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  • #2106
    Frosty
    Keymaster

      For those who live for shredding the slopes, a trip to New Zealand should be high on your bucket list, and it’s a journey that you should start planning ASAP.

      Snowboarding In New Zealand

      Looking for ADVENTURE?

      If you’re an adventure seeker, New Zealand is your ideal destination. This captivating country boasts giant volcanic mountains surrounded by vast glacial snowfields that will transport you to the rugged landscapes of Alaska. New Zealand’s unique geographic layout guarantees colder weather as you head further south, providing a range of mountains and resorts to choose from. The winter season here typically runs from June to September, with the possibility of extending into October, but it’s August that stands out as the prime month for winter sports enthusiasts. However, June and July also offer excellent conditions for snowboarding.

      New Zealand boasts a plethora of winter recreation areas, making it a dream destination for those seeking a summer escape with some snowboarding action. If you’re craving an unforgettable snowboarding adventure, look no further than the stunning landscapes of New Zealand.

      Wanaka

      Choosing to stay in Lake Wanaka provides easy access to some of New Zealand’s most renowned ski parks. Nestled in the stunning Otago region, Wanaka is celebrated for its panoramic vistas, awe-inspiring mountain ranges, lush rainforests, majestic glaciers, and cascading waterfalls. It has earned a well-deserved reputation as one of the world’s top ski towns, renowned for its exceptional snowboarding and skiing facilities.

      Wanaka boasts a diverse range of ski areas, with five main options to explore. Among them, the Treble Cone ski area and the Cardrona Alpine resort stand out. Cardrona is particularly welcoming to families and beginners, making it an ideal choice for those new to snowboarding. Beyond the slopes, Wanaka offers an array of off-mountain activities to enjoy, including a visit to the Wanaka Pool and opportunities for indoor climbing at the local center. This vibrant town is a gateway to adventure both on and off the snow.

      Cardrona Valley

      Cardrona Valley’s ski facilities are considered world-class. Whether you’re a beginner or advanced, Cardrona Valley[/url] offers a relaxed environment and vast terrains along with some spectacular views. The Valley is a driveable distance from both Lake Wanaka and Queenstown, so you’ll find car hire a good option for travelling between the two resorts. If you have family, there are child care facilities, and a ski and snowboard school especially designed for children.

       

      Cardrona Valley, with its world-class ski facilities, is a haven for snowboarders and skiers of all skill levels. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced rider, Cardrona Valley offers a welcoming atmosphere and expansive terrains that come with breathtaking vistas. This gem is conveniently situated within driving distance from both Lake Wanaka and Queenstown, making car hire a practical option for those looking to explore multiple resorts in the region.

      Families are well-catered for in Cardrona Valley. Childcare facilities are available, ensuring that parents can fully enjoy their time on the slopes. Moreover, there’s a dedicated ski and snowboard school designed especially for children, making it an ideal destination for family adventures on the snow. You can find more details about Cardrona Valley’s offerings at Cardrona Valley Ski Area.

      Coronet Peak

      If you’re staying in Queenstown, travelling to The Coronet Peak ski field takes approximately 20 minutes, while The Remarkables is a 35 minute drive away. Coronet Peak offers two mountains for the snowboarder. Coronet Peak is the resort of choice for many competitors in the competitive winter sports world, and The Remarkables are known for their striking mountain ranges and advanced slopes – you’ll also have plenty of opportunities to go off piste. Snowboarding lessons are available for those looking to improve their skills. If you’ve got a rental car or want to travel by bus, you’ll find more info on getting to Coronet Peak here and getting to The Remarkables here.

      Methven

      Canterbury and Christchurch are equally as good for a snowboarding tour. Situated in Canterbury, Methven lies in the shadow of Mountain Hutt. Blue skies, the local Alps and the family friendly appeal are all part of what makes Methven attractive to the snowboarder. It’s also known for its lively nightlife; when visitors have finished snowboarding for the day, there is plenty to occupy their time. With its stunning mountain views, the Porters ski area is located an hour away from Methven, so car rental is essential here. The family friendly resort offers 600 hectares of terrain purely for skiing and vertical drops of more than 600 meters.

      Mackenzie

      The MacKenzie region provides exceptional facilities for the snowboarder. Suitable for beginners to advanced, Mackenzie is known for its picturesque scenery, and there are a number of major ski areas to explore including Roundhill, Mt Dobson and Ohau.

      Craigieburn Ski Field

      Located in the Southern alps of Christchurch, there’s more than 700 hectares for snowboarders; the field is known for its steep chutes and beautiful views; it’s not recommend for beginners, although snowboarding lessons are offered for $20. Craigieburn is easily accessible by car.

      #1790
      Frosty
      Keymaster

        [html]

        Looking to get out of the city life and hit the slopes this winter? There are a lot of options when it comes to awesome ski resorts. Here are some of the top destinations in the world.

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        1. Aspen, Colorado

        Not a surprise, Aspen has been one of the best ski resorts for more than a decade. If you’re interested in seeing the rich and famous on the slopes, this is the place for you. With its four unlinked mountains surrounding it, Aspen has attracted some of the wealthiest and most famous. The [/html]slopes of Aspen[html] provide runs of all levels. With groomed intermediate runs as well as hundreds of acres for expert slope-goers on the backside of the mountain, Aspen is a magical place. However, because of its high status among the wealthy, it can be expensive.

        2. Chamonix Mont Blanc, France

        If you’re going to do something, why not do it right. Chamonix is located at the foot of Mont Blanc, and is in the running for the most famous ski resort in the world. Mont Blanc is the highest peak in the Alps, and the second highest in Europe at 15,771 feet. With one of the world’s longest downhill runs, just under 14 miles, Chamonix has a lot to offer.

        Keep in mind that it’s important to be careful while traveling aboard in a new country. Tourists are often targeted by pickpockets and con artists. It’s important to take the necessary precautions to [/html]keep yourself safe[html].

        3. Banff, Alberta

        Banff has been on the map for a while. From its outdoor film festival, to its beautiful mountain resorts. Banff/Lake Louise is acclaimed as one of the nicest winter vacation destinations on the planet. The [/html]four Banff ski resorts[html] in the area are situated 31 miles apart, therefore it’s a good idea to have a car to get from slope to slope.

        4. Zermatt, Switzerland

        Situated right under Matterhorn Mountain, Zermatt is a unique ski resort with panoramic views. The [/html]Gornergrat Lookout[html] offers a stunning view of the Matterhorn and the surrounding mountains. The town of Zermatt is a car-free zone, making getting around fun and easy. You can take the Zermatt village tour to catch up on some history of the town, or visit Gorner Gorge. Zermatt has a lot to offer besides just the ski slopes.

        [/html]Top 10 Places to Snowboard in Switzerland[html]

        5. Whistler Blackcomb, Canada

        Whistler has everything slope-goers crave. With two huge mountains to explore during the day and an assortment of resorts right at the foot of the mountain, it’s a snow-lover’s paradise. In the last 30 years, $600 million has been poured into the resort and now it features cafes, international shops, and even a thriving nightlife with live music, DJs and bars. Whistler Blackcomb has been ranked high on the best ski resorts for a long time. North Americans commonly vote it the number one place to hit the slopes, and Japanese tourists have consistently rated it their favorite international destination.

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        #1327
        Frosty
        Keymaster

          Skiing and Snowboarding in AustriaBy Suzanne Bender [html][/html]Austria has excellent snowfalls, world-class ski resorts, slopes to suit all levels, it's easy to get to and it can also be very affordable if you look around. The largest and most moderately priced area is St. Anton. This is an area that attracts serious skiers that are up at dawn to conquer the mountains.[smg id=98]There are specially designated parks and facilities for snowboarders and countless cross-country tracks. If you are looking for deep powder off-piste (unmarked and ungroomed runs) and almost certain big snowfalls, check out the Arlberg in western Austria. The Arlberg is also the place to go for heli-skiing and heli-boarding.[smg id=99]The five famous ski resorts in the Arlberg region are at the towns of Lech, Zurs, Stuben, St Cristoph and St Anton. There are about 85 lifts that operate here and a single lift pass links the resorts. St Anton is the biggest resort in the Arlberg. Lech is the place to get your handmade boots (which also come in 1/2 sizes!).If you are an experienced skier looking for highly challenging off-piste runs, it is highly recommended you hire the services of an experienced and certified mountain guide. These professional guides know where to find the best snow and the best off-piste. They also know the valleys, passes, mountains, and most importantly, they know the danger spots that should be avoided!Snowboarders should visit in December and January when there is typically a lot of powder snow and fewer people in the resorts. With fewer people on the slopes, the virgin snow is a snowboarders dream. With the Northern Limestone Alps offering some of the best snowboarding in Austria, St Anton attracts snowboarders in droves as the destination of choice.There are permanent road and pass closures in the Arlberg during the winter. It is highly recommended to check local information about road/pass closures that are affected by weather conditions.Looking for the best skiing and [http://travelerdelights.com/]snowboarding destinations? Visit us at TravelerDelights.com for best [http://travelerdelights.com/category/travel-guide-reviews/]travel guide reviews, written by the people that have actually used them!Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Skiing-and-Snowboarding-in-Austria&id=3685566] Skiing and Snowboarding in Austria

          #1274
          haz.ramos
          Participant

            I want to start a forum where we can help each other out find jobs across the world at ski resorts.I want to help the ski/ride bum world that wants to experience living in other ski mountains….I am from Aspen Colorado and if anyone wants to move there I am sure I can help them find accommodation and an awesome job.Lets create a united forum so we can Ride all over the world!!!!!I want to land a job in Trysil Norway, hopefully snowboarding haha…. anyone have any connections???? 😀

            #1245
            Frosty
            Keymaster

              When it comes to planning a skiing or snowboarding holiday, many people will look at European destinations such as France, Italy and Switzerland. Some resorts in Asia can sometimes be overlooked. Asia actually has some of the best snowboarding resorts in the world with excellent conditions, fresh snow and stunning scenery. The most popular destinations include Japan and Korea, but China is also making its mark on the slopes. Not only do these destinations offer great snowboarding conditions, many of them have brilliant apres ski entertainment and nightlife. Here are some uncovered snowboarding resorts in Asia that are certainly worth a visit.Niseko, Hokkaido, JapanNiseko is one of the best known resorts in Japan. It has a first class reputation for producing large amounts of powdery snow. This resort is very popular with international tourists looking to get some guaranteed snow at Japans most famous ski and snowboarding locations. The resorts in Niseko are located on Niseko-Annupuri mountain. Snowboarders also enjoy this destination because of the wide range of restaurants and great nightlife. If you love off piste snowboarding then you won’t be disappointed with what Niseko has to offer. Don’t expect lots of sunshine though, what makes Niseko so perfect for snowboarding is its almost constant snowfall.Appi Kogen, Tohoku, JapanAppi Kogen is popular with skiers and snowboarders alike. It is located in the Tohoku region of Japan. Appi has 21 slopes and 45 kilometres of runs to try. Appi is not a hotspot for Westerners and there isn’t much nightlife, but if you are happy to sacrifice that in favour of perfect conditions and a unique experience then you will be blown away. They really look after the slopes here and you will find lots of quality long runs.Mt.Tomamu , JapanMt Tomanu resort has 19 pistes and is suited to lots of different types of snowboarders. It is excellent for free riding and freestyle snowboarding. The snow is dry and there are a good range of different terrains. If you have been to lots of different snowboarding resorts in Japan then you will probably know that not many allow tree riding or off piste. Mt Tomanu does allow tree riding and you can go on off piste tours.Happo One , JapanIf you feel you are ready to take on a challenge and enhance your snowboarding skills then head to the steep slopes of Happo One. This busy resort is best for free riding and has fantastic pistes, making it very popular with westerners. It can get quite packed so avoid the weekends if you can. Happo One has 13 pistes and is probably best suited to intermediate and advanced snowboarders.Yongpyong, Gangwon-do, South KoreaIf you love competitive sport and impressive snowboarding slopes then book a trip to Yongpyong. This resort is firmly rooted in the history of Korean snowboarding and skiing. It is arguably one of the best resorts in South Korea. This resort tends to get quite busy, particularly if you are a beginner. Though it has lots of advanced slopes and fun runs to enjoy. Yongpyong has hosted lots of international competitions including the World Cup Ski Competition. Snowboarders will love the terrain park and range of different slopes available.High 1 Resort, Gangwon, South KoreaYou can tell that High 1 is going to be an impressive snowboarding resort just by its name. The slopes are the highest of all Korean ski resorts, so you won’t be disappointed with the height of the runs. High 1 has 18 ski slopes to explore and plenty of activities and entertainment to fill the breaks between boarding.Yabuli Ski Resort, ChinaYabuli really does cater to the needs of snowboarders. It is home to China’s largest snowboarding park, complete with a half pipe and six jumps. You can really test out your skills and try some challenging jumps here. This pretty resort is about 60 kilometres North of Beijing and is one of the biggest ski and snowboarding resorts in the area.87unzof8787dynkxrldw.jpeg About the Author:Ryan is the resident blogger at AsiaRooms. When Ryan is not working he spends his time traveling the globe, drawing on his travel experience and passion for travel to spread the good word. Ryan is also a social monkey and can be found lounging around on Twitter & Google+ and loves to interact with other travel bloggers.

              #1209
              Frosty
              Keymaster

                Just because it isn’t winter doesn’t mean that snowboarders have to hang up the board and gear for the next 6 months. It’s no secret that year round snowboarding can be found on Earth between the Southern and Northern hemispheres plus there are always indoor slopes now. Snowboarding is the world’s fastest growing sport, so if you haven’t tried it yet, it is a great time to learn. Here are some of the top places to snowboard during the spring, summer, and fall.Spring Snowboarding Spots (Most available winter through spring):

                • Niseko, Japan’s snow season is December through March and is a popular snowboard    destination for Australians since it is in the same time zone and the staff is bilingual and the signs are in English.
                • Baqueira-Beret is a large ski resort in the Pyrenees that offers multiple runs for snowboarders and access to both ski lifts and draglifts. The snowboard season runs all the way through May 5th.
                • Breckenridge, Colorado is listed as one of the best places for snowboarders in the world, citing the super fluffy snow due to the high altitude of the 12,840 feet high mountain with a base of 9,600 feet. For the last 20 years many snowboarding events have been held there. “Breck” as it is known, is great for snowboarding from November to the end of April.
                • Laax is the most famous snowboarding destination in Switzerland and is actually known as “the spiritual home of snowboarders”. Skiers are outnumbered by snowboarders here and you will understand why when you have experience the high jumps and visit Crag Sogn Gion snowpark which is home to the biggest half-pipe in Europe. This park has also recently hosted several European Open championships.
                • Livigno in Italy may be an uncommon snowboarding destination but that makes it one of  the best kept secrets for snowboarders. Livigno is in the northern Italian Alps in a free zone, so it is quite a bargain. It offers wide pistes for beginners and free-riders can explore some of the most beautiful powder fields. Of course, we have to mention the amazing Italian cuisine that goes along with this destination. Ski and snowboard season is November through May.
                • Mayrhofen is a village in Austria well known by boarders as “Big M” It is located 70km from Innsbruck, and is becoming one of the hottest spots for snowboarding in Europe. This place will offer you something unique and special including uncharted territory as there are about 157km of pistes yet to be explored in the Mayrhofen valley. The world class Vans Penken Park covers an entire slope and includes 11 jumps, 34 boxes, and an exciting half-pipe. Snowboarding runs from December to mid-April.

                Summer Snowboarding Spots:

                • Arapahoe Basin near Copper Mountain in Colorado has one of the highest altitudes of all the US ski resorts, so there is snow there year round, even in the summer.
                • Port de Soleil in France is situated between Lake Geneva, Switzerland, and Molc Blanc, France and often has snowboarding available even in the warmer months. Its appeal is in the variety of the courses and tracks, plus it boars 13 ski resorts and many charming and beautiful landscapes. Port de Soleil offers more than 650km marked runs, 230 lifts and 14 valleys. So many choices, you can ride a different track every day during your stay there and never ride same track twice.
                • Whistler Blackcomb in British Columbia Canada has snowboarding until the end of April and is known as one of the most adventurous snowboarding destinations for all the trees that fill the 8,171 acres of about 200 trails, 37 lifts and 3 glaciers. Snowboard enthusiasts also cite the well groomed tracks, cliffs as some of the reasons that make Whistler one of the best snowboarding destinations.
                • Ski Portillo in Chile is one of the U.S. Ski Team's favorite summer practice destinations. Portillo is for thrill seekers since it has killer steeps, wide-open alpine terrain, and known for its dry powder. The local resort also boasts of amazing views of Aconcagua and the glowing glacial Laguna del Inca. The resort is rather exclusive and only accommodates 450 people at a time so lift lines are virtually unheard of. The season runs June 19-Oct. 2.
                • Las Leñas in Argentina is an amazing summer snowboard destination to consider.  Situated at 7,400 feet about a 90-minute flight from Buenos Aires, it is at the epicenter of the lift-served South American steeps, with rocky chutes and steep open bowls aplenty with 50 degree chutes and ultra-dry powder.
                • Tordrillo Mountains of the Alaska Range in Alaska has packages available through July. There is a great value at Tordillo because in addition to the skiing and snowboarding there is king salmon fishing and whitewater rafting. The luxury packages include your very own chartered helicopter.

                Fall Snowboarding Spots:

                • Wanaka in New Zealand features a unique snowboarding experience because of the vast openness with powder white snow for miles. The snow season runs from July to September. Besides the smooth snowboarding, there are glaciers, parks, volcanoes and mountains to explore.
                • Mt. Hood in Oregon is known for snowboarding across the US. The high altitude and glaciers allow for snowboarding and winter activities year round, one of the few spots open in the fall in the US.
                • Zermatt is in Switzerland with the Theodul glacier in the shadow of the famous Matterhorn, stays open for die-hard skiers (and European national ski team training) all summer and you can be guaranteed of snow all year long.
                • Valle Nevado in Chile is less than 40 miles from Santiago and is helping establish Chile as a premier South American skiing and snowboarding destination. The snow at 10,000 feet tends to stick around for most of the year. Newly renovated resorted help to sweeten the deal.

                Bio: Jason Hall is blogger and Brand Manager for Budget Car Hire, Australia’s premiere car rental company. He enjoys sharing travel tips and stories.

                Frosty
                Keymaster

                  Europeans need not travel afar for good riding.  Let's look at …Best Places for Snowboarding in Central and Eastern EuropeWhen the snow comes you can tell those of us that have a keen interest in skiing and snowboarding. Where most people become a little less cheerful and begin to bemoan the shortening days and the chilly mornings, we have a small, but not insignificant, smile on our faces because we know the fun that can be had with a tall mountain and a foot or more of fresh powder and we don’t ever want the weather to warm back up. So, where can we take our boards and enjoy the season? Because it is always too short, we need to have a piece on where to go posted. Luckily, here’s one we made earlier.Forget Olympic Valley in California and Aspen because it takes ages to get there, costs a small fortune and there is better on your door step, well, maybe not better, but still really quite good. Take France for example, here you will find a plethora of places to strap on a board and hit the slopes. It might not be the cheapest country in Europe to enjoy the snow but hey, you get what you pay for and in France you pay a lot and get a lot in return. So if you are new to the sport then look to the slopes around village 1650 in Courchevel. This is not only one of the fairest priced French ski resorts but the slopes are also perfect for beginners. However, the best resort in France for snowboarding would have to be at Avoriaz, as this is where they have all of the fun things that make our sport great.Austria might not be quite as popular as France but it is close on its heels and closing fast. This is largely down to the growing popularity of resorts such as the picture perfect and tiny Alpbach or the perfect wide open slopes above the tree line at Mayrhofen, which is perfect for boarding in fresh powder after a recent snowfall. For boarders, Mayrhofen wins, as it has a great terrain park and is particularly popular with powder hounds.When it comes to Switzerland, then there really is only one place to consider and that would have to be Davos. Here you get the choice of 5 mountains and a terrain park with two halfpipes. It is an excellent spot for freeriding although at the weekend it can be extremely crowded.And this takes us finally to the spot where the snowboarding might not be as spectacular but at least you can afford to have more time on the slopes. Bulgaria is the perfect place for those that have to board on a budget; as previously stated, you tend to get what you pay for and Bulgaria is very cheap. That said, the resort of Bansko offers good accommodation, lots of nightlife and great boarding opportunities when the snow falls, so boarding on a budget has to be better than no boarding at all.About the author: Teresa Jens is from Denmark and lives in Aarhus with her husband, three kids and two dogs. She is also a proffesional blogger and writer. You read more about her trips (or like they say in Denmark rejser) on her blog – http://www.channelvoyager.com.

                  #1173
                  Frosty
                  Keymaster

                    [html]

                    [/html]While Australia doesn't offer as many opportunities to snowboard as Europe, Canada or the US, dedicated snowboarders can experience a number of excellent Australian resorts that cater to their needs. Nine resorts can be found in the mountains of Victoria and New South Wales. Except for Charlotte Pass, they are all fairly easy to get to via air, bus, train, car or car hire. If driving yourself, remember to bring snow chains; there is a steep fine for entering ski areas without them. Following are some of Australia's finest snowboarding resorts:Snowboarding in VictoriaMt. BullerWith Melbourne just three hours away, Mt. Buller is one of Australia's most popular and busy snowboarding destinations, especially for day-trippers. Buller can boast of more than 80km of runs over 300 hectares of mixed terrain, which will please riders of all skill levels. Wombat and Little Buller Spur are two favorite runs. With 22 lifts and 260 snow guns, there is always somewhere to ride. On weekends, however, lift queues grow long, particularly on days when there's fresh powder. The lodges and hotels are plentiful and generally excellent.Mt. HothamMany snowboarders claim Hotham is the best snowboarding in Australia. It is also one of the highest alpine resorts in the country, topping 1860 meters at the summit, and boasts gorgeous views of the Victorian Alps. Hotham offers some excellent long runs and backcountry access. About 20% of the terrain is appropriate for beginners, and the rest is evenly divided between intermediate and advanced slopes. If you book ahead online you can avoid most of the queues.Falls CreekWith more than 90 runs and 5000 beds of accommodation, Falls Creek is the largest of the Victorian snow resorts. It is also home to the Kangaroo Hoppet, Australia's biggest winter sports event. Falls Creek is divided into five main areas for snowboarding, and most are at the intermediate level. Because of its size, however, the terrain for beginners and advanced riders is plentiful and the snow has a reputation for reliability. [html]Snowboard-In-The-Snow-2008[/html]Snowboarding in New South WalesThredboThredbo is a favorite among free riders and offers some very steep, very fast runs. Its terrain is the steepest of all Australian resorts. “Thredy” puts a lot into their terrain parks, which include a variety of rails, jumps and tubes, as well as the latest training tools. The longest run in Australia, the Crackenback Supertrail, is here. Thredbo Alpine Village, which was designed to resemble a European ski town, has some of the best apres-ski and nightlife.Perisher Perisher is considered to be Australia's most family-friendly resort. Made up of four sub-resorts and seven mountain peaks, it is also huge. A visitor would need several days to experience all that Perisher has to offer. Its size guarantees that all skill levels and styles are provided for. With five terrain parks, a superpipe, and a tubing park, there is something for every rider. Access to the resort is by road or by parking at Bullocks Flat and catching the Skitube Alpine railway, a six-kilometer tunnel that goes beneath the mountains.Charlotte PassCharlotte Pass is an uncrowded and isolated resort that can only be reached during snow season from Perisher, via over-snow vehicles. Because of this, Charlotte Pass can boast of being the only car-free resort in Australia, and all accommodations are ski-in, ski-out. There are two terrain parks at Charlotte Pass, one for children and one with jumps and rails.Selwyn SnowfieldsSelwyn Snowfields is a tiny little resort located in the Snowy Mountains of NSW. The biggest run it can boast comes out at 800m. Visitors can take advantage of their 11 lifts in various forms, including chair lifts and t-bars. With the small runs, Selwyn is a good place for beginners to cut their teeth. The closest major city is Canberra, so it's probably worthwhile flying into Canberra Airport is coming from overseas or outside of ACT/NSW.This has been a guest post from Skedaddle Car Hire, your Aussie travel experts. Check out their site for more info on these exciting skiing destinations.

                    #1158
                    Frosty
                    Keymaster

                      Top 5 Snowboarding and Ski Destinations in Western Europe Destinations become renown for a variety of factors. Some of them are discovered while some are launched as new attractions. During winters, there are two kinds of places that travelers can visit – one for skiing and the other for sightseeing.But what if you can have both? Luxury travelers that frequent these top five snowboarding and skiing destinations in Western Europe know that they are in for some breathtaking sights as they ski down the frosty white slopes.[html]Chamonix-mont-blanc[/html]Chamonix-Mont-BlancThis is the site of the 1924 Winter Olympics and Chamonix is known for its snowboarding and skiing destinations. There are five ski areas in the valley including the Mont Blanc north summit. What better way is there to begin your luxury ski destination than to visit Western Europe’s highest peak? There is always something for everyone at this luxurious French hub. Advanced riders and skiiers will find a wide array of technical runs that will surely test their abilities. Troodoos Mountains in Cyprus This is normally a sunny area at the Mediterranean Island but it gets its share of snow during the winter season. This is the sole ski resort in all of Cyprus so you have to reserve early to enjoy any of the four slopes.  Family Run, a part of the ski area is great for snowboarding and ski beginners. Sun Valley offers other areas where skiiers and snowboarders can build a bit of their confidence before they take on greater heights.  Les Deux Alpes and Other Luxury Resorts in France  Austria may be the birthplace of skiing but France is the sports’ adopted home. There are more than 200 skiing resorts all over the nation and most of these are world-class. Sure, this may not be your budget ski resort but the extra fee that you shell out is surely worth it.  Many UK snowboarders and skiiers visit France for their ice fix which means the resorts are filled with English-speaking people. If you are looking to socialize while steadying your feet on the snow, it is best to begin at the Lex Deux Alpes which is just 90 minutes from Grenoble.  Garmisch-Partenkirchen in Germany  This ski area may pale in comparison to skiing capitals but it is no less luxurious. While France, Switzerland and Austria top the list of skiiers’ favorite spots, Germany has much to offer in terms of winter excitement.  Garmisch-Partenkirchen was home to the 1936 Winter Olympics and is the highest peak in the nation. Costs are not cheap as an adult lift pass averages $250. Cross country skiing is quite popular at the Black Forest where there are 600 kms of trails. Mount Parnassos in Greece The country may have 3,000 hours of sunshine each year but it still has great, snowy mountains during the winter season. The nearest ski resort to the city of Athens – and the biggest one at that – is Mount Parnassos. There are over 20 runs on its terrain and there are snow schools and ski hire. If you want to enjoy Greece during the colder seasons, then you can also stay at the local towns or villages. The area is archeologically rich so you are hitting two bird with one stone – you get to ski as you also enjoy Greek culture. About the Author: Delilah is a travel writer for AV8Jet. She enjoys snowboarding during the winter season and water skiing over summer.

                      singlelayer
                      Participant

                        Hi all -my first post here, so be gentle :)I need some help picking a whole new set up. I have narrowed it down to a few bits of kit, but first I'll give you a bit of background.I have been riding for around 13 or more years now and get away at least twice if not four or five times every season. I am purely a freerider and would consider myself to be advanced/expert in that I can handle almost any surface (be it powder/groomed/off-piste/back-country/hard-packed/ice/slush and even mud, lol!), most of my buddies are skiers and I have no problems at all keeping up (I like to go fast) and have experience in countless different resorts from the 'hills' of Sweden, Bulgaria, all the major French resorts (many minor too), Switzerland, even managed to get a spot of boarding done in Derbyshire last month when the snow came!I'm 5'10″ and around 16.5 stone (230lbs/105kg), a UK boot size 10 (US 11) and currently my 'everyday' board is an 05/06 168cm Palmer Classic, which is a very stiff and even for my size/weight I think is quite a long board. I use Burton Fusion bindings (Burton F-Base in the US) from the '06 season -the ones with the unique sub-frame, step-in system- and I LOVE them. I know that they died out, got bad press and most folk didn't like them but I have honestly NEVER had an issue with them…not once. I last year started on my second set as the old ones died through old age and a couple of years back panic-bought two more pairs from eBay in case I couldn't get hold of them anymore. However, I will concede they are heavy…I mean VERY heavy -I reckon 3, 4, 5…maybe even ten times the weight of modern bindings and combined with my long thick board by whole set up weighs a ton! Not to mention I find it hard to find board bags to fit my kit in.Now, as much as I love my super quick entry bindings and have now major issues with my board, it is time to look at the new technologies and get some new (lighter) gear. I have borrowed/hired other boards in the past and have no problems on say a 158cm board. I do like quite a stiff set up and tend to crank everything down real tight (although managed a whole trip with no toe strap) but I was also hoping the new stuff could help change my style into a more modern looser fit but without me going the way of the short, floppy, loose freestyle. I'm not at all interested in hitting the parks but wouldn't mind getting into a bit more jibbing whilst flying down the mountain.Here's what I've got my selections down to. I know a lot of this is subjective and I'm still not certain whether to stick with the stiff boards I know or move to something different, but it's an expensive experiment to get wrong, which is why I'm looking at you guys for help :)Boards: Burton Custom X -unsure on length and if I desperately need a wide or not          Volkl SelectaBoots: Northwave Caliber                Deeluxe Spark XV          Flow Talon Focus/HyLite FocusBindings (quick entry is an absolute MUST -no amount of convincing me a conventional two strap front entry is the way forward will work). I only have the one option so far: Any variant of the SP Fastec system -SP Mountan Ltd, Gnu Psych/Choice/Mutant/Agro, Volkl Fastec Prime Alu.A lot of seemingly random choices there, but any advice or guidance would be much appreciated. I guess I'm just not sure which direction I wanna take my boarding from here.

                        #1091
                        Frosty
                        Keymaster

                          Ski Areas of New York, Inc. along with many of their partner ski areas are teaming up this January to offer a very special deal to skiers and riders in the Empire State. On Thursday, Jan. 10, 2013, skiers and riders can enjoy a full day on the hill for just $10.For those who frequent the slopes, this is a great opportunity to save big on a midweek day at the mountain. For beginners, it's the perfect excuse to get on the mountain and practice their skills without the commitment of an expensive full-day lift ticket. After all, a $10 commitment is about as risk-free as you'll ever find these days.Participating resorts include: Belleayre Mountain, Bristol Mountain, Catamount, Dry Hill Ski Area, Four Seasons, Gore Mountain, Greek Peak, HoliMont, Hunter Mountain, Holiday Valley Resort, Kissing Bridge, Peek 'n Peak Resort, Ski Hickory, Swain Resort, Thunder Ridge, Titus Mountain, Tuxedo Ridge, Whiteface Mountain, Windham Mountain.More info here http://www.iskiny.com/discovernyskiing/

                          #3899
                          rowan
                          Participant

                            Many VT resorts opened the weekend of the 16th.  We're going for the first time this season tomorrow, hopefully we'll have some pics to post!

                            #3886
                            rowan
                            Participant
                              Our local resort has gone disney-  they went from a rural family winter resort to a four season mega resort complete with indoor waterpark and championship golf course.  For us local riders, things have gotten pricey there so we haven't gotten season passes for the past two years.  What we do now–Another local resort has a night ski/ride deal every Saturday night from 4-8.  18$ each, they show snowboard movies and have beer and flatbread deals also.  We try to go there every Saturday-Our local library has a deal through a resort, you sign up in advance through the library and they offer 30$  day passes.  This is usually offered every other Sunday throughout the season.-Our local Mobil gas stations run a deal where after 3 fillups you get a coupon for a buy one/ get one free ticket at several VT resorts.  We use this often as well.-Our last option is to volu
                              #3831

                              In reply to: Banshee Bungee ?

                              Travis Hightower
                              Participant
                                Frosty you are right on that there isn't any snow yet. We have an accumulation total of 11″, and 7 of that came a month ago and melted. Our resorts, minus Killington, are only 10-15% open, with Killington making snow everywhere enough to be 25-30%. This time last year, I already had about 25 snow days on resort. This year I have zero. Everyone is just about charging full price for very little terrain, so it hasn't been worth it to go. We didn't get our season pass early this year like we have years before, and now we're wondering if we will get it at all. If they are still under 30% open by January 15th, it will be more cost effective to just buy lift tickets.And as for the bungee, the 20ft is highly recommended. We're going to play with it tonight and post some pictures.  I'm not sure if it has a break in period or not. But if it does, th
                                #887
                                Frosty
                                Keymaster

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                                  Eric Pollard Interview – 12/14/2006

                                  Eric Pollard is one of the most innovative athletes in skiing. The idea to interview Eric came about while discussing some collaborative opportunities with, Jason Levinthal, the founder of Line Skis. We wanted to promote Line’s Elizabeth and Sir Francis Bacon skis which feature Pollard’s research, development, and exclusive artwork. I was less interested with his professional exploits (although stunning) as I was with his creative pursuits and other personal reflections, which appear below for your enjoyment.

                                  – Kirk Wimberley, evo employee

                                  KW: Eric, would you mind describing where you are when
                                  you answer these questions–perhaps briefly describe the setting you’re in
                                  to set the tone?

                                  EP: I’m at my house in Oregon. I got up at 6:00 this morning, stretched
                                  out for a half an hour then consumed breakfast. Started up the hill and called
                                  a buddy at the mountain. It just switched to rain after snowing almost a foot
                                  last night. So now I’m back at my house catching up on some emails.

                                  LINE RELATED

                                  KW: How did you first get mixed up with Line and Jason
                                  Levinthal? What was the clincher for that relationship?

                                  EP: I met Jason almost 11 years ago. I was
                                  skiing around on the glacier. He told me he made twin tips and to send him
                                  a video. I took it serious. I spent the rest of the summer making a video,
                                  taking low quality footage from the last winter and new footage of me poaching
                                  all the jumps at Windell’s between sessions. It worked. We have built a solid
                                  friendship over the past decade.

                                  KW: How has the merger between Line and K2 Skis affected you? Have you more or less stayed out of that transaction
                                  or did you have an opinion one way or the other?

                                  EP: I was really happy to hear of the merger
                                  from the get go. I didn’t know anything of it until it was done. For me it
                                  meant that R&D was now only three hours away from my house, I had more
                                  resources, and options for my graphics, we would
                                  ship on time, have better ski testing facilities and we would still be able
                                  to operate completely separate. It is ideal.

                                  KW: Most of my family is from VT. I’m guessing you’ve
                                  been out there a few times because of your relationship with Line. What’s
                                  the best part of that state in your opinion? Do you have a place you go to,
                                  like a bar or restaurant, when you’re in Burlington?

                                  EP: I haven’t spent much time out there.
                                  I went for the X Games and a few promotional events, but for the most part
                                  I have communicated with Line over the phone and computer. I have had a
                                  very hands
                                  on relationship with ski design, and graphic design with
                                  Line, but with traveling all the time I didn’t get out to the factory much.
                                  But my favorite aspect of VT is Cabot’s white cheddar.

                                  KW: Have you visited the Burton
                                  factory in Burlington? I went last
                                  year and found it very fascinating. I figured since Line and Burton are so close you may have ventured over
                                  there.

                                  EP: Never been to Burton.

                                  KW: From Line Skis UK: “Eric Pollard is the undisputed leader
                                  of today’s backcountry freestyle revolution.” Are you comfortable with
                                  that title?

                                  EP: I have never heard that. Its promotional
                                  stuff, so I’m okay with it. Obviously it would be very disputed if I were
                                  to make such a statement and really believe it. I don’t think skiing can really
                                  be judged. Too many styles. That’s what I like about
                                  it.

                                  KW: How many prototype skis did you go through before
                                  coming to the Sir Francis Bacon and the Elizabeth?

                                  EP: Many. I’m not sure what the number is
                                  exactly, but it took a few.

                                  POLLARD ON CREATIVITY:

                                  KW: I read that you purchased a 16mm camera, what have you been into shooting? Any scenes not related to skiing? Why film?

                                  EP: I bought a camera so that I could film
                                  what I wanted to with my friends I grew up with. My friend Justin Wiegand
                                  runs the camera. I take it and film surfing and seasons changing, stuff like
                                  that. I really like the way 16 captures images. It seems to capture more mood
                                  and feeling than digital.

                                  KW: What films inspired you to take up directing?

                                  EP: I’m not a director. I have had large
                                  influence in directing films, especially the project I’m involved with this
                                  year. But I’m only assistant director. Eric Iberg is the director.

                                  KW: Do you subscribe to Netflix? If so, what was the last movie you watched?
                                  If not, what was the last movie you watched?

                                  EP: I don’t subscribe to Netflix. The last
                                  film I watched was An Inconvenient Truth.

                                  KW: How did you get into design? Have you always enjoyed
                                  art?

                                  EP: I have always liked art. Trying to manipulate
                                  my painting for ski graphics brought me to design. Now I really like to work
                                  in a lot of mediums.

                                  KW: I found out that you put out a song. How did you
                                  create that song and what led you to do it?

                                  EP: No. You must be mistaken. My friend Chris
                                  Stolz is a producer. He has made some music for me over the years. He is doing
                                  our entire soundtrack for our movie called IDEA this year.

                                  KW: Which designers/artists do you currently admire?

                                  EP: To tell you the truth I pretty much keep
                                  my head down. I’m not engulfed in that world. I do a lot of graphics, but
                                  I ski and surf more. I was most influenced by Dali growing up. I most admire
                                  my wife’s graphics now.

                                  KW: What’s your creative set-up (Both high tech and
                                  low tech)?

                                  EP: I have an entire room in my house for
                                  painting and drawing. Ink, brushes, water color, oil, acrylic
                                  tables.
                                  Easels everywhere. Then there is another
                                  room entirely for graphic work. Two desks, with Macs everywhere.
                                  Dual monitors. I have the latest Intel 2 duo, it
                                  rips.

                                  KW: Has any piece of artwork stopped you cold lately
                                  (Could be an advertisement, painting, sculpture, etc)?

                                  EP: No, but I am constantly seeing impressive
                                  works of art.

                                  KW: I read from the Matchstick Production’s site that
                                  Frequency was your favorite magazine. What makes you read that publication
                                  over all the others?

                                  EP: Simply the content. It speaks from and
                                  to the culture I adhere to.

                                  KW: Which publications, other than skiing or snowboarding
                                  magazines, do you read most regularly?

                                  EP: I pick up surf mags all the time. My
                                  wife gets other snowboard mags; I spend some time checking them out.

                                  KW: Are you a blogger? If so, what’s the URL of your
                                  blog?

                                  EP: No.

                                  KW: If you like to read books, what’s on your reading
                                  list?

                                  EP: I don’t read much, but when I get a moment
                                  I read. I just finished Lance Armstrong’s autobiography (It’s Not
                                  About the Bike: My Journey Back to Life
                                  ),
                                  and F.U.B.A.R by Sam Seder and Stephen Sherrill. Now
                                  reading Dan Brown’s Digital Fortress and Flowers in the Dustbin
                                  by James Miller.

                                  PERSONALLY SPEAKING:

                                  KW: Do you remember the first girl you ever kissed?
                                  If so, what would you say to her if you ran into
                                  her at the grocery store?

                                  EP: Yes and hello.

                                  KW: What was the best part about your neighborhood as
                                  a kid (if you lived in a neighborhood)?
                                  Otherwise, just a favorite thing about growing up.

                                  EP: I grew up 15 minutes away from a ski
                                  hill and my parents are cool.

                                  KW: What’s one thing people would be surprised to find
                                  out about you?

                                  EP: I have an ugly hairy chest.

                                  KW: Is there someone you’d want to go skiing with, but
                                  haven’t yet? Who?

                                  EP: John Kerry.

                                  KW: If you enjoy going out for a beer, what kind of
                                  a place do you prefer? A club type atmosphere or some divey place that serves
                                  Rainier? If you don’t drink beer, how do you take your coffee? If you
                                  don’t drink coffee then what do you like to drink?

                                  EP: I don’t drink much coffee, but once in
                                  a while. I like to go out for a drink with friends and family. I don’t much
                                  like the club scene.

                                  ABOUT BEING A PRO:

                                  KW: I read that your favorite or most influential athlete
                                  of all time is Peter Line and Devun Walsh. I grew up seeing these guys in
                                  the magazines. Have you had a chance to hang out with them on the mountain?

                                  EP: I once rode with Peter Line all day.
                                  Very fun.

                                  KW: When I mention your name people tell me you’re a
                                  “good” snowboarder too. What made you
                                  pursue skiing instead of snowboarding?

                                  EP: I love skiing, snowboarding is fun.

                                  KW: Was there a crucial point where you could have decided
                                  to ski or pursue something else or was playing in the snow a given for you?

                                  EP: I never thought I would be a pro skier.
                                  It just happened.

                                  KW: When you head out to the mountain do you bring your
                                  skis AND a snowboard?

                                  EP: Yes.

                                  KW: What’s your favorite time of day to be on the mountain?
                                  Do you spend much time going to resorts and standing in lift lines like the
                                  rest of us? The films make it seem like once you reach pro status you never
                                  have to endure a chair lift line ever again.

                                  EP: I like to ride everything from ski resorts
                                  to heli access terrain. Ski resorts can drive me crazy sometimes, but hiking
                                  and digging my sled out gets old too.

                                  KW: Some people look at pro skiers and just think they
                                  landed there one day. How long did it take for you and what’s one piece of
                                  practical advice to others coming up?

                                  EP: Just ride for yourself. Have fun. If
                                  you think you are amazing then get in front of a camera or compete.

                                  KW: Do you keep a scrapbook of your career?

                                  EP: No.

                                  KW: You’ve been in a lot of publications. Do you have
                                  a favorite piece?

                                  EP: Not yet.

                                  KW: If someone on the mountain recognizes you and asks
                                  you to take a run with him/her do you agree to go?

                                  EP: For sure.

                                  KW: I searched your name on Newschoolers.com and the
                                  max of 50 posts came up. How do you connect with your fans? Do you have any
                                  crazy fan experiences?

                                  EP: I’m so stoked that people know who I
                                  am and respect how I ski. I’m just a skier who will be cool for five years
                                  and burn out, so I just try to level with people.

                                  KW: If you could take a year off and do something totally
                                  different, call it a Ski Career Gap Year, what would you do?

                                  EP: Surf around the world.

                                  KW: Since you travel a lot you must have your essentials.
                                  What products are a must for your bag before you leave for the airport?

                                  EP: Tooth brush, sketch book, computer, camera
                                  etc.

                                  RANDOM QUESTIONS THAT CAME TO MIND:

                                  KW: BMX, Downhill
                                  Mountain Bike, or Beach Cruiser?

                                  EP: I’m no good with handlebars.

                                  KW: Have you ever chopped a cord of wood?

                                  EP: Yes.

                                  KW: Did you own the original Nintendo Entertainment
                                  System? If so, what was your all-time favorite game?

                                  EP: Nope.

                                  KW: Did you have a favorite teacher growing up?

                                  EP: Nope.

                                  KW: Do you have dreams at night? If so, do you try to
                                  remember the dreams you had. Do you have a consistent character that keeps
                                  showing up in your dreams?

                                  EP: My wife would paint her dreams when we
                                  were dating. So I used to try to remember mine, but I don’t put much effort
                                  into it anymore.

                                  QUESTIONS FROM A COUPLE EVO EMPLOYEES:

                                  From Josh in Customer Service:

                                  Yea I got a question for you. Pertaining to the prophet
                                  130’s, what was the driving inspiration behind having the widest parts of
                                  the ski setback from the tip and tail? It’s a novel idea, and haven’t seen anybody emulate it yet. I ride my pair of 130’s
                                  every time I go out, (Due to the fact they are the only skis I own) and Love
                                  them! A+ to you Mr. Pollard for creating new toys that all we good little
                                  girls and boys can enjoy!

                                  EP: I can’t take credit for the tapered tip and
                                  tail, though the rest of the ski I played a large role in. That was a tweak
                                  that Franois thought up. But I have applied it to skis since, I like it too.
                                  We did it to eliminate hook and drag on tips and tails. When you put the ski
                                  on edge it can hook at the tip and drag at the tail.

                                  From Steve in Customer Service:

                                  I was curious if Line was thinking about adding reverse
                                  camber to any of their fat skis next year?

                                  EP: We have been using the term early rise for
                                  a while now. The second generation Prophet 130’s had early rise. It’s like
                                  reverse camber, but with a long effective base and edge still.

                                  Check out the latest Line Skis at evo


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