the mountains.

As its name suggests, the powderskate is used in deep powder conditions and come in either a bideck version or single. They are designed with a deck and broad stub, and when in use feels similar to surfing.

The single deck is generally constructed from either solid plastic, or a combination of plastic and laminated wood, and has grooves cut into the underside of the board. This board is most popular for use in terrain and snowskate parks. The first single deck was released in 1998, which led to various snowskate parks opening to accommodate the rapidly growing numbers of snowskaters.

The 4×4 snowskate is a very rare snowskate that most resembles the feel of a skateboard. Where each of a skateboard’s four wheels would be, there is a small ski. Snowskates, also referred to as snowdecks, provide a lot of fun and adventure. It is most definitely a recommended discipline for winter sport enthusiasts to try.

Selecting a Snowboard

Skiing in Tasmania

Editor — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 08:51:41 +0000

Tasmania lies to the south of mainland Australia, and is an island that is known for its impressive mountain ranges, of which eight stand higher than 1 500 meters above sea level. The peak that overshadows the other mountains is Mount Ossa, which stands proudly at 1 614 meters. Together with Victoria and New South Wales, Tasmania is amongst the most popular skiing destinations in Australia. The breathtaking Tasmanian Wilderness provides the ideal location for cross country skiing, while other resorts offer numerous winter sport activities.

June to October are the most favorable months for skiing in Tasmania. Mount Mawson and Ben Lomond are the two main resorts on the island. Ben Lomond is located just outside of Launceston. Situated in the Ben Lomond National Park, skiers will not only enjoy exciting skiing conditions but the scenery will be memorable too. The village is nestled in the mountains at an elevation of 1 460 meters, with its mountain peak being at 1 570 meters. The resort is popular for Alpine skiing, and in 1929 the Northern Tasmanian Alpine Club was established here. Starting off as a small chalet, it soon developed into a successful resort that included visitor facilities, accommodation and ski lifts. A team to oversee the Skifield Development Area was founded in 1995, and the Department of Parks and Wildlife announced in 2010 that a project was underway to introduce snowmaking machines to the ski area and to develop a snowboard park.

Other downhill ski operations also exist in Tasmania, such as those at Mount Mawson, which is situated in the Mount Field National Park. There are two rope tows available for intermediate skiers and one rope tow for more experienced skiers, as it features steep terrain and limited accommodation is available at this resort facility.

When snowfall allows it, cross country skiing and Alpine skiing is available at Cradle Mountain, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Wilderness Area. In total, there are twenty-eight mountains in Tasmania and most of them are over 1 220 meters. So, for cross country skiing and backcountry locations, skiers are recommended to visit Ben Lomond National Park, Mount Field National Park and Cradle Mountain – Lake St Clair National Park, with Mount Mawson and Ben Lomond offering picturesque downhill ski resorts.

Ski Safety Campaign in Canada

Editor — Thu, 12 May 2011 08:38:58 +0000

The soft white slopes around the world hold as much fun, competition and enjoyment as they do danger. The power of nature can never be underestimated. A recent dramatic increase in skiing related injuries, especially to team athletes, has led to Alpine Canada calling an urgent summit to discuss these issues and to try to find solutions that will assist in making the slopes a safer environment. When it comes to competing, the changing conditions and increasing speeds have always posed a risk, but it seems that now more than ever, the lives of athletes are at risk.

Team members of the Canadian Alpine Ski Team have been plagued with injuries ranging from leg and knee injuries, to concussions, which have seen most of the senior athletes of the team sitting on the sidelines for the skiing season that has just passed. Due to the number of injuries suffered, the International Skiing Federation has also decided to start their own inquiry into the injuries. New equipment and systems have been tested in regard to increasing safety for athletes. This has also led to Alpine Canada Alpin hosting a Ski Racing Safety Summit, which was held at Canada Olympic Park, Calgary. The mission of the summit was aimed at highlighting issues that affected all skiing disciplines. No stone was left unturned with everything from binding technology, inspections, safety systems, ski boots, and course preparations falling under the spotlight.

President of the Alpine Canada Alpin, Max Gartner, explained the reasoning behind the summit, commenting that their aim was to reduce serious injuries suffered while skiing, but not take away the excitement of the sport. They are also hoping to work together with the FIS to establish functional safety systems. Manual Osbourne-Paradis was asked to be a guest speaker at the event. Any decisions made could be implemented as early as next year. Some of the suggestions put forward included requiring skiers wanting to participate in speed events to attend speed-skill camps, and age restrictions were also put forward. Many proposals were also entered from equipment specialists, doctors and even from athletes themselves, such as Kelly VanderBeek, who commented that injury numbers are high in regard to downhill racing, and it is hoped that the summit will be the stepping stone to finding solutions that could improve the safety of the sport.

Ski Orienteering – Skill, Endurance & Quick Thinking

Editor — Fri, 06 May 2011 09:07:38 +0000

As one of the four disciplines regulated by the International Orienteering Federation (the others being foot orienteering, mountain bike orienteering and trail orienteering) ski orienteering is a winter activity requiring strength, endurance and technical skiing skills, along with the ability to make split-second decisions while navigating cross-country terrain, often at high speed. Participants use standard skate-skiing equipment and a map of the area indicating trails and other relevant information is provided. A laminated map can be attached to the chest area at a roughly 90 degree angle for ease of reference. A compass can be attached to the map, or alternatively, on a skier’s arm. While ski orienteering is a form of cross-country skiing, it requires tremendous upper body strength to navigate narrow snow trails and changes in elevation.

During ski orienteering competitions participants must navigate a dense ski track network, with the goal of visiting multiple control points in a specified sequence. As a time-measured activity, the fastest time wins, and tracking is carried out electronically to ensure competitors visit all control points in the correct sequence. While the track network is printed on the map provided, along with other information, such as the width and quality of the tracks and terrain, there are no physical route markers, and one wrong decision can mean the end of the race.

World Ski Orienteering Championships are held every second year (on odd-numbered years) and include the categories of Sprint, Middle and Long Distance, as well as Relay for men and women. The World Cup is held on even-numbered years, and Junior World Ski Orienteering Championships, as well as World Masters Ski Orienteering Championships are held annually.

Ski orienteering as a sport is becoming increasing popular among adventure seekers, and the International Orienteering Federation (IOF) is lobbying for it to be included in the 2018 Olympic Winter Games program. As ski orienteering is a feature of the CISM World Military Winter Games and the Asian Winter Games, and with around 35 nations having competed in the 2011 World Ski Orienteering Championships held in Sweden in March, it seems very likely that the sport’s Olympic hopes will be realized.

FIS Ski World Cup Overall Title Decided by Weather

Editor — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 12:01:58 +0000

Excitement and competitiveness hit fever pitch as the 2011 Audi FIS Ski World Cup reached its conclusion at Lenzerheide Valley Resort in Switzerland on 20 March, following five months of exhilarating events across Europe and North America. Unfortunately, poor weather put a damper on the occasion, and organizers taking the unavoidable decision to cancel the Super G and Giant Slalom events for both men and women.

The Ladies’ World Cup Overall title was taken by Germany’s Maria Riesch, with Croatia’s Ivica Kostelic taking the Men’s Overall title, making his way into the history books with three wins in the 2010/2011 series. The World Cup Finals Team Event was clinched by Germany, with Austria taking the 2011 Overall Nation Cup. Second place in the Overall Nation was taken by Switzerland, with Italy taking third place, continuing in the pattern set in 2007 of the three nations finishing first, second and third.

Many will remember the 2011 Audi FIS Ski World Cup for the close competition between Lindsey Vonn of the United States and Maria Riesch for the Ladies’ 2011 World Cup overall title. Right up to the last events, the victory could have gone to either competitor, but the cancellation of events in Switzerland gave the victory to Maria Riesch who had clocked up 1478 points, sixteen podiums, six wins and two world championship bronze medals. Past World Cup achievements for Riesch include globes for Slalom in 2009 and 2010, as well as Super G and Super-Combined in 2008. Although expressing her disappointment at the cancellation of the races, Riesch was reported as saying that when she realized that she had won the overall title, she was really happy.

The decision to cancel has met with some harsh criticism, and with March historically being a month known for unstable weather conditions, it has been suggested that organizers move future events up to end the series in February, or move the finals to a venue with more predictable weather conditions. Having won the title in 2008, 2009 and 2010, Lyndsey Vonn was understandably disappointed that she didn’t get the opportunity to defend the title. Nevertheless, the popular Vail-based skier added globes for the Downhill, Combined and Super G events to her growing collection. Fans will no doubt be looking forward to the excitement of the 2012 FIS Ski World Cup and the opportunity to watch their favorite champion in action.

Vermont Ski Museum: Collect, Preserve, Celebrate

Editor — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 09:51:01 +0000

True to its motto to “Collect, Preserve, and Celebrate”, the Vermont Ski Museum is a fascinating treasure trove of memorabilia relating to the history of skiing in Vermont. Located in the Village of Stowe’s old Town Hall, which was built in 1818 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Vermont Ski Museum started its collection in 2002. Thanks to generous donations from the skiing community, the collection has grown to more than 5,200 catalogued items, many of which date back to the late 19th century.

The museum’s impressive collection is divided into seven main categories:

Ski Equipment
Ski Clothing
Mechanical Equipment
Vermont Ski Area/Ski Vermont Items
10th Mountain Division
Fine Art
Library and Archival Materials

The category with the largest collection is Ski Equipment, while Mechanical Equipment is the smallest in number, but displays products that have had an enormous impact on the sport of snow skiing over the years. Included in this collection is snow-making equipment, ski-lifts, communication equipment and innovative race timing devices, such as the first electronic eye that made use of motion to start and stop timing.

In recognition of the essential role they played in the history of Vermont skiing, in November 2003 the museum inducted more than 250 members of the 10th Mountain Division into the Vermont Ski Museum Hall of Fame. The collection in this category includes WWII rations, medals, climbing equipment and more. The Vermont Ski Museum Hall of Fame honors individuals who have made their mark in the history of skiing. Candidates are considered within three categories – Pioneers, Athletes and Special Contributors – and are chosen by a Committee elected by the Board of Directors.

At one time or another, there have been more than 130 ski areas in Vermont, about 110 of which have been closed, but not forgotten, as the museum has been working on documenting these areas and the role they played in the history of skiing in this area. The Library and Archives category represents a large portion of the museum’s inventory, with more than 550 books, 75 postcards, 350 magazines, 50 instructional booklets, and 200 pamphlets that are related to ski areas in Vermont. Additionally the archives have interesting film footage and original photography.

Exhibits change from time to time to keep things fresh and interesting, so be sure to drop by and see what’s new at the Vermont Ski Museum whenever you hit the slopes in this popular winter sport area.

Fun in the Snow at Stuhleck

Editor — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 08:12:30 +0000

In the year 1891 the massive task was undertaken to summit Stuhleck on skis. The successful completion of this expedition had far reaching implications, as Stuhleck and the entire Spital am Semmering region developed into the most popular winter sport destinations in Austria. It is located in East Austria and is the biggest ski and snowboarding resort in the country. Skiers have access to nine different pistes and it is truly a skiing paradise for all winter sport enthusiasts. A number of facilities and services ensure that visitors will have fun both on and off the soft blanketed slopes.

At a height of 1,783 meters, Stuhleck is not only know for its height and various activities but the fact that it is covered mostly in natural snow. Snow machines are on hand to assist but they are fortunate to enjoy a good snowfall every winter. A six seater chairlift has just recently been installed to assist in the transportation of visitors, and with a total of eleven lifts, approximately nine thousand skiers can be accommodated per hour. The slopes have trails for various skill levels. For snow sport enthusiasts wanting to try something a little different, there is snow tubing and tobogganing. Tubes that are filled with air allow visitors to travel around the track that has been carved into the earth and a five kilometer toboggan run is waiting for families to enjoy, with both activities beginning at the summit station. Long distance skiers can enjoy an eight kilometer trail through the mountains, while skiers who were not able to enjoy the day time activities can ski at night on Snow Parkat, which is lit with floodlights.

Snowboarders will also be able to enjoy their time at Stuhleck with a fantastic snow park, making adventure available to all levels of snowboarders. The snow park has a variety of wood obstacles, kickers, rails, jibs and boxes that are maintained every day. The snow park is also open at night for snowboarders who want to take full advantage of their snowboarding holiday. Over and above the slopes, Stuhleck also has affordable and comfortable accommodation, as well as numerous restaurants, discos and cozy pubs. There is most certainly something for everyone to enjoy at Stuhleck.

9th Annual Beacon Bowl and Avalanche Awareness Day

Editor — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 11:04:19 +0000

Aimed at backcountry skiers and riders, this is an event not to be missed. Entrants in the event will take part in timed trials to locate a buried beacon. There will also be clinics, avalanche gear on display, a live auction, silent auction, raffle and apres ski party. Proceeds will be donated to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center.

Date: 5 February 2011
Time: 08h00
Venue: Arapahoe Basin Ski Area
Town: Keystone
State: Colorado
Country: United States of America

New England Ski Museum

Editor — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 11:14:57 +0000

When visiting the Northeastern parts of the United States, and more specifically, Franconia in New Hampshire, be sure to visit the New England Ski Museum, where the history and the fascinating facts of cross-country skiing, alpine, commercial and various other skiing activities of the area are documented. There are only four ski museums in the United States. Even though the New England Ski Museum was established in 1977, it only moved to its present, and permanent, location in 1982. Skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts will find the museum to be interesting and educational.

The museum is a non-profit organization that is supported by members of the skiing community with a passion for winter sports and the preservation of history. The museum also has a number of topic specific exhibitions not located at the museum, such as the satellite exhibit which is unmanned and located in North Conway. This exhibit details the historical ski trails, also referred to as the lost ski areas, which can be found across New England. It also shows how skiing became extremely popular from the 1930s onwards, and led to a boom in ski resorts, of which many are now abandoned. The Bretton Woods Exhibit: Nordic Skiing From the Stone Age to Skating is located at the Bretton Woods Base Lodge, and has a wonderful collection of photographs and exhibits for visitors to enjoy.

The permanent exhibition and collections at the New England Ski Museum consist of various ski related information, such as the timeline of skis, displaying numerous skis which started off as mere wooded slats and how they developed over the years. Fiberglass and metal skis are on display, as well as different shaped skis which were tested as the sport grew. Photographs, documents and ski related artifacts adorn the walls of the museum, as well as special items which are framed for safekeeping, such as parka belonging to C. Minot Dole, who was the founding member of the museum organization, and the GS Suit that was worn by Bode Miller. Miller made history in Franconia as a local skiing hero by winning the World Cup at the 1996 Junior Olympics. The New England Ski Museum is a wonderful trip down memory lane for skiers, as it brings the history of the sport to life and displays the heritage of skiing which is unknown to many.

Upgrades at Sierra Ski Resorts

Editor — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 13:02:35 +0000

Ski resorts in California have been preparing for the upcoming ski season and have unveiled a number of new renovations and upgrades, not only in regard to safety but also features that will make the ski season a pleasure for all. Sierra resorts have stepped up their game to lure more winter sport fanatics to their slopes. By taking a brief look at what is on offer, skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts will most definitely be making the most of these resorts. For family vacations or a group of friends enjoying the relaxation the mountains provide, the Sierra resorts are not to be missed out on.

Alpine Meadows is one of the resorts that is recommended for family vacations, as it has recently installed a new lift and offers great skiing terrain for skiers and snowboarders, as well as a mini terrain park with three tubing lanes. To ensure the safety of their younger visitors, the park has installed a new feature to the Meadow Chair and the Subway Chair, which sees children wearing magnetized vests on the lifts to keep them secure in their chairs. The vests deactivate once the destination is reached.

The ski season for Mammoth will start on 16 December 2010. With their brand new cross country ski centre opening this year, visitors will have a host of activities to look forward to. To make a day on the slopes a little more convenient, the resort will also feature two snowcat food trucks which will be available on the mountains, allowing skiers to grab a few refreshments between skiing.

Last year the Sierra resorts, of which there are twenty-seven, recorded more than eight million visitors and it is expected that the number will increase this year. Skiers and snowboarders therefore have a variety of resorts to choose from such as Boreal, Alpine Meadows, Diamond Peak, Bear Valley, Mammoth, Heavenly, Badger Pass, Donner Ski Ranch, Mount Rose, Squaw Valley, Dodge Ridge, Sierrra-at-Tahoe, Homewood, Northstar-at-Tahoe, Kirkwood and Sugar Bowl. With new features, facilities and activities being installed in various resorts, the Sierra ski resorts have everything skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts would want and more.