Accident-free Skiing and Snowboarding, Anyone?

Author: Ski Planner

Many people have different opinions about the relationship between skiing and snowboarding. Some hardcore enthusiasts in these sports maintain that these two are distinct and different from each other. Nonetheless, skiing and snowboarding share the same platforms and manner of execution, namely snowy slopes and downward acceleration. This results to almost the same approach in the preparation and equipment perspectives of the two.

Whether you are a first timer or a veteran at skiing and snowboarding, you must learn how to prepare physically and mentally before subjecting yourself to the unforgettable adrenaline rush that these two sports offer. And that includes protecting yourself against possible injuries that can happen while you are speeding down the slope.

Besides training hard to improve performance level and overall skills, you must completely comply with the safety requirements to become a confident participant in these two sports. As over one hundred thousand people are unnecessarily injured in skiing and skateboarding every year, a serious effort to prepare against injury in these two sports is imperative.

In skiing and snowboarding, the key to an accident-free slide is in the preparation. Before you even take the wild ride down a snowy mountain cap, be sure to do all necessary preparations. The following tips could spell the difference between an enjoyable skiing or snowboarding vacation and a visit to the hospital.

Take skiing and snowboarding lessons. There is no such thing as a born skier or snowboarder. You need guidance from experts who have been into these sports for years so that you will improve your performance and safety in skiing and snowboarding.

With regard to your skiing or snowboarding outfit, wear clothing that is dependable against water and wind. Make sure that your apparel has enough protective features like wide collars that can be enfolded to cover your face against wind and zippers and strings that enable you to adjust your outfit easily and comfortably.

Acquire the proper equipment for skiing and for snowboarding. If you own the equipment, like skis and snowboards, have them custom-fitted to your preferences. If you are renting them, be sure to choose the ones that you will most likely be comfortable in. Having the right equipment will drastically improve your performance and lessen the chances of accidents.

Also, the temperature in the snowy caps rapidly changes. Sometimes the coldness in the slopes can be unbearable and you may find yourself losing much needed heat which could lead to other complication like loss of consciousness and tiredness. To prevent this wear head covering like helmet or headbands and gloves.

The snowy slopes in which you slide down your skis and snowboards have very low temperatures. Dress up in layers of clothing to keep the chill out. But also make sure that the fabric you are wearing on the inside is comfortable on your skin and absorbent of the sweat that is sure to come out of you because of the excitement skiing or snowboarding offers.

Do not forget to wear eye protection devices like goggles and sunglasses. Without eye protection, you are most likely to close your eyes due to cold winds as you speed down on your ski or snowboard. Sliding in closed eyes, you will certainly bump on anything and could even wake up in the infirmary the next day.

Get enough sleep the night before the big day. You need to be alert and sportive on the skiing or snowboarding slopes. A tired mind and body can cause accidents and injuries.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/extreme-sports-articles/accidentfree-skiing-and-snowboarding-anyone-345228.html

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An Introduction to Heli Skiing

By Jimmie Morris

How cool is that!

What is Heli Skiing?

Heli skiing is off-trail, downhill skiing that is reached by a helicopter, not a ski lift. Heli skiing can be a great opportunity for most skiers, but read on for more information about Heli skiing and how to choose a Heli Skiing experience that will be safe and enjoyable.

The birth of Heli-Skiing

In April 1965, Hans Gmoser was intrigued by an idea that, although fanciful, seemed practical - an idea that had never been tried by any resort in the world. Hans began using helicopters to transport enthusiastic skiers high into the thin air of the otherwise-inaccessible Bugaboo Mountains in the Rocky Mountains of Canada. Heli skiing, as it became known, was born and became an instant success.

Is Heli Skiing for You?

Heli skiing isn't for everyone, so before you plan your trip, it's best to see if a Heli skiing tour is something that will be safe and fun for you. So, is Heli skiing for you? Ask yourself the following questions to see if a Heli skiing tour would be a good experience for you.

A. Are you a good enough skier or snowboarder? Heli skiing isn't for first timers'. You should be both capable and experienced in handling a mixture of conditions, whether they are on one plank or two.

1. You should have considerable skiing experience in a conventional resort setting.

2. Your run choices are predominantly blue/ black and you ski them with confidence in almost any conditions.

3. Your skiing ability has improved year after year and you are capable of multi-day ski trips.

4. You may not have the style of a paid skier, but you have the confidence to keep up with friends and you know when you are making some 'good turns'.

5. You can make parallel turns with confidence and if the situation arises, you can; side-slip, step-up sideways, traverse and make kick turns.

6. In the process of becoming a better skier, you have made the transition from novice level equipment to high performance gear and can also spot the difference.

7. You may not have tons of powder skiing experience but you can maintain control in backcountry conditions.

B. Are you fit enough? Skiing and riding powder all day is super fun but is physically demanding. You need to be of a good level of fitness to get the most from your heli skiing experience.

C. Accept that there is risks involved? Safety is always the number one priority for Heli skiing oeprators. However, it's necessary to realize that when you take on mother nature and her mountains, anything can happen. All heli skiing operations will require you to sign a comprehensive waiver of liability before you can go skiing.

What to Expect While Heli-Skiing

Here's more information about the Heli skiing experience.

Heli Skiing Groups

On most Heli skiing tours, heli-skiers are led by an experienced guide who will lead a group of skiers. You may be skiing with as little as 6 or as many as 12 skiers. This varies depending on which operator your book with. Most operations offer private heli skiing charters too.

Heli Skiing Tour Length

While heli-skiing, you can expect around 5-12 runs or heli lifts in a day. Your guides will constantly be assessing and searching for the best (and the safest) snow. In some locations, you might take one long run down the mountain, stopping in various places for break. Most heli skiing operators offer daily, three, four and seven day packages. When avalanche conditions are high you may end up skiing easier more gentle slopes.

Conditions

Heli skiing conditions can really vary, according to the day you're skiing and where you're skiing. However, Heli skiing is known for its opportunity to allow skiers to access amazing powder and this is your best chance to ski the champagne powder snow. However conditions often vary from run to run due to wind and solar aspects. Be prepared for variable conditions. It's best to check with your Heli skiing tour for specific information about the snow conditions and weather prior to booking your trip.

Heli Skiing Safety

The primary safety concern of heli skiing operators is the danger of avalanches. Reputable Heli skiing operations employ highly trained guides and pilots who are experienced in evaluating snow conditions, snow stability, and risk management. Don't worry - most tours will include in the price the use of avalanche transceivers and will provide training on the use of them and other avalanche rescue equipment.

Where Can I Try Heli Skiing

Heli skiing is truly a global sport and can be enjoyed all over the world. Here is a list of where countries where you can go heli skiing:

Canada, Alaska, New Zealand, Himalayas, (India and Nepal) Russia, Turkey, Greenland, Argentina, Chile, Sweden, Finland, Switzerland, France, Austria and Italy.

And Finally

Heli skiing is the ultimate skiing and boarding experience. Endless acres of deep powder snow, solitude in the big mountains to be shared with friends and family what more could a skier or border want?

This article was provided by Pantheon Heli Skiing. A Heli Skiing Operation Located near Whistler in BC Canada. Check out www.pantheonheli.com for more details

James Morris

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jimmie_Morris

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SKIGYM Lets You Ski At Any Time

By: Georgiana Bobolicu

Ski simulators, despite the fact that no matter how advanced they are, can't compare to the real activity and its inherent sensations. However, since in many places in the world, you can't ski all year long, but just a couple of months or so, as the snow only lasts this long, a ski simulator can be more than welcome, allowing you to stay in shape and practice your moves.

One of the latest devices of this type is the SKIGYM from Pro Idee, an ideal gadget for every ski lover, be them amateurs or professionals. Built in Germany, in cooperation with instructors, sports scientists and therapists, this ski simulator is a sophisticated training device.

The ski simulator features 32 racetracks and slopes in the most famous ski resorts in the world. Professionals master slopes in career mode, beginners start in practice mode. The ski simulator vibrates, rotates, tilts - exactly like a real ski descent. It comes loaded with “Alpine Ski Racing 2007” software to train you without a computer professional ski and fitness trainer. A microchip transmits your movements on the screen simultaneously to help you track your performance.

All you have to do in order to start skiing is connect it to a PC or laptop via its USB cable and launch the software. Afterwards, it's just you and the virtual slopes. Not only will this device give you the adrenaline rush you usually experience on real slopes, but it will also help you improve your posture and coordination so that the new season catches you fully prepared.

Safe to handle and space-saving, the SKIGYM ski simulator retails for almost 2,300 US dollars, a price probably steeper than even the virtual slopes featured in the software. Although that might not seem absurd to true ski lovers, to the beginners, who may think this is a more convenient alternative to a ski instructor, this ski simulator might pass as an unnecessary whim.

Article source: gadgets.softpedia.com




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Telemark technique for Cross Country Skiing

The Telemark cross-country skiing takes fitness and strength. Northern Europeans and Scandinavians used cross-country skiing as a means of travel during snowy winters. Telemark originally referred to the smooth turning technique skiers used traveling downhill. Today, special races and leagues celebrate the hybrid type of skiing that combines classic cross-country and alpine downhill skiing.

Origins:
The Skiing was more than just a sport to the citizens of countries such as Norway and Finland. The Cross-country skiing was daily transportation in snow-bound areas. The Finland used elite cross-country ski units to battle Russian tank units in World War II, the "First Strike: Preemptive War in Modern History." The Cross-country skiing allows skiers to traverse rough terrain quickly, and today elite skiers wind their way between trees and over hills for sport.

Telemark Turn:
The Telemark turn lends its name to the style of ski races held today. In a classic Telemark turn, the skier puts his weight on the downhill ski, and bends his knee on the uphill ski. The resulting movement is a smooth turn typical of the style. Telemark style replaced the older method of turning, which required those on skis to plant sturdy poles into the ground, steering as they went. Sondre Norheim was a farmer in the Telemark region of Norway in the latter part of the 1800s. The Modern skiers credit him with inventing and developing the more graceful Telemark style of skiing.

Other Elements:
The Telemark ski competitions have elements that require specialized skills and techniques. The classic Telemark race has a steep section that requires skiers to wind their way around race flags as they descend. The section is similar to slalom area in alpine style skiing. The Skiers also negotiate ski jumps during the race. The last main element of the race is a classic cross-country section in which skiers race across an undulating landscape.

Equipment:
The Telemark skiers have boots that attach to the skis at the to est. The boots heels move up and down independent of the skis, enabling the Telemark turn. The Skiers can make forward and backward motions as well as side to side movements. The skis used in Telemark skiing are wider and sturdier than the flexible classic touring skis. They share similarities with alpine downhill skis but they taper in the center section to help accommodate the sweeping turns. The Ski poles in classic Telemark races are longer than in alpine downhill because skiers use them to help propel themselves uphill and across flat terrain.

Potential:
The Telemark skiing is like an obstacle course on snow, with the combining aspects of downhill, jumping and classic cross country skiing. The increasing numbers of a downhill alpine skiers or cross-country enthusiasts turn into the Telemark skiing to take on new challenges as well as to improve their overall ski skills. Although, the Telemark skiing is not an Olympic sport with many competitors travel to compete in international skiing championships.

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How To Select Skis

With an increasing variety of skis available today, you may need assistance in finding the right one for your needs. Consulting a knowledgeable salesperson is one option; another is doing research using ski magazines. You may still be bewildered by the number of options available. Keep your requirements in mind so that you can shortlist some pairs to choose from.

Depending on the snow which you plan to use the skis on, look for skis which are engineered accordingly. Your local shop will be able to guide you on which models are best suited to the climate of your region.

You can search online for outlets stocking these kinds of items in your area. Shortlist two or three companies which seem suitable and then decide among them which one fits your requirements. You can also ask your friends, family, and colleagues for recommendations.

Depending on your level of proficiency, choose a pair of skis accordingly. You should plan how much you want to spend on this item based on the number of times you think that you will be using it in a year. In case you are buying them for a child, take him or her along when you are making the purchase.

In case you are buying water skis, you should try them out on land first. If you are buying them for a beginner, the salesperson can give him or her a few pointers. For instance, a child will need to distribute his or her weight in a proper manner.

Choose a ski manufacturer which has been in business for a number of years. A good quality pair of skis will last you a long time. The initial investment will be well worth it when you ski up and down slopes during winter.

Get your skis regularly tuned for best results. Your weight will make your experience of a particular pair of skis different from another person who is lighter or heavier than you. Trying skis before you buy them will be beneficial.

You may also need other equipment such as shoes and caps. Consider buying them from the same place so that you may get a bulk discount. It will also be convenient for you if you buy all the items you need from one place.

Be careful when you buy skis. Brick, NJ residents should consider buying these items from a well known place which is in their area, so they can visit it whenever they like.

Skis Brick, NJ - Look for an established company when you buy skis. Brick, NJ has Bob Kislin's Outdoor Sports, which has a variety of these items.

Picture taken from samoensalpineholiday.com

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