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Alpine Skiing, Ski Equipment, Ski Holidays, Ski Resorts & More
Feb 4, 2011
Online sites to book your next ski vacation
When you’re looking for an ultimate getaway to remember, break away for a skiing trip or mountain hike that will can challenge your fitness levels and have you breathing some fresh mountain air! Ski vacations are a great excuse to enjoy snow, outdoor sports, and exquisite views from some of the world’s acclaimed hotspots.
Online sites that cater to ski enthusiasts are finding homes across the web, but a few specialized niche sites can help you search, find, and book the perfect vacation. These sites include schedule planners, ski instructor referrals, testimonials from past travelers, and shopping recommendations for all your ski wear and mountain gear. Whether you’re a beginner in ski traveling, or need to find detailed information about a specific location, use these top sites as a vital resource to plan and book your ultimate ski vacation.
For extreme mountain sports and industry enthusiasts, MountainGetaway.com features a comprehensive website full of industry news and updates, and covers 36 of the country’s most popular destinations. If you need specific information on Lake Tahoe, Summit County, or Vail Valley, head to MountainGetaway.com for travel deals, weather and temperature, and a list of local restaurants, shopping, and sites in the area. Links to the area visitors bureau can help you plan your trip with community activities and events in mind, and also take you to the best places for tickets and other contact information.
OnTheSnow.com is a partner site of MountainGetaway.com, featuring extensive coverage of ski resorts, travel deals, and ‘Snow Reports’ to track and gauge your best bets. Finding the right boards and ski wear is easy with the ‘Gear’ section, and top brands include North Face, Mountain Hardwear, and Patagonia. Prices are featured with sales and markdowns, and the site has a customer-friendly return policy for that pink ski jacket you just ordered on a compulsive buy! OnTheSnow.com provides complete coverage of most of the world’s destinations for skiing and snowboarding, and an e-mail newsletter will keep you in the know beyond your most recent trip.
Ski.com is an independent seller of ski vacations, so all deals and packages found on this site will not be found on larger sites such as Expedia or Travelocity. Instead, Ski.com works with travel specialists to bring you the most customized and individualized packages. The user-friendly website offers a variety of interactive tools that can make your search fun and easy. The interactive exploration map lets you zoom in on a specific resort or location, and slideshows chock full of pictures and surrounding lodging sites are an adventure in themselves! When you submit a profile form, you’ll get in touch with a specialist to identify all of your needs and preferences. Ski.com is a great resource to zone in on your ultimate ski vacation from a ‘bird’s eye’ view; luxury packages and special deals are additional incentives to find your next vacation easily and efficiently.
When you’re planning your ultimate ski vacation, you don’t want to overlook any detail! Using comprehensive targeted sites is a great way to find exactly what you want, and having the option to purchase accessories, compare prices, and speak with a travel consultant are just some perks of using these websites for all your traveling and booking needs. With slideshows, weather updates, and newsletters, you can easily stay up to speed on the latest events at your choice destination.
Feb 3, 2011
How to pack for ski holidays
With the arrival of winter and weather forecasts for snow, travelers are leaving the beach to head for the mountains. A ski vacation is perfect for this time of year and many are preparing to migrate to the Rocky Mountains, the Alps, or South America’s Andes for some high-altitude and cold-climate fun. While your ski trip may be already planned, you’re probably still considering what you should include in your suitcase. Follow these packing suggestions for must-have clothing, accessories, and equipment that a skier would need on a trip to make your ski travel experience less stressful.
1. Be organized and take the time to make a checklist of everything you will need on your ski trip. Check an item off when it’s packed.
2. How much you will need to pack for your ski vacation depends upon the length of the vacation. Pack only what you will need so that your suitcase will remain as light as possible.
3. Your ski clothes should consist of layers. Include one pair of thermal underwear and one sweater or turtleneck, for a mid layer, for every two days you’ll be hitting the slopes. Also pack a fleece jacket for an interior layer of insulation and waterproof ski outerwear. Don’t forget two pairs of ski socks and your ski boots.
4. Bring along these necessary ski accessories: a pair of ski goggles or sunglasses with UV protection, two pairs of mittens or waterproof gloves, a thermal scarf or neck gaiter, a headband, sunscreen and lip balm.
5. Pack clothing to wear when you’re not on the slopes. Call your hotel or research online to discover what other activities will be available to you. Pack your everyday vacation attire according to what you will be doing when you’re not skiing.
6. Don’t pack your bulky ski jacket. Wear it instead.
7. If you’re not renting ski gear, protect your skis and poles while traveling by arranging this must-have equipment in a ski bag. Also, store your ski boots in their very own boot bag.
8. If you need more room in your suitcase and have room in your ski bag, fit smaller items, such as socks and gloves, in with your skis. You can also stuff small items in your ski boots.
9. Make sure you pack any pre-purchased tickets, lesson receipts, or rental confirmations. Also, have a copy of your hotel reservation and directions to the hotel and, if you’re flying, your plane tickets.
10. Don’t check your ski boots if you’re taking a flight. Instead, use the boot bag as a carry-on. Pack all your essentials, such as medications, glasses, and toiletries, along with your ski boots.
Q: We’d love to find a ski/snowboard school where the instructors make the lessons fun while teaching effectively as well. Any ideas?
Answer by Common
Your options are limited in So. Cal. Mammoth is pretty good, and I’ve heard good things about Bear Valley. But for my money, you simply cannot beat the ski school at Heavenly in South Lake Tahoe. My experiences with them have been overwhelmingly positive.
Article by Ted Amenta
Consistently rated in the top 10 by Ski Magazine, and other leading industry publications, Breckenridge Colorado is one of the world’s premier winter resort destinations. And with annual skier/snowboarder visits consistently in the 1+ million range, chairlift lines can be an issue for some snow sliding guests during the days of peak visitation.
It is during these times of year that the luxury of using the lift access areas set aside for the exclusive use of Breckenridge Ski School customers takes on added value. The dates expected to be particularly busy at the Breckenridge Ski Resort during the 2010-2011 winter season are as follows:
Nov 25, Dec 19-21 and 26-31, Jan 1 and 14-15, Feb 18-24, Mar 13-17 and 20-23, Apr 18-19.
These dates are clustered around national holidays as well as the scheduled winter and spring breaks of colleges and high schools throughout the United States. Therefore, these peak traffic dates can be expected to apply (at least somewhat) to all of the destination ski resorts around the USA, not just those in Summit County Colorado.
As these are also the times of year when private ski and snowboard lessons are at their highest demand, it is best to reserve such lessons well ahead of time whenever possible. Otherwise, there is always the chance that instructors may not be available for the desired date(s) and time(s). Private ski and snowboard lesson reservations should typically be made once travel and lodging booking have been made.
Private ski and snowboard lessons have several advantages over group instruction, all of which revolve around the fact that they are customized sessions uniquely tailored to each individual. This allows for accelerated learning as well as increased flexibility of lesson plans and skiing and snowboarding experiences. For example, friends and families which hire their own private instructor are able to keep individuals of various ages and abilities together during the session.
On the other hand, group lessons allow guests the opportunity to meet other snow sport enthusiasts of similar abilities and ages.
Guests who do not wish to participate in a ski or snowboard lessons, but who still want to to their best to avoid the longest lift-lines of the day, would be well served by planning to load the chairlift during off peak traffic times of the day. The times of day when the most people are approaching the chairlifts are typically when the group ski and snowboard lessons are just getting started in the morning and right after their lunch break. For the Breckenridge Ski School, these times are 10am and 1:30pm. Even during the busiest times of year, chair-lift lines are rarely much of a factor prior to 9:30am, between 11:30am and 1pm, and after 2pm.
Copyright 2010 – All rights reserved by Ted Amenta, Breckenridge Ski School ski and snowboard instructor.Notice: Publishers are free to republish this article on an ezine or web site provided the article is reprinted in its entirety including copyright and author bio information, and all links remain intact and active.
About the Author
Ted Amenta is a Children’s Specialist II accredited PSIA Level III and AASI Level II certified Breckenridge Ski School ski and snowboard instructor as well as a Breckenridge Real Estate company Owner/Broker.
Feb 1, 2011
Q&A: What is a really warm women’s ski glove?
I’m shopping online but have no way of really knowing what to look for as far as warmth. My hands are like two little refrigerators (seriously, it feels like they generate cold) so I need the absolute warmest ski gloves possible.
Thanks. ;-)
Answer by So Tir
I’ve found that all the women’s gloves I’ve been up in have felt nice and warm.
Feb 1, 2011
Q&A: Super-warm ski gloves?
I love to ski, but lately my hands have been super sensative to the cold and they are always freezing numb, I have a good pair of gloves but i think they are getting old
Any suggestions for super warm gloves?
Answer by Michael M
I have a pair of Spyder gloves that are great. Very warm and waterproof. Have Fun!
Feb 1, 2011
Why we love ski holidays
Article by Virgin Holidays PR
Skiing this Winter for Your Holidays?
Skiing holidays in the winter are spent in some of the most beautiful mountains in the world. The cold, crisp air is clean and exhilarating. Days in the mountains are mostly sunny and perfect for those looking for an all-inclusive holiday break.
If you’re interested in family ski holidays you will find there are activities for every member of the family. The chair lifts, cable cars, and gondolas are not just for skiers, but non-skiers as well. These rides are perfect to take in the sites and enjoy the scenery. You can get even closer to nature by taking a walk in snow shoes, or take a ride on horseback. End your day with a swim in a relaxing thermal pool or enjoy the spa facilities provided.
Many ski resorts have shops that offer shopping fanatics a wide array of boutiques to satisfy every taste and style. Larger ski resorts boast shops that sell designer accessories, shoes, and fashions for the whole family. You will also find souvenirs and things for the home.
The food is plentiful and fabulous at ski resorts. An all-inclusive ski holiday will include your meals and even some alcohol. There are kid-type foods such as burgers and French fries all the way to the finest gourmet meals.
Many ski resorts are located near large famous cities. If you can pull yourself away from the slopes you may decide to spend a day on tour in the city to do some sight-seeing and shopping.
Ski holiday deals are plentiful depending on where you would like to go. If your heart is set on cheap ski holidays on the east or west coast of Canada, or New England then you may have to keep an eye out for specials and discounts through a travel agency. Check throughout the year as there should be ski holiday deals available for every budget.
About the Author
Virgin Holidays – For over 24 years we’ve been helping people have great holidays.
Feb 1, 2011
Ski helmet basics
Article by Mark Kempster
Ski Helmets are becoming the norm for most skiers on the slopes. A few years ago the only people that had a ski helmet on were those you might have regarded as the more extreme or off-piste skiers. Now it is quite the norm to wear a helmet whilst skiing or snowboarding.
A helmet will protect your head from most falls or collisions with other skiers or obstacles. Your head and ultimately your brain are the most important parts of your body to consider protecting from an injury. Damage to your head or brain can have serious injury implications, which in some case can be terminal. Not wearing a helmet while skiing can have some serious effects on your health should you be involved in even the slightest accident and hit your head in some way. The sad death of Natasha Richardson earlier this year is a grim reminder that not wearing a helmet really can have terminal consequences. There are many factors surrounding her death including the length of time it took for her to receive treatment but one thing is for sure, and that is had she been wearing a helmet, the damage to her head and ultimately her brain may not have been so severe. Natasha Richardson is not the only high profile person to die from a head related injury on the slopes. Other well know people in recent years include Sonny Bono and Michael Kennedy.
A report from the US shows that over 7,000 head injuries in a season could have been prevented if a ski helmet was worn. The resort of Aspen has made it compulsory for the 09/10 ski season for all the employees working on the snow to wear a helmet and it is widely predicted that before long it will become compulsory in some places to wear a helmet. There is now plenty of evidence to show that wearing a helmet will reduce the injury that the head may sustain in a ski accident. There is no evidence to suggest that wearing a helmet reduces your vision or impairs your hearing in any way or makes you feel off balance.
Fortunatel, helmet wearing is on the increase with latest figures showing that some 48% of adults now wear a helmet whilst skiing with a higher uptake in children and the over 65 age group. The days of wearing a helmet and feeling uncool are fortunately now gone. Wearing a helmet is regarded as the sensible option and amongst younger new entrants to the sport, is regarded in many cases as the norm.
Helmets come in all shapes, sizes and colours now and are made by most of the ski hardware manufacturers along with a number of companies that have made helmets for other sports such as cycling, skateboarding and blading. The design of helmets varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, but purpose of the design is to protect the head from most sorts of ski accidents. Designs have now become quite stylish, helmets come in most colours, the most popular being black. Some helmets now have a visor integrated as part of it that will come up or down as required and negate the need for goggles.
Expect to pay around £80 – £100 for a good average helmet made by someone like Uvex who have a very extensive range of ski helmets for men, women and children. If you want top of the range, expect to pay up to £400 for a designer helmet made by a designer company. Companies like Poc make a good range of helmets that sit in the middle of the price range and again, offer all shapes, sizes and colours and some now with a fancy chin / face guard.
A good quality helmet will last many years, so think of the purchase of a helmet as an investment in your safe future.
About the Author
Mark KempsterManaging Directorhttp://www.packyourbags.comWe are a well established travel company in the leisure and corporate travel market for over 21 years. Our focus is on the customer experience and price. Our staff are full trained and well travelled. Our online site has been built with the customer experience in mind.
Jan 31, 2011
Why downhill skiing is better than water skis
Article by Paul Potts
Downhill skiing skis will get people into fantastic shape while having a great deal of fun. Some people prefer skiing on the water in the summer, while some prefer downhill. Many of us agree that winter skiing is the best.
Beautiful scenery, fresh crisp air, and the wind blowing on a person’s cheeks and in their hair make this like no other experience. It is also a great deal of fun of course.
Does it get any better than losing weight, gaining muscle and flexibility, all while having fun? The answer of course is absolutely not. This is definitely the answer to a lot of people’s questions of how they can lose weight while having a good time.
Most people will be surprised to hear that skiing downhill can actually burn up to five hundred calories per hour, and for some individuals even more. Obviously most people do not ski for just an hour and then leave. No, rather most people spend the entire day, and some will say at least half of the day. It does not take very much figuring to realize how quickly these calories and to pounds lost.
If a person follows an excellent eating plan, which includes as many fresh healthy foods, as possible, while eliminating junk food, they may soon see a slimmer stronger body taking shape. Many of people of varying ages have been skiing for many years. Individuals who are part of ski patrol groups are a great example of what type of a body others may achieve with this particular type of exercise.
Now people will realize that there is never an excuse for not getting physical exercise during the winter months. This is one of the best exercises available and can be done almost all winter long.
Today is the perfect day to purchase downhill skiing skis, and get into fantastic physical condition.
About the Author
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