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A Skiing Vacation in Russia

Editor — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 08:54:39 +0000

With over a hundred ski resorts in Russia, there are quite a few destinations to choose from. Most of the resorts in Russia are small, and some need a little upgrading to get up to international standard, but do have the basic equipment. There are a few resorts, however, that do stand out. Russia, famous for its cruel winters, provides ideal conditions for skiing enthusiasts and snowboarders to enjoy a winter sport vacation. With interest in Russian ski resorts increasing each year, it is foreseen that most resorts will upgrade and develop to accommodate the growing requirements.

Skiing in Russia has become such a popular attraction that the country will be hosting the 2014 Winter Olympics, proving that it has enough resorts and exciting slopes for even the most experienced skiers and snowboarders to enjoy. When looking at the various skiing locations in Russia, the Caucasus Mountains are definitely the most popular, as it is the home of Mount Elbrus, which stands at a height of 5 633 meters and is the highest mountain in Europe. This magnificent mountain accommodates snowboarding and skiing all year round, and is therefore a very popular destination.

One of the popular resorts in this area is Cheget Polyana. It is filled with shops where winter sport enthusiasts can hire equipment, cafés and comfortable hotels for accommodation. It also has a chair lift that will take skiers and snowboarders up the mountain, and though it is not fast, it is worth the ascent. All that is left for visitors to enjoy is an exciting ride down. Another option is Azau, which also has a cable car that can take visitors up to 3 500 meters, and if they so choose, they can ride the piste basher up to 4 100 meters. It is also the ideal location for heli-skiing and numerous operators are based in Azau.

Along the South Ural ridge, on the eastern slopes, is Abzakovo. The resort is popular with locals, especially for those in the Magnitogorsk region, as it features a ski complex with modern features. Known to many as the Red Valley, Krasnaya Polyana features four lifts and goes to a height of 2 228 meters. Visitors are also able to take a helicopter ride to higher positions on the mountain, as this facility is available at Krasnaya Polyana. There are so many options available in Russia, that winter sport enthusiasts will have a difficult time deciding where to visit first.

Skiing Amidst the Pyramids of Egypt

Editor — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 08:54:30 +0000

When one thinks of Egypt, images of the scorching hot deserts and breathtaking pyramids come to mind. Caravans of camels and nomadic tents that are scattered on the horizon are what we picture in Egypt. Who would think of the country as a destination for skiing? Sandboarding down the dunes maybe, but definitely not snow skiing. However, it seems that there might be an indoor ski facility coming to Egypt in the near future, allowing visitors to enjoy the magic of Egypt and its history, combined it with a magnificent skiing vacation.

After Dubai unveiled its indoor skiing facility, which proved to be a massive success; it seems that it is now time for Egypt to follow the same route. Majid Al Futtaim, who has been the driving force behind the biggest shopping malls in Egypt, is promoting the construction of the indoor skiing facility and hopes that plans will be approved so that they will be able to open the doors to their snow park by the year 2014. Arnaud Palu, the Chief Executive Officer of Majid Al Futtaim Leisure, explained that their plans were to create a snow park that will have a slope but will not be as big as the facility located in Dubai. It will have all the features of an indoor ski resort, including equipment hire facilities and refreshment stores. It is estimated that the indoor snow park will cost in the region of 4.4 billion Egyptian pounds, and the designers are still working on the final product, so the exact design of the snow park has not been finalized.

Numerous countries have turned to indoor skiing facilities, and it is now Egypt’s turn to establish their own snow park. It will be a wonderful addition to their attractions and for tourism purposes, as visitors can enjoy the warmth of the Egyptian sun and its historical sites, and also enjoy skiing activities, experiencing the best of both worlds. Futtaim hopes that Egypt’s snow resort will also be a roaring success as it has been proven that indoor ski facilities attract approximately eight hundred thousand visitors a year. If Egypt is able to tap into that market, their tourism industry will also benefit from the added attraction.

The Development of Snowkiting

Editor — Fri, 20 May 2011 09:14:04 +0000

Over the last few years the sport of snowkiting has increased in popularity and is now a regular sight on many of the slopes across the world, such as in Sweden, Canada, Austria, Norway, Russia, France and Iceland. It is very similar to kitesurfing, with the only difference being that snowkiting is done on ice or on the snow. It is a sport that has evolved greatly, with foil kites being used when the sport first made its appearance, as opposed to the inflatable kites that are used today.

Using Otto Lilienthal as his inspiration, Dieter Strasilla and his brother Udo started to experiment with parachute skiing. With their testing in 1972, it began to evolve into kiteskiing, which was perfected into a paragliding kite that enabled skiers to swivel the kite, allowing them to change direction. Frozen lakes and fields were used at first, but Wolf Beringer saw more room for improvement, and began to develop a parawing system in 1982. The Parawing system was used over long distances on expeditions. It did not take long before a foil was designed, making kiteskiing more manageable, as the foils had two handles and were much easier for the skier to control. While lakes were being used to do rails, jumps and trick kite skiing, alpine skiers were taking notice and the industry was set into motion to sustain yet another change.

As the millennium began to approach, the limits and boundaries of snowkiting began to be pushed and explored, leading to more defined technologies being created to allow for freestyle snowkiting. Snowkiters are able to travel up and down terrain with the kite, and even speeds and terrains have changed. With more snowkiters taking to the sport, it is becoming a better documented sport with films being made, showcasing the fun, excitement and skills that snowkiting enthusiasts have been developing. Not only have films and magazines been released in regard to snowkiting, but instructors have been trained to assist aspiring snowkiters in regard to skill and safety. As snowkiters become more comfortable they are able to do cliff jumps, course racing, tricks and endurance.

Cross-Country Skiing in Australia

Editor — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 08:58:47 +0000

With snow skiing season drawing to a close in the northern hemisphere, skiers in the southern hemisphere are no doubt looking forward to indulging in their favorite sport. With a number of ski resorts catering exclusively for cross-country skiing, Australia offers adventurers a range of challenging terrain and spectacular scenery to choose from.

As part of the Yarra Ranges National Park, Mount Donna Buang is located around 80 kilometers from Melbourne and is the closest snowfield to this vibrant Australian city, making it a popular snow sport destination. The rough terrain is enjoyed by trekkers throughout the year, but in the winter time it becomes a playground for tobogganing and cross-country skiing.

Also located in the Yarra Ranges National Park in the Victoria State of Australia is the cross-country ski resort of Lake Mountain, so named after the surveyor-general of the area, George Lake. An exclusively cross-country skiing resort, Lake Mountain boasts up to 37 kilometers of ski and toboggan trails through the park, as well as a visitor center which was opened in 2004. During the other seasons of the year, Lake Mountain is popular with trekkers and mountain bikers. Unfortunately, the area suffered extensive damage as a result of rampant bush-fires in 2009, and although much has been done to restore the area visitors will still see evidence of fire damage.

Located around 230 kilometers from Melbourne, Mount Stirling is a back-country and cross-country resort within close proximity to the more commercial Mount Buller ski resort. Reaching the summit of the mountain takes some effort, but that is all part of the adventure of cross-country skiing. Skiers who choose to go this route will be rewarded with breathtaking views of Mount Buller and higher regions of the Great Dividing Range of Australia, including Mount Cobbler, Mount Howitt and Mount Speculation. Entrance to the patrolled ski area is monitored during the winter months and Mount Stirling has a number of huts to provide emergency shelter to skiers.

So, if you enjoy the excitement and challenge of cross-country skiing, Australia has more than enough options to keep you busy all season.

Nordic Walking – Keep Fit the Fun Way

Editor — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 09:32:41 +0000

Initially developed as an off-season ski training activity and used as a dry land training technique for competitive Nordic skiers, Nordic walking has evolved into an all year round activity enjoyed by keep-fit enthusiasts around the world. Simply put, Nordic walking is a form of fitness walking using specially designed poles. Proponents of Nordic walking readily extol the health benefits of this energetic activity, which is an affordable and effective way to get an all-over workout at any time of the year, and is suitable for any age group.

Research studies have been carried out that confirm the plentiful anecdotal evidence of the health benefits of Nordic walking. Using a group of sixteen men and women that were already considered to be physically fit, researcher Hendrickson carried out a study in 1993 where the participants walked on a treadmill at a speed of between 6 and 7.5 km/hour, both with and without poles. The results revealed that the use of poles while walking increased oxygen intake, heart rate and energy expenditure by an average of 20 percent for both men and women. Similar studies by other researchers yielded comparable results.

As is the case with Nordic skiing, Nordic walking engages both the large upper and lower body muscles and is considered to be one of the most effective ways to build cardio-vascular fitness, as well as to burn calories. Other benefits of Nordic walking when compared to regular walking is the strengthening effect on the walker’s upper body (chest, stomach, arms and back), a reduction of stress on the joints, and improvement in neck and chest mobility, while at the same time relieving neck and shoulder pain. It provides the same intensity as running does, but without the potentially damaging high impact of running, and no perceived additional exertion. Moreover, using the poles for walking or hiking provides a greater level of balance and stability, thereby increasing the safety of these activities.

The increase in popularity of Nordic walking has seen a range of poles being developed with different designs and made out of varying materials. It is important to use poles of the correct length when Nordic walking, as failure to do so may result in stress to the knees, hips and back, thereby defeating the object altogether. A number of Nordic walking clubs and organizations have sprung up around the world, and if you would like to explore this form of keeping fit you may want to find out if there is one near you. As with any activity that brings like-minded people together, Nordic walking has a very social aspect to it, which can add an element of fun to this keep-fit activity. For skiers, the bonus of Nordic walking is that you’ll be fit, healthy and ready to hit the slopes with the new snow skiing season.

Warren Miller’s Wintervention in Queenstown NZ

Editor — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 10:50:48 +0000

Ever wondered what it would be like to ski in unexplored destinations. Warren Miller’s Wintervention will give you a good idea as it follows snow sport fanatics in their adventure from Argentina to the Antarctic, and a whole lot of places in between. This is the 61st film from Warren Miller Entertainment, and features award winning skiers and boarders doing what they do best, offering plenty of motivation to head for the slopes this upcoming season.

Date: Friday 24 June @8:30pm; Sunday 26 June @3:00 and 5:15pm
Venue: Reading Cinemas Queenstown, 11-14 The Mall, Queenstown. (03) 442 9990
Country: New Zealand

Warren Miller’s Wintervention in Christchurch NZ

Editor — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 10:47:38 +0000

Following the adventures of skiers who travel from Argentina to Antarctica searching for extreme locations of untouched snow to satisfy their need to travel downhill and breakneck speed, Wintervention is narrated by Jonny Mosely, and features board-certified riders such as Lyndsey Vonn, Hugo Harrison, JJ Thomas and Chris Davenport. In a world where addiction is a dirty word, addiction to clean mountain air, deep powder and healthy exercise, is definitely a good thing!

Date: Friday 27 May 2011 @ 6:30pm and 8:45pm; Sunday 29 May @ 4:00pm and 6:15pm
Venue: Hollywood 3, 28 Marriner Street, Sumner, Christchurch. (03) 326 6102
Country: New Zealand

Warren Miller’s Wintervention in Dunedin NZ

Editor — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 10:35:07 +0000

Warren Miller’s films have gathered cult-like following and this year’s Wintervention is not to be missed. Board certified riders featured include Chris Davenport, JJ Thomas, Lindsey Vonn and Hugo Harrison, with narration by Jonny Moseley. The film focuses on winter sport fanatics who travel to distant, sometimes harsh, locations in search of snow covered slopes that offer a challenge.

Date: Friday 27 May
Time: 6:30pm and 8:45pm
Venue: Rialto Dunedin, 11 Moray Place, Dunedin. (03) 474 2200
Country: New Zealand

Warren Miller’s Wintervention in Auckland NZ

Editor — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 10:01:59 +0000

Skiing icon Jonny Moseley narrates this fascinating film, featuring cases of classic “snow-addiction” from around the world. Follow the journey of skiers who travel to distant locations, searching for a snow covered hill to satisfy their craving. Featuring snowy locations many only dream about, this is a film that any snow sport fanatic will appreciate. The Wintervention will be traveling throughout Australia and New Zealand.

Dates: Thursday 19 May @ 6:30 and 8:45 pm; Friday 20 May @ 6:30 and 8:45 pm; Saturday 21 May @ 6:00 and 8:15 pm; and Sunday 22 May @ 4:00 and 6:15 pm.
Venue: Raye Freedman Arts Centre, Silver Road, Epsom Auckland
Country: New Zealand

Auckland Freeski Festival 2011

Editor — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 09:59:56 +0000

Join the New Zealand ski community for a social evening of film premieres and free skiing. Highlights of the evening include the new Poor Boyz Productions ski film Revolver as well as edits from Basket productions, Flash Modern and more. Visitors can look forward to $1000’s of free giveaways, DJ and bar.

Date: 28 April 2011
Venue: 19 Beresford Square, Auckland Central
Country: New Zealand