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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

Additional Disciplines for Winter Olympics

Editor — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 09:46:55 +0000

The 2014 Winter Olympic Games will be held in Sochi, Russia. Additional disciplines have been added to the games, and have been welcomed by athletes, giving them more freedom as to the events that they can qualify in. Now snowboard slopestyle, parallel slalom snowboarding and slopestyle skiing events will also be allowed, and the International Olympic Committee has also made the decision to allow women’s ski jumping and halfpipe skiing into the next Winter Olympic Games.

Bill Marolt, the CEO and President of the United States Ski and Snowboard Association, commented on the decision made by the International Olympic Committee with great enthusiasm, saying that the addition of the new events, especially slopestyle, will encourage the youth, as there are already millions of younger athletes who are enjoying the terrain parks and perfecting their skill. The inclusion of these events will have a far reaching effect, with U.S. Freeskiing and U.S. Snowboarding being impacted positively by this decision.

The slopestyle event involves a man-made course that consists of various jumps, rails and boxes, making up a terrain course. Many ski resorts have included terrain courses as part of their facilities as they are popular with both snowboarding and skiing enthusiasts. There will therefore be nine new events for contenders to receive medals in, for both men and women.

Shaun White, a snowboarding superstar in America, competed in the 2010 Vancouver Games and won two gold medals for halfpipe events, and said that he would definitely be considering the slopestyle events in Sochi. Snowboarding made its way to the Nagano Games in 1998, and ever since the games, the sport has developed into various disciplines such as snowboardcross. The inclusion of the parallel special slalom is also exciting, as it is a more technical discipline than giant slalom. Recognizing that slopestyle has become a major developing sport in the winter sport industry has seen it included in the 2014 Winter Olympics, and will most definitely give the youth more encouragement to practice and improve their talents to make it to the Olympics one day.

Waterville Goes Pink

Editor — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 10:56:22 +0000

This is a fantastic fund raising event to benefit Boarding for Breast Cancer. The event has much to offer participants and spectators of the Pink Rail Jam. Registration fees include a goodies bag, terrain park lift ticket and a pink raffle ticket. This is a great opportunity to strap your snowboard on for a worthy cause.

Date: 6 February 2011
Time: 08h00
Venue: Waterville Valley Ski Area
Town: Waterville Valley
State: New Hampshire
Country: United States of America

Parklife Youth Mini Shred 2010

Editor — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 12:37:14 +0000

On the 19th of September 2010, the mini terrain park at the The Remarkables will transform into a day of fun, competitions and entertainment. The competition is exclusively for children who are sixteen years and younger, and parents and friends are encouraged to support the younger competitors from the side lines. Helmets are a compulsory requirement for all competitors, as organizers take safety very seriously. Competitors are able to register free of charge, between 9 and 10 am.

For more information in regard to the Parklife Youth Mini Shred 2010, visit http://www.nzski.com/events.jsp?site=theremarkables&category=2.

Date: 19 September 2010
Venue: The Remarkables
City: Queenstown
Country: New Zealand

Loveland’s Tall T’s n’ Tacos 2010

Editor — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 10:45:40 +0000

To test your snowboarding and skiing skills, head towards the Loveland Ski Area on 1 May 2010, and participate in the Loveland’s Tall T’s n’ Tacos Terrain Park Competition. All ages are welcome to register for the event, which will be filled with challenges, fun and excitement. Lunch will be provided for all skiers and snowboarders, and there is $10 000 in prizes up for grabs. Family members and friends are also invited to come and enjoy the day and support participants.

Visit the Loveland Ski Area website for more information in regard to the terrain, facilities and the competition, at http://www.skiloveland.com/events/May.aspx.

Date: 1 May 2010
Venue: Loveland Ski Area
City: Colorado
Country: United States of America

Crystal Mountain

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

Canada’s Crystal Mountain Ski Resort, located just north of Okanagan’s Westbank in British Columbia, is every skier and snowboarder’s dream. Well-known for its exceptional terrain, great prices and hospitable atmosphere, Crystal Mountain is the ideal vacation destination for the entire family.

Crystal Mountain Ski Resort’s carefully cared for slopes provide skiers with an exquisite view of the Betsie Valley and the glistening snowy surroundings. Ski season is between December and March. Skiers and snowboarders will have a wonderful time exploring the 24 trails covering 160 acres and a vertical of 656 feet. With an annual snowfall of 10 feet you are certain to enjoy gliding across the white terrain. Crystal Mountain Ski Resort is brilliant for beginners with a great ski school and lots of space to learn. The area’s terrain is classified into the following categories: 30% beginner, 50% intermediate and 20% expert – something for everyone. Three well-maintained lifts carry enthusiastic skiers and snowboarders to various starting points on the icy slopes. The terrain park is certain to keep snowboarders entertained. Cross-country skiing is also a popular pastime at Crystal Mountain.

Crystal Mountain Ski Resort ensures that its patrons are well cared for with a day lodge, ski shop, equipment rental, pubs and restaurants. Enjoy delicious meals after a day of adventure at the Wild Flower Restaurant, Crystal Cantina, Center Slice or the Little Betsie Bistro. If you want to take a break from skiing, why not try some of these great activities: ice skating, sleigh rides, visit the spa or exercising at the fitness center. Whilst accommodation is not available at Crystal Mountain Ski Resort itself, there are many hotels, lodges and guest houses in the surrounding areas.

So don’t miss out on a great adventure, visit Crystal Mountain Ski Resort this winter.

Kimberley Alpine

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

British Columbia, Canada, is just full of excellent skiing opportunities. One such place is Kimberley Alpine Ski Resort. The Kimberley Ski Resort has a good reputation amongst skiers for a number of reasons. One is the excellent variety of terrain and runs available, which caters to all skill levels. Another is the consistent snow conditions that almost always ensure a good ski season.

The resort also has great day care facilities, a KidzRule Evening program and a variety of ski and snowboard programs, so it is well established to cater for children of all ages. This means Kimberley Ski Resort is a great holiday option for families. Kimberly also offers cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, alpine skiing, a terrain park, half pipe, jib park, night skiing, hockey, curling, skating and even a movie theatre.

When you hit the slopes, you will find that there are 67 runs spread out over 1800 acres of skiable terrain. The resort has a 2465 ft vertical drop and its longest run is 21 120 ft. The cross-country trails are 33 km in length. There are eight ski lifts in total. The Northstar Express quad chair will take you over a distance of 2500 ft in less than nine minutes. And to top it off, the mountain has a summit elevation of 6500 ft which is made use of as extensively as possible.

The trails cater mainly to intermediate skiers with some 42% of the trails being graded for this level. 20% of the trails are for beginners, while 38% are for more advanced skiers. There is also a variety of great accommodation available both at the resort and in the nearby city of Kimberly. The Trickle Creek Residence Inn is popular with a variety of individuals as it is the nearest accommodation and it provides luxurious and comfortable living conditions. However, you will also find a number of lodges, chalets and hotels to choose from.

When you’re not skiing you’ll be happy to know that there are two great shops to browse as well as a variety of restaurants available. Kelsey’s Bar and Grill is one example. You might also try the Stemwinder Bar & Grill, the Slopeside Coffee & Deli and Kootenay Haus. All offer a great selection of tasty food which is worth every cent you pay for it.

The ski season at Kimberley Alpine Ski Resort opens between December and April. If you are visiting during the summer months, you will find a lot of other options are available for your enjoyment. You can go mountain biking, play golf, enjoy a scenic chairlift ride, go hiking, river rafting or fly fishing or even enjoy a helicopter ride. Book now to make sure that you don’t miss out!

Lake Louise

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

Beautifully situated within the Banff National Park at Lake Louise in Alberta Canada is the stunning Lake Louise Mountain Resort. The largest ski area in Canada, Lake Louise Mountain Resort attracts vast numbers of visitors to its snowy slopes annually. With such an extensive, magical landscape, varying difficulty levels and excellent facilities, the options are endless. Don’t miss out on this fantastic winter playground between November and May.

Boasting some 4 200 acres of ski area with a vertical rise of 3 250 feet and 113 ski runs, Lake Louise Mountain Resort is a sportsman/woman’s dream. No matter your skiing experience, you are certain to have a great time here. The trails are categorized as follows: 25% beginner, 45% intermediate and 30% advanced. Eleven lifts are able to transport some 15 499 skiers per hour to numerous starting points on the glistening slopes. The Telus terrain park provides snowboarders with endless hours of fun. Divided into three sections according to difficulty, this terrain park has proved extremely popular. Snowboarders can also play around with the Super pipe, Half pipe and Jib park. Lake Louise Mountain Resort is also ideal for cross-country skiers with some 30km to be explored. Just picture it: you’re standing fully kitted looking out at a snow-covered landscape, the chilly air brushes against your cheek, you carefully prepare yourself, then you slowly push off and down you go, gliding across the sparkling terrain, excitement pumping through your veins. This can be your experience at Lake Louise Mountain Resort.

Skoki Lodge also located in Banff National Park can only be reached by means of a trail (11 km) from Lake Louise Mountain Resort. This exquisite lodge provides outstanding accommodation, delicious meals, great service and a warm atmosphere, ideal for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of life. Other accommodation in the Lake Louise area with easy access to the resort includes: Deer Lodge, Emerald Lake Lodge, Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, Lake Louise Inn, Lake Louise International Hostel, The Post Hotel and West Louise Lodge. If you would like to take a break from the slopes and enjoy a sumptuous meal, you can visit the Powder Keg Restaurant or Sitzmark Pub at Lake Louise Mountain Resort.

Of course, the good times continue into summer with the wonderful gondola rides providing visitors with a unique vantage point to observe the mountain’s natural wonders and wildlife. Other fun-filled summer activities can be enjoyed at the town of Lake Louise, Canada.

After exploring the snow-carpeted slopes, natural splendor and ski apres of Lake Louise Mountain Resort, you will want to come back for more.

Alpenglow

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

Alpenglow at Arctic Valley is situated in Chugach State Park, right beside Alaska’s Anchorage. This lovely ski area is operated by the volunteers who are members of the Anchorage Ski Club. Alpenglow is well-known by snow sport aficionados from around the continent. So whether you are a skier, snowboarder, telemark fan or ski skater, Alpenglow is a ski area you do not want to miss.

Alpenglow at Arctic Valley’s four ski lifts carry eager skiers and snowboarders up the mountainsides into this winter playground of 320 acres. The summit of Rendezvous peak reaches up 4 000 feet, creating a total vertical of 1 400 feet for Alpenglow. Recipient of about 250 inches of snow per annum, Alaska’s Alpenglow offers lovely ski conditions. In addition, the terrain has 15 snowboarding runs. People of all ability levels can enjoy the snow shrouded slopes of Alpenglow, which are rated 20% beginner, 50% intermediate and 30% advanced. Test out your skills on Alpenglow’s bowls, namely Champagne, Bradley, Rendezvous and Ptarmigan. In 2001 Alpenglow introduced a terrain park. Snowboarders will be thrilled by the number and variety of features with plenty of rails and kickers. So head off to Alpenglow at Arctic Valley between November and March for snow sport galore.

The cherry on top is Alpenglow’s well-maintained lodge. Amenities at the lodge include equipment rental and a cafeteria. It is also possible to rent a portion of the lodge during the season. Winter is not the only season for good times at Alpenglow. During the summer months you can hike several trails, go berry picking or test your strength with mountain biking.

So, if you weren’t too sure where to spend your vacation time this year, Alaska should be top of the list and a stop at Alpenglow at Arctic Valley is a must.

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Hilltop Ski

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

Hilltop Ski Area in Anchorage of Alaska is situated nearby Chugach State Park. Opened in 1984, Hilltop is Anchorage’s in-town resort. Ideal for skiers of all abilities and boasting a beautiful landscape, vacationers will have a wonderful time at Hilltop Ski Area.

Picture it: You are standing at the base Hilltop Ski Area’s 30 acres of ski terrain. Hopping onto one of the two ski lifts you are whisked up the 294 vertical into this winter playground. Reaching your run you look out at the landscape, which receives 100 inches of snow each year along with extensive snow-making facilities. Slowly pushing off, you glide down the glistening hillside, fresh air filling your lungs as you pick up speed. Reaching the bottom you feel absolutely exhilirated. You’ll be eager to pick another of the 10 runs to experience it all over again. Hilltop Ski Area is perfect for those who are just starting out. The terrain has been rated as 80% beginner, 10% intermediate and 10% advanced. Many excellent programs have been created to teach visitors how to handle the snowy slopes. Adventure seekers can try their skills out on the various jumps and terrain park at Hilltop.

Hilltop Ski Area has a lovely day lodge where you can purchase and rent equipment. Is your stomach feeling a bit empty? Hilltop’s snack bar has many tasty treats. Alternatively you can treat yourself to a meal at Hilltop Haus Restaurant. With Anchorage in such close proximity, visitors can find lodging near Hilltop. Amongst these lodging options are establishments like Country Rose Manor, Parkwood Inn, Fairfield Inn and Suites, Alaskan European B&B and Best Western Golden Lion Hotel.

If you are planning a vacation in Alaska, be sure to stop by at Hilltop Ski Area for a day or two of fun in the snow.