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2011 SIA Report Released

Editor — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 08:50:35 +0000

SnowSports Industries America was originally founded under the name National Ski Equipment and Apparel Association in 1954. It is a non-profit organization, member owned national trade association and today it has numerous functions. It not only promotes snow sports in general, but it also serves as a representative for suppliers, from ski resort communities to retailers. They also work with various others in the industry to gather data in regard to skiing participants and services, and assist in marketing all aspects of snow sports by hosting a massive trade show that offers wonderful networking opportunities for industry members.

The association does not only represent one winter sport discipline, but promotes all sporting activities that take place on the snow covered slopes. Recently, all the data gathered by SnowSports Industries America has enabled them to release their 2011 SIA Snow Sports Participation report that shows a dramatic increase in participants. The report includes disciplines such as snowboarding, skiing, snowshoeing, park and pipe riding, telemark, cross country skiing and Alpine skiing.

The report has revealed that there has been an increase in the snowboarding disciplines as well as freeskiing. There are a few points that have been highlighted by the report, such as the fact that there are more than twenty-one million people who participate in the various six snow sport disciplines within the United States of America. It also showed that over seven percent of people older than six years of age living in the United States participated in one or more disciplines. There are also ten states in the United States that have a concentration of more than sixty percent snowboarding and alpine skiing enthusiasts. The report has also shown that snow sports is growing as an interest amongst ethnic groups such as Asians, African Americans and the Hispanic communities by five percent each year.

The SIA report also indicated that snowboarding is a male dominated discipline, with more than sixty percent of participants being males between the ages of thirteen and thirty-four. The same was confirmed in the report in regard to Alpine skiers, with approximately sixty percent of the participants also being males between the same ages. The report assists the winter sport industry to see how the various disciplines are increasing in popularity, as well as working on target markets and marketing strategies. Over all the report has shown a growth in the industry, which is encouraging, and it is hoped that the numbers will improve even more by the release of next year’s report.

The Skill of Ski-Archery

Editor — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 12:01:06 +0000

Historically used as a weapon for hunting or in combat, today archery is primarily a recreational activity. Archery is sometimes referred to as an art, rather than a sport, and it certainly takes a lot of skill to propel an arrow, by means of a bow, with the accuracy required to hit a target, whether stationary or in motion. Ski-archery, also known as ski-arc, combines the skill of the archer, with the strength and endurance of cross-country skiing in a sport that is gaining quite a following.

It is believed that ski-archery has its roots in the Scandinavian countries, with the first documented evidence being a picture from the mid-1500s of a skier carrying a bow, poised in the shooting position. Ski-archery was established as a sport in the mid-1980s in Italy, and has gone through a number of refinements before being recognized as a competitive sport by the governing body of archery – Fédération Internationale de Tir à l’Arc (FITA) – in 1991. The ski-archery craze soon spread from Italy to France, Germany, Slovenia, Russia, Ukraine, Japan, Switzerland, New Zealand and the USA. The International Biathlon Union (which represents a similar sport, but with shooting) and FITA combined forces to develop ski-archery as a recognized competitive sport. As of the northern winter season of 2006, FITA became the sport’s official international governing body.

In a ski-archery competition, the archers carry their bows and arrows in a specially designed backpack during the skiing section of the event. Over the 12 kilometer distance for men, and 8 kilometers for women, competitors shoot one end of four arrows every 4 kilometers. In one of those ends, the archer is required to shoot from a kneeling position. The archer’s feet may not lose contact with the skis throughout the competition, so when kneeling to shoot, although the archer may loosen his/her skis for comfort, the feet must remain in contact with the skis. Targets, which are 16 centimeters in diameter, are placed 18 meters from the archer. For each target that is missed, the archer is required to complete a penalty circuit of 350 meters before continuing with the race. The first competitor to cross the finish line is declared the winner.

Archery has come a long way since it was first invented for hunting, possibly in the late Paleolithic or early Mesolithic periods (more commonly referred to as the Stone-Age), with competitions currently being held for target archery, field archery, 3D archery, clout archery, crossbow archery and flight archery. Ski-archery adds yet another challenging dimension to this ancient art.

Ski Orienteering – Skill, Endurance & Quick Thinking

Give Skwalling a Try

Editor — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 10:36:51 +0000

If you’re a regular on the slopes and you’re looking for a new challenge, you might want to give skwalling a try. This unusual hybrid sport combines the carving motion of skiing with the sensation of snowboarding in one unique package. It may take a little effort to master, but it can be a really fun way to spend your winter vacation.

The main piece of equipment used in skwalling is the skwal, a single board which positions the feet one in front of the other in a line down the center of the board, pointing towards the front. Many modern skwals have additional fixtures that make this position more comfortable for the skwal boarder. The position of the feet on the board is different from those found on other boards. On snowboards, for instance, the feet are positioned side-on to the direction of the board while with monoskis the feet are positioned side-by-side and point in the direction of the board. This unusual piece of equipment was the brainchild of two ski-school instructors of French origin – Patrick Balmain and Manuel Jammes. They created their first prototype in 1992 in response to the up and coming trend known as ‘carving’ skis. Their product soon attracted interest from a French company called Lacroix, which later recruited Patrick Balmain and began mainstream production of the novel concept. In time Balmain saw fit to leave Lacroix and begin his own skwal-manufacturing company.

Today skwalling is not yet the popular and wide-spread sport that its creators originally envisioned. It seems that many people automatically assume it will be difficult to use the skwals. However support is growing as more and more people give skwalling a try. If you’re looking for a new challenge you may well want to take up skwalling. There are several companies currently involved in the manufacture of skwals, so all that remains is to strap them to your feet and experiment with the unique sensation they provide. They’ll certainly spice up your annual ski trip and you can be sure that very few – if any – other skiers at your local resort will have chosen to give skwalling a try.

Sun Peaks

Editor — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 11:50:00 +0000

Sun Peaks Ski Resort in the south of British Columbia, is a white winter wonderland. With everything a snow sports enthusiast could desire, Sun Peaks is a year-round family resort. Opened in 1961, Sun Peaks Ski Resort has grown in popularity and is today listed amongst the top ski resorts in North America.

Canada’s Sun Peaks Ski Resort is extensive, providing skiers and snowboarders with 3 678 acres of ski area with a vertical of 2 894 feet. 117 runs of all ability levels network along the glistening slopes. A diverse landscape with impressive alpine bowls, 5 mile runs and fun terrain parks, Sun Peaks has something for everyone. The terrain can be categorized as follows: 10% beginner, 58% intermediate, 19% advanced and 13% expert. Eleven ski lifts transport eager snow sport enthusiasts into this snowy world of wonder. No matter your winter sport fancy, Sun Peaks Ski Resort is an all-round destination. Snowboarders will be busy for hours at the terrain parks, featuring rails, boxes and tabletops. The 100m halfpipe is an attraction for all the adventurous. With 40 km of cross-country ski trails, Nordic skiers are not left out in the cold. Skiing and snowboarding, though very awesome, are not the only winter activities on offer at Sun Peaks Ski Resort. Why not try out other fun activities such as snowshoeing, snowmobiling, ice skating, tubing, sleigh rides, dog sledding and back-country cat tours.

Sun Peaks Ski Resort offers a number of facilities and services which enhance this exquisite skiing experience. Lessons are available for all age groups in skiing, Nordic skiing and snowboarding. Other useful services are equipment rental and equipment repair. Sun Peaks’ ski-in/ski-out village is renowned for its fantastic accommodation. Whether you prefer a hotel room, chalet or condominium, Sun Peaks Ski Resort will cater for your needs and your budget. Why not stay at one of these brilliant hotels in Sun Peaks Resort: Sun Peaks Lodge, Delta Sun Peaks Resort, Fireside Lodge, Sundance Lodge, Hearthstone Lodge, Pinnacle Lodge and Spa, Heffley Boutique Inn and Nancy Greene’s Cahilty Lodge. After a day of skiing your stomach is sure to have an empty gap. Satisfying your hunger is no problem in Sun Peaks Ski Resort. From fine dining to simple take-outs, there’s always something to fill the gap. Try these great dining venues: Bagg’s Sweets, Bottom’s Bar & Grill, Bella Italia, Bolacco Cafe, Mackdaddy’s the Club, Cafe Soleil, Mantles Restaurant & Bar, Macker’s Bistro & Bar, Mountain High Pizza, Masa’s Bar & Grill, Powder Hounds, Sunburst Restaurant, Servus on Creekside, The Steakhouse at Sun Peaks Lodge, Vertical Juice & Smoothie Co., and Toro Restaurant & Take-Out.

Of course, as an all-year family destination, the fun doesn’t end when the snow begins to melt at Sun Peaks Ski Resort. Summer activities enjoyed at the resort include canoeing, hiking, ATV tours, the bungee trampoline, fishing, horse wagon rides, a visit to the spa and photography clinics.

If you weren’t sure where to spend your next vacation, your mind should be made up by now. Head off to Sun Peaks Ski Resort whether it is summer or winter for an incredible holiday.

Pine Creek

Editor — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 11:50:00 +0000

Pine Creek Ski Resort is considered by many to be one of Wyoming’s best kept secrets. Located in southwest Wyoming, seven miles east of Cokeville in the southwest part of the state, it lies in the Tunp Mountain Range. The summit of Pine Creeks offers unmatched views to the north of the Wind River Mountains, the highest range in the state.

With 1450 vertical feet, 30 runs covered in great powder, and differing in degrees of difficulty suitable for beginners through to experts, Pine Creek Ski Resort is the place for the whole family to enjoy fun-filled days of snow sports together. It has a high-speed quad lift and very short lines so you can get the maximum out of your day.

A lodge at the resort offers rooms for weekenders and boasts of lip-smacking, made to order home-cooked food. Enjoy hot homemade soup and chili at the snack bar while you warm up in front of the blaze of the open fireplace, savoring the nostalgia of pine. The lodge offers an excellent breakfast with delicious sourdough pancakes, fresh eggs and special seasoned sausage. Relish hand-cut French fries and hand-pressed hamburger patties served on a home-baked bun as a refreshing change.

The lodge also has a convenient retail shop that offers name-brand skis, snowboards, bindings, helmets, goggles, outerwear and boots. You can even avail yourself of their board and ski equipment maintenance services at Josh and Scott, and rent high performance equipment as well as basic ski and board packages, boots, poles, and twins.

Pine Creek‘s main attractions are its range of terrain, lack of crowds, enjoyable indoor dining, reasonable rates, and fast friendly service. Pine Creek is open from Friday through Sunday and on holidays. It is a good way to spend a weekend for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts who have little time to spare but want to make the most of the vacation break.

White Pine

Editor — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 11:50:00 +0000

White Pine Ski Area is located in the lovely Bridger-Teton National Forest of Wyoming, near the town of Pinedale. This fantastic ski area is a popular resort amongst those wanting to escape the bustle of life and get in touch with nature. With uncrowded snowy slopes and short lift queues, skiers and snowboarders alike will have an unforgettable experience at Wyoming’s White Pine Ski Area.

White Pine Ski Area opens up 370 acres of ski terrain, with more than 25 runs available to skiers and snowboarders. Boasting a total vertical of 1,100 feet and a top elevation of 9,500 feet, White Pine is ideal for people of all ability levels. In fact, the excellent terrain, which receives about 250 inches of snow a year, is rated 20% beginner, 60% intermediate and 20% advanced. Well-known among snow sport enthusiasts is White Pine Ski Area’s free-style aerial jump hill, often used in competitions. White Pine is a cross-country skiers paradise. With many miles of trails leading right up from the parking area, cross-country skiers traverse terrain right through the Bridger Wilderness and Bridger-Teton Forest. To top it off, ski skaters have access to 9 km of groomed trails, and three lifts will quickly transport you up the sparkling white slopes to begin your adventure. White Pine’s Max Lundberg Ski School has excellent certified instructors who provide lessons for people of all ages, ability levels and interests. Certainly, White Pine Ski Area will leave you with lifelong memories.

White Pine Ski Area has a great base lodge with all the needed facilities. It is from here that you will be able to purchase and rent equipment, purchase tickets and book into the ski school. Enjoy a delicious meal at White Pine Grill in the lodge. A new set of duplex log cabins has been constructed beside the lodge. These lovely cabins are beautifully set and comfortable. Further accommodation is available in the nearby towns. So book in at White Pine between Thanksgiving and April. Summer at White Pine Ski Area creates a whole new setting for outdoor activities such as mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding, fishing and llama tours.

A fabulous year-round destination, don’t miss out on Wyoming’s White Pine Ski Area.

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Himalayas

Editor — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 12:50:00 +0000

You could be a pioneer when you take a skiing vacation in the Himalayas! Although skiing has been around for a while in the Himalayas, there are new discoveries being made here all the time. The charm of the beautiful countries of India and Nepal, combines with the thrill of the pristine slopes of the majestic Himalayas, to make it a memorable vacation. The best time for skiing in the Himalayas is January to March.

Each region of skiing in the Himalayas has its unique charm and the experience is unlike anything anywhere else in the world. Furthermore, you have the thrill of a skiing vacation here at a quarter of the cost of skiing in Europe. This is a newly developing sport here, and the facilities and infrastructure are not yet in place, but for thrill-seekers that is part of the adventure.

India has several skiing areas in the Himalayas. Gulmarg in Kashmir has been a ski resort even in the days of British rule. It is now developing into a skiing destination with the recent installation of the highest gondola ski lift in the world. There are no man-made trails in Kashmir and the wide slopes are yours to enjoy.

Manali is the base for many vacation activities like trekking and climbing, as well as skiing in the Solang Nalla region. There are no lifts or cable cars here, but once you get up here the deeply packed virgin slopes are yours to conquer. An equally adventurous way to get to the vast slopes of Solang is to go heli-skiing. There are regular services and packages available.

Auli in the Garhwal range of the Himalayas is the only terrain with cable cars. It is the location of India’s only ski school and many winter sport competitions take place here. Surrounded by picturesque mountains, Auli is a charming town with many other Himalayan destinations and temple towns within a few hours drive through magnificent valleys with mountain streams gushing past.

Nepal offers skiing in several regions around the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and Mount Everest. These are amongst the tallest mountains in the world and skiing in their midst is a thrill to be experienced. Helicopter services have just begun to ferry skiers to their ski slopes, and the international skiing community are starting to discover the thrill of skiing in the majestic Himalayas.

Skicross

Editor — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 13:36:01 +0000

The exciting sport of skicross is still relatively new and unknown in the sporting world. This exciting form of competition combines freestyle skiing speed and gives it a competitive edge that is simply unbeatable.

Skicross is also sometimes known as skiercross or even as skier-X. The sport is based on Boardercross – a snowboard discipline which sees a group of racers start at the same point, at the same time at the top of a course marked out on a slope. Each boarder then has to try to reach the finish line at the bottom of the course first. Along the way they may face a variety of obstacles, such as cambered turns, gap jumps, berms, steep and flat sections and drops. The various obstacles all challenge the snowboarder’s ability to stay in control as he fights for first place. Boardercross is generally seen as being quite a dangerous sport and it is not uncommon for competitors to collide with each other. Another unusual feature of the sport is the fact that the competitors wear full-face helmets such as is worn in motocross, one of the main influences from which the sport was derived.

Skicross is not all that different from boardercross. Of course, the most notable difference is the use of skis as opposed to a snowboard. The race is timed, yet it is considered a part of freestyle skiing despite this because so many of the terrain features normally found in freestyle skiing are found in this sport. Just as in motorsports, a time trial is run prior to the race to determine who will run the final race. During the trial, every person entered into the race will ski the course in the fastest time they can manage. The course is usually built to encompass natural obstacles as well as artificial obstacles such as rollers, banks and jumps. Once the time trial has been run, the fastest competitors will compete in rounds of four in a knockout series. In the women’s events, 16 people are chosen for the knock-out series. In the men’s events, the fastest 32 skiers are selected. Once the knock-out rounds begin, the first two people to cross the finish line each time go on to compete in the next round. The final two rounds will determine who takes 1st to 8th place in the competition.

Despite the fact that accidents do happen, competitors are not actually allowed to push or pull at each other during the knock-out finals and competitors that clearly try to come into contact with other competitors are disqualified or prevented from competing in the next race. The sport has become so big that there is now a worldwide skicross series which is known as the SAAB Salomon Crossmax Series. Various other major Skicross events are held in different countries across the globe and it has even been included in the 2010 Winter Olympic program.

Wisp Resort Offers Fantastic Winter Adventures

Editor — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 12:15:44 +0000

Nestled in the mountains of Garrett County, Maryland, Wisp Resort is a popular four-season vacation destination that offers snow sport enthusiasts an abundance of exciting opportunities to enjoy the activity of their choice. Boasting more than 100 inches of annual snowfall and a high-tech energy-efficient snowmaking system, skiers and boarders are assured of plenty of action on Wisp Resort’s 132 acre winter playground.

The Wisp Resort’s slope-side hotel offers ski-in/ski-out convenience, along with a fitness center, racquet ball courts, heated indoor swimming pool and Jacuzzi, as well as a health spa for top to toe pampering. With 67 guest rooms and 102 two-room suites that have been newly renovated, the hotel is located close to the many mountain activities on offer. Outdoor activities during the winter months include snow skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing and snowmobiling, while the resort’s Nordic Center offers snowshoeing and cross country skiing. With 32 trails and 13 lifts, skiers at Wisp Resort will never have to wait in a queue to hit the slopes and thanks to efficient lighting, many of these activities can be enjoyed at night as well. Skiing lessons are available for beginners of any age.

Whatever time of the year holidaymakers choose to visit Wisp Resort, they can be assured of activities for the entire family to enjoy. These include water sports such as waterskiing, wakeboarding and whitewater rafting, as well as mountain biking on regular trails, free-ride trails and downhill trails. Nature walks, fly fishing, flatwater kayaking, mountain boarding, disc golf, paintball adventures and scenic chairlift rides are other entertaining options available at Wisp Resort. The 20,000 square foot Street and Skate Park will challenge the most experienced skateboarder, while golfers can try their hand at the superb 18-hole golf course. The Wisp Resort Mountain Coaster is open all year round (weather permitting) to take passengers on a whirlwind ride in, out and through the forest – not for the faint-hearted.

Around the world, snow skiing, snowboarding and a host of new innovative snow sports, are enjoyed by thousands of people when they need to take a break from the stresses of modern living. Taking a much needed break in the beautiful surroundings of Wisp Resort is guaranteed to recharge your batteries.

FSO4 Freeze

Editor — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 12:10:44 +0000

The Battersea Power Station in London will come alive this October with the sounds and winter sport activities of the FS04 Freeze festival. It will take place between the 23rd and the 26th of October 2008 and will be the first time that London hosts a World Cup event, which involves slopes, snow and fast moving competitors. More than a hundred competitors will be taking part in the FS04 Freeze festival, and there will be many attractions and events to keep spectators and event attendees thrilled and spellbound.

One of the most anticipated attractions at the FS04 Freeze will be the Big Air Jump, which is going to be the highest that the United Kingdom has ever seen. With snowboarding extravaganzas and skiing spectaculars, together with great performances of some of the best bands, musicians and DJs, those attending the festival are in for a real treat.

In the International Freeski Event, spectators can look forward to seeing three of the world’s top skiers in action, as Jacob Wester, Tanner Hall and Jon Olsson have confirmed their participation. Technical excellence will be seen during the International Skiing Big Air Competition, as the Armada Pro Ski Team entertain the crowds with their masterful execution of twists, grabs and flips, as they push the boundaries of aerial maneuvers. There will be skiers from Sweden, the United Kingdom, United States, Norway, Finland, Germany, Australia, Poland, Norway and France, and a magnificent line-up of international snowboarders will also be in attendance. After a day filled with skiing and snowboarding fun and excitement, the evenings will be heating things up on the main stage and at the Blizzard Bar, which is presented by Relentless.

The Blizzard Bar will not only be able to quench any thirst, but will have brilliant performances by bands such as The Holloways, Example, The Ghost Frequency, Underground Heroes, Les Gars, JettBlack, Haunts, Ou Est Le Swimming Pool, Twin Atlantic, Regards, Dekker and the Ultimate Power DJs to keep the festivities going all night. The main stage will present The Cuban Brothers, The Enemy, Annie Mac, The Anomalies, Reverend and The Makers, Iglu and Hartly, Dekker, I Say Marvin, The Automatic, Sway, Cage The Elephant, Trouble Andrew, Sergeant, Cock n Bull Kid, Stereo Decade and Cypress Hill as the headliners for the FS04 Freeze festival. The FS04 Freeze is a festival that combines the adrenalin and action of skiing and snowboarding with a party atmosphere featuring explosive bands, and should not be missed out on.