"Skiier v.s. Snowboarder Battle"

The other day when I was skiing at Arapahoe Basin, I was on the chair lift with a man that was hating on snowboarders. The skier vs. snowboarder battle has been going on for as long as I can remember. I snowboarded for several years before I picked up skiing for the second time. When I started snowboarding, the sport was relatively new.

I remember feeling like I was such a nuisance to the skiers on the mountain. As a skier now, I definitely don’t have anything against snowboarders. I think it’s silly that so many skiers only look at snowboarders as punk, stoner kids whose main goal is to ruin the skiers day.

Many of my friends that I ski with are snowboarders; however, there is something to be said about skiing with another awesome skier that has similar taste.

"A Possible Plan for Burying Interstate-70 at Vail"

The town for Vail feels that it is possible to bury Interstate-70 through Vail. The question now is how they will get the money to fund such a project. Officials believe that a solution could possibly be found within the next 20 years. One option includes lowering the interstate and putting a lid on it is certain locations. Although this may solve the noise problem, I think it would take away from the Vail’s natural beauty.

There are other options including using quiet pavement on the interstate or advising residents to make improvements in their homes to reduce noise. Officials feel there needs to be a serious event to get the ball rolling on the tunnel plans. We may see Colorado bid for the Winter Olympics in the future.

"Glenwood Canyon Bike Path to Open This Saturday"

Just because the ski season has ended doesn't mean that your trips to the mountains have to stop. There are many opportunities for other activities up in the mountains this spring and summer. Mountain biking has kept many skiers and riders busy during the spring and summer months.

Glenwood Canyon bike path which streached 25 miles will open this Saturday for riders that don't mind the cold. bikers might want to get their rides in early because the Colorado River rises and the path may close in a couple of months. The path is only open during the spring and summer months due to maintenance on interstate-70.

Get your rides in early before the path closes again.

"Ride the Limo Rail"

This weekend marks the final weekend fro Loveland and Echo Ski Resorts. The Smith Limo Rail Jam has become a closing day tradition at Loveland. I have never seen anything like the Smith Limo Rail, but skiers and riders can actually go on jumps and slide on a rail on top of a stretch limo!

Local artist Arnie Green will play on the patio to close out another successful season at Loveland. Echo will close out the season as well. Echo Mountain Park is the closest mountain to Denver, however does not ofter much more than a couple runs and a terrain park.

"Two More Months of Skiing in Summit County"

As all the mountains close down for the season; don’t fret, because Arapahoe Basin plans on staying open for as long as the conditions are safe for skiing. As of today, A-Basin is still 100 percent open and skiers are still enjoying fresh powder from time to time. With what seems to be the never ending ski season, the Basin has had 63 inches of snow in February, which is 20 inches more than last season. The solid base will give spring skiing lovers a month or two more of days in the sun.

Although conditions may not be the best, riders find other ways to stay entertained while at A-Basin. "The Beach” has become one of the greatest parts about visiting summit county. Right between the parking lot and the bottom of the lifts, locals set up grills, lawn chairs, and tons of food for an all day party on the mountain.

A-Basin is expected to stay open till at least mid-June. So if you’re not ready to put your ski gear away for the season, hit up the Basin for one more day of fun in the sun.

"The Ski Industry to Go Green"

Most ski areas have been going green over the past few years. Resorts are using wind power to run the ski lifts. The problem is that skis that are not bought up or handed down become a part of the waste stream, which is the case in Summit County, CO. The ski industry is trying to go green and make its ski equipment easier to recycle.

Ski equipment can be re-used for materials such as flooring, but the problem is that there are so many layers and materials on skis and snowboards that it is difficult to separate the parts. One possibility is bringing old skis to shredding facilities and adding an environmental fee to the price of skis and boots to help with the cost.

The main challenge is that most ski equipment is made in China, which makes it hard to regulate environmental performance standards. Snowsports Industries of America has partnered with the natural Resources Defense Council to help set measurable goals for retailers.

To find out how you can recycle your skis visit recycling database-world.org

"Imperial Challenge...That's an Understatement"

This Sunday marks the end of Breckenridge Ski Resort’s 2007-2008 ski season. With over 350 inches of snow fall this year, the season has been extremely successful. Want one last day of spring skiing? Check out Ridge Street Massive Music and the Imperial Challenge.

On April 18 check out Grace Potter and the Nocturnals with opening bands. The show starts right after the mountain closes. Robert Randolph will begin playing at 3 p.m.on April 19. All skiers and boarders cannot deny the pleasure found in a long day of skiing followed by an afternoon of sweet sounds.

The twelfth annual Imperial Challenge sounds like a little too much action for me. Bikers will begin with a 6.2 mile ride from the Breckenridge town across peak 7 to Peak 8. If you don’t think that will get your legs burning, you will them be hauling to the top of the Imperial Bowl and zooming back down to the base. Bikers will need all the support they can get to make it through the challenging ride.

"New Technology at Vail Could Shorten Lift Lines"

Vail has announced the possibility of using new technology to scan season passes. Skiers will not even have to take their passes out of their pockets in order for employees to scan passes and access information. This will be made possible by using radio frequency identification.

Vail has also tested sensors that are mounted above the lift lines on Vista Bahn, Chair 3, and Chair 4. The sensors will detect the RFID chips inside the passes and will give the ski company information about where skiers go throughout the day. This will make grooming more efficient.

As a regular at Vail Mountain, anything that could cut down lift lines would be great. Most of the time skiers are scrambling around trying to find where they put their passes. The only negative to the improvement is that lift scanners jobs could be almost eliminated.

"First Indoor Ski Resort in U.S. to Open This Year"

As a lover of nature and skiing, I cannot imagine taking a ski vacation to an indoor ski resort. The combination of fake snow, a white dome for the sky, no clean, crisp, fresh air, and long lift lines is a disgrace to all snow sports. Xanadu is a $2 billion entertainment and retain village under construction at the Meadowlands Sports Complex located in East Rutherford, N.J.

The dome’s attraction will be a 140-foot tall ski run. All I can say is that I wouldn’t want to be there for opening day. The interesting structure has gotten heads turning and people wondering what the interior will look like. Apparently the dome will have everything from entertainment, sports, retail, offices, and hotel space.

This new complex has given people who live in areas that traditionally don’t get snow the chance to ski all year round. A Las Vegas firm as announced that they will be adding ski slopes to their indoor water park, Las Vegas Wet, which is scheduled to open in 2011. Xanadu is scheduled to open sometime later this year.

"The Sounds of Sunsation"

Coppers end of the year celebration, Sunsation, is back for the seventh year in a row. Who can complain with partying at free concerts after a long day of spring skiing in the sunshine? Last weekend seven - bands played over Saturday and Sunday including reggae bands Eek-A-Mouse and Pato Banton & The Reggae Revolution. These were concerts not to be missed as the positive beats kept the crowd seriously entertained.

This weekend you can still catch several amazing acts from around the nation. The music starts at 11 a.m. each day and continues until 5 p.m. This year artists include Band of Heathens, Perpetual Groove, George Clinton & Parliament-funkadelic, Trevor Hall, Lotus, and Matisyahu.

Also, don’t forget to catch one of the hottest competitions of the season. The Hometown Heroes will be competing against 12 of today’s top amateurs. Competitors will be riding in teams and hitting up Copper Mountain’s rail and terrain park. Don’t miss the weekend extravaganza in the mountains. April 20 will be your last chance to ski Copper Ski Resort.

"Celebrate a Record Breaking Season at Steamboat"

This weekend marks the end of the 2007/2008 ski season at Steamboat Ski Resort. Racking in at a groundbreaking 486 inches, Steamboat has had a champaign powder season. They will close the season with their first Springalicious Festival taking place April 5 and April 6.

The festival will include the 28th Annual Cardboard Classic, and new this year is the Splashdown pond skimming competition. Thee bands will also be featured throughout the two day festival; American Relay, The Radiators, and Susan Tedeschi.

What exactly is the Cardboard Classic you ask? Well it involves homemade cardboard crafts racing to the finish line. I would imagine that one might see some hilarious crashes which might make it worthwhile. There will be 50 crafts and the proceeds will be donated to Yampa Valley Recycles.

If you haven’t seen a pond skimming competition, you haven’t lived! From my experience watching pond skimming at Vail, I saw some of the craziest costumes including topless ladies. I think it would be awful skiing down the mountain half naked to then fall into a 30 degree pond, but for everyone else it’s one of the most entertaining ways that you can spend your weekend. Don’t miss the last weekend celebration at Steamboat Ski Resort.

"Don't be a 'Gaper'...Make Fun of Them"

Zip up your one piece bright pink ski suit and head to the mountains, because today is Breckenridge’s annual Gaper Day! What exactly is Gaper Day you ask? Well, local and employees deal with “gapers” every day. Basically they are the tourists that come around during the high season that are recognizable from a mile away. It’s a day for locals to poke a little fun at the tourists and it’s a day that locals look forward to all season.

I feel bad for any tourists that happens to be visiting Breckenridge during Gaper Day. Imagine standing at the top of the terrain park when a gang of people on mini skis wearing neon colored suits and hats, and rear-entry boots come whizzing by doing ridiculous jumps through the half-pipe, and falling over on the rails. Now that would be a frightening sight to see if you weren’t aware of the tradition.

For most people, Gaper Day is chance to get drunk and laugh at all the crazy outfits people come up with. One of the classic outfits include jeans, a mullet, a cowboy hat, and an obnoxious sweatshirt. This video explains everything you need to know about Gaper Day.

"Out-of-Control Children: A Parent's Worst Nightmare"

In my opinion, one of the coolest things that you can see while skiing is a little kid that is going faster then a speeding bullet down the mountain, making better turns that you, or even mastering tele-skiing at the age of ten. It is amazing how effortless it is for a little kid to get the hang of skiing. All it takes is a little pizza and french fry; at least that’s what the instructors always told me when I was learning to ski.

I remember one of the first times my family took my sister and I to the mountains. I never worried about getting out of control. In fact, I enjoyed getting out of control because most of the time that meant I was going fast. One of the funniest memories I have from that trip is flying down the mountain, being unable to turn to avoid the orange plastic fence that kept kids like me from crashing into a tree. Luckily, I didn’t weigh enough to break though the fence. It acted as a sling shot and flung me back onto the run. The look on my mothers face was priceless. All I can say is that I feel bad for parents who have to ski with children whose favorite part of skiing is getting out of control.

Children are beginning to ski when they can walk. Resorts offer ski school programs for kids as young as three years old. It is important to prepare for the weather and wear a helmet for safety reasons. Also, make sure that you start at a resort that has a wide variety of beginner terrain. You don’t want to get caught on a black diamond run your first day out with the family.

"Spring Ski on New Terrain"

Over Spring break, I had the chance to check out Arapahoe Basin’s new terrain. Montezuma Bowl opened in mid-January and is located on the backside of A-Basin. Unfortunately I have not been able to get out there until later in the season, but that doesn’t mean that it wasn’t great skiing. After a long winter every skier looks forward to that first spring day where they can wear light layers and come home with a goggle tan.

Montezuma bowl has increased A-Basin’s terrain by 80 percent and is the nation’s largest terrain expansion for the 2007-2008 ski season. The great thing about the new bowl is that it expands terrain for intermediate and expert skiers. Runs include blues, blacks, and double blacks and skiers and boarders can ride groomed trails or adventure to the cornices, chutes, glades and open bowls.

For many local skiers, A-Basin is their home away from home. Because the terrain is more difficult that most other resorts in the area, tourists are less likely to ski A-Basin. Lucky for me and my fellow skiers who don’t mind a ski area that is a little smaller, but has plenty of options now that the Montezuma Bowl is open. Make sure to check out the Basin’s new terrain before the snow stops falling.

"Highers Prices, Higher Quality"

Why is it that even when Vail Ski Resort raises their lift ticket prices to $92; the highest in the nation, people still continue to come back? I remember when I used to ski with my family several years back and prices were $20 to $30 cheaper, and we still thought that was pretty outrageous. Today taking your family on a ski trip is one of the most expensive vacations you could possibly take.

Many Colorado residents who buy seasons passes and live near the mountains take for granted the fact that they have gotten their money’s worth within a month. Then again, many people who live in the mountains only ski for a couple hours at a time.

Vail Mountain was recently ranked the second-best ski resort in North America and ski-industry analyst, Nolan Rosall, feels that the skiers are getting higher quality and the price reflects that. I can agree with his feelings towards Vail Mountain. If I just can out to Colorado to ski once a year, I would choose to spend the extra money to be sure that I’m going to have the best experience possible.

"Tree Wells Cause Deaths At Steamboat"

As more and more snow continues to fall in the mountains, skiers need to be warned of the dangers of tree wells. The unstable holes that form around the base of trees create snow pack around the trunk. Skiers and snowboarders have died from falling into tree wells and suffocating. There have been six deaths at Steamboat Ski Resort since 2000, four have been caused by suffocation.

Ski areas are beginning to post signs explaining tree wells and warning skiers about areas that could be dangerous. The problem is that most ski resorts are too large and just posting signs might not efficiently reach people. There are so many trees between runs and in out of bounds areas.

It is scary to think that it is possible to fall into the snow and not be able to unbury yourself. Jared Daniel fell into a tree well at Steamboat and it took about 15 minutes before his friend and others who came to help were able to free Daniel from the snow.

"All It Takes Is A Couple Of Bamboo Sticks"

Colorado ski areas have been at the center of major cases dealing with ski safety. People get injured every day on the mountain and the resort officials must deal with unhappy skiers. Most of the time, the mountain is not going to be liable for accidents because ski law forces them to mark the trails, boundaries, and the difficulty level of the trails and slopes.

Last week my boyfriend was injured at Copper Mountain after skiing over a rock mound covered in powder. Although there was a sign at the top of the run warning skiers that it was an expert only run with unmarked obstacles, I was a little shocked that they wouldn’t take more precaution to ensure skiers safety.

When the ski patrol reached him, they said, “well didn’t you see the unmarked obstacle sign at the top of the run?”

He didn’t happen to see it because he cut in halfway down the run, but I don’t think that sign would stop an experienced skier from venturing down it. Having a sign at the top protects the mountain, but shouldn’t they take it a step farther and make sure their guests make it off the mountain safely? All it takes is a couple of bamboo sticks.

"Colorado Winter Special Olympics at Copper Mountain"

This Sunday and Monday, Copper Mountain will host the Colorado Special Olympics Winter Games. The athletes will participate in alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, figure and speed skating, snowshoeing, and snowboarding.

This season is the 20th consecutive year that Copper has hosted the Winter Special Olympics, and they will continue the tradition until 2010. More than 400 athletes from around the state will compete over the two-day competition.

If you’re looking for a reason to head out to the mountain this weekend, make sure to check out the competitions in the afternoon. Don’t miss the opening ceremonies including the Copper Mountain Ski Patrol Flame Parade and fireworks.

Copper Mountain is still looking for volunteers to assist with the events. For more information on volunteering please visit www.specialolympicsco.org/get/get_involved.html

"Are You Up For The "Tele" Challenge?"

Telemark skiing (or “tele”) has been around for hundreds, or possibly thousands of years. It all began when Norwegian, Sondre Norheim, popularized the new type of skiing. He is recognized today as the father of telemark skiing. Telemarking is mostly about the turn and your heel.

When telemarking, one ski is advanced in front of the other, and the heel is raised on the rear ski. The skier is in a very bent knee position. Now just picture this imaginary skier in your head. Although I have never tried this type of skiing, I have total respect for anyone who does this on a weekly or even monthly basis. The amount of leg and core strength this must take is extraordinary!

When telemarking was fist invented, it was used for traveling long distances, not for recreation. Telemarking was a viable technique for the equipment of the day. The telemark position allowed skiers to make easier turns, however, with wooden skis I can’t imagine how that would be anywhere close to “easy.”

You can visit Beaver Creek Mountain this Saturday for one of the seven telemark skiing workshops offered throughout the season. Equipment rentals are available.

"Reach your True Ski Potential"

As I check out my options at the top of the Mercury Chair at Breckenridge Ski Resort, I can veer to the right and take the blue cruiser down to the bottom, or I can adventure into the double black diamond tree run to the right.

I ask myself whether I’m ready for the challenge, or if I should play it safe. I hesitate for a moment and head to the narrow opening to my right. The snow is un-groomed and I pick up speed as the pitch becomes steeper. Most skiers find themselves stuck where they are comfortable and hesitate to advance to the next level.

There are several exercises that can help skiers reach their true potential. The first step is having confidence and being mentally prepared, however, you cannot throw yourself onto a challenging run without being physically fit.

Preseason training is a great way to prepare yourself for improvement on the mountain. Some ways to improve include:

1) Cardiovascular conditioning such as mountain biking or jogging.
2) Strengthening leg muscles by doing squats on a single leg.
3) Improve agility by hoping from side to side while staying in a squat position.
4) Flexibility can be improved through several exercises focusing on the back, legs, and quadriceps.
5) Power can be enhanced by practicing polymetrics.

For the latest news on how to get in shape for skiing check out Ski Magazine.

"Vail's Snow: Best in Seven Years"

Residents of the Vail and the Summit County area are claiming that this year’s snow is the best they have seen in several years. The average snowfall each year at Vail Mountain through Jan. 31 is 189 inches, however this season they have already gotten 239 inches.

“It’s just endless powder,” said Tom Calvin. The lucky local has already skied about 60 days this season. Snowing 24 of the 31 days in January, this is Vail’s snowiest year in seven years.

Climatologist, Klaus Wolter, originally predicted a dry season, but has been proven wrong thus far. As we have seen in the past years, weather patterns don’t last all winter. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts a dry February and March.

This is unfortunate news for fans of spring skiing. There’s nothing like skiing fresh powder on a sunny spring afternoon. Let’s just hope that if it keeps snowing the snowplow drivers can clear the roads so we can get out there!

To find out the latest snow report in the mountains visit http://www.coloradoski.com/SnowReport/.

"Know Your Limit: Are You Prepared For Backcountry Skiing?"

More and more backcountry skiers are hitting up East Vail’s chutes, and conditions are growing worse as more and more snow falls in the area.

Despite two deaths, the area can not be shut down because it is not part of the ski company’s permit area. Forest Service officials have been warning skiers of the dangers at the back country gate at the top of Vail Mountain.

Both skiers were carrying rescue equipment, which is essential while skiing backcountry, such as shovels, beacons, and probes. However, when conditions are dangerous your equipment can only do so much.

If you plan on skiing backcountry, make sure you are knowledgeable on what to do in case of an avalanche and how to ride safely.

Here are some tips…

1) Take an avalanche safety course to learn personal safety and rescue techniques.

2) Always ski with a buddy.

3) Practice searching for your partners avalanche transceivers.

4) Research your route and show conditions in the area you plan to ski.

5) Always carry avalanche equipment (shovels, beacons, probes) as well as extra clothes, high energy food, and plenty of water.

6) Be aware of your surroundings.

If you plan on skiing backcountry know your limit and never be afraid to say no if the terrain doesn’t look safe.

For more information on avalanche safety visit http://classic.mountainzone.com/features/avalanche/

"Locals Say Goodbye to Smoke Shacks"

For several years now, locals living in the Breckenridge area have been building little cabins in between the runs at Breckenridge Ski Resorts. These huts, known as “smoke shacks,” are of serious concern to the resort because the resort leases the terrain from the U.S. Forest Service.

“Anything and everything [Breckenridge Ski Patrol finds] will be torn down,” said Breckenridge spokeswoman, Emily Jacob.

Using materials from the forest is illegal and Breckenridge officials feel that they must restore the area to its purity.

Many locals and riders that know the mountain well would be heartbroken to ride a shack-less Breckenridge. It is a tradition to stop by the shacks while riding peak nine or 10.

The first time that I arrived at the peak 10 shack known as Leo’s, I was amazed at how extravagant it was. It has two stories, windows, tables, benches, and even Ninja Turtle action figures dangling from the ceiling.

Apparently people have built cabins at all of the other resorts in the Summit County area, however, I have only visited Breckenridge’s shacks.

Another problem the “smoke shacks” pose for the resort is that people bring food and leave their trash for the animals to find. I can confirm that the shacks that I have visited have been pretty trashed and I’m sure the name hints at what goes on inside.

Aside from the environmental and safety problems that the shacks pose, most people skiing on a day-to-day basis don’t even know that the cabins exist. Thomas Berger, a Summit County resident, is determined to keep the “smoke shacks” alive.

I guess I’ll know whether or not the Breckenridge Ski Patrol has made any progress on my next adventure there.

"Make History on Winter Park's Panoramic Express"

A new improvement at Winter Park/Mary Jane ski resort has allowed everyone make history. The new Panoramic Express Lift is the highest six-person chairlift in North America. The lift will hoist skiiers up to 12,060 feet in the air.

Coming from someone who road this lift yesterday, I can confidently say that it is the Cadillac of ski lifts. Mary Jane is one of the top five ski resorts in North America for skiing bumps. Fans of the resort appreciate resting their knees on a luxurious lift like the Panoramic.

Replacing the Timberline Lift, which took 11 minutes to reach the top of the Parsenn Bowl, a ride on the Panoramic Express takes only seven minutes. In addition to the new lift, 100 acres of new terrain has opened on the Mary Jane side of the resort.

The chairlifts mind-blowing view of the Continental Divide from over 12,000 feet will be sure to draw in tourists from all over the world.

"Celebrate More Than Just Skiing"

If skiing Vail Mountain’s 5,289 acres of free terrain and seven bowls aren’t enough for you, check out the many concerts and festivals held throughout the year.

One of the many perks of skiing Vail Mountain is that on average there are only two skiers per acre, giving you room to freely cruise the seven miles of fabulous terrain. The party doesn’t stop when the ski lifts close. There is plenty to do in Vail that doesn’t require skis or a snowboard.

Looking for a reason to celebrate Mardi Gras? From Feb. 3-5, Vail will host the CarniVail blowout bash including crawfish, live music, street parties and the Fat Tuesday parade. It’s hard to turn down a day of riding, dining and dancing in beautiful Vail, Colorado.

“ET” of The Dirty Dozen Brass Band will perform throughout three day event and
don’t forget to vote for the CarniVail king and queen at www.vaildaily.com. The winners will be crowned at the Fat Tuesday parade at 5 p.m. in Vail Village.

Plan your next trip at Vail Mountain where there’s never a dull moment.