Custom Skis and Snowboards

New Zealand Ski Resorts a Top Destination For Tourists

2012-02-28T04:58:00.008-08:00

Rustic Charm And Daredevil Slopes

Great snow, thrilling steeps, incredible resorts and a picturesque scenery! This is how the wonderful country of New Zealand welcomes all skiing enthusiasts. High altitude, mountainous terrains and a blossoming tourism industry make New Zealand a major skiing destination. Plan your next ski holiday in the country and experience the charm of the place firsthand.

There has never been a better time to book your ski holidays with cheap tickets on flights to New Zealand being offered be several airlines. Several tour operators offer affordable skiing packages to New Zealand integrating flight tickets, accommodation and skiing resorts. Take a look at the top most popular skiing resorts in New Zealand.

Broken River
Broken River is one of the leading ski resort located just 1.5 hour drive from Christchurch. Operated and administered by the Broken River Ski Club, the resort is one of the primary reasons New Zealand is a top skiing destination and airlines tickets to the place are so sought after. Broken River's terrain features a huge open basin that is serviced by several high capacity rope tows.

The terrain has grooming slopes for the beginners, and challenging slopes for intermediate as well as experienced skiers. Other facilities available at the resort include a spacious day lodge, canteen with snacks and skiing assistance from instructors. Broken River additionally employs ski patrollers to carry out any first aid requirements.

Cardrona Alpine Resort
Situated on the mountains between Wanaka and Queenstown, Cardrona Alpine Resort features more than 300 hectares of snow cover, treeless slopes, and has terrain for skiers and snowboarders of different ability levels. The resort's lodging facilities include 10 onsite apartments and off-site lodging in the towns of Queenstown and Wanaka. Cardrona Alpine Resort also includes different restaurants - Cardrona Cafe, Captain's Pizzeria, Mezz Cafe and Noodle Bar, as well as a licensed childcare, ski and snowboard school, and snow shop.

Coronet Peak
A popular ski resort among foreign tourists and is located at just a short drive from Queenstown. The resort's terrain incorporates wide open groomed runs, moguls and open back bowls. Additionally, the resort features several new features such as the magic carpet snow lift. Lodging options like hotels, motels, lodges and bed and breakfasts are available in the nearby towns of Queenstown and Arrowtown. Coronet Peak's services and facilities include a ski and snowboard school, snow shop, snowboard and clothing rental, cafes and bars, and first aid and medical facilities.

Craigieburn Valley Ski Area
One of the most popular ski resorts in New Zealand that has attained almost a cult status among skiers. The area features open powder bowls and steep narrow chutes, as well as a 600 meter vertical drop in the Middle basin. Located in the New Zealand's Southern Alps, Craigieburn Valley Ski Area is a non-profit organisation that is operated by passionate club members.

Treble Cone
Treble Cone is another popular ski resort that entices many enthusiasts to book flights to New Zealand. Located in the south-east end of the Southern Alps, Treble Cone receives an average annual snowfall of 5.5 metres. The re sort offers a range of other services like child care, gear storage, equipment maintenance and a retail shop. In addition, the Treble Cone features a medical centre and bar.

Mount Dobson
Mount Dobson is a big hit among those who seek fun skiing and snowboarding experience. The place is best suited for beginners and families; however the terrain also features slopes that challenge the best of skiers and boarders. Mount Dobson provides a variety of services including ski and board rental, ski patrol and a ski and board school.

Best Time of Year to Get Good Deals on Ski Equipment

2012-02-18T16:11:00.000-08:00

The Best Time To Buy

One of the best times to buy equipment is February through April. This is when retailers typically offer aggressive price cuts to get rid of current stock to make way for the new. These are the months when retailers have a harder time getting rid of the current year inventory and are positioning themselves to start receiving the newer versions for the upcoming season.

Of course there are those ski buffs who like to have the latest and greatest in snow ski equipment and are willing to pay full price to have only equipment from the new model year. That’s a personal choice. But with a few exceptions, the product improvements for the new model are very little from one year to the next. You may see different graphics and colors but the inherent function of the equipment remains somewhat the same.

Everything being equal, I would prefer to save 50 to 70% by buying this years stock as opposed to paying full price for the new model year that offers nearly the same equipment with minor changes.

Worst Time to Buy

The months preceding and leading up to the Christmas season are by far the worst time to buy. With winter approaching and the Holidays in full bloom, people are starting to hit the slopes. This time of year also brings out the gift giving spirit which can cause some of us to open our wallet a little further than usual and pay more than we normally would. With this in mind, retailers have little incentive to offer deep discounts.

Once the Season has passed, watch how much of that unsold inventory gets discounted. That is the time to pounce on the good deals. Retailers will need to start clearing out current stock in order to gear up for the new model year. The fastest way for them to get rid of current inventory is to discount it to you. Saving up to 70% on equipment can free up that much more money to enjoy yourself on your Ski holiday.

Tips to Make Skiing More Affordable

2012-02-15T06:15:00.000-08:00

Many folks love to ski but just can’t afford the high prices that are usually come with it. The quest to find ways to make skiing more affordable is constantly going on. Skiing is great fun but can be pricey. The equipment, along with lift ticket fees, cost of lodging, and fees to use the resort facilities can add up quickly.
In spite of this, it is still feasible to enjoy the great sport of skiing and without breaking the bank. Here are some ways that you can make your skiing adventure a bit more affordable:

Used Equipment: As expensive as the equipment is for skiing, there is a way to go about obtaining all that you need without having to take out a second mortgage on your home; buy used. Plenty of people, who have more money than they know what to do with, will buy skis, boots, and the like, use them for season and then get rid of them in order to buy the latest ski fashions available.

This is great news for you as you can pick up this not very used ski equipment for a fraction of the cost when compared to new stuff. To find these great bargains start with online outlets such as eBay and conduct a search for 'used ski equipment.' You will be shocked with what you can pick up for a small little bit of funds.

Choose Wisely: Skiing is great at any location you select. It is a fact that some ski resorts and ski mountains are going to be more expensive than others. In case you take your time and select wisely, you can enjoy an extended stay at a lesser known ski resort or ski mountain for about the same cost as day at a more popular ski resort or ski mountain would cost you.

Stay In Off-site Lodging: Staying in of the lodges right on the ski resort is a great thrill, but it can also cost you a pretty penny. A more economical option would be to select to stay at a hotel near the ski resort.. While you won't be able to wake up and walk right to the lift, it is possible for you to to pocket a great deal of savings and that saving can be used for other necessities of your trip like purchasing food.

Skiing is still considered by many to be a sport exclusively for the rich. That doesn't mean that those on a modest budget can’t enjoy it as well. Though you may not be able to afford a $800 a night stay at a top-notch ski resort, you can probably swing $50 a night at the Quality Inn down the road. When you merge that along with your bargain ski equipment and your knack for choosing a cost effective ski mountain, you will be able to enjoy all the best parts of skiing. Best of all, this can be done without having to worry about tapping into your retirement account.

How to Ride a Scooter on a Ski Slope

2012-02-02T10:00:00.003-08:00

Have you ever imagined what it would be like to ride the slopes on a scooter. OK, you can open your eyes now. Turns out there already is an invention that allows you to glide through the snow while standing on what is a cross between a stand up scooter and a snowboard.

Its called the SkiRider and was originally invented to give those with physical limitations wanting to enjoy the slopes a means of traversing the snow alongside everyone else. The SkiRider can be used without the need for specialized boots or bindings.

It has gained popularity amongst a younger audience who perform skateboard type tricks with them.
It has intuitive steering and control with built in front suspension that reduces stress on the legs, knees and ankles. It has steering capability that gives the rider the ability to perform a number of stunts and tricks. It’s foldable, compact design makes it easy to transport and carry and easily fits on a ski lift.

Try Sand Skiing - No Snow Needed

2012-01-30T10:18:00.000-08:00

Are you so in love with the slopes that winter flies by much speedy leaving you with ski withdrawal signs long before you are prepared to give it up? In the event you cannot get of winter skiing, you might have an interest in a comparatively new phenomenon slowly sweeping the world - sand skiing. No longer are you confined to the winter season. With sand skiing, you can not only enjoy your sport year round, you can enjoy it in very any place in the world.

What is Sand Skiing

It is basically one of the newest extreme sports that share many of the same benefits of snow skiing except for the fact you can do it year round, and the ski conditions and climate are somewhat different. From Palm Springs to the Dubai, it is the latest extreme craze.

Styles of Sand Skiing

There are two main types of sand skiing: cross-country and downhill, both of which more or less mirror their snow ski counterparts. The downhill version involves finding a dune, hill, or mountain, climbing to the top of it and skiing down it. It can be an experience of a lifetime, except for the part where you need to climb back up the hill.

Unlike it's snow covered counterpart you won't find any ski lifts, trams, not even a rope tow. In the event you need to get up the hill, you need to climb it by yourself. Nevertheless, the shortage of these niceties doesn't appear to have prevented newcomers from being drawn to the sport.

Whether you try your hand at downhill or cross country sand skiing, they are both great ways to stay in shape. If you’re out of shape, this sport get you back in good form real quick.

Cross- Country sand skiing involves skiing finding a pleasant long scenic stretch of sand covered land, strapping on the ski boots and skis and having at it. Cross country sand skiing is a great way to increase stamina and overall fitness.

Type of Equipment Needed

So what equipment does a sand skier need? much the same as a snow skier. You’ll need skis, preferably older ones since sand, even fine sand, is an abrasive and over time can remove material from the ski's jogging surface.

You'll also need ski poles to push past some of the denser spots of

sand. Since sand skiing is usually done in warmer climates you want to dress accordingly. Wear light clothing and if the sun is intense, a hat to protect your head.. Sand blindness, like snow blindness, may cause a temporary vision loss, so you'll also want to bring along a pair of UV resistant sunglasses or goggles.

Snow skiers are very familiar with the different types of snow, for example skiing on powder is a much different experience than skiing on packed snow. It may surprise you that sand skiers have similar experiences. Coarse sand gives a much different experience than fine sand. Wet sand is much harder to traverse than dry sand.

As you get more involved with the culture of sand skiing, you may even become familiar with the difference between Fast Sand and Slow Sand. Speedy sand is great, you'll feel as though you are gliding on glass. It is very effortless. Slow sand can be a grind, like slogging through quicksand. And there's all sorts of gradients in between. Skiers looking for ideal sand is much like a professional surfer looking for the Perfect Wave.

Snowskates Are a Hybrid of a Skateboard and Snowboard

2012-01-24T09:53:00.000-08:00

Today I was combing a website for the lastest style of snow skis for 2012 and came across something I never knew existed. They are called Snowskates. Like most snow enthusiasts I have heard of Snowboards and Skis but have never seen these unique looking boards.

Turns out that they have been around for quite some time. Not that I possess the balance or youthfulness to take my chances riding one of these down the slopes, but I still found them interesting enough to do some research and came up with the following:

A Snowskate appears to be a hybrid of a skateboard & a snowboard, primarily designed to permit for skateboard-style tricks on the snow. There are 4 predominate styles which are mentioned in this article and the colors and graphics come in a variety of choices. Prices are in the $39 to $150 range. The majority of users are in age range of 15 to 30 years old.

How They Came to Be
The first snowskate traces its history to the Snurfer circa 1960. The Snurfer is thought about to be the first snowboard to ever hit the market, but it could arguably be called the first snowskate, since it was without bindings. Joshua Luther first coined the phrase snowskate when they needed a way to get across town in the coursework of a blizzard.

Around 1970, a product called the "Snow Skate" was sold in local toy & sporting nice stores. They looked much like the modern day Fuse snowskate. There were ski-like aparati that were attached to the area around the truck of a skateboard, allowing the skateboard to move through the snow. Other mentionable early snowskate brands were The "Skeeter" & the "Snodad". Designs of this early period ranged from skiblades on the lower deck (Like the Skeeter) to blades on the lower deck. Sometimes, the early snowskates used metal runners, similar to ice skate blades, enabling the snowskater to make use of the momentum to ride well.

Modern Day Snow Skates
Snowskates are now obtainable in number of varieties: the single deck variety, the bideck variety, the 4x4 variety, and the powderskate variety. All of the modern snowskates have either a waterproof top grip coating on the deck, or a textured deck to keep away from slippage while riding.

Single deck
Usually made out of laminated wood with a plastic bottom or are made of solid plastic, the Single deck Snowskates have grooves cut in to the bottom of the board, typically 7 or five grooves. Single decks are preferred for riding in snowskate parks and urban terrain but may even be ridden down hills, however, they are seldom allowed on ski resorts. They are most suitable for winter skateboarding tricks.

Single deck snowskates first appeared on the market in 1998, manufactured by

Premier Snowskates and marketed by Andy Wolf, former member of the Nitro snowboarding team. Today the primary manufacturers are: Ambition Snowskates, Icon Snowskates, Fuse Snowskates and Premier Snowskates.

Snowskate parks became started to become popular around the time when the first single deck snowskates were being sold in stores. Word of mouth quickly spread about the single deck snowskate, lending to the popularity of snowskate parks around the Northern U.S.

Bideck
A bideck snowskate is a snowskate that has a top skateboard deck which the rider stands on as well as a lower ski deck, which is in contact with the snow. Bidecks come in single blade varieties and multiple blade varieties. Bideck snowskates were reportedly invented by a Stevens Pass (Washington) local named Steve Frink. They came up with the idea of a skateboard with skis in 1994 while burning his skateboard in a skateboarders' ritual. In the year 2001, after plenty of prototypes, they done a final and done product which they marketed under the brand "Bi-Deck Snowskates".

Around the same time, snowboard manufacturer Burton Snowboards released the "Snowdeck". Burton has since stopped making snowskates. There's plenty of bidecking skate communities in the world. Different bidecks are tailored to a different style of riding. Longer bidecks are favored for mountain snowskating, and shorter bidecks are favored for tricks and stunts.

4x4
The least common snowskate, 4x4 snowskates, provide the most skateboard like feel. They have tiny skis, each replacing a wheel, and are usually a tiny fatter and longer than a traditional skateboard.

Powderskates
Powderskates are the most surf-like snowskate. They are usually giant and have a overweight sub and deck. It is popular, as the name says, for use in deep powder. There's varieties; single and bi-deck. The single deck is only for use in powder, and provides the most surf-like feel, whereas the bi-deck provides more leverage, and can be used on and off the powder.

Fastest Way to Learn to Snow Ski

2012-01-22T15:07:00.000-08:00

The Stepping Drill (walking) is the gateway to this. The process involves lots of, well, stepping. When they walk (with shoes on) & turn left, they lead with our left foot. When they walk & turn right they lead with our right. They do this without thinking. Along together with your skis on, you'll be taking kid steps (left & right) until you have learned to turn, while simultaneously keeping your feet parallel - like when you walk.

If you require to learn to snow ski quickly, you must first learn to walk - with the snow skis on! Best bet is to take a ski lesson so you can learn what is called "Stepping" from a professional ski instructor. There is fundamentals you'll learn in the coursework of your first day of ski instruction - stopping & turning.

By learning to parallel ski they align our body, & more specifically, our hips, over our feet & thus have more control of our skis. While you may be troubled to get down the mountain, keep the above fundamentals in mind & learn to walk in your skis first - this will help you learn faster & permit you to get down the slope without hurting yourself or someone else.

As part of the ski lesson, you may be asked to traverse the hill together with your ski boots on. Some instructors require to literally emphasis the basic principal that turning on snow skis is the same as walking down the street. You may even be instructed to stick your ski pole in the snow & walk around in circles. You'll then be asked to circle the pole along together with your skis on. The point is to keep your feet parallel. When they put skis on they are often tempted to pigeon-toe. The stepping exercise helps us to keep away from this so they can learn to ski, not only more quickly, but better.

Since you are looking for the quickest way to learn to snow ski, you are probably a go-getter. It is strongly recommended to take a ski lesson. The first reason - even before discussing any ski techniques - is safety. On the sides of most ski slopes are these massive hard things called trees. You'll be keen to keep away from hitting these, as well as learn about the lots of other ski slope dangers. You may also require to think about restraining yourself from making a run for the summit after ski lesson. Give yourself some time & learn the ski fundamentals at the lower elevations where the snow is softer, terrain more gentle, & it is usually much warmer.

Avoid the "Wedge" (i.e., the snow plow process). This will slow down the pace at

which you'll learn to ski. Think of it this way: the wedge forces your body in to an unnatural position causing you to pigeon-toe your feet. With the wedge, when you turn left, you are leading along together with your right foot. When you turn right, you are leading along together with your left. Try this with sneakers on as you walk down the street & you'll get an idea of the way it won't help you with downhill skiing. Granted, in the event you are elderly or fearful, this "may" be the way to go, but it will drastically slow down the pace at which you learn.

Importantly, they know you require to learn quickly, the Stepping Drill is of lots of fundamentals. For more complete instructions, visit online ski lessons. Downhill skiing is a blast! Keep a positive & humble attitude & you'll be skiing great in no time!

What Every New Snowboarder Needs to Learn

2012-01-21T17:48:00.000-08:00

Snowboarding is a winter sport that has seen a exceptional increase in popularity over the years. Learning to snowboard can appear difficult to the novice, but with a small motivation and patience, will soon discover the fun and excitement of snowboarding down a hill.

In case you are a first time snowboarder, you need to be aware of the equipment and clothing necessary for snowboarding. Equipment you will need include a snowboard, snowboard boots, goggles or sun shades, helmet, comfortable clothing, gloves, winter hat, sunscreen, and lip balm. You may even purchase snowboard pants as well as a jacket. Long underclothing underneath relaxing pants is preferred choice. A turtleneck or sweatshirt is a lovely choice. You ought to also have a cloth to wipe goggles.

Here are some tips on how to choose a Snowboard that will suit your style and level of expertise:

Before you choose to buy a snowboard, you need to think about a few factors. To start with is your sports persona, specifically your Snowboarding habits. The kind of snowboards you ought to be taking a glance at purchasing are related to the type of riding that you do. In the event you like to race you will need a different kind of snowboard.

On the other hand, if the gap between your feet & the ends of the board is huge, you will find it hard to apply the pressure necessary to make the board turn. Another important factor you need to choose is how think you need your board to be.

If the terrain you ride on is rough, you ought to look for a that is still taller. that is a lot of inches above your brow will be suitable in this case. The width of your board is also important to choose. An simple way to do so is to stand on your board. Check whether your feet cover the width. If your feet are protruding, a drag from this may finish up in unexpected falls.

In the event you are a beginner, a softer board will be simpler to turn. If the snow is hard in the region you plan to make use of it, & you have some experience in snowboarding, you ought to choose a harder board. Make positive it can withstand your weight & accommodate your height.

Look online for a company which offers snowboards. Shortlist companies on the basis of the cost of the item. Choose which is most suitable for your needs. You can also ask your friends, relatives, & colleagues for suggestions.

Be cautious when you are choosing among snowboards. Choose a retailer that is located nearby so that you can see the equipment for yourself.

Quick Tips On Shopping For Snow Skis

2012-01-21T08:36:00.000-08:00

One of the first steps in choosing snow skis is to measure your exact height. Make sure you are barefooted and standing on a flat surface when doing so. In order to disperse your weight uniformly across the snow, you'll need lengthier skis the more you weigh. Skiers who weigh about one hundred and forty pounds usually can go with skis that are close to 150 centimeters long. Skiers who are heavier and lighter will need to adjust their choices appropriately.

The general rule is that your skis should be roughly five to three inches shorter than how tall you are. Some skiers might discover they are far more comfortable with shorter or longer models, but it all is dependent on your tastes. Once you understand the length of the ski that should accommodate someone of your height and weight, you also want to think about the manageability of the skis.

Shorter skis are a lot easier to handle. You will need to arrive at a compromise on length so that your overall weight is still being distributed well (as on a longer ski) and you are still in control of the skis. Have a store worker or qualified skier assist you with the choice.

Next you will want to decide on the design and style of snow skis you'll be spending your days on. Experienced skiers and starters will need entirely different equipment. If you feel comfortable with performing sharp turns and stopping, then think about a slightly curved ski. Recreational skiers will most likely end up being much more comfortable with totally straight models.

Look at the common weather and powder conditions for the mountain that you will be later skiing on. The density of the snow should play a part in determining the types of gear you rent. In slushier snow, wider skies will work better. For dense and packed powder, skinnier ones will help you glide down the mountain side.

Finally, yet of the least importance is the design and color of the skis you choose. Though the aesthetic features have nothing to do with how they perform, you would like them to look nice and fit your personality . Selecting pattern or colors of your skis can make the experience of buying them more fun for you. Some ski shops even let buyers customize the the entire appearance of your new skis starting from scratch.

History of Snowboarding

2012-01-20T10:53:00.000-08:00

Modern snowboarding began in 1965 when Sherman Poppen, an engineer in Muskegon, Michigan, invented a toy for his daughter by fastening two skis together and attaching a rope to one end so she would have some control as she stood on the board and glided downhill. Dubbed the “snurfer” (combining snow and surfer), the toy proved so popular among his daughter’s friends that Poppen licensed the idea to a manufacturer that sold about a million snurfers over the next decade. And, in 1966 alone over half a million snurfers were sold.

In the early 1970s, Poppen organized snurfing competitions at a Michigan ski resort that attracted enthusiasts from all over the country. One of those early pioneers was Tom Sims, a devotee of skateboarding (a sport born in the 1950s when kids attached roller skate wheels to small boards that they steered by shifting their weight). As an eighth grader in Haddonfield, New Jersey, in the 1960s, Sims crafted a snowboard in his school shop class by gluing carpet to the top of a piece of wood and attaching aluminum sheeting to the bottom. He produced commercial snowboards in the mid 70's.

During this same time, Dimitrije Milovich—an American surfing enthusiast who had also enjoyed sliding down snowy hills on cafeteria trays during his college years in upstate New York—constructed a snowboard called “Winterstick,” inspired by the design and feel of a surfboard. Articles about his invention in such mainstream magazines as Newsweek helped publicize the young sport.

Also during this same period, in 1977, Jake Burton Carpenter, a Vermont native who had enjoyed snurfing since the age of 14, impressed the crowd at a Michigan snurfing competition with bindings he had designed to secure his feet to the board. That same year, he founded Burton Snowboards in Londonderry, Vermont. The “snowboards” were made of wooden planks that were flexible and had water ski foot traps.

Very few people picked up snowboarding because the price of the board was considered too high at $38, but eventually Burton would become the biggest snowboarding company in the business. In the spring of 1976 Welsh skateboarders Jon Roberts and Pete Matthews developed a Plywood deck with foot bindings for use on the Dry Ski Slope at the school camp, Ogmore-by-Sea, Wales. UK. Further development of the board was limited as Matthews suffered serious injury while boarding at Ogmore and access for the boarders was declined following the incident. The 'deck' was much shorter than current snow boards. Bevelled edges and a convex, polyurethane varnished bottom to the board, allowed quick downhill movement, but limited turning ability.

In 1979 the first ever World Snurfing Championship was held at Pando Winter Sports Park near Grand Rapids, Michigan. Jake Burton Carpenter, came from Vermont to compete with a snowboard of his own design. There were many protests from the competitors about Jake entering with a non-snurfer board. Paul Graves, the top snurfer at the time, and others, advocated that Jake be allowed to race. A “modified” division was created and won by Jake as the sole entrant. That race was considered the first competition for snowboards and is the start of what has now become competitive snowboarding.

During the 1970s and 1980s as snowboarding became more popular, pioneers such as Dimitrije Milovich, Jake Burton Carpenter (founder of Burton Snowboards from Londonderry, Vermont), Tom Sims (founder of Sims Snowboards), Chuck Barfoot (founder of Barfoot Snowboards) and Mike Olson (founder of Gnu Snowboards) came up with new designs for boards and mechanisms that slowly developed into the snowboards and other related equipment that we know today.

In 1982 the first National Snowboard race was held near Woodstock, Vermont, at Suicide Six. The race was won by Burton's first team rider Doug Bouton. In 1983 the first World Championship halfpipe competition was held at Soda Springs, California. Tom Sims, founder of Sims Snowboards, organized the event with the help of Mike Chantry, a snowboard instructor at Soda Springs.

Snowboarding's growing popularity is reflected in its recognition as an official sport: in 1985, the first World Cup was held in Zürs, Austria. The International Snowboard Association (ISA) was founded in 1994 to provide universal contest regulations. In addition, the United States of America Snowboard Association (USASA) provides instructing guidelines and runs snowboard competitions in the U.S. Today, high-profile snowboarding events like the Olympic Games, Winter X-Games, US Open, and other events are broadcast worldwide. Many alpine resorts have terrain parks.

Initially, ski areas adopted the sport at a much slower pace than the winter sports public. Indeed, for many years, there was animosity between skiers and snowboarders, which led to an ongoing skier vs snowboarder feud. Early snowboards were banned from the slopes by park officials. For several years snowboarders would have to take a small skills assessment prior to being allowed to ride the chairlifts. It was thought that an unskilled snowboarder would wipe the snow off of the mountain.

In 1985, only seven percent of U.S. ski areas allowed snowboarding, with a similar proportion in Europe. As equipment and skills improved, gradually snowboarding became more accepted. In 1990, most major ski areas had separate slopes for snowboarders. Now, approximately 97% of all ski areas in North America and Europe allow snowboarding, and more than half have jumps, rails and half pipes.

An excellent year for snowboarding was 2004 with 6.6 million participants. An industry spokesman said that "twelve year-olds are out-riding adults." The same article said that most snowboarders are 18–24 years old and that females constitute 25% of participants. Now, entering the second decade of the 2000s, snowboarding continues to increase in popularity among all demographic regimes regardless of age, sex, or ability levels.

How Custom Built Skis Are Made

2012-01-17T16:20:00.000-08:00

Unlike off-the-shelf snow skis that are produced in large quantities in an assembly line fashion, Custom Skis are hand crafted with the individual user in mind. They are built one pair at a time with every detail specifically designed to the exact specifications of the customer based on fit and skiing style.

The custom-design process begins with detailed questions regarding your skiing background, the type of terrain you typically ski, and other details that may affect the final design, down to the color and graphics.

After your ski profile is complete the builder will take that data and prepare a design proposal. The design may involve some tweaking in order to ensure the final recommendations are exactly what the customer needs. Once you sign off on the final design, the work begins.

Custom skis can truly be built to your specifications. The flex is tuned according to your weight and snow skiing style, and the tip and tail rise are adjusted accordingly. You can also specify the feature set such as flat or twintip tails and alpine or telemark flex and you get to pick your own graphics to match your personality.

Different Kinds of Snow Skis

2012-01-16T00:01:00.001-08:00

Skiing is a very popular winter sport & there's lots of different types of skiing. Different types of skiing activitiestypically use different kinds of skis. These activities are usually categorized in 2 types, downhill and cross-country. We have featured the most popular skiing types that use snow skis:

Alpine Skiing.

This style of skiing employs acrobatics & other tricks like jumps, rails, jibs, & such and continually keeps evolving as skiers attempt more daring stunts & jumps. Alpine Freestyle emerged in the 1960s & evolved in to what is called Hotdogging. This then developed in to what is called Freestyle or Newschool in the later part of the 1990s & then in to Free ride Skiing. Snow skis also evolved with the sport to help the individuals who indulge in these variations to perform their tricks, jumps, & turns better & with greater ease.

Nordic or Cross-country Skiing

This sort of skiing is actually the oldest skiing type around & is the skiing

type that most people indulge in. Developed in Scandinavia, it was first used as a way for people to travel around in the winter & not as a sport or a recreational activity. This sort of skiing involves going up, down, or moving around on a flat snowy surface to get to where you need to go. The sport & race type of this sort of skiing actually makes use of all terrain types equally with racers going on uphill, downhill & on flat surface routes in cross country racing. This type of skiing also requires a different pair of snow skis as compared to those used for alpine skiing.

Snow Skis for Different Skiing Activities

There's numerous different kinds of that are to be used when engaging in this sport. Here are a number of the more popular snow skis that skiers have been using on & off the slopes:

Alpine Skis.

These snow skis first began their evolution as a couple of plain wood planks that slowly developed in to sophisticated & aerodynamic tools for speeding down a snowy mountain. There's a selection of alpine ski designs to select from & these are often designed to be used specifically for particular variations of this sport.

Twin Tip Skis.

This type is the you see with upturned ends. These are the snow skis that are usually used for aerial acrobatics & other stunts.

Telemark Skis.
Telemark skis are used for downhill skiing or touring. This ski has bindings that are only attached at the toe.

Cross-country Skis.

Cross-country skis are lighter & narrower than the other ski types since these must be used on different kinds of terrain. Bindings for cross-country skis may vary from other snow skis. There's cross-country skiing with binding systems & some have the single toe-binding design used in Telemark skis.

How to Wax and Tune Skis and Snowboards

2012-01-11T15:01:00.000-08:00

Skiing and snowboarding are extreme sports and taking care of your equipment has to be a priority if you want to be safe and give your best performance. All responsible and smart skiers and board riders know that if they take care of their sport gear, then it will take care of them. These sports can be the most dangerous for the inexperienced, who don't always realize the importance of this.

Steps

Understand the need to maintain your equipment. Skiing and snowboarding are extreme sports and taking care of your equipment has to be a priority if you want to be safe and give your best performance. All responsible and smart skiers and board riders know that if they take care of their sport gear, then it will take care of them. These sports can be the most dangerous for the inexperienced, who don't always realize the importance of this. Skiing and snowboarding can be safer and more fun if you stick to the waxing and tuning advice below.
- There are various reasons you should keep a good edge and wax job on your skis. Because you can fall due to dull edges, we're talking safety here as well as performance.
- Because dull ski edges won't grip properly when skiing on ice, you could be in for a disappointing ride. You will end up falling more if your skis can't grip. The wax on your skis needs to be right for your conditions in addition to being properly applied. Because the outside temperatures can cause issues, you need to consider that as well when waxing your skis. Using the wrong wax for the outside temperature can cause you to slow down. Be sure to consider all these factors when preparing to wax your skis.
Before edging your skis, it's best to look up the edge angle that the manufacturer suggests. Skiers who have been doing this for a while, of course, develop their own preferences in this regard. Following the company's recommended angle is best, however, unless you are very confident in your abilities. Edge angles can vary by as much as three degrees. In addition to a file, some people also use a file guide to make it easier. If you are very adept at filing you may not need a file guide, but it can be helpful. After filing the edges, then you will do it over with a diamond stone. You will find that diamond stones work more smoothly if you wet them a little before using them.
Remove as much as you can of the old wax and residue. Before you begin working on your skis or snowboard, you must get as much of the old wax and residues off the very best you can. Use a good scraper to accomplish this. The petroleum products in man made snow will leave a residue on your skis that you will need to remove. You'd think a petroleum product would make you go faster down the slopes when in fact it does the opposite. Sometimes you can hit some snow and it really feels like you just hit dirt. Remove as much as you can with the scraper and then use a good solvent to remove the rest with a cloth. There are more tips and tricks when it comes to tuning and waxing your skis or snowboards. You also have the option of taking your gear to a local ski shop to have them to do the work.

Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Wax and Tune Your Ski and Snowboard. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

The Road to Expert Skiing

2011-10-09T15:30:00.001-07:00

Imagine yourself cruising down a groomed run carving elegant turns with your new shaped skis. In the distance you see two symbols, a blue square for a left turn and a black diamond for a right turn. Without hesitation you steer to the right. The pitch becomes steeper, the snow is un-groomed, and there are trees, lots of trees. You stop momentarily, pick a line, push off, and tighten your turns as you begin the descent.

Many skiers would have taken the left fork with the gentle groomed slope. Some intermediates reach a plateau in their ability and find it difficult to advance to the next level. This doesn't have to be. The keys to unlocking your true potential lie in your mind and body. When you are physically fit and mentally prepared the goal of becoming an advanced level skier can be realized.

Skiing at an advanced level means being adept at handling varied terrain in different snow conditions on marked trails. The terrain may include steeps, glades, or moguls. Snow conditions might include hard pack, crud, ice, or powder. At this level you need to be able to make quick adjustments to your speed, turn radius and balance to maintain control at all times.

Ski Fitness Level
Advanced level skiing is more demanding on the knees, thighs, hips, abdomen, and back so preseason preparation is the norm. Try to begin your ski fitness program at least two to three months prior to your first day on the slopes. Your routine should include stretching for mobility, strength exercises for staying power, and cardiovascular conditioning for endurance.

The good news is that you don't need a lot of money to finance your program. All you'll need is a mat, free weights, runners, and an hour a day. One approach is to do stretches and strength exercises the first day followed by stretching and cardiovascular conditioning the next day. By alternating your workouts you can reduce the time spent each day and give the different muscle groups a chance to recover.

Stretching
Improved mobility will do more to improve your skiing then you think and it will help protect you from injury. The areas to concentrate on are the back, calves, hamstrings, quads, and shoulders.
A good book on the subject is Stretching by Bob Anderson (Shelter Publications, Inc. 1988). It has specific stretches for downhill skiing, weight training, walking, and running. You may want to include the stretches for weight training in your fall routine and do the downhill stretches during the ski season.

Strength
These exercises will improve your ability to ski short-radius turns through enhanced staying power and impact absorption while minimizing muscle fatigue and soreness. The strength session should include calf raises, partial squats for the quads, and abdominal exercises for the stomach, sides, and back. Include weight training for the arms, chest, and shoulders using dumbbells and barbells.

Rotate through the exercises working one muscle group while the other groups are in the recovery mode. Perform a leg exercise, a weight maneuver, and then an abdominal exercise.

Endurance
This is the ability to perform at a given level for greater periods of time. Endurance is important for those long mogul and glade runs that never seem to end. To improve endurance the focus is on cardiovascular conditioning. Exercise three times a week keeping your heart rate elevated for fifteen to twenty minutes. Good ways to do this are cycling, inline skating, rowing, jogging, or general aerobics. An alternative to running is a brisk, forty-five minute, non-stop walk.

Mind-Set
You won't need a treatise on the latest breakthrough in the psychological aspects of fear to conquer the steeps, glades, and moguls. The old adage, you have nothing to fear but fear itself, applies to skiing. Mental toughness and focus are essential to master your subconscious mind.

Mental Toughness
Being tough mentally will put you in control of your thoughts. You need to tell yourself over and over that you're in charge, not the ski hill. This will help develop the right attitude and keep a lid on you anxieties.

Focus
Focus allows you to break up the run into smaller tasks so you can zoom in on the next two or three turns. The pause, approach, divide and conquer technique should help you pick a line, set the tone, and focus on the immediate.

Pause: Take a moment or two to size up the terrain and pick a line appropriate for your skill level. If you wait too long you will give your subconscious mind a chance to take control. To avoid this anxiety trap, stop, survey the terrain, pick a line, and push off with your poles. This sequence should take between five and ten seconds to complete.

Approach: Develop the correct turn radius early. This should occur within the first three or four turns. This sets the rhythm and gets your legs pumping. You want to be moving at a constant speed with good balance over your skis.

Divide and Conquer: This method will break up a difficult run into manageable tasks. After the approach always look two or three turns ahead if you are on the steeps, two or three bumps ahead if you are in a mogul field, or two or three trees ahead if you are on a glade run. Looking ahead will allow you to quickly alter your course for any unusual conditions. This technique takes practice to learn, but once mastered, will prove invaluable.

Summing Up
The mind and body have to work in unison to ski black diamond runs safely and effectively. Condition your body in the preseason for peak performance on the slopes. To ski strong, you have to be strong. In addition, strive to master the mind techniques in stages. You need to be mentally tough and focused to keep your anxieties in check.

Make an effort to ski thirty percent of all runs on more difficult terrain with an even split between steeps, glades, and moguls. You will know when you have reached an expert level because you will be the one in the descent of that forty degree, ungroomed, glade run.

Ski Fitness for Recreational Skiers

2011-10-08T09:41:00.001-07:00

Getting in Shape

Many skiers would have taken the left fork with the gentle groomed slope. Some skiers reach a plateau in their ability and find it difficult to advance to the next level. This doesn't have to be. The keys to unlocking your true potential lie in your mind and body. When you are mentally prepared and physically fit, the goal of becoming an expert skier can be realized.

Developing a Fitness Routine

Expert level skiing is more demanding on the knees, thighs, hips, abdomen, and back so preseason preparation is the norm. In short, you need the correct ski fitness routine to handle the rigors of expert skiing.
Your ski fitness routine should include:

Ski stretches to improve your flexibility and mobility
Ski exercises to build your leg and core strength and endurance
Jumping exercises to enhance your explosive power and side-to-side quickness

Stretching for Ski Fitness

Let's start off with ski-specific stretching and leave the exercises and cardiovascular for another article. Lesson #2 of Skills of the Expert Skier contains ten ski stretches that you can do at home or on the road. Stretching keeps your muscles flexible, prepares you for movement, and helps you to bridge the gap from inactivity to vigorous activity without undue strain.

When you stretch and exercise often, you will learn to enjoy movement. You will be preparing yourself for the rigors of skiing in the expert zones where the ability to move quickly and easily is of prime importance.
First, we'll get into the why and when you need to stretch, before moving on to the basics of good stretching.
Why do ski stretches?

Stretching on a regular basis will make your skiing a lot easier by:

Reducing muscle tension
Relaxing your body prior to skiing
Signaling your muscles that they are about to be used
Increasing your range of motion during skiing
Improving the ease and freedom of movement
Enhancing the quickness of your ski turns
Preventing injuries such as muscle strains and pulls

In addition, ski-specific exercising requires you to have a good command of ski stretches before you start doing the exercises. The reason for this is that some of the exercises will simulate actual expert level ski movements so you need to have your muscles relaxed, loose, and flexible, just as if you were beginning a day on the slopes.

Stretching before Skiing
Stretching can be done any time you feel like it. However, in the context of downhill skiing and the training course, I recommend you do ski stretches:

At home, before you start the ski-specific exercises
At the chalet, motel, or inn where you are staying, just before leaving for the ski hill
At the ski resort, before your first run of the day, with your boots on and skis off

Stretching after Skiing
Strenuous activities like downhill skiing, especially at the expert level, promote tightness and inflexibility in the muscle groups. Therefore, stretching before and after any physical activity will keep you flexible and help prevent common injuries.

I know it's difficult to stretch after a long day of skiing. I have trouble doing this myself. On the last run when someone shouts out, "It's Miller time", your mind is more focused on that tall, cool one then on doing any more physical exertion. Besides, you've worked hard all day and deserve a break. I agree!

As a compromise, I would recommend that you do standing, ski stretches at the base of the hill after your last run, with your skis off. You can get way with just these stretches after skiing on smaller hills with less demanding terrain, and especially if you are not going to be skiing the next day.

However, if you are skiing in the mountains for six or seven days in a row, I strongly suggest that you do a complete set of ski stretches when you get back to the place where you're staying. After stretching, hit the hot tub. After the hot tub, go for a one to two mile walk. Don't use the elevator, take the stairs. The idea is to keep moving so your muscles won't become tight and stiffen up on you.

Trust me, I've seen a lot of people disappear on week skiing trips simply because their muscles became stiff and sore, or worse, they got injured from pulled or torn muscles. Skiing at an expert level requires you to be agile at all times with the freedom to move quickly and easily without any pain or stiffness. Stretching is an essential that you need to learn and put to practice on a regular basis.

Guide To Snowboards

2011-09-25T05:05:00.000-07:00

Before you choose to buy a snowboard, you need to think about a few factors. To start with is your sports persona, specifically your snowboarding habits. The kind of snowboards you ought to be taking a look at purchasing are related to the type of riding that you do. In the event you like to race you will need a different kind of snowboard.

If the terrain you ride on is rough, you ought to look for a snowboard that is still taller. that is lots of inches above your brow will be suitable in this case. The width of your board is also important to select. An simple way to do so is to stand on your board. Check whether your feet cover the width. If your feet are protruding, a drag from this may finish up in unexpected falls.

On the other hand, if the gap between your feet & the ends of the board is large, you will find it hard to apply the pressure necessary to make the board turn. Another important factor you need to select is how think you need your board to be.

In the event you are a beginner, a softer board will be simpler to turn. If the snow is hard in the region you plan to make use of it, & you have some experience in snowboarding, you ought to choose a harder board. Make positive it can withstand your weight & accommodate your height.

Look online for a company which offers snowboards. Shortlist companies on the basis of the cost of the item. Choose which is most suitable for your needs. You can also ask your friends, relatives, & colleagues for suggestions.

Be cautious when you are choosing among snowboards. Choose a retailer that is located nearby so that you can see the equipment for yourself.

Snow Skis - Tips, Skills, And Styles

2011-09-24T15:54:00.000-07:00

Choosing the snow skis for first-time skiers can be intimidating, but with the right guidance and assistance, purchasing one can be easily pulled through. It is very important to note that there are different snow skis for different type of skiers. Taller and heavier skiers may require different ski as with lighter and shorter ones. Back in the old days, skis can be so large making it difficult to get you the right balance. But nowadays, snow skis are made to fit the person who is going to use them, smaller skis are known to be faster and more stable.

Snow Skis for Different Ages and Gender

If you are a man, then pick snow skis that are made for your gender. This is the basic consideration to think about when buying the skis. Men and women have different ski types to use because of the difference in body built. Women's skis are built lighter and flexible to compensate its body weight, the same with children who need to get equipment that matches their own height and weight. The height and weight of the skier is the determining factor in getting the right and proper ski length, they need to be proportionate so that everything is well distributed.

Skills And Styles

The type of snow skis also differ depending on what level the skier is, and it is not practical to get one that is beyond or below the skill level you are currently in. Try to stay away with the thought that you can buy a ski that is beyond your level thinking that you might improve later on. For beginners, for instance, the ski needs to be at least shorter by an inch or two than the body. Intermediate skiers need a ski that is closer to their height, while those advanced skiers must choose a ski with an added length, from five to ten centimeters. For the expert skier, you might consider Custom Skis that are manufactured to your exact specifications and the type of skiing you will be performing

Longer skis move faster so that if you need speed, go for the longer one to help you float during skiing. Below is a guide to be used in getting the right skis:

- Skis used for recreation only should be just tall enough to hit the skier's chin or eyes or in between.
- Mountain skis should stand between the nose and forehead.
- Free ride skis should be eye level or a little taller.
- Freestyle skis must be nose level.
- Backcountry skis are the widest and the biggest and would depend on the skiing level.

How to Choose Downhill Snow Skis

2011-09-24T15:49:00.000-07:00

There are two distinct and major types of snow skis: cross-country and the downhill skiing types. When choosing which kind of skis you should buy for these two types, you will need to determine a few things first before you do settle on a particular pair of skis. The choices are often based on the kind of skiing activity you will be doing as well as the level of ability you have, your build, weight, and gender. Here are few basic tips on choosing the kind of skis you might need.

Selecting Your Downhill Snow Skis
When choosing your downhill snow skis, here are few informative pieces and tips for you to keep in mind:

- Snow skis that are meant for downhill skiing are often found to measure between 160 centimeters to 210 centimeters, depending on the kind of downhill skiing you will be doing. Most conventional straight skis have lengths that are increased in five centimeter increments while carving skis often have increments made in tens.

- When selecting your skis, always remember your height plays a factor in the length of the ski you should be using. Longer skis are ideal for taller people and shorter skis for not so tall individuals.

- The level of your expertise on the slopes is also a consideration when choosing your skis. Shorter skis are better for beginners and longer skis are for those who are more skilled and are ready to speed down those slopes aggressively.

- To properly choose your skis according to how much you weight, consider these pairings of weight and ski length as a guide. People who weigh less than a hundred pounds should buy a ski that is no longer than 4.5 feet while someone who weighs more than 200 pounds should consider buying skis that are 5.5 feet long or longer.

Selecting Your Cross-Country Snow Skis
When deciding on which pair of cross-country snow skis you might want to buy, here are a few tips that you might find useful:

- There are four major types of cross-country skis that are used for the many different variations of this sport. These skis are traditional touring skis, skating skis, off-track skis, and back country skis.

- Cross-country skis also come with features that can be useful to the skier. Some of the features you may need to look at when choosing the skis you want for cross-country skiing includes sidecut, camber, dimensions and waxing.

- Accessories for this kind of activity are also important and finding the right poles to complement your snow skis with lies in the kind of skiing you will be doing as well. The kinds of ski poles you can choose from when it comes to cross-country skiing are divided into two major types, the in-track and the off-track types. In-track poles are usually smaller and shorter than out track poles and have smaller pole baskets as compared to those on off-track poles.

Learn to Snowboard Videos

2011-01-27T18:18:00.000-08:00

Learn How to Snowboard
Watch and learn as we teach totally newbie students how to shred (snowboarding talk for riding down the mountain without eating too much snow).Whether you are a novice or want to take your riding to the next level, or want to refer your friends or girlfriend/spouse to a complete learn how to snowboard.

Introduction to Snowboarding

Allie and I went to

Martock and had one of their

instructors give Allie the run down

and then take her up the hill. This

was also for the canceled CBC

online youth marketed lifestyle

magazine.

Learn To Ski Videos

2011-01-26T18:16:00.000-08:00

Beginner Snow Skiing Lessons

Practicing skiing on one ski only is a great way for beginner skiers to get a feel for gliding across snow. Learn how to practice with one ski in this free beginner skiing lesson on video.

Elan Skis

2010-11-20T14:36:00.000-08:00

CustomSkis.com Now Trademarked!

2010-10-12T13:49:00.000-07:00

CustomSkis.com™ is a distinctive domain name that is sure to grow in value for years to come. The name alone grabs the attention of the growing number of people who are interested in buying custom skis that meet their special style and method of skiing.

CustomSkis.com Has a New Look

2010-10-10T06:09:00.000-07:00

CustomSkis.com has redesigned their website to feature useful Snow Ski and Snowboard related articles and other useful information. Whether you are just learning the basics of skiing or are a seasoned enthusiast, our site contains valuable information and videos from learning how to ski, to the latest tricks being performed on the slope.

CustomSkis.com founder Brian Poulos stated that there currently only a few notable manufacturers on the market that are capable of designing and building skis that are able to test the limits of the tricks that the newer breedof skiers are attempting.

The staff of CustomSkis have been reviewing a number of custom ski builders and most, if not all, have shown an increased demand for one-off skis. Not only does the expert skier require precision skis but are looking to puttheir personal touch on them by adding logos and designs that befit their personality.

Off-the-rack skis will continue to be in demand but don't be surprised when you turn on the television and see your favorite skier sporting a ski or snowboard that has been customizedto fit the abilities of that individual skier.

CustomSkis.com Snowboard and Ski Reviews

2010-09-24T15:10:00.000-07:00

Over the years more and more skiers have been developing new techniques on the slopes, especially Xtreme Sport Skiers such as Shane White. As techniques and new tricks have developed so has the need for custom skis.

There currently only a few notable manufacturers on the market that are capable of designing and building skis that are able to test the limits of the tricks that the newer breed of skiers are attempting. Off the racks skis will continue to be in demand but don't be surprised if when you turn on the television only to see your favorite skier sporting a ski or snowboard that has been customized to fit the abilities of the the individual skier.

CustomSkis.com has been reviewing a number of custom ski builders and most, if not all, have shown an increased demand for one-off skis. Not only does the expert skier require precision skis but are looking to pot their personal touch on them by added logos and designs that befit their personality.

DogFunk Snowboards

2010-02-06T08:39:00.000-08:00