Beginner's Guide to Skiing

Skiing in New England

2006-03-17T18:26:57Z

Though it's not the most popular area of the country in regards to skiing, New England's peak winter-sporting season in mid-March to April may offer the best skiing conditions around.

The past several years, the pattern of New England winters has been the same: early snow, then a series of warm spots, then snow again. In each case, the resulting conditions have actually been quite good for skiing and riding sports.

To sweeten the deal, resorts have been trimming their prices to attract more business in lue of the odd time of year.

The following guideline gives numerous examples of great deals in the New England area: http://www.seacoastonline.com/news/exeter/03172006/sports/93153.htm

Celebrity Skiing Fundraiser

2006-03-22T15:56:37Z

Celebrity skiers took to the slopes earlier this month as America Airlines hosted its 21st annual Celebrity Ski Weekend - a fundraiser for Cystic Fibrosis research and development. To date, American Airlines has raised $22 since the fundraiser's inception in 1986.

Skiing celebs, as well as regular skiers, convened at Vail Cascade Resort & Spa for weekend of mingling, dining, dancing, and (I guess) some skiing here and there. Over $1 million was raised this year.

It sounds like a great cause all around, but American Airlines didn't mention exactly which celebrities were involved in the event. The last thing you want to do is end up hanging out with some 80s has-been for 3 days. Trust me, I know. I once shared a plane flight with Corey Feldman, and if you don't think that guy can talk for 6 hours about his Pomeranian, you're wrong. Dead wrong.

History and Overview of Cross-Country Skiing

2006-03-22T16:39:44Z

You may have heard that cross-country skiing is a great aerobic workout, but did you realize that it has been declared the world’s best aerobic fitness activity? The sport of cross-country skiing requires the skier to maneuver his arms and legs back and forth in a simultaneous motion in order to propel himself forward. Add the weight of the poles, the skis and the boots, and you have quite an endurance challenge that attacks every major muscle group. But not only does cross-country skiing give you a great way to exercise, it is also a great way to see beautiful pieces of land, nature and scenery.

The sport of cross-country skiing originated in Scandinavia between 4000 and 4500 years ago as a means to get from here to there. The equipment used was made entirely of natural materials such as wood for skis, bamboo for poles, and leather for boots and straps. Today, the recreational activity that was once a necessary transportation method is increasingly popular in countries all over the world as a recreational sport – and especially popular in countries with large amounts of snowy terrain like Northern Europe and Canada. In fact, several northern European armies train their soldiers in cross-country skiing for winter operations.

Cross-country skiing differentiates itself from alpine skiing in a few ways. Most importantly, cross-country skier trek across fields with flats, uphill and downhills, where alpine skiing focuses on getting down the hill. Downhill skiing would be considered the “sprint’ while cross-country would be considered the “marathon” of skiing. The boots of a cross-country skier only attach to the ski at the toe, leaving the heel free to climb and traverse terrain. In alpine skiing, the entire foot is attached to the ski.

Although cross-country skiing may sound like a lot of work, it can be a very peaceful, enjoyable activity. The learning curve is quick, the injury rate is low and the sport is adaptable to all fitness levels so everyone can partake.

What Is the Difference Between Classic Skiing and Ski Skating?

2006-03-22T16:40:58Z

Just as the sport of swimming has different styles (i.e. breaststroke, backstroke, freestyle, etc.), cross-country skiing has different techniques that are a matter of preference for the skier. The two main techniques are Classic Skiing and Skate Skiing.

Classic Skiing was, as you probably guessed, the first technique used by cross-country skiers. It is not the technique used to reach the greatest speeds, but it is used by many skiers – especially beginners – on prepared trails that have parallel grooves etched into them. It is easy to learn this technique, but it can take many years to perfect it. The Classic technique bases its style on gliding the skis back and forth on the snow.

The Skate Skiing technique has the skier pushing off from ski to ski in a V-shaped motion, much like ice skating. If you have ice skated or in-line skated before, this technique may be easier for you to pick up than Classic skiing. It can be a more intense aerobic workout than Classic Skiing because of the energy output in pushing off from ski to ski.

Skate Skiing is similar to bicycling in that the skier can use different “gears” depending on the different speeds and terrain the skier will encounter. The five gears are labels for the techniques the skier should use to address steep hills, hill climbing, flats or uphill, flats or downhill and for skiing without using poles.

What Equipment Would I Need to Cross-Country Ski?

2006-03-22T16:42:08Z

Like any sport, there are a few pieces of equipment that you will need to purchase or rent to get started. The basic necessities are cross-country ski boots, skis with the right binding and ski poles. As you become more involved with the sport, you will be able to tailor your equipment to your skiing style.

Cross-country skis are long and thin – designed to efficiently distribute the weight of the skier and to glide along the snow quickly. Skis are fit to the skier based on his height and weight and in consideration of the type of skiing he will be performing. You can purchase skis made specifically for Classic Skiing, specifically for Skate Skiing or skis that are made for a combination of both.

Cross-country skiers carry two poles to help thrust them along. These poles are typically crafted of a light-weight material such as aluminum, fiberglass or graphite. There is a spike at the end of the pole that helps drive it into hard snow and the basket, or disc that sits above the spike, prevents the spikes from sinking too deeply into the snow. Poles used for classic-style skiing should reach the skier’s armpit, while skiers using the skate technique should use poles that come to their chin.

As mentioned earlier, ski boots for cross-country are only attached to the ski by the toe with bindings. The heel remains free.

Once you have figured out what type of skis and styles you will be using, you can decide if wax will be necessary and what type will work for you. Wax will simply help you move your skis through the snow more effectively. There are three main categories of wax:

o Glide Wax: To get your skis moving quicker, you will use glide wax. Glide wax is sold in blocks of wax and is actually ironed on to your ski. Glide wax is used on the full length of skating skis and outside the kick zone on classic skis.

o Kick Wax: This wax helps the ski grip the snow to prevent your ski from slipping after your weight is transferred from ski to ski. Kick waxes are categorized into levels of hardness, with the harder levels being for colder, newer snow. However, if you choose kick wax that is too hard, your skis will have trouble gripping the snow. To ease the confusion of which level to use on your skis, manufacturers have developed a kick wax that has a wide temperature range and can be applied easily to skis. This wax would be perfectly acceptable for beginners, but a professional or competitor would want the benefits of having the precise type of kick wax.

o Klister: If snow has any moisture or softness to it, the kick wax will not work well because it will have trouble gripping onto the snow. If these will be your conditions, you might consider klister wax which is much like glue. Although it is easy to apply, it is very sticky and hard to remove. Klister is color-coded for different types of snow: blue for icy snow and red for wet snow.

What Types of Cross-Country Competitions are Available?

2006-03-22T16:43:02Z

As cross-country skiing gains popularity around the globe, competitions have become more audience-friendly and are receiving more publicity. The highest levels of competition are the Olympics and World Cup. However, there are competitions available at every level with a variety of distances to choose from, including a biathlon that combines cross-country skiing with rifle shooting.

The styles of skiing are declared for each race. There are races for Classic Skiing, races for Skate Skiing and the Double Pursuit combines the two. The skiers participating in the double pursuit make a “pit stop” half way through the race and change out their equipment to complete the race with a different style.

If you are interested in competing in cross-country, the American Cross-Country Skiers hosts events for all skill levels.

What are Some Popular Ski Destinations?

2006-03-22T16:43:54Z

The birthplace of cross-country skiing undoubtedly has several great ski destinations. Scandinavia, Austria and Switzerland have several top-notch resorts designated for the sport, and you can find wonderful accommodations across Canada as well.

In the United States, the top cross-country ski destinations include the White Mountains of New Hampshire, where there are several designated cross-country ski areas; the Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, Vermont, which was America’s first ski center; the areas of northern Minnesota; Lake Tahoe and Idaho just to name a few.

For more information on ski areas, you could contact the Cross Country Ski Areas Association.

Sources:
1. “Cross-Country Skiing”: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cross-country_skiing
2. “Cross-Country Skiing for Begginers”: www.xcskiworl.com/beginners.htm

Ski Apparel Overview

2006-04-12T20:14:50Z

Skiing is a very popular winter sport for people of all ages! The sport has evolved through the years from snowshoeing to the invention of bindings in the 19th century that enabled a skier to turn while going downhill. With the development of bindings, the skier was more efficient when flying down mountains of snow. For many Americans, skiing involves a vacation at a ski resort. The family purchases lift tickets, purchases warm clothes, enrolls in ski lessons and has a thoroughly enjoyable vacation. Some skiers purchase skis but others rent them at the ski resorts. Ski boots are worn and are strapped onto the skis for comfort and safety. The skis glide over the snow and the skier controls the speed at which he/she travels down the mountain. Snowboarding is the new craze and has grown in huge proportions the last several years. There are many ski resorts and specialty ski vacations from which to choose from in the United States. Before you embark on this adventurous vacation, it is important to purchase the proper ski apparel. It is also crucial to purchase ski equipment or arrange for rental. If you are beginner, ski and ski boot rental is an economical way to enjoying skiing without purchasing hundreds of dollars worth of equipment. Due to the location of the ski resorts, skiers can expect snow and cold weather conditions. It is a popular recreational and competitive activity that requires special clothing for warmth.

Ski Suits

2006-04-12T20:15:34Z

A ski suit is the warm apparel that is worn over other clothes including thermal underwear while skiing. The suit may constitute a coat and pants or a one-piece garment. There special suits designed for different types of skiing such as speed skiing, alpine skiing. cross-country and snowboarding.

Ski Jacket: The ski jacket is a warm insulated parka that covers the skier’s arms and upper body. Ski jackets are specially designed for warmth and are wind and water resistant. The jacket is lined with liners made of either nylon, silk, cotton or taffeta and sometimes filled with down. Often jackets are made with a material called Polartec which is a water-repellant fleece for protection from both common elements when skiing-snow and cold. Jackets come equipped with various zippered pockets for organization of ski gear (hand/feet warmers, chap stick & sunscreen).

Ski Pants: When purchasing ski pants, it is wise to look for waterproof and durable pants. If you experience a fall on the mountain, maintaining warmth and dryness is crucial.

Ski Gloves: Another important piece of ski apparel are ski gloves. Again, they need to be made of material that is waterproof and will keep your hands warm. Gloves are usually lined with polyester and soft fleece. When purchasing ski gloves, it is important to ensure they fit properly and come up far enough to cover your wrists. The glove should come lined with thin fleece that will provide warmth without bulk. Kevlar is a material that is added to ski apparel because it allows for durability and breath ability.

Ski Suit: The ski suit can be worn over other clothes while skiing. Like other ski apparel the ski suit is made of wind/water-resistant or waterproof fabrics. The one-piece ski suit ensures extra warmth and ease of skiing. Suits are available with without hoods and similar to the ski jacket comes equipped with zippered pockets for skiing essentials. The ski suit usually zips and may come with a belt for added coverage.

Hats: With every other part of your body protected from the cold, it is important to cover your head, too. Even though your ski jacket may come equipped with a removable hood, that is not enough coverage on a cold mountain. Hoods won’t stay in place as you are zooming downhill! A hat is the answer to keep your head warm. The popular beanie ski cap keeps your head warm and will stay in place even during a fall. Fleece headbands that double as ear warmers and as neck warmers are also a good buy for your ski vacation. Earmuffs can also substitute for a hat to keep ears warm as you fly down the mountain.

Thermal Underwear/Socks: Due to the extreme cold experienced during skiing, it is important to not only have warm ski outerwear but underwear, too. Thermal underwear is made of materials such as silk, cotton, nylon and spandex. For maximum warmth, purchase both a top and bottom. Ski socks can be made of wood or synthetic materials that keep your feet warm and snug. A good sock is important to help make the awkward ski boot more comfortable. It is important to keep your feet warm and dry.

Ski Boots: The ski boot is a specialized piece of skiing equipment. They not only provide warmth but they attach to the ski bindings and complete the skis. The boots are constructed of plastic with attachments at the toe and heel to fit snuggly into ski bindings. Beginning skiers prefer a softer, padded ski boot whereas the advanced skier requires hard, stiff plastic. Just because you are planning a ski trip doesn’t mean you have to purchase a pair of boots. They are easy to rent when you rent skis. Renting is a cheaper way to purchase ski equipment. The boots are custom fit to your feet and your skis. Trying on the boots and skis for proper fit comes with the territory when renting ski equipment.

Goggles: If you are planning a ski vacation, a pair of protective goggles is a necessity. They enclose the eye and protect it from the elements during skiing. Goggles used for skiing are constructed of two layers of lens that prevent the goggles from fogging and impeding vision. The goggles are also tinted to prevent the bright snow from damaging eyes and interfering with vision. Ski goggles protect the eyes from glare of the snow. They also protect eyes from icy particles and snow that are a part of the ski adventure.

Other Necessities

2006-04-12T20:16:16Z

Skis: Originally skis were wooden planks constructed from a single piece of wood. Due to advanced technology, skis are now made from glass fiber, Kevlar, Titanium or composite materials that make skiing a smooth ride. They are long, thin and curved upward at the front to ensure the ski does not dig into the snow. Skis are now designed with bindings that are intact with the ski to provide sleek and excellent turns. The bindings are located around the middle section of the ski. Skis are adapted for different types of skiing. Cross-country skis are very light and narrow. The cross-country ski has bindings that attach at the toe instead of the middle of the ski. Each ski has subtle differences to allow for the most efficient ride possible.

Ski Poles: Ski poles aid the skier and are used for balance. They are aluminum poles with points. The points have a circular plastic basket attached close to the lower end to prevent the point of the pole from sinking into the deep snow. A strap is attached at the upper end. The strap is slipped over the wrist to prevent the loss of the pole in case of a mishap. Poles are used for balance in downhill skiing as well as cross-country skiing. Poles enable the skier to gain speed as well as retain balance. Usually, cheap poles are sufficient for the average skier. Specialized poles made of materials that are light and durable are desirable for the more advanced and serious skier.

Snowboards: This form of skiing involves only one ski instead of two. It was inspired by surfing and skateboarding and is similar to skiing. This fun winter sport joined the Winter Olympic line-up in 1998. The snowboard is constructed of wood, foam or other composite materials. The base of the board is made of a graphite material that is coated with wax. This creates a surface that gives a smooth ride down the mountain. There is an edge on either side of the board that is sharp to allow for flexibility and friction to ride on the snow. The snowboard is wider and both feet fit firmly on it. The bindings anchor the feet firmly to the ski-heel to toe. The bindings are constructed to detach if the skier takes a spill thus avoiding injuring the knees, ankles or legs.

Glacier Skiing

2006-05-10T20:00:02Z

Some sad news for glacier-skiing:

The French resort of Alpe d’Huez, the traditional home of summer glacier skiing, has announced it is suspending this year’s skiing on the Sarenne glacier. The instability of the melting on the glacier promoted the decision, which was vaguely worded to infer that skiing on the glacier may not be reinstated for many years – if ever.

The lift served summer season ran from June into late August, depending on conditions and always attracted a large international crowd of downhill and skiers, snowboarders and cross-country skiers. In fact, many cross country racing teams, including the French National team took advantage of the glacial snows. Now a team of environmental scientist will try to implement plans to stabilize the Sarenne.

Ski Equipment

2006-08-07T19:16:45Z

Buying a Snowboard

2006-08-07T19:18:10Z

Colorado Ski Resorts

2006-08-07T19:19:53Z

Buying Skis

2006-08-07T19:21:09Z

Beginner's Guide to Skiing

Skiing in New England

Celebrity Skiing Fundraiser

History and Overview of Cross-Country Skiing

What Is the Difference Between Classic Skiing and Ski Skating?

What Equipment Would I Need to Cross-Country Ski?

What Types of Cross-Country Competitions are Available?

What are Some Popular Ski Destinations?

Ski Apparel Overview

Ski Suits

Other Necessities

Glacier Skiing

Ski Equipment

Ski Equipment Overview

Ski Bindings

Ski Boots

Ski Helmets

Buying a Snowboard

Introduction to Buying a Snowboard

Where do I begin?

What are the different types of boards?

What size snowboard do you need?

Colorado Ski Resorts

Introduction to Colorado Ski Resorts

Denver and Boulder Area Ski Resort

Vail Ski Resorts

Aspen Ski Resorts

Buying Skis

Buying Skis Overview

What to Look For

Deciding on a Ski Type

Deciding on a Ski Length