Steve Madigan asked:


As the fall months quickly lead into the months of winter, avid skiers and snowboarders are eager to catch a glimpse of the first snowfall. At the same time, many of the best ski resorts in the West are preparing to welcome their guests who come to revel in the winter activities around their facilities.

When people think of California, they often the sand and surf of the coastline, the vineyards of the Napa Valley, the glitz and glamor of Hollywood or the exhilaration of the well known amusement parks. However, there are some pleasing California ski resorts and numerous places to pursue your much loved winter sports and activities.

Many avid skiers consider the Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort in Central California to be one of the best ski resorts in the state. Mammoth boasts an average snowfall of over one hundred and fifty inches and some years, up to two hundred and fifty inches. That’s enough snow to fulfill the dreams of the heartiest of snow lovers. This top ski resort sits on the eastern side of the Nevada Mountain range.

One of the reasons that Mammoth is among the top ski resorts is that it boasts of the Hangman’s Hollow. This is identified as the siren-of-the-steeps for experts skiers from around the world. In addition, Mammoth also has a full terrain that offers cross-country skiing and also, an Olympic-size half pipe.

The Mt. Shasta Resort is in the heart of another California ski area that is both well-known and really popular, making it well known on the list of top ski resorts in the West. The Mt. Shasta resort is located in the Siskiyou mountain range, which is close the northern border or California. Within the Mt. Shasta national recreational area there are many activities available such as hiking, snowmobiling and a skiing area that even includes a bunny flat. After a long day on the slopes, the Black Bear Restaurant is popular and highly recommended for delicious meal and in addition, they also offer delightful homemade pies for a well-earned dessert.

A bit farther north from Mt. Shasta is Oregon, which is filled with numerous slopes and top ski resorts as well. Timberline Lodge is an historic chalet that sits right at the timber line of the majestic Mt. Hood in the Cascade Range and which has long been hailed as one of the top resorts. Because Timberline Lodge sits higher than many mountain ski resorts, you will often find that you can ski all year round on the nearby Palmer Snowfield, which is close this great snowy retreat.

Continuing on the northward track, the mountain ski resorts of British Columbia are painless to add to the list of top ski resorts in the West. Whistler is another famed ski area where you are also able to ski any time of the year with few rare exceptions. In addition to the Whistler-Blackcomb area, the fabulous skiing and other winter sports, there is also incredible scenery. After dark, there is a lively night life in the area which you can enjoy after a long day of shredding the slopes.

This is just a short list of the many best ski resorts that are located in the mountainous areas of Western US and Western Canada. The various ski vacations that you can take in the West are a nice way to escape from the stress and the demands of work. For those who live in the west, many top ski resorts are nearby and even a quick weekend ski package can be enough to provide rejuvenation to make it through another work week.



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Cecil Taylor asked:


Ski tans are in and skiing is big business. Last year, just the State of Colorado enjoyed a record 12.53 million skiing days and took in some 2.5 billion dollars, and they are expecting even more this skiing season. That is big and still growing.

This winter there will be millions of healthy, athletic, beautiful people sporting ski tans during the winter skiing season. The rich and famous spend small fortunes to ski at exotic locations such as Aspen. And, when they return home they show off those magnificent ski tans to the envious pale people.

Wouldn’t you like to belong to the upper class and show off your personal Aspen ski tan to your friends this winter?

Just where did this tanned skin envy come from?

Less than a century ago - pale skin was upheld as the mark of the upper class. Pale skin then separated the elite from dark tanned farm workers and outdoor laborers. After all, one needed to be rich in order not to have to be employed working in the sun. Then in the post war 50’s, wealthier families began vacationing in the sun belt and returning home with beautiful tans. This changed the acceptance from pale to bronzed skin. Now wealthy means having enough money and leisure time to relax on a beach sun tanning while the pale folks labor away indoors as retail, manufacturing and office workers.

In the late seventies, tanning beds came to America and the indoor tanning business exploded into a multi-billion dollar business. Tanning Salons are now seemingly outnumbered in locations only by fast food venues and convenience stores. There is no question that people enjoy getting their tans in the relaxing and much safer tanning beds of the new millennium. To drive this viewpoint home, scantily clad, full body tanned advertising models can be seen in all the media.

Full body tans are wonderful for those who have the time and expendable resources to go to and enjoy their favorite tanning salon or spa.

Others want to belong and want to look just as beautiful as anyone around them. But, they have to go to work to earn their income. When all the world sees them in their fully clothed working mode, their beautiful ski tan serves them just as well as a covered up full body tan. Their peers are still as jealous and full of envy as if the ski tan were a full bodied tan.

When others ask about their Apen ski tan, they just tell them “Thank You.” And then they explain that Aspen is nestled high in the Elk Mountains branch of the Rockies and for good reason - has long been known as the playpen of the rich and famous. Aspen and its sister town of Snowmass Village service four major ski areas (Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Snowmass, and Buttermilk.) The average snowfall for the area is 200 inches.

Aspen Mountain rises above the town of Aspen, with a top elevation of 11,215 feet; a vertical drop of 3,267 feet; 673 acres of skiable area, with 76 runs and 8 lifts including one cable car line. Aspen Mountain is the premiere ski resort in the Aspen area, catering to advanced skiers with difficult runs. (Terrain:: No beginner trails; intermediate, 48 percent; expert, 52 percent.)

Aspen Highlands has 790 acres of skiable area with a vertical drop of 3,635 feet. There are 131 runs and 5 lifts. (Terrain: beginners, 18 percent; intermediate, 30 percent; expert 52 percent.)

Buttermilk is a small resort in the Aspen-Snowmass resort complex. Buttermilk Ski Resort has 420 acres of skiable area with a vertical drop of 2,030 feet, 41 runs and 7 lifts. Buttermilk caters heavily to snowboarders Buttermilk as the world’s longest terrain park with two full miles of features including a super pipe, more than 30 rails, and a beginner sections.

Also, Buttermilk heavily caters to beginner skiers with slopes that are friendly to newcomers to the sport, and is home to a world-renowned ski school. (Terrain: beginners, 35 percent; intermediate 39 percent; expert 26 percent.)

Snowmass ranks among the top 10 resorts in America in size, and it’s the second-largest in Colorado (after Vail). It covers more than 3,100 acres of skiable area with a vertical drop of 4,406 feet the longest vertical drop in the United States, 84 runs and 20 lifts.

Snowmass also offers Cross-country skiing, the first run of the day tours, naturalist-guided ski/snowboard tours, powder tours and naturalist-guided snowshoe tours.

For those into extreme skiing there is the Grand Traverse beginning in Crested Butte, Colorado.

There one can ski over the mountains to Aspen on a perilous 12-hour journey risking avalanches and total exhaustion.

The Aspen ski area is located about 220 miles West from Denver on Interstate 70 and is among the most popular ski destinations in the entire West becoming celebrity central in winter . The surrounding peaks are some of Colorado’s most breath taking and picturesque.

Christmas in Aspen is especially wonderful! There are plenty of shopping opportunities to pick up that last minute gift Plus there are many retail outlets and Ashcroft Ghost Town, Silver Circle Ice Skating Rink and even Sun Dog Athletics snowshoeing.

While Aspen has much to offer skiers, as well as those who enjoy the night life in a ski town, they should expect lots of crowds and lift lines on the slopes. This is the playpen of the rich and

famous, and many people choose this ski vacation spot simply for that reason as well as for the great runs, nightlife and beautiful ski tans.

With over 100 restaurants and many outdoor decks, one can obtain a beautiful ski tan while enjoying a fine meal outdoors.

The best news of all, you do not even have to go to Aspen to get your Aspen ski tan. For less than the round trip airfare, you may well be able to purchase your own sun lamp and use it as a facial tanner in the comfort, safety and security of your own home to obtain your beautiful ski tan.

And, not for just a weekend - for many years.

Think of your new beautiful Aspen ski tan just like you do your hair coloring, only your beautician needs to know.

Happy Ski Tanning!!!



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Edward Ockelton asked:


If you are new to skiing, the whole idea of going on a ski holiday can be quite daunting. On a number of occasions I have seen people who have never skied before worry about things which just aren’t true. So, here I expose the top 10 ski myths:

1. A skiing holiday has to be expensive

Things have changed in the world of skiing - no longer is it an elite sport for the rich. It is quite possible to take a family of beginners skiing and for it not to break the bank. How?

- Go self catered. Self catered ski accommodation is often excellent and doesn’t cost very much per head. You can also choose to squeeze more people in on sofa beds to bring the price down even more. Don’t book via large tour operators - go directly to local estate agents or independent property suppliers.

- Drive. With four people in a car, and if travelling to areas in the Northern Alps, driving is a very cost effective way of getting to a ski resort. - Try and avoid the main school holidays (Christmas, New Year, Half Term) if at all possible.

- Keep an eye on when budget airlines release their flights and book early!

- You don’t need to go to the world’s biggest ski area if you are beginners. Go to a smaller resort where you will find everything in resort (lift pass, ski hire etc) to be a lot cheaper.

2. Skiing is dangerous

Although skiing does involve travelling downhill on planks of wood without any breaks, the vast majority of skiers who learn to ski with instructors and ski within their limits will have a happy lifetime of incident free skiing. Yes accidents do sometimes happen, but more often than not ski related accidents are less to do with the actual skiing and more to do with amounts of alcohol consumed and not taking care on icy surfaces etc. If you learn to ski properly, you will also learn to ski safely.

3. The weather is cold and horrible when skiing

Well, yes, the weather is usually cold. And sometimes it can be snowing. That is a fact about holidaying in the mountains in winter. However, when the sun comes out in the mountains there is nothing like it. Alpine sunshine, clear blue skies and temperatures of -5 degrees can certainly feel a lot warmer than a UK winter day when the temperature might be 10 degrees. That is why people come back from ski holidays with sun tans!

4. I won’t understand what the ski instructor tells me

Gone are the days when your only choice of ski instructor would be a moustachioed instructor who’s only English was “Bend ze Knees”. Now there are many progressive English speaking ski schools and independent instructors, indeed there are many excellent British instructors working out in the Alps.

5. If I don’t enjoy the skiing, my holiday will be rubbish

If for any reason you don’t get on with the skiing side of a skiing holiday, wintering in the Alps is still an excellent experience. Most resorts have plenty of non skiing activities on offer such as dog sledding, snow shoeing, thermal springs, ice diving, para gliding. Plus many alpine resorts are very picturesque and so sightseeing and shopping aren’t out of the question.

6. Because of global warming, there won’t be much snow

It is true that global warming was blamed for the bad winter of 06/07 in the European Alps. However, this was down mostly to lazy journalists not researching their facts properly. The bad winter that year was down to the weather, and not the climate. Plus, the skiing wasn’t actually bad - it just wasn’t as good as it could have been.

The last few years have seen some of the best winters for skiing on record. Global warming MAY start to affect European skiing over the next 50 years, but at the moment there is no real evidence that it has started.

7. It is a lot of hassle on a ski holiday

It doesn’t have to be any hassle. You can opt for a catered chalet holiday where all you need to do is get yourself to the airport. The rest is taken care of by the chalet hosts. You are picked up at the airport and taken to your chalet, they arrange your lift passes and ski hire, they cook for you, they clean for you and they take you to the slopes every day. Where is the hassle in that?

8. My kids will have problems in French speaking creche/ski schools

Like the point about ski instruction, things have changed a lot in the world of Alpine childcare. Creches and kids’ ski school usually have English speaking staff, and it is not unusual to find a number of British kids in classes during the school holidays. Teaching your kids to ski at a young age is one of the greatest gifts you can give them!

9. I don’t like mountain food

Nowadays, eating out in ski resorts isn’t all about cheese and ham (although there is plenty of that on offer for those who look forward to their annual fondue or raclette). Most resorts now sport a wide variety of restaurants - some with real cosmopolitan ambiance and menus. And if you don’t want to eat out every night, a trip to the local supermarket will reveal that the gap between French and British food shopping has narrowed considerably over the last few years.

10. I can’t take a baby skiing

Nearly all ski resorts have excellent creche/nanny facilities. And for those people who worry about the cold/altitude etc, don’t forget that babies are born in the mountains every year and they do OK!

Hopefully the above will help to dispel the main worries of a nervous first time skier. And if you never try it, you might never know what you are missing!



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SkiColorado asked:


First things first, in order to save money on Crested Butte ski rentals it is imperative that you book online prior to your vacation. Go to the internet for the best deals and discounts. There are several sites that specialize in rental

equipment for Crested Butte, Colorado. Most sites are set up to take your skier information which makes the actual process of fitting for your skis and boots extremely easy. You will cruise ahead of all the lines and get on the mountain much faster if you rent your skis online.

Selecting what type of skis and snowboard can seem confusing, but this article is to help steer you in the right direction.

Crested Butte ski and snowboard rentals come in many different flavors. From parabolic skis to fat powder planks, the choice is yours. For those who lust after Colorado corduroy, you’re ideal ski will differ from a powder hound.

For corduroy skiing, you’ll most likely stick to shorter skis with deep sidecuts, which will enable you to simply put your skis on edge and let the magic of the “hour glass shape” do the work for you. Parabolic skis have revolutionized the ski industry because of their ability to perform quick edge to edge turns. Much less leg work goes into controlling these type of skis.

Powderhounds on the other hand need a longer, fatter ski, which will enable them to float on top of the powder. Though many powder skis still provide sidecuts, the radius isn’t nearly as dramatic.

The dozen or so Crested Butte ski shops will have various styles of skis for virtually every ability level. From beginner to expert, you can rest assured that this unique mountain resort will cater to your skiing needs.

Though often overlooked, boots are just as important as skis. Often times, beginner and intermediate skiers get boots that are too big. If you’re feet are free to move around in your ski or snowboard boots, you won’t be able to control you skis or snowboard. You need your feet securely in place to really understand how to control your skis when and where you want them.

No matter what terrain you want to ski at the Mount Crested Butte Resort, the various shops will cater to your skiing ability and preferred terrain.



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jamiehanson asked:


The Alpe d’Huez is undoubtedly the most famous alpine skiing resort in France. Its lowest region is at 1,860 meters and the highest elevation is at 3,330 meters. A mountainous pasture in the central region of the French Alps cradles the new ski resort of the Alpe d’Huez. The surrounding is charming, but this is not the major reason for its fame. What makes the Alpe d’Huez an undeniably famous ski resort? The ski resort is known for many things, such as being the world’s most extensive and most challenging alpine skiing region, being the principal venue of the Tour de France, and being the location of the bobsleigh events during the 1968 Winter Olympics. Skiing The Alpe d’Huez ski resort is considered as the world’s largest and most extensive ski area in the Alps with a total of 236 kilometers of ski runs that are served by 84 ski lifts. Due to the height of the Alpe d’Huez, the snow conditions are often excellent. During periods of inadequate snow at the area that faced south, there are several snowmaking facilities to keep the ski runs wonderfully covered. The exciting aspect of visiting the new ski resort of Alpe d’Huez is the opportunity to conquer famous black runs, including the 16-kilometer Sarenne, the world’s longest difficult run that dares every expert skier. If skiers wanted challenging ski runs, as well as spectacular sceneries, they can choose to take the off-pistes. Some thrilling off-pistes of the Alpe d’Huez ski resort are the fields of Le Grand Sablat, the corridors of Cheminees du Mascle, and the natural semi-circular areas of Perrins and Couloir Fleur. Skiers will also be interested in exploring the tree-lined slopes of Serre Chevalier and the glacier park of Les Deux Alpes. These regions can be easily reached from the new ski resort of Alpe d’Huez. Tour de France The Tour de France is the most famous bicycle race worldwide. Serious cyclists, from all over the globe, aspire to compete in the Tour de France, a competition that began in 1903. When a cyclist finally gets their chance to compete, they soon find that they need to conquer the most talked-about climb of the tour, the Alpe d’Huez. The climb has a distance of nearly 14 kilometers and the gradient is about 8%. The slope of the Alpe d’Huez is obviously a tough stage. In fact, it is often the final stage of the Tour de France. Interestingly, there was a period when a Dutchman won 8 of the 14 finishes of the race. Thus, the ski resort of Alpe d’Huez earned and enjoyed the name “Dutch Mountain.” A skier who has a Dutch heritage would be excited to triumph over the slopes that his fellow countrymen conquered so many times. However, the fame and history of the new ski resort of Alpe d’Huez is just a bonus for all adventurers on the alpine slopes. The almost towering incline, the pull of the snowy peaks, the pleasure of sightseeing, and the exhilarating speed of downward skiing are the major components of the winter holiday adventure.



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ivaylo yordanov asked:


A handful of excellent European Ski resorts are placed in Switzerland, the country identified for loveliness and sophistication. More than the beauty, the country prides other elements such as international centre of winter sports and fashion malls. The ambience and natural feeling backs up the ski resorts in Switzerland.

Switzerland is not new to Skiing. The virgin alpine environment creates a wonderful know-how to the ski lovers altogether. A lot of the immensely good-looking Swiss winter resorts are to be found in the Wallis Canton. The most well-liked and authoritarian Matterhorn fronts onto Zermatt.

Swiss Alps is the best spot for skiing in Switzerland. You can either opt for a ski or a snowboard for enjoying all the fun. Once you have the full gratification in skiing then take a vertical train equipped to the slops, were you can enjoy the fantastic beauty. The breathtaking view of the slope itself is worth the travel to Switzerland. A ski splash is always a tremendous offer in Switzerland. Now, for people who wish for an adventurous move, skiing is the outstanding break. Most part of the hills is never snow packed; there are wooden hill portions yet for an unsettled view. Ski resorts in Switzerland are comparatively minor in degree on condition that they endow a more reliable alpine familiarity to the skiers in Switzerland.

Skiing is by and large the primary idea of any explorer leaving for a ski retreat. In Switzerland, you are offered the wonderful opportunity of apres-ski and much more amenities. Make the best research before you step into ski vacation to Switzerland. Moreover, an idea of piste in various colors like red, green and black is also available in this beauty region. The apres-ski conveniences put forward are as well imperative, as subsequent to an exhausting daytime of skiing. Switzerland is indeed a superlative place to have fun at the beats, nightclubs, and other spaces.

For the year 2009, the country has rather newer facilities and the government has enhanced skiing to a greater level. Ski resorts are in all ways particular in the Matterhorn Mountains. The village is also amplified without altering the real chalets. You can as well recognize the winding alleys. In favor of an intercontinental day of skiing, tourists can ski downhill the flipside of the Matterhorn for dine in the Italian township of Cervinia.

By means of its four vales and slopes Verbier in Switzerland is a resort further for the knowledgeable and folks gazing for a face up to. Travelling around its off-slope paths and first-class wallop runs are in a minute some best expeditions you can have in this life time. The winter season is on its move, and ski lovers all over the world are looking forward for changes in Ski expeditions compared from the year 2008. Planning and picking the resort in advance save much time creating more space to enjoy the ski vacations in detail. Go ahead, with your vacation plans in Switzerland for coming year.



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Mark Hunter asked:


The Val Rendena is a skiing region that is composed of various ski resorts, including the Adamello, the Dolomiti di Brenta, the Madonna di Campiglio, the Presanella, and the Pinzolo. The most famous of these ski resorts is the Madonna di Campiglio. But it is the Pinzolo that possesses ideal ski runs that would suit the new alpine skiers. At the lowest altitude of 800 meters and highest elevation at 2,100 meters, the news ski resort of Pinzolo offers excellent snow conditions.

Furnished with the most modern skiing facilities, the new ski resort of Pinzolo in Val Rendena, boasts an ice stadium for those who are also interested in winter activities other than alpine skiing. The ski resort also offers state-of-the-art skiing facilities, particularly the modern lifts and gondolas. And within the resort, the accommodations are plenty and luxurious.

The beginners, however, must realize that alpine skiing in Italy is not as convenient as mountain skiing in Salt Lake City. In reaching the ski area alone, the skiers had to show determination by utilizing a combination of different modes of transportation. The skiers had to fly in to Bolzano, the nearest airport where they can take a bus towards the center of the Val Rendena. The skiers may also take the train from Trento.

Upon arrival in Pinzolo, the skiers will find the best-groomed slopes, in which there is a total of 26 kilometers of ski runs. There are cross-country ski tracks located in the area named Centro Fondo Pinzolo-Carisolo. There is also a snow park for those who wanted to hone their skills snowboarding. And if some of the skiers wanted more challenge, they can easily cross towards the Madonna di Campiglio.

Skiing in the area of Pinzolo ski resort, despite the little muscle soreness that is expected with this winter sport, is very pleasurable due to the beauty of the region. The deep blue of the lakes delightfully complemented the silvery peaks of the mountains. The skiers will find a wide variety of unique and endemic flora and fauna within the Adamello Brenta Nature Park.

Interestingly, Pinzolo is not just a ski resort. It was made into a resort only in the 1960s and it is relatively new. Before it turned into a new ski resort, its religious past permeates every corner. Its culture and history will fascinate anyone who is curious to learn about of Pinzolo. For example, the locals still hold the infamous Trato Marzo. On the surface, it is a celebration of the arrival of spring and the younger people will ignite bonfires and sing folk songs. The infamous part is the shouting in which the youth announces engagements and marriages of unlikely couples. The visiting skiers might be entertained by this tradition but they would feel lucky and relieved not to live in Pinzolo.

Pinzolo is also the place where the Compagnia dei Battuti was first organized. It is a religious brotherhood formed by the pioneering spirit of the lay people. They built a unique church that still stands today. The walls of the church have murals and the southern wall featured the danza macabra (seven cardinal sins), the resurrezione di Cristo (resurrection of Christ), and the trionfo della Morte (triumph of death).

The pioneering spirit continues to dominate Pinzolo, even when it has turned into a famous new ski resort. The first Italian Alpine Rescue Unit was established in Pinzolo. The first Alpinists Society in the province of Trentino was founded in Pinzolo. The beginners of alpine skiing would know that pioneers surround them.



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Liat Nachman asked:


Discount Ski boots are easy to avail, since skiing is a seasonal sport in nature. Top brands namely Tecnica, Nordica, Salomon, Lange, and Rossignol, all offer large discounts on their ski boots usually in the off season. Hence, it is important to shop during appropriate time to get discounts on branded ski boots.

It is a common belief that during Christmas week heavy discounts are available on skiing equipments. However, as this period marks the beginning of skiing season, the price during this period is at its peak.

A good place to buy discount ski boots is the local sports shop. These shops offer broad range of ski boots at discounts. Visit a specialized store dealing in ski accessories, as they render good bargains. Along with it, these shops hire expertise boot fitters, which can help to discover the best ski boots.

Points to Remember:

To buy discount ski boots is a daunting task. Discussed below are a few guidelines that buyers need to follow:



Firstly, locate a reputed ski boot shop having experienced and qualified staff on board. It is important to trust the boot fitters, since they know which boots fit well and give maximal comfort to a particular feet shape.

Do not just go by the price of discount ski boots and purchase the first one made available, at least try on three pairs before the purchase. It is the foot shape as well as the ability of the skier that ultimately determines the boots and not the favorite color and the pair matching the ski jacket.

Do not go by the appearance of the ski boots. While purchasing from a discount store on internet or from a shop, it is advised to pay heed to the features and make of the boots, instead of its appearance.

Examine the shell fit. This is perhaps the first thing that a buyer needs to do while buying discounted ski boots. Ascertain that ski boots are shell fit. Skier can take out the liner from the shell and then, simply slide the foot inwards. Keep the boot on the floor and slowly slide the foot frontward, till the toes contact the last part of boot. Keep the foot in the same position and gauge the space amid the foot and back portion of boot by placing the fingers. It need not be more than 2 fingers space. If the space is more, then that boots are bigger for that skier’s foot shape.





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Jimmy Cox asked:


Skiing is a wonderful sport, and well worth the effort in mastering its different facets.

Gripping the pole

No matter what kind of skiing you do, your pole should be there to assist you. The strap must he held correctly if the wrist is to obtain correct support.

1. Thrust your hand through the loop of the strap from below

2. With the thong round the wrist

3. Grip the pole and the thong firmly

Turning on the level

Let us assume that you have got your skis on, and your poles correctly held. Before setting off we’ll practice a few quick turns on the level.

Raise the ski well off the ground, and with the poles to assist you in maintaining balance, you will have no difficulty in carrying out this turn.

1. Skis parallel and flat on the snow. Right pole pointing forward and near the tip of the ski, left pole near the heel of the ski. Support yourself on your poles.

2. Raise the left ski and swing it right the way round through 180 degrees.

3. Place the left ski down on the snow, parallel to the right ski.

4. Swing the right ski all the way round, and bring it along side the left. Your turn - the kick turn - has now been completed.

Skiing along the level

For those first steps across the level you will find the so-called diagonal gait the simplest and most natural way of skiing.

This really means, as in ordinary walking, moving opposite leg and aim forward. At the same time - right leg and left arm, followed by left leg and right arm, etc.

When skiing, it is the supple gliding movement which will give the characteristic effortless movement of the expert.

Diagonal

The “diagonal” is the most effective and effortless gait; try to aim at a long lithe step. Remember to use opposite arm and leg. Left leg and right arm forward.

A. Good push-off with the poles. After the push-off arm and pole should be extended in one straight line behind the body. Interchange of arm and leg with long gliding movement.

B. Double poling, with a one-step “take-off”.

1. Ordinary diagonal gait as above.

2. Thrust both poles in front of the body into the ground, and propel the body forwards with the poles.

3. Arms well behind body, and knees flexed.

4. Resume the diagonal gait, with a marked increase of momentum.

Herringboning

Once you can move across level country on your skis, the time has come to attempt a steep climb. Frequently you will find it impossible to ski straight up a slope. Even with the assistance of poles and arms the going will be too heavy. “Herringboning” is an easy and efficient method of climbing.

1. Spread-eagle the skis in a V, transferring the weight from the lower to the upper ski.

2. Poles should be in position behind the body, to give support, and prevent you from sliding back.

3. Continue uphill, shoving off with each ski, and maintaining the V angle.

The skating turn

When touring across undulating country the skating turn is an effective method of negotiating trees and similar obstacles.

This turn enables the skier to change direction quickly, while at the same time increasing his speed. The skating turn should also be tried with a double poling action immediately before and after the actual turn.

1. Ordinary diagonal gait, with long gliding steps.

2. Transfer the weight to the left ski, and thrust the right ski out in the direction in which you wish to turn.

3. Transfer the weight to the right ski by pushing off in a powerful rhythmic movement from the left ski.

4. Bring the skis together again, and push off vigorously with both poles. Thus increasing your speed.

There are more aspects of skiing to learn, but these will set you off on the right foot.



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Muna wa Wanjiru asked:


Skiing is one of the most exciting sports. Water skiing is one of the types of skiing. Water skiing involves pulling a person along on the water with the help of a motor boat. The skier holds the tow rope and skis or skims on the surface of the water by standing upright and balancing himself on his skis.

Water skiing originated in the year 1922. Ralph Samuelson who used a clothesline to strap his feet to the boards and rigging himself to the boat did the first water skiing. He performed this feat on Lake Pepin in Minnesota.

Among women, the first person who water-skied was Katherine Lomerson of Michigan in the year 1924. Water skiing is very exciting and exhilarating and starts with something called a “deep water start”. Skiers usually have to crouch on the surface of the water. Their knees have to be bent and the arms have to be kept straight. The tips of the skis have to be pointing upwards and the rope has to be positioned in between the skis.

When the skier is ready for takeoff, the boat moves forward with force. This enables the skier to move forward out of the water. Apart from the driver and the skier, water skiing sport involves another person, a third person or observer. He has to observe the skier carefully. In case of a fall or accident, the driver has to be informed so that he can slow down or stop to get the skier back to his feet.

Skier usually uses hand signals to exchange messages. Signals include the thumbs up and thumbs down signals, which signify, go faster and slow down respectively.

In the year 1940 ,Jack Anderson designed the trick ski. Trick ski is a short water ski which is without fins. In order to decide on how you are going to balance on your ski, or which foot you are going to put forward there are certain things you have to do.

The falling test is one of them. This involves standing on the skis with closed eyes and feet together. You must be pushed forward gently from the back. You will find that one of your foot will automatically go forward to try and balance and that is the foot you will have to foot forward for water skiing.

The pants test is to notice the foot put into the pant first by the skier and putting that foot forward on your skis.

The demo test involves trying out water skiing with both legs one by one and checking to see which foot forward is most comfortable for you.

The ski test can be gone through with the help of your ski instructor. The instructor makes the novice use combo skis. Lifting one ski up about six to twelve inches for duration of two seconds and with their ankle stretched up the skier has to use alternately his left and right ski for duration of about six minutes.

The ski handle has to be kept at the level of the hip and the skier’s chin has to be pointed upwards. This will definitely enable the skier to identify the leg that he is most comfortable with putting forward and balancing. While water skiing on a single ski, he can use this leg forward for balancing purposes.



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