Top Snowboarding Resorts and Half-pipes

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Top 10 snowboarding resorts
In her search for the planet’s best snowboarding resorts Observer Escape's Gemma Bowes has got gnarly all over the world. She names her top 10 favourite places to get radical.

1. Tignes, France

This resort simply has everything you need for a brilliant snowboarding trip. I've returned here time after time and never get bored of the massive expanse of terrain and the ridiculous nightlife. Great off-piste lies at the top of almost every lift. There are fantastic powdery bowls and, despite the ugly buildings, the views of the lake are pretty stunning.

Staying at the friendly boarders' chalet, the Dragon Lodge is essential. The guys will show you the best places to ride and party. Tignes' nightlife is exactly what you want on a snowboarding holiday: incredibly cheesy but with a cool crowd. The perfect evening begins with some Kwak beers in the St Jacques, followed by the potent iced margaritas in Daffy's cafe, and then some dancing to Dire Straits in the Yorin cafe, by which time you should have worked yourself up for the crescendo - sliding across the sticky dancefloor of the cavernous Blue Girl nightclub.

2. Lake Tahoe, United States

For the boarding holiday of a lifetime you can’t go wrong with Lake Tahoe. With several large resorts spread around the lake there is a phenomenal amount of terrain to explore. I remember endless miles of near-deserted, powdery slopes and hours of fun riding through the trees in Sierra, plus thrilling steep, deep runs in Heavenly. It's more about the boarding than the nightlife here, but the hip Block hotel is popular with pro-riders.

3. St Anton, Austria

Oh. My. God. You have to go full throttle at a boarding holiday in St Anton. It's the only way to experience it to the max. It might not have a very snowboardery vibe, but if you want somewhere with stacks of accesible, mind-blowing off-piste, you'll have a lot of fun. Head to the top of the Valluga lift for amazing views and challenging riding, and to the Rendl area, where the slouchy boarders hang out, for a decent park and good freeriding when there’s powder.

You’ll need to drink a lot to get into the spirit of the après-ski in infamous slopeside bars such as the Krazy Kangaroo. But they can be fun if you embrace the jolly atmosphere created when posh Brits meet big beery Germans.

4. Verbier, Switzerland

I have probably spent too many holidays in Verbier - some friends once owned a chalet there - but it's an amazing resort with a stark, almost scary setting. You feel like you're really conquering a proper mountain when you board. When there’s been a big dump, La Chaux is a lot of fun with loads of natural features and gullies. If Verbier's mean, steep mountains get the better of you, Nendaz is a quieter area with some easy riding for beginners, or for practicing ollies or switch riding. Verbier’s many black runs offer some exciting challenges. My favourite is the monstrous Tortin - the only run with moguls I’ve found that is actually fun on a board.

5. Saas Fee, Switzerland

Year-round riding is what makes Saas Fee a hit with the baggy-trousered crew. In the summer and early in the season, loads of professional boarders and skiers head here to train on the glacier. The resort has allowed one of the British snowboarding team’s coaches to design the board park, meaning it seriously kicks ass. It’s a car-free resort with a top-notch boarders’ hotel - Hotel Dom. You’ll probably end up in Popcorn every night - the bar that all snowboarders know and love.

6. Banff, Canada

Because of the harsh conditions, riding in Banff feels extreme however hard you hit the slopes. You’ll feel extreme just sitting in your lodge watching telly, because the weather reports are full of roads being cut off by avalanches, and temperatures dropping to minus 50°C. On the hill, heavy snowfall is common in Sunshine Village and Goat’s Eye. If you’ve got a wild streak, try to conquer the double-black diamond runs, such as Hell’s Kitchen. There’s even a run that includes a ride down a frozen waterfall.

7. Zermatt, Switzerland

Zermatt is the ultimate, traditional picture-perfect ski resort. It would almost be too much of a cliché to come here if it wasn’t so darned lovely. The little mountain huts are wonderfully old-fashioned and adorable, the curving paths that hug the hills offer stupendous views of That Mountain and there are so many sweet little pistes through the trees. Go for Christmas and you’ll almost die of the quaintness. Okay, a too-cool-for-school snowboarder shouldn’t be interested in all that, so I can also add that there are lots of great powder bowls and couloirs, fantastic reliable snow conditions due to its position as one of the highest European resorts, and acres of backcountry.

8. Ruka, Finland

The boarding here is by no means challenging but it’s the perfect resort for beginners. The slopes are lumpy, rounded and hence non-threatening. Everyone speaks perfect and entertaining English, and the snow is wonderfully soft and powdery. If you get sick of the boarding (how could you?), there are loads of other activities on offer. Such as snowmobiling across frozen lakes in wolf-infested snowfields or husky sledging – I hate dogs but found it an incredible experience. The local bar has poles attached to the ceiling to hold onto while you dance on the tables (they're clever, the Finns). But you'll practically have to fight the locals to let you join in with the karaoke. I got thrown off stage for attempting to sing Ra Ra Rasputin in Russian.

9. Risoul, France

I came here years ago, when the highly amusing Snowbombing music and snowboarding festival was held here. The resort has a really laid-back, boarder-friendly attitude and it’s great if you have a mixed-ability group. It’s well laid out, and you’re guaranteed a relaxed week. The bars are cool in a scruffy way, and though you’ll end up eating in Snack Attack at least once, there’s some decent traditional grub to be found.

10. Les Arcs, France

Loads of off-piste, thick powder and natural hits make Les Arcs a sublime playground for the rider. It’s very easy to reach as it’s right next to Bourg St Maurice, the main train station for the Alps. The different areas have a very different vibe - 1800 is the liveliest. The resort has quite a mellow, cosy feel but there’s a vast amount of varied terrain and fantastic tree riding.


World's Best Snowboard Half-Pipes

Half-pipes have evolved a lot in the past decade. As riders got more extreme – so did the half-pipes. They are bigger, steeper and taller than they were to begin with. Kidzworld surveyed the globe and found the tightest half-pipes the earth has to offer!

1. Whistler, BC (Canada)
Whistler’s Blackcomb Mountain is home of the world-famous Superpipe. As its name suggests, the pipe is indeed super and is only for the most talented riders. It's 450 feet long, with a 17-foot radius and is 16.5 feet high! Snowboarding stud Shaun White won the Superpipe event here in the Global X Games in 2003. So if you wanna follow in his footsteps, you're gonna have to head up north and start practicing!

2. Mammoth Mountain, California (USA)
For a snowboarder who enjoys riding a half-pipe, going to Mammoth Mountain is like a kid going to Disneyland for the first time. On top of having an impressive Superpipe, the terrain park also boasts the world’s largest half-pipe with the Super Duper Pipe. It is 600 feet long and 18 feet high! Add 400 inches of snow per year and a long snowboarding season and Mammoth is the place to be for snowboardin’ junkies.

3. Saas-Fee (Switzerland)
A real world class, Saas-Fee is said to be the best place to snowboard in Europe. The Saas-Fee resort, which is located in the Swiss Alps, boasts three, 300-foot half-pipes and a superpipe. However, they are known to play lame music around the half-pipes - so remember to bring your iPod!

4. Breckenridge, Colorado (USA)
The Freeway Superpipe is one of the most popular and best constructed half-pipes in the world. Nearly a decade old, the Freeway Superpipe is 455 feet long and nearly 17 feet high. This world class half-pipe in the Rockies hosts a number of competitions like the Chevrolet U.S. Snowboard Grand Prix.

Article sources: guardian.co.uk and kidzworld.com


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Snowboarding Christmas Gift Ideas

A stylish belt for snow pants adds so much flare on the mountain

If you have a friend, family member or special someone whose life revolves around snowboarding, don't bother getting them a gift that has nothing to do with his/her favorite sport. Snowboarding is their passion, so try to select gifts that are related or will enhance his snowboarding experience. Whether you get him accessories or a new snowboard, they will appreciate that you understand their love for the sport.

Snowboarding Gear
Hook the snowboarder up with a hip new snowboarding outfit, including pants, jacket, gloves and goggles. Snowboarding gear is loose and casual, unlike the skintight outfits that professional skiers wear. You can even find insulated jeans made specifically for snowboarders. The jacket can be in the style of a hooded sweatshirt, which is popular among young snowboarders. Just be sure to get something with a fleece or wool lining on the inside or give them some long underwear to wear underneath. You could also hook them up with some designer snowboarding goggles, ones that are stylish and will protect their face as well. You could also get them a cool bandanna that snowboarders often wear to protect the rest of their face. Heated gloves are also all the rage right now.

Lessons
If the're fairly new to snowboarding, give them lessons from a professional snowboarder at a nearby ski resort. He/she will learn how to properly put on the snowboard and how to stop and turn without falling. If they have some experience, sign them up for advanced class that will help them improve their speed or that will show them how to do cool jumps or introduce them to the half pipe.

Snowboarding Trip
If you don't live near any ski resorts or somewhere where you can snowboard, surprise them with a weekend trip to go snowboarding. Include airfare if it's that far away, lodging and gear rentals if they doesn't have their own

Snowboarding Competition Tickets
For whoever loves watching the snowboarding at the Olympics on TV, they'll love the opportunity to go to a professional competition. Find a competition that will be featuring some of thier favorite snowboarders or some of the top snowboarders in the country. Several snowboarding tours such as the Winter Dew Tour hold competitions at different ski locations around the country each year.

Article source: ehow.com



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Snowboard Pants: Reliable Guide for First-Time Users

By Garrett Nelson

If you are completely fascinated with snowboarding, you should consider snowboard pants as one of the most important parts of your gear that you need to wear for protection from extreme cold and other external factors. Generally, snowboard pants consist of 3 layers to maintain the internal temperature of the body while exposed to outdoor cold:

- The base layer, the layer that makes the skin warm

- The insulating layer, which is responsible for the elimination of the moisture and maintenance of body warmth

- And the outer layer which is usually waterproof-designed to keep you dry and protected.

During warmer conditions, some snowboard enthusiasts would only combine 2 layers all in one piece. These are often referred to as a shell. But if the weather gets extremely cold, using all three layers is highly recommended to withstand long hours in the snow. You can achieve this by having a separate pair for colder weather or by wearing thermals under lighter ones.

Getting top-quality snowboard pants is sometimes difficult for first-time buyers who know nothing about snow sports sportswear. Though there have been several reviews and guides available over the Internet and shops on how to choose the best snowboard pants, their information usually fails to present the most important facts and tips on how to get the most suitable pants that fit your size, your style and budget. Have you ever wondered why some buyers still make the mistake of choosing the wrong pants for snowboarding? It is because they settle for cheaper pants, thinking they got the best deal as the price is low and the quality is just the same as the one sold for a higher price. They often look exactly the same. The next thing they know, the newly bought pants are just sitting inside the cupboard because they were totally ineffective. Remember, quality is extremely important in choosing snowboard pants to use. You have to keep in mind the following considerations for comfortable, efficient and lasting snowboard pants.

1. The size that fits you perfectly. You are extremely excited to experience your first outdoor snowboarding and the next thing you know is you have picked the wrong size. Tight snowboard pants might look good in the shop but are very uncomfortable when worn all day and they limit your movements. Part of being a wise buyer is knowing your size. Forget about the design and color, if they don't fit don't buy them.

2. The fabric they are made of. There is a wide-array of snowboard pants made-up of different fabrics that you can freely choose from among the many different shops in town and even on the Internet. But the question is, would they provide the comfort and satisfaction you need? Fabrics for snowboarding help to protect you from the outside elements. Most outer fabric specially designed for snowboarding is tightly woven nylon or polyester. Both are guaranteed durable and water-resistant. For those with a big enough budget, getting the items made using the top waterproofing and insulating materials is suggested as they offer extra comfort, waterproofing and breathability.

Don't forget to test your choice of snowboard pants before finalizing your decision for things like enough room for your ski pass, keys, money etc. Make a list of all the things you need, as this will help make your shopping a lot easier.

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

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Snowboard Rocker - What Is It?

By David J Oakley

If you are new to snowboarding or have had your head stuck under a rock for the last few years, then you will probably have seen the huge shift in base design by pretty much all the board manufacturers.

Manufacturers playing around with the shape of the base is nothing new, however, in recent years, the trend has been towards a cambered board. This is where, when a board is laid flat on the ground, only the section just before the tip and tail are in contact... pretty standard stuff...

However the last few years have seen a major leap from cambered boards to "rockered" to the point where some manufacturers are completely ditching their traditional cambered boards completely, convinced that rockered or flat boards are the future of the sport!

This modern trend was sparked off by Lib Tech and their skate banana rockered snowboard, which when laid flat only contacted the floor in the middle and raised upwards at the tip and tail. The immediate benefits to this were that it was much easier to initiate turns, and float in powder was helped by the tip already being lifted and this keeping it from sinking into the snow.

Other benefits of a snowboard rocker included being much easier to 'butter' (a term used for doing presses whilst riding along the piste, amongst other things) and easier to ride rails and boxes. Aided by the raised sections at the nose and tail this meant that the edge that was traditionally pointing down with a cambered board was now raised slightly and in effect out of the way of the rail or box on which it could possibly 'catch'.

This meant that more and more riders felt like pros attempting tricks that they hadn't even dreamed of because of the forgiving nature of the snowboard rocker base design, however there is always a downside to everything, and this is no exception.

If riding the park is your thing, and nothing else, then this kind of base design is fine, but in the event of carving some early morning groomers or charging at mach 2 you have to look elsewhere. Rocker boards are very easy to ride as a beginner, and work well in the park, but as soon as you take your riding to the next level, the rocker tends to be very 'loose' and doesn't hold its edge when carving, but washes out of its turns.

Burton's evolution of the rocker boards was to introduce camber back into the design, but in conjunction with the rocket tech...rocker from the middle, camber at the bindings, an a rocker nose and tail section. Called the Flying V Burton created a board that would seemingly work well in most scenarios on the mountain. The rocker providing added float in the powder and playfulness, whilst the camber zones bringing the much needed control and power through turns that a rocker board alone failed to deliver.

A completely different take on this is Bateleon's TBT... which is based on a conventional cambered board, keeping the benefits that camber brings, but shaping the base outside of the bindings so that the edges lift up off the ground, eliminating the catchiness of a traditional cambered board, but helping the board to turn, keep stable at speed and float gracefully in the pow.

Its a brilliant concept that has been finding its way into the mainstream, to the point whereby other manufacturers have to look at new ways of base technology because Bataleon patented their design way before the rocker revolution came to town! To understand just how good they are, you only have to look at the sales figures of some of the leading stockists, who now say that Bataleon boards are by far their biggest sellers!

Its not hard to see why... a board that really does give you the best of both worlds...

There is not enough time here to go into every manufactures individual take on base technology, but one thing is for sure, rockered board tech is here to stay in one form or another!

If you have enjoyed this article or it has helped you then you can leave a comment or feedback by going to my snowboard rocker blog post, thanks.

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

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How Is Life In An Adult-Only Snowboard Camp?

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Sam_M_Johnson]Sam M Johnson

Snowboarding is a highly popular winter sport that involves descending a mountain slope covered with snow on a snowboard. The snowboard is attached to a rider's feet using a special boot. The relatively new sport of snowboarding has been influenced by skateboarding and skiing. The sport is enjoying tremendous popularity in the United States with more and more people wanting to go to snowboarding camps. The inclusion of snowboarding into Winter Olympics in 1998 has boosted the game's popularity even further.

Such has become the game's popularity that people hunt for snowboarding camps elsewhere during summer. Argentina, particularly, the resort of Cerro Catedral (18 k.m. from the renowned town named Bariloche) is fast becoming a sought-after snowboard camp destination during summer.

The article discusses about the plus points of selecting Cerro Catedral as your next snowboard camp destination and also what lies in store in an adult-only snowboard camp.

Cerro Catedral - An ideal Snowboarding Destination

The Cerro Catedral resort is comparable to Lake Tahoe or Mammoth Mountain in terms of the terrain and snowfall amount. The backcountry beauty of Cerro Catedral is compared to Silverton Mountain. It is the most sought-after destination for skiing and snowboarding, offering late winter-like conditions during summer. The snowpack sets in very quickly and hangs onto all surfaces including rocks. You will love the towering spires and cliffs. The advantageous location of Cerro Catedral helps you to enjoy tree riding and glades. The lift-system is highly equipped with no less than 37 chairlifts, pomas, and a gondola. The nearness to Bariloche also offers a distinct advantage. When you think of your next snowboard camp, Cerro Catedral should emerge as the first choice.

Adult-Only Snowboard Camps

While there are several types of snowboard camps, an adult-only snowboard camp with your partner may be the ideal way to escape the hassles of everyday mundane life. It may be an ideal way to rediscover yourselves and bring back that lost zing in your lives.

Every camp calls for schedule and discipline. Adult snowboard camps are no exception. But camp organizers generally include some fun into the routine for the adults. Usually, a typical camp day begins with snowboarding in the morning; Barn sessions in the afternoon and evening; and miscellaneous activities including a video review of your performance in the evening. Adult-only camps also allow you some nightly outings so that you leap from the camp life into fun-filled vacation moments.

You can rest assured of world-class snowboard coaching and guiding at Cerro Catedral. Added attractions for these camps include - delicious Argentine cuisine and wine, the Argentine nightlife, professional guidance, and the like-mindedness of your camp mates.

Excitements Galore

In an adult-only snowboard camp, clients are put into small groups (usually not more than 5 together) and set off for snowboarding under a professional guide. The day's plan might change depending on the weather. You have the chance to explore cliffs. You are made aware about the backcountry terrain in an informative seminar. The camp carries shovel, beacon etc. to ensure safety. You generally start up at 10 am and come down by 2 pm. Don't worry about your meals. They are catered by reputed restaurants.

Some of the other activities may include bungee jumping, paintball, and wake boarding. In a nutshell, you will be offered the following facilities:

- Full supervision by Snowboard coaches and guides
- Welcome meeting and seminars
- Packed lunch
- Catered dinner
- Nightly outings (optional)
- Afternoon activities like mountain biking and trekking
- Video feedback and review for your own improvement
- Social events in the evening (optional)
- Camp T-shirt for all participants
- Prize distribution ceremony at the end of the camp

Cerro Catedral resort beacons you and your partner for the next summer - just surrender to the temptation!

If you want to know more about [http://www.sassglobaltravel.com/argentina/sass-adults]summer snowboard camps and [http://www.sassglobaltravel.com/argentina/sass-adults]summer snowboarding visit sassglobaltravel.com website.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?How-Is-Life-In-An-Adult-Only-Snowboard-Camp?&id=6291750] How Is Life In An Adult-Only Snowboard Camp?



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How to Snowboard In Powder

So, how to snowboard in powder is the question you will no doubly come to if you are a serious snowboarder. You're standing on top of the world, a fresh blanket of powder dusting the peaks, smoothing the edges. The early morning sun shimmers across the white slopes affronting your eyes. You Pull your goggles down and prepare the descent into the pale.

Hold on, back it up, do you even know what your doing? Think about it, your on your way down. It feels like you have a pillow of air under your board, the turns almost effortless. At some point you realize just how deep the snow is as you find your hand incidentally dragging. Was that on purpose? Who knows, your were to busy focusing on the waves of snow continuously smacking you in the face. Oh my god, where the hell am I? With each turn the edges of your board bring up a cloud of white chaos that forms the space around you. At times, you wonder if this cloud will steal your breath altogether.

Ok, yeah, you just said sign me up didn't you. Why not, if your on top of the hill and fresh tracks are yours to claim, you eared it. So lets go. Here's a few quick tips to help make the experience more then just digging yourself out of the snow all day.

Step 1: Find a spot for snowboarding powder: Preferably this is going to be a open slop, free of obstacles. Your probably going to need to show up early if you expect fresh tracks.

Step 2: Hit it straight on: Lead with your nose, point it straight down and get some speed. Now the trick is to lead with your nose, not bury it. You can try to position yourself on your board to give you a little extra nose. This will make it a little easier to keep you nose out of the snow. Just know, if you hit powder heel or toe-side you will fall.

Step 3: Lean back: Whatever stance you are using you will need to keep your weight slightly toward the tail of your board. This will help keep your nose out of the snow. Again, If you give yourself a little extra nose you will find it easier.

Step 4: Float: Bounce gently on your snowboard with your descent. Remember you should feel like your floating, make it so. This will help keep your speed up while staying above the snow. When you feel yourself sinking, bounce.

Step 5: Gentle Turns: Little kicks of pressure here on either side of your board is enough. Carving turns on good powder should be easy and almost effortless. Before each turn bounce a little to keep yourself floating swiftly on top.

Step 6: Be Smooth: When you have it all down, you should find some order in what appears to be complete madness. Hit it straight on, nose up, lean back, bounce and float with your turns. Establish this and you can ride powder my friend.

View Snowboards especially designed for powder at http://www.gearupandplay.com/How-to-Snowboard-in-Powder

Gear Up and Play (http://www.gearupandplay.com) is a small internet based business with a emphasis on outdoor apparel and gear, community, and activity based vacationing.

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Snowboard Tips For Safety

By Ryan C. Parker

The first and most important safety tip when it comes to snowboarding is to always be aware of your surroundings. This means looking around as much as possible to see what riders are around you and what kind of terrain is in front of you. You would think that because you are on a mountain the chances of you running into someone is very unlikely but the truth is that collisions between snowboarders happen everyday in the mountains. The reason people collide so often is because they aren't using they're common sense and looking around in all directions to verify what is around them at that moment in time.

Dressing warm every time you go snowboarding is absolutely essential because you never know how the weather might treat you that day until you get up there. Many times you will find yourself on the mountain when it is bright and sunny and then a few hours later you will be stuck in a blizzard. No one wants to be stuck in a blizzard with a t-shirt on so always be prepared with warm clothes and a pair of snowboard goggles.

Avalanches are common on most mountains after a snow storm. Most mountains will have ski patrol throw dynamite in avalanche zones to prevent anyone starting it while they are riding. This does not mean that it is impossible to find yourself a loose patch of snow that can create a avalanche. If by any chance you ever find the snow beneath your feet sucking you down the mountain you should immediately do your absolute best to traverse horizontally out of the avalanche zone and wait for the snow to settle. If you can not get out of the avalanche zone in time you should try swimming with the snow as it takes you down so you do not get buried. When snow moves that fast on top of itself it turns into a solid within seconds meaning you can not move if you are stuck under it.

If you are new to park style riding in snowboarding you should always start small and work your way up to bigger and better things when you feel comfortable. The most common way people injure themselves in the park is trying something that is completely out of they're league. Just because you see other people doing it doesn't mean that you are ready to try it!

Snowboarding revolves around two things and that is having common sense and experience. I hope that with these snowboard tips you will find yourself avoiding any type of injuries or accidents on the mountain. Remember to be safe and enjoy yourself while riding your snowboard.

If you enjoyed these snowboard tips on mountain safety I would highly recommend checking out this great website called best snowboard tips.

http://www.bestsnowboardtips.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ryan_C._Parker_

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Consider Snowboarding Vacations

By Simon Barnett

Do you wish that you and your family were more active during the cold winter months, but find that you have trouble breaking your loved ones out of their annual hibernation? Perhaps you're just tired of feeling like you're snowbound?A winter sports vacation might be just the thing to get you out of the house and into the great outdoors. Winter sports are not just great exercise, they're great fun that the entire family can enjoy.

Alpine Skiing

When people think of winter sports, they most often think of skiing, and it's no wonder why. Skiing is the classic winter sport, and there are so many different ways to ski that there's bound to be something for everyone. Most people are familiar with alpine skiing, also called downhill skiing, in which you coast down the slope of a mountain or hillside trail. Alpine skiing is the most popular form of the sport, and you can find recreational and competitive varieties at most ski resorts around the world.

Snowboarding

Snowboarding is an increasingly popular winter sport. An exciting mix of surfing, skateboarding, and skiing, this activity can be found anywhere downhill skiing is offered. Much like alpine skiing, snowboarders are propelled downhill by gravity, controlling their direction and speed by maintaining balance of their upper body.

Cross-Country Skiing

If you're a hiker, cross-country skiing might be for you. The oldest form of the sport, it originated over 4,000 years ago in Scandinavia as a means of moving across the broad snowy plains quickly. This ageless activity makes for amazing exercise, because cross-country skiiers push themselves over flat and inclined terrain using their arms, aided by ski poles, as well as their legs. Cross-country skiing allows you and your family to take in beautiful, winter wonderland sights at your own pace.

Planning Your Vacation

Skiing and snowboarding are available throughout the northern United States and Canada. Europe also offers beautiful snowbound destinations in countries like France, Austria, and Greece. If you're just starting out, you don't have to spend hundreds of dollars buying your own sports gear. Ski resorts usually offer skis, helmets, boots, boards, and other equipment for rent. Many also offer ski pass, rental, and lesson packages that can save you even more. Trails are graded by how challenging they are and most resorts have options that cater to a wide range of difficulty levels in order to meet your needs.

There's more detailed information about snowboard sale offers and winter sports equipment online, as discussed by Simon Barnett. This article may be used by any website publisher, though this resource box must always be included in full.

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When You Can't Get Enough Snow

Do you live and breathe snowboarding? Do you have an insatiable passion to teach other people? Do you like the exhilaration and excitement that come with extreme outdoor activities? If your answer to all the three questions posed is a resounding yes, then you might fit the snowboarding job to a T!

Ideally, applying for a snowboard instructor position requires an above-average expertise on imparting snowboarding techniques to sports beginners as well as impressive snowboarding ability. Snowboard instructors are responsible to teach the sport of snowboarding in a secure and enjoyable environment, usually going out of their way by displaying courtesy and friendliness to all snowboarding participants and enthusiasts.

When a ski resort looks for a snowboarding instructor, the topmost criteria it uses to usually screen its applicants are the passion for the sport, good people management, and impressive work ethic. Passion for snowboarding is a must-have quality since a snowboard instructor will find himself most of the time with difficult situations under unfavorable freezing weather changes. Given such uncontrollable setbacks, snowboard instructors are expected to stay calm and relaxed while continuing to teach students grasp the very basic concepts of snowboarding.

People management is likewise important to become a successful snowboard instructor since you will be dealing with a lot of different snowboarding apprentices, all of whom have diverse personalities and pace of learning. For instance, a fifteen-year-old adolescent may be pretty aggressive and short-tempered when it comes to knowledge assimilation as compared to say, a twenty-something young urban professional snowboarding student. Hence, the key is for the snowboard instructor to apply different approaches of communication skills to his students depending upon what the situation calls for.

Lastly, as in whatever job you may be applying for, snowboarding instructors must possess a certain level of good work ethic to be effective. The more you put weight and substance on the quality of your work, the more that it will pay off sooner than you expect it. Instill the right mindset of helping others learn the sport or assist them in getting hooked up with snowboarding in the best way possible. The best snowboard instructors out there are ultra-successful because they take pride in the fact that their skills are not put to waste but rather, are extended across all strata in the form of new skills and snowboarding knowledge their students have acquired from their teaching.

Just love your snowboarding instructor job and eventually, your passion for work will equate to excellence!

For more information about snowboard instructors please logon to our website http://www.snowchallengecanada.com/

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Snowboarding Is A Sport For All

By Simon Barnett

The sport of snowboarding has really taken off since the late 1990s, due to new athletes coming into the sport, and what they were able to do on the snowboard. This helped the sport gain notice, and it began appealing to younger audiences as well, who would try to mimic the moves of their favorite athletes.

Additionally, the athletes which were being promoted on TV, were average everyday guys; therefore, this appealed even more to the viewers and enthusiasts of snowboarding, because they felt it was a sport they could tackle and do well in.

Snowboarding is great for all age groups, genders, body types, and fitness levels. Unlike in other sports where you have to weigh a certain amount, or be a certain height to play and perform well in, this is not the case in snowboarding.

Although a little coordination and training never hurt anyone, there really is no desired "typical" body type which individuals who want to participate in snowboarding have to fall under.

This is one of the main draws to the sport, anyone, no matter how they look, or how tall/short they are, is able to get on the board and perform.

Snowboarding has also struck interest in individuals who want to participate in the sport because of the moves they see their favorite athletes doing on TV. It is pretty impressive what can be done on a board in the ice. Although everyone can snowboard, not everyone can snowboard like a pro unless they are willing to put in the training and work that the pros put in. Yes, it is possible to learn a couple tricks just fooling around with friends, but many tricks shown on TV take plenty of time to master, and the boarders practice and train on a daily level to reach those skill levels. This isn't to say that you would not be able to do any of the moves seen on TV, it is possible, but you will have to train and properly learn the mastery of snowboarding to do the moves.

Whether you are just looking for an alternative to skiing and are looking for a new sport; or, whether you are just attracted to the sport because it really is something that anyone can learn with a little training and effort, snowboarding is a great sport for all individuals.

No matter what age group, skill level, or body type, you can learn to snowboard.

Discover snowboarding sale deals and winter sports offers, as discussed by Simon Barnett. This article may be used by any website publisher, though this resource box must always be included in full.

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Master the Art of Snowboarding- Learn the tips and tricks

Snowboarding is an awesome winter sport, that contains many skills and practice before the art of snowboarding can be mastered. People who have been boarding for years continue to learn each and every time they step on the mountain. But the real fun in snowboarding is the jumps, tricks and rails. Before you start learning snowboarding tricks, you need to make sure that you have your balance, be able to carve, maintain control, and most importantly to stop when desired.

Now comes the interesting part. Many people want to get to the next level in snowboarding and learn how to master these tricks and techniques, but searching for them online can be frustrating. First of all, many of the programs that will teach you tricks online you must pay for, and there are thousands of these sites out there. And yes, they all guarentee you that you will be able to learn these tricks quick and effective.

For every hundred sites, there is probably one legit online source that will actually teach you the proper way. Remember, everything takes time and nothing in today's world comes overnight, it all takes practice.

Of all of my reviews, I have found one excellent tricks website that has been helping snowboarders improve their ability for years. The minute you start to read these tutorials, your snowboarding abilities will improve. Just imagine hitting that jump and pulling off a perfect 540, while all of your friends are still stuck behind working on the 180.

If you want to learn the proper ways to learn certain snowboarding tricks and techniques, then I highly recommend you to Snowboard Addiction. It is the most comprehensive tutorial on the web, and one of the hundreds that you will actually learn from. If you are interested in learning how to master all types of tricks, then I strongly recommend you follow the link below.
http://tyler2244.saddiction.hop.clickbank.net/

I have been snowboarding for all of my life, and it took me a good several years before I actually began learning serious tricks. If you are interested in learning how to master the tricks that you dream of and leave your friends in the dust, then I suggest you read on

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Snowboarding Basics from History to Halfpipe

Are you interesting in taking up snowboarding? Maybe you've got a pre-teen or teenager who was really fired up by watching snowboarding on television and it's the next big thing for them. Well, if you or your child join the ranks of snowboarding enthusiasts you will be part of a growing trend. The sale of snowboards has gone through the roof in the last decade, and especially the last few years. Perhaps the most evident symbol of the sport's success is that it has been an Olympic sport in the last four games, and viewership for snowboarding is generally extremely high. Before you get online and pick up a couple of snowboards, here's a brief primer about the sport.

You might be surprised to know it began as long ago as the late 1960's. Its inspirations are not hard to find - surfing, skateboarding and skiing. Early snowboards were pretty basic by today's standards, though the basic shape is still very similar. These early models had no boot or binding, just a small slot or groove to place your feet for stability. When snowboarding began to take off, the earliest and best snowboards were made by companies that are still making the best snowboards on the market - companies like Burton, Barefoot, Sims, and Gnu. Early on, many called the budding sport "snurfing," as you can guess, a combination of snow and surfing. Early designers of snowboards tended to be surfers and skateboarders, and the early models reflect these influences. Riders stand sideways on the board, unlike a forward position when skiing or water skiing.

In the late 1970's and early 80's snowboarding competitions began to crop up around the country in places like Michigan and Utah, then spreading to all the top winter sports areas. With time, rules became codified and the snowboards used had to meet certain design criteria for competition, since there were still a wide variety of types being experimented with. Initially, traditional skiers did not like the presence of snowboards on the slopes. Riders were often ill-versed in the etiquette of skiing, and accidents were not uncommon. Eventually, to solve the problem, innovative ski facilities began designating hills especially for snowboards. These hills contain moguls and rails that snowboards are designed to handle, and today more than half the ski facilities in the U.S. have half-pipes, a figure slightly ahead of Europe and Canada.

Modern snowboards are advanced pieces of equipment featuring specialized boots and bindings designed for the utmost control, stability and safety. Order a demonstration video along with your snowboards so you can get a jump on the basic techniques before you hit the half-pipe.

Snowboard savings - Why buy used when new is so cheap? Acutally there are some pretty good arguments. But either way check out a huge selection of snowboards on sale today. Visit http://snowboardsonsale.net/ for the latest offers.

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Snowboarding Goggles

Snowboarding Goggles

Goggles are a very important piece of equipment for anyone that engages in the sport of snowboarding. They will help to keep the glare of the sun out of your eyes which can be very dangerous. If you haven't been snowboarding before then you likely haven't realized the way it can reflect off of the piles of snow on the slopes. There are also the UV rays from the sun that you want to protect your eyes against while snowboarding.

Since your body will be moving all directions, your goggles need to be a very good fit. They should have an adjustable strap so that you can secure them to fit the size of your own head. They need to offer a wrap around design so your peripheral vision won't be impaired at all by the goggles you are wearing.

Sometimes it will be foggy out while you are snowboarding so make sure you buy a pair that are resistent to it. You may wan to get double layers of snowboarding goggles. Not only does this help with fog, but they are more versatile. You can have the colors on during the day to protect your eyes from the sun blinding you. At night or on cloudy days you can simply opt for the clear lenses.

One problem many people run into is that they buy their helmet and goggles separately for snowboarding. Then they are disappointed that the two won't fit well together. It is a good idea to buy both of them at the same time. This way you can try them on and make sure everything is going to be snug and secure. If you happen to already have one or the other, make sure you take it along with you to buy the other one.

A good quality pair of snowboarding goggles are important to have when you hit the slopes. They offer you plenty of benefits so don't take short cuts or buy ineffective models of them. You want lenses that are scratch resistant as well as made from durable materials. You don't want them to break or to have marks on them should you end up falling in the process of snowboarding.

Check out Womens Ski Goggles, and Womens Ski Jacket.

Jeff Anderson lives in El Paso, Texas.

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Girls Snowboarding Strategies For Embarrassed Folks

Do you have good balance, excellent timing, and a disregard for your own personal safety? Snowboarding may be the sport for you! Take the first steps to a happy (and survivable) ski resort experience by reading the following tips.

First, check the weather. Is it going to be snowing while you're up there? It is? Good! Ideally you want as much snow as possible. You will be falling on your rear a lot, so you want plenty of soft snow to cushion your fall.

You definitely don't want to go too early in the season, before the snow has laid down a layer thick enough. You also don't want to go too late in the season when the snow is mostly ice because that is a whole lot of no fun to fall on.

Don't try to learn from a spouse, or a significant other, or a good friend. You may end up hating each other. You will wonder why they have no idea how to teach. And they will wonder why you can't learn something that is 'so easy'.

It is not so easy, and you cannot figure it out on your own. You probably will hurt yourself if you attempt it, or run down unsuspecting children on the bunny slopes. Sharing the snow means that if you don't know what you're doing, stay in the lodge!

The best way to learn is from trained professionals, that is, the instructors you find at the ski slopes. Sign up for a class, and don't be daunted by the fact that your classmates are six year olds. If you find that intimidating (or embarrassing) go for a private lesson if you can afford it. Private lessons are not that much more expensive than a class, and the one-on-one instruction can't be beaten.

Pay attention to what the instructor tells you, in a class or in private lessons. They are paid to know what they are doing and to get totally awkward people to do this. Try doing exactly what they tell you to do, and don't over-think it. It is in their best interest that you succeed, so they will do all they can to help you.

Remember that if you do follow all the instructors suggestions and you're still not 'getting it', you can always ask the resort for a refund or do-over. It is in their best interest that you succeed (and come back again and spend more money). They may not automatically accommodate you, but it never hurts to ask.

The thrill of snowboarding attracts all kinds of people, particularly after the Winter Olympics. Start your adventure off with a little knowledge and a little prudence, and then go have a wonderful time!

Checking out snowboard tricks is a great way to spend some time in the season, so learning those tricks is a great way to get yourself some of that attention. You'll need good snowboarding rails and don't forget to keep your snowboarding gloves to hand.

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Thoughts On Snowboarding For The First Time

By Simon Barnett

Snowboarding is one of the fastest growing sports around. This can be because of the similarity of snowboarding to skateboarding that so many young people are loving this sport. What about the older person who may have been skiing for a lifetime, what does snowboarding offer them?

If you have kids or grand-kids learning to snowboard can boost your ratings into the cool category. Kids do like it when we try some of their culture and you can find it to be a bonding experience when you snowboard with your children. You will be able to ask questions, talk about moves and show that you are not as old as you look.

Snowboarding does not require as much equipment as skiing does, as you get older, keeping track of items gets harder. Two skies, two poles verses one snowboard, which is easier to cart around? There is also the issue of boots: snowboarding boots can be more comfortable and definitely are easier to walk around in.

Snowboarding offers fewer injuries than skiing. Your legs are strapped into one board, making it impossible for you to suffer many of the common leg injuries that skiing can cause. You will no longer have separation anxiety with your legs. Instead, they will stay in place on a snowboard. The injuries to the upper body still need to be avoided and wearing a helmet should be mandatory for all new snowboarders.

If you are snowboarding for the first time, your clothing can be much cooler than that of skiers. Baggy pants and a baggy jacket are much more in style for snowboarding. This can help if your ski pants are beginning to get a bit tight as you age. It can also make you look like you know what you are doing and ensure that the younger crowd respects you.

Learning new skills can help prevent Alzheimer's disease, and snowboarding will certainly cause a work out for your brain as well as your body. Joking aside, it is fun to learn new skills and taking up snowboarding at any age is a great idea. It can be a bit hard to learn in the beginning, but you will find that snowboarding is ultimately a bit easier than skiing. There are less moves to learn and keeping your legs together is not a issue.

Find out what all the young people know - snowboarding is an exciting sport that everyone should try no matter what their age.

Learn about winter sports equipment and snowboard sale insights, as discussed by Simon Barnett. This article may be used by any website publisher, though this resource box must always be included in full.

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Snowboarding Helmets

Snowboarding Helmets

Safety may be the furthest thing from your mind when you head out to go snowboarding. Yet it should be something you do think about because it is very important. Hundreds of people get injured annually on the various ski slopes while snowboarding. Some of them even end up dying due to falls and head injuries. One of the best safety measures against this though is to wear a helmet.

You will notice that the various ski resorts don't require snowboarders to wear a helmet. Yet they are strongly encouraged to do so in order to protect themselves. The ski resorts also make it very clear that they aren't responsible for any injuries that occur as a result of not wearing a helmet as recommended.

One of the main reasons why many snowboarders don't wear a helmet is because they feel the risk is a big part of the adventure. They feel free to be able to maneuver the slopes like they are. They don't want to hinder that freedom and be restricted due to having a helmet in place.

This is why many ski resorts have been hesitating to mandate the use of helmets on their slopes. They have been doing so on some of the more advanced ones though. They have been keeping a close eye on their levels of customers and so far they haven't dropped too much because of it.

You may not think wearing a helmet is attractive while snowboarding, but it can end up saving your life. This is a type of extreme sport and accidents do happen. Even if you are only on the easy slopes or you have been snowboarding for a very long time, accidents can take place.

You need to make sure you lead by example with your children as well. They also may enjoy snowboarding but it isn't fair for them to see you without your helmet and they have to. You also don't want them to witness you getting seriously injured because you aren't wearing one.

Take the time to make sure the snowboarding helmet you are wearing is a good fit. It isn't going to do you any good if it goes flying off while you are out there on the slopes. It should fit you snugly and securely on the sides and the top of your head. Most snowboarding helmets have plenty of padding inside of them for your comfort as well.

Check out Ski Helmets, and Womens Ski Jacket.

Jeff Anderson lives in El Paso, Texas.

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An Introduction To The Basics Of Snowboarding

By Simon Barnett

Sweet! You just bought yourself a brand new snowboard. Your heels are itching to jump on it and head down the mountain with the fresh feeling of chilly powder speckling your cheeks and the winter sun shining down upon you.

You've gotten yourself into a great sport and activity that can be fun and healthy. But slow down there, snow leopard...there's just a few things to take into consideration before you hit the powder.

Style

Did you know that the style of your snowboard will determine the type of terrain you'll be able to ride on? Well, know it now. There are different styles of boards for different types of riding. Not every board is the best if you want to do steep mountains just as not every snowboard is the right choice for low-lying, bump-filled, hills. Know the style that you have first so you don't go out and get injured. The style of the board you have will also determine the type of additional equipment you may need to make your riding most enjoyable.

Dress

Just like mom, teachers and weatherman have been telling you for years; when conducting any kind of prolonged activity in cold climates you had better dress in layers. Layers are important out on the mountain. Start out heavy and if the weather gets nicer and that sun starts beating down on you the layers will allow you shed some clothes as you get warmer in order to stay cool. And everyone wants to be cool!

Learn The Stance

Knowing how to get into a proper stance will ensure that you're able to maximize the usage and capabilities of your snowboard as well as keeping you on it! It may seem difficult at first but as you condition the muscles and balance needed it will become second nature. Practice in your bedroom at night but don't record and YouTube it until you have it down...you'll just look foolish.

Take Lessons

Sure most of us just got onto a bike the first time and just "went for it" but most likely there were training wheels or a semi-attentive adult present to make sure we didn't do major damage to ourselves or the rose garden. The same goes for snowboarding. It's a good idea to take some cash and invest in a day or two of lesson before hitting the top of a steep slope and learning on the go. Sometimes it works, but every once in a while the person who learns to swim by getting thrown in doesn't come back up.

If you'd like to learn more about winter sports and snowboard for sale offers then read more insights, as discussed by Simon Barnett. This article may be used by any website publisher, though this resource box must always be included in full.

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

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Snowboarding Boots

Snowboarding Boots

You will definitely need a good pair of boots in order to enjoy the sport of snowboarding. While you can rent then at the resort, you will be much better off if you buy your own. This way they will be a perfect fit for you. It is important because you could end up injuring or even breaking an ankle or a knee if your boots don't fit right that you wear to snowboard in. Never rush to get into a pair and to get on the slopes or you may ruin your entire ski trip after just one run down the slopes.

Some types of snowboarding boots you just step into. They have binding that forms to the shape of your feet. Others have a strap that you can adjust and secure in place. Both types of snowboarding boots work very well so it is a personal choice what you want to use. It is a good idea to try on both types and then to see which one will feel the most comfortable to you. Many people don't want to mess with a strap though when they have gloves on. Others don't mind the strap and they feel that it provides them with a more secure fit.

Everyone has different sizes and shapes of feet. The same person can often have two feet that are slightly different in form and in size. This is why you may not like the snowboarding boots that your friend recommended. You should never try to make theirs fit your feet either. It is best to try on snowboarding boots at the end of the day when your feet will be swollen. This way what you purchase won't end up being too tight for you to wear comfortably at the end of the day on the slopes.

If you are into looking good while snowboarding, you will be happy to know there are plenty of great styles and colors for you to choose from. There are also some well known brands you may have trust in that you want to buy. In fact, you can get snowboarding boots that match your complete ensemble of equipment. This can make you look and feel really good out there on the slopes.

Snowboarding boots aren't cheap by any means. They are going to be the most expensive part of your equipment. In many instances people pay more for the snowboarding boots than they do for their snowboards. It may sound hard to believe but it is due to them knowing how important having the right amount of support on their ankles and feet is during this type of extreme sport.

Check out Womens Ski Wear, and Womens Ski Jacket.

Jeff Anderson lives in El Paso, Texas.

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A Guide To Snowboards

Before you decide to buy a snowboard, you need to consider a few factors. First of all is your sports personality, specifically your snowboarding habits. The kind of snowboards you should be looking at buying are related to the type of riding that you do. If you like to race you will need a different kind of snowboard.
You also need to think about how tall you want your board to be. The way to measure a board of this kind is from the tip to the toe, and the unit used is centimeters. If you are a beginner, a shorter board is a good idea. It will enable you to maneuver more easily. Choose one which is between your chin and collarbone. Some riders have a preference for boards which are longer. These range from between their chin and nose.
If the terrain you ride on is rough, you should look for a board that is still taller. One that is many inches above your forehead will be suitable in this case. The width of your board is also important to determine. An easy way to do so is to stand on your board. Check whether your feet cover the width. If your feet are sticking out, a drag from this can result in unforeseen falls.
On the other hand, if the gap between your feet and the ends of the board is large, you will find it tough to apply the pressure required to make the board turn. Another important factor you need to determine is how think you want your board to be.
If you are a beginner, a softer board will be easier to turn. If the snow is hard in the region you plan to use it, and you have some experience in snowboarding, you should choose a harder board. Make sure it can withstand your weight and accommodate your height.
Look online for a company which offers snowboards. Shortlist two or three companies on the basis of the price of the item. Choose one which is most suitable for your needs. You can also ask your friends, family, and colleagues for suggestions.
Be careful when you are choosing among snowboards. Toms River, NJ has several companies which offer this kind of equipment. Choose one which is located nearby so that you find it easy to visit and see the equipment for yourself. Once you have tested it and you are sure that it can accommodate your body, you can choose one.


Snowboards Toms River, NJ - You should consider a reputed company when you are choosing among snowboards. Toms River NJ has Bob Kislin's Outdoor Sports, which has been in business since 1946.

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