Telemark

The earliest skiing technique was developed by Norwegian Sondre Norheim in the 1860s. It became extremely popular and was in continual use until the 1940s. Telemark turns are accomplished by letting the downhill ski trail behind the uphill ski by bending the knee of the downhill ski. The skier's weight is shifted to the uphill ski which forces the skis to turn.
Although telemark skiing lost out in popularity to stem skiing and parallel skiing, it enjoyed a revival in the 1970s and today enjoys a loyal following – mostly among those who combine cross-country skiing with downhill skiing.

Stem Skiing

Stemming was introduced by the Austrian skier Mathias Zdarsky in the 1890s. It involves pushing the uphill ski away from the downhill ski to form a 'V'. Zdarsky went on to train the Austrian army with this skiing technique during the First World War. Most beginner skiers are familiar with stemming in the form of the snowplough.

Stemming can be used for controlling the speed of the skis as well as for turning. By angling the skis inward and applying pressure to their inside edges the skis can be slowed and stopped. Snowplough turns are done by angling the uphill ski away from the downhill ski while shifting the weight. As the turn is finished the two skis are brought parallel to traverse the slope.

Parallel Skiing

Parallel turns were introduced in the 1930s. This style of skiing paved the way for high speed alpine skiing – in fact, it can only be done at relatively fast speeds. Parallel turns are accomplished by angling the outside ski toward the direction you want to turn. For example, if you want to turn right, you have to apply pressure to the right edge of the left ski. This forces the skis to cut into the snow on one side and turn.

As the name implies, parallel skiing involves keeping the two skis parallel to each other. Weight can be quickly shifted from one ski to the other to perform fast, tight turns. However, the cutting action of the ski edge makes the ski lose a bit of speed, so to overcome this, carve turns were developed.

Carve Turns

Carve turns became possible with the development of shaped skis in the 1990s. The shape of the ski allows it to turn naturally by placing weight on it, so high speed turns can be accomplished without any of the skidding associated with parallel turns.

In order to master carving technique you have to control the weight distribution over each ski. In particular, the weight must be smoothly shifted from ski to ski as each turn is finished.

The turning ability of a shaped ski is determined by its sidecut radius. Skis with a deep sidecut (the 'cutaway' section of the ski under the boot) can turn more easily than those with a shallow sidecut.

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Vermont

This area was discovered by European skiers who immigrated to America in the early 20th century. It quickly became famous for its great hills and snow conditions. These are some of the oldest ski resorts in the USA and many of them have a European feel.

The highest mountains in Vermont are near Stowe. This ski resort has been in operation for more than 60 years and has a well-developed trail system. Beginner skiers can find gentle slopes and even the most advanced skiers will be challenged by Stowes' expert trails. Killington is another Vermont resort. It has a vertical drop of almost 3,000 feet and over 60 miles of trails. Experts will find less of a challenge here than at Stowe, but for the intermediate skier there is plenty of variety.

New York

The most famous ski resort in New York is Whiteface in Lake Placid, home of the 1980 winter Olympics. It has the biggest vertical drop of any mountain in the eastern US, providing lots of challenges for the expert skier. It also has lots of choices for beginner and intermediate skiers with trails up to 100 feet wide and stretching an impressive 2,200 feet. Whiteface also has some of the most advanced ski lift systems in the eastern US – their high-speed gondola goes from bottom to top in just 8 minutes.

Colorado

Colorado has great ski conditions and the longest ski season in America. Vail and Aspen are the most famous ski areas in Colorado with Keystone a close third.

Aspen includes four ski areas – Snowmass, Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk. All four have a complete range of trails that are suitable for beginners to experts. The snow conditions of Aspen are top notch most of the ski season.

Vail has 127 trails over an area of more than 5,000 acres and gets over 350 inches of snow a year. It also has access to fabulous off-piste skiing and snowboarding. It has a lively night life and world-class shopping.

Keystone has three mountains for a great choice of trails. All three mountains are accessed from the central village and in total there is 1861 acres of pistes. There is lots of variety for all levels of skiers – wide, gentle slopes for beginners and expert-rated mogul runs for experienced skiers.

Wyoming

Wyoming is home to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. It also boasts one of the best off-piste ski areas in America. Jackson Hole has two ski areas – Rendevous and Apres Vous. They offer wide open trials for beginners and intermediates. For the advanced skier, there's a good choice of powder bowls – Cheyenne, Laramie, and Tensleep are challenging expert level runs with superb snow conditions.

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If you are studying martial arts in a dojo, you'll find sparring to be very exciting as well as beneficial to your training. The instructors and teachers will be right there watching and guiding students, making sure that no one gets hurt. Students use full body gear, including headgear, to ensure safety during practice.

Depending on your skill level and martial art you are studying, you may end up using no protective gear. Students that are very skilled won't normally need protective equipment, as they are good enough with sparring and their techniques that they can go a few rounds with other skilled students and not make any type of contact at all.

Martial arts such as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, that focus on grappling, make the most use of sparring, as it is needed to properly execute the techniques. Martial arts that focus mainly on grappling use joint locks and submission techniques, which will need to be practiced quite a bit before they can be used effectively during a competition or even as self defense.

During sparring, students go back and forth, competing with each other and testing each other. The rounds will vary, although most last several minutes. Students will also receive help and insight from their instructors to let them know how they are doing and if they need to change anything they are doing. This also gives instructors the chance to see just how well you are progressing in training and what areas you need to work more on.

Sometimes, sparring is done by yourself, without anyone else working with you. If you are sparring by yourself, you'll use equipment such as punching bags, tackling dummies, or other forms of equipment that will help you with your martial art. The foam or rubber dummies are most often used with grappling techniques or punching on the ground, as they represent the opponent that you are trying to pummel into submission.

All in all, sparring is an excellent way to practice the skills you have learned against equipment or other students. Students are fun to spar against, especially if they are at a higher level of skill than you are. You can use sparring to your advantage, learning what others do and how they react to your movements and techniques. The longer you spar and practice your moves – the better you will get in your training, speed, and the execution of your skills.

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Combining all the elements of a major resort community with a rugged and beautiful mountain terrain, the Aspen area's reputation has been earned honestly. The area is home to some of the best skiing action in the world with four major mountains located within a few miles of each other. Aspen is home to the world famous Snowmass mountain, among others.

All told the Aspen area has nearly 5,000 acres of land dedicated to skiing and has a total of more than 40 lifts, which happens to be a considerable amount more than even Telluride.

The four mountains that draw regular Joes and celebrities alike to the upscale and action packed area of Aspen are Snowmass, Aspen Mountain, Buttermilk and Highland. Each offers its own draws for skiers of all levels, but some, such as Buttermilk are better than the others for beginners and experts seem to enjoy Snowmass the most.

Snowmass has a summit elevation that rises a whopping 12,510 feet. Its vertical drop is more than 4,000 feet. The general skiing on Snowmass is designed for more advanced skiers and there are even some good challenges for experts. The area around the mountain itself also offers some great resorts, dining and entertainment opportunities, too.

Aspen Mountain rises more than 11,000 feet with a vertical drop of about 3,400 feet. This resort area is known for slopes that cater to intermediate skiers and up only. It is not for beginners and especially not first-timers. The area around the mountain also is filled with resorts and other opportunities for entertainment.

Buttermilk is kind of the "kiddy mountain" of the bunch, but it should not be underestimated. It rises 9,900 feet and offers a vertical drop of just over 2,000. It's recommended for beginners, but is still a fun mountain for more advanced skiers as well.

Highlands rises an impressive 11,675 feet at its summit and boasts offers an array of difficulty levels perfect for skiers of all skills.

The Aspen area is home to celebrities and camera hounds in the holidays, but there's plenty of room on the slopes for every day people as well.

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Although its reputation is sometimes dwarfed by the major upscale ski resorts of Colorado, Utah is a state skiers love. This is so for a number of reasons, but the biggest lies in the fact it gets a lot of snow – a lot – and it has some serious peaks. The snow is so prevalent in this state, in fact, many a skier has said its peaks have the greatest powder in the world. Inasmuch, it's no surprise that Utah was chosen to host the Olympics and did so in grand style.

Utah is not only home to the former Winter Olympics site, it also boasts more than 14 major ski resorts, a host of hotels, chalets and other rentals, giving skiers the option of going as upscale or as low budget as they desire.

The snow in Utah is considered king. In fact, some spots receive on average more than 500 inches of snow during the peak of ski season. Not only does the area boast some major ski resort action with some of the world's best snow, it is also home to several national parks, the attractions of Salt Lake City and more. The options for year-round fun in the resort areas are many, but snow here is almost year-round, which means the ski action is too.

The Alta ski resort, for example, is located about 30 miles outside of Salt Lake City. This ski area is a favorite for locals and includes action that ranges from beginner's slopes to some more serious hills for the big boys.

Solitude Mountain Resort is one major ski area that receives a whopping 500 plus inches of snow on average. This area is generally open for ski traffic from November through April, offering a mix of slopes for all levels.

While many thought the Utah Olympic site win was a pity play by the committee, serious skiers knew this state was ideal – a fact that was proven with the fine outcome of the winter Olympics run. With a map loaded with ski action, Utah is the place for skiers. With a portion of the Rockies in its backyard, this state is one that's not meant to be overlooked by those who love some serious ski action.

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Snowboarding was developed in the 1960s but it wasn't until the 1990s that it really took off. Today, snowboarding is almost as popular as skiing and is now an Olympic sport. Besides its similarity to surfing, snowboarding owes a lot of its techniques to skateboarding. Many of the exhibition moves that have become a part of snowboarding were developed from skateboarding.

Snowboarding is often compared to skiing but the two sports require quite different techniques. Whereas skiers control their movements by shifting weight from one ski to another, snowboarders shift their weight from side to side and forwards and backwards.

There are 4 main types of snowboarding and each type uses its own variation on the basic snowboard design.

Freeride

This is the most popular style of snowboarding – freeride snowboards account for 50% of snowboard sales. Freeriders are more focused on the enjoyment of the run itself rather than the tricks or speed practiced in other styles. Freeriders can explore the mountain terrain as they please – through wooded areas or powder bowls or simply on a wide slope.

Freeride snowboards are usually ridden in one direction. The tail (backside) of the board is narrower and flatter than the tip. It can be ridden backwards but usually only for short distances. These boards are easy to manoeuvre and are suitable for beginners.

Freestyle

Most people associate snowboarding with freestyle – tricks and aerial manoeuvres that borrow heavily from skateboarding. Freestyle boards are usually shorter and lighter than other snowboards and the boots are softer. This makes them easier to control and allow greater flexibility in body movements. Freestyle boards are upturned at both ends to allow them to be ridden in either direction.

Alpine

Alpine snowboards are designed for groomed ski trails. The board handles more like a ski – it travels in the same direction as it is pointing (rather than the sliding motion used in other snowboards) and turns are sharper and faster. The boards themselves are longer and narrower than other types of snowboards with the boots angled towards the front. They are designed for speed and are more difficult for the beginner to handle.

Backcountry

This last style of snowboarding was actually the original. In the early days of the sport many ski resorts prohibited snowboards from their trails, so the only option was to hike up a mountain on snowshoes. Today, backcountry snowboarding has a loyal following – some of whom may hire snow cats or helicopters to take them up the mountain.

Freeride boards are the most common for backcountry use, and there are also specialized 'split boards'. These boards are in two detachable halves. When split they can be used as cross-country skis to get up the hill and then they are reattached for the ride down.

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The basic starting stance for skiing is called the V-shape or snow plow. This involves a fairly controlled movement that also enables relatively quick stop times. The V is necessary to help beginners develop their "snow legs" if you will and also helps them better understand the movements and the physical demands of the sport.

But once the V wears off in its ability to invoke a sense of fun, it's perhaps time to move on to some more challenging stances. The parallel form of moving on skis is the desired form for those who want to look like they know what they're doing. The style has the skis side-by-side rather than put into the pizza-shaped V. It looks more professional and quite frankly being able to move in this manner should be viewed with a sense of accomplishment.

Doing a parallel run the first time can be awkward, very awkward. In this movement the skis do allow for some great control and a tighter circle for turns, but it can be disconcerting at first.

Those who have mastered the snow plow are ready to move up to this level, however. Remember though that parallel does in fact equal faster. To learn it, start out with the basic V and just gradually tighten the back opening. Eventually, the V will be no more and you'll be skiing parallel.

Take your time, learn the feel and practice, practice, practice. It doesn't hurt to move to a slightly easier hill than you may be used to at this point either. The trick is learning to balance while sliding downhill at a faster rate then you're used to.

Moving up in ski styles can take a beginner a matter of a few hours, months or more. You should be the judge of when you're ready and when you are, remember it may take a little time to get used to the feel.
When properly learned, the parallel is a fun, fast and more visually pleasing way to make it down a hill. Taking time, learning it right and developing the proper balance and technique, however, can mean the difference between some great runs or some disasters.

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Considered a favorite for adrenaline junkies, mogul field skiing is not for everyone. Requiring a great deal of skill and a good understanding of on-ski navigation, mogul fields, also known as bumps, are loved by some and feared and even hated by others. But what are they?

Moguls are simply the mounds of snow left behind when skiers really beat up the same slope over and over again. Bumps are created when skiers make turns and the more bumps that are created, the more challenging the course will be. When an area is heavily laden with bumps, it's called a mogul field. The run will be in many cases virtually empty as most skiers prefer to stay away from them.

Those who love challenge, excitement and thrills, however, will brave the mogul fields and many do so without a scratch, lost lunch or even a single heart-stopping moment.

Deciding to hit the mogul fields or not is a personal choice, but it's one that should only be made by those who know their way around with a pair of skis on. The challenge is high and it's a good idea to remember that even expert skiers sometimes prefer to simply stay away from the bumps.

But if challenge is what you seek, here are some tips for mogul skiing:
* Make certain you've mastered advanced ski stances such as a traverse stance.
* Be familiar with how to avoid bumps that might be too difficult to navigate
* Practice on small bumps before moving into entire mogul fields
* Gain advanced skills through taking lessons

Mogul skiing can be a fun and challenging pursuit. It's not recommended for beginners and not even for intermediate skiers in most cases. Use some common sense before trying a downhill run in to a mogul field. If you understand what you're doing and you can make your body and your skis conform, this could be the challenge of a lifetime!

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The fun in Utah really runs year round. Although the slopes do have to shut down from the period of about May through early November, those six months still pack a serious punch for visitor action. But when the snows start falling, they really start falling.

Some of Utah's major ski slopes report an average annual snowfall of 500 inches plus. That's right, 500 inches plus. This means most of the powder here is genuine, from the sky, pristine.

Considering its major snowfalls, the Utah region is not only home to some great ski opportunities, but also other favorite wintertime sports. Possibilities here also include snowboarding, snowmobile riding, skating and more.

Add to that the fact the resort areas are noted for their dining and entertainment opportunities and its clear this state's offerings for skiers and off-season visitors are amazing. Cuisine ranges from ethnic and five-star to good old fashion American hot dogs and apple pie. Shopping, cultural events and mountain explorations also combine to make the Utah region great for ski vacations or summertime visits to the mountains.

When it comes to the "off season" for skiing, Utah's many lodges are ideal for visiting. The mountains come alive in the summer months with wildlife and flowers. Ski lifts offer the perfect view to see it all while enjoying the crisp mountain air. Summer offerings at the lodges range from scenic tours to hiking, biking and more.

Those who want to see a bit more of the state while hitting the slopes no matter the season will find a number of attractions. The state is home to Arches, Canyonlands, Zion, Bryce and Capitol Reef national parks in addition to a number of national monuments, including the Rainbow Bridge.

If winter rules in Utah, than skiing is king. And despite the popularity of this state for those who love to explore the great outdoors with skis strapped firmly to their feet, it is also home to a host of other activities year-round. The great outdoors is just waiting to be explored in some major glory in Utah.

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It might not offer the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, but Lake Placid, New York, shouldn't be discounted by ski fanatics. This former Olympic town is loaded with some serious ski action in the beautiful Upstate New York Adirondack Mountains. It's noted for hosting the Winter Olympics in the early 1980s and has the distinction of being the only location in the East that has earned that honor. Skiing here is considered even better than in many New England resorts and boasts the best vertical drop on the eastern side of the Rockies.

The center of it all in Lake Placid is Whiteface Mountain. This peak offers some of the country's best alpine skiing and snowboarding action. Making skiing a full-time business in the winter, the area around Lake Placid is known now as a serious resort center. The community even offers a free shuttle service to get guests from Lake Placid proper to the lifts of Whiteface seven days a week during the season. Plus, it doesn't skimp on resort pampering, fine dining and other outdoor possibilities, as well.

Whiteface itself is known for having ski trails that are appropriate for all levels. There's some very good beginner trails and, of course, some designed for Olympians. In recent history, the community has regraded several of its trails and added a half-million dollars in grooming equipment to the mountain. Plus there have been snowmaking equipment upgrades and the already impressive superpipe on the Bear trail was recently made even steeper. The area is also home to a number of instructional programs for beginning skiers and a host of other activities to keep visitors busy when they're off the slopes for the night.

Also in this general region, ski fans will find a number of other mountains just ripe for exploring. The views here might not be as high as the Rockies, but they are breathtaking nonetheless.

Upstate New York may be known for its apples, but the area is also home to some of the best skiing in the Northeast and the only mountain that now prides itself with an Olympic history.

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Powder is simply fresh snow. Its properties are light and dry, much like talcum powder, thus the name. The fun in skiing in fresh powder is the fact that no one else has paved the way, so to say. But it can be tricky for newcomers to the sport to navigate. So, many stick with slopes that have been groomed for action.

For those who want to try their hand at powder skiing, there are some typical problems that arise. The key to solving those problems is to know what to do under different circumstances. The biggest problem new powder skiers face is the fact they tend to sink in the snow. Rather than glide across it with the smoothness and grace of a gazelle, they sink, stumble and fall. Where's the fun in that? Well, there is none!

There are a number of factors that can create a sinking problem. And for every possibility, there is a fix. Learning what to do and how to do it, can help open the doors for some great powder action.

When skis get stuck, or dive, in the powder, it is possible there is an equipment failure. That's right … check your equipment. Maybe your boots or bindings aren't fit properly. Perhaps the skis need a more thorough waxing. To glide properly in the snow, especially fresh powder, its important for skis to have a slick presence. The boots and bindings, too, must be right to assist in proper weight distribution.

Another area that can create issues is in the stance the skier takes. If the stance isn't correct for powder, diving will almost always take place. If you have to much forward lean going on, your skis will in fact sink in the powder. If the skis are waxed and the boots and bindings are correct, perhaps adjusting the stance will make all the difference in the world.

Skiing on fresh powder is a dream come true for many Alpine enthusiasts. There's something breathtaking about hitting a slope that hasn't been tampered with and being the first to make tracks in freshly fallen snow. Learning how to handle powder can make all the difference and help skiers avoid frustrations.

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Before strapping on the skis and heading for a lift, those new to the sport should absolutely take advantage of lessons offered at just about every ski lodge that has beginners' hills. The lodges and resort areas that cater to skiers all have professionals on staff whose job it is to teach beginners the ropes.

Getting started requires first an understanding of the equipment and then, secondly, an ability to control movement while on the skis. Many beginners start out with shorter skis to give them more control from the start. The poles that go along with standard ski packages are meant not only to push movement along, but also to help skiers keep their balance. Beginners should learn to rely on these as they get use to the feel and movements of being on skis.

Good starter programs have beginners spending some time getting accustomed to the feel of the skis, poles and the balancing required long before they hit the slopes. In fact, skiing downhill shouldn't come until a newbie is comfortable on flat, firm land first.

Here are some basic pointers for those just starting out in this hobby:
* Practice moving back and forth on the skis by sliding from leg to leg and then work on stopping.
* Do not cross skis, ever. Stopping involves inverting skis and pressing them close together – not crossing.
* Don't head for the hills until you are comfortable with forward movement, balance and stopping. There's no rush to hit the slopes, safety should be key, and if it is, fun will follow.
* Start out on hills that are meant for beginners. Skiing is a sport that takes time and practice to perfect. Make sure you're comfortable before you move up to more challenging mountain faces.

Skiing is a great sport for those who love the outdoors and enjoy being active in the wintertime. With great ski locations the world over, there really is no reason to spend the snowy season indoors. Just remember to start out slow, take lesson and gain confident footing before heading to the bunny slopes or beyond. There's no race, or at least not yet!

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There are three areas that need to be developed before strapping on the skis – flexibility, strength and aerobic ability. Flexibility can help you restore your balance and recover from near falls while minimizing the risk of injury. Strength will bring your skiing ability to a new level. And good lung capacity will allow you to keep on going run after run.

All three of these will naturally develop as you prepare for the ski season. Almost any exercise routine is suitable – jogging, bicycling, or in-line skating will get your heart pounding and increase your lung capacity. Stretching should be done before any workout – including skiing.

Besides being generally fit, you can work on specific muscle groups that are important in skiing. The legs take the brunt of skiing – the quadriceps, hamstring, and gluteal muscles should be strong. In addition, the oblique muscles of the abdomen receive a good workout.

To develop these muscles you can use workout machines that are available in most gyms. They allow you to work on each muscle group individually and build up their strength gradually. Some gyms may have special ski workout programs that offer advice and tips about how to effectively use these machines.

You can also use dumbbells to build up the strength of your arms and upper body. Be sure to use them properly and give yourself the necessary resting time between sets of exercises.

There are several exercises specifically designed for increasing flexibility. The hip area is the most important for skiing as this is where you adjust your upper body to maintain balance. To increase the flexibility of both your hips and legs you can do gentle callisthenics to stretch and strengthen the muscles groups in these areas.

All of these exercises are great for general physical condition and will help you get ready for skiing. There are also other more specialized movements you can do to improve your skiing ability.

For example, squat positions are important in skiing – especially for high-speed runs. To increase your squatting strength get into a squat position and walk sideways while placing most of your weight on the inside of your legs. This approximates the muscles movements made while skiing and builds up strength for the real thing.

Another exercise that will help your ski position is to place your weight on one leg with the other slightly bent. Hold this position for about 10 seconds and then bend your supporting leg a bit more. Again hold this position for a short period and drop even further. Repeat with the other leg. This is a great way to develop your sense of balance.

Remember – don't just think about getting into shape as ski season approaches. Exercise should be a regular part of your routine year-round. There are lots of benefits to staying in shape. You'll be ready to hit the slopes, you will minimize injuries, and you will feel great.

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Snowboards come in different shapes depending on how they will be used. For example, freestylers want a board that can be ridden both ways, so these boards have both a nose and a tail that is tilted up. Alpine boards are built for speed so they are shaped more like a ski.

Base

In addition to the shape, the base of the ski can be a big factor in its performance. Most boards have a polyethylene base which is either 'extruded' or 'sintered'. Extruded bases are found on budget boards – they are easy to manufacture and easy to repair. The downside is that they are the slowest type of base and don't hold wax well. Sintered bases are found on higher quality boards. They are faster and more durable and take wax better than extruded bases. They are also more expensive – both to buy and to repair. Graphite bases are also available for racing boards. These are the fastest and hold wax the best. They are also very expensive.

Camber

Camber is the arch in the middle of the board. This affects turning ability. Boards with a flat camber turn easily and are suitable for freestyle. Boards with a higher camber apply more pressure to the nose and tail, and are therefore more stable at high speeds.

Sidecut Radius

The sidecut radius is the cutout area in the middle of the board. It is affected by the width of the waist (the narrowest part of the board) and the board's length. Sidecut radius affects turning ability – a board with a small radius can make tight turns but a board with a larger sidecut radius will make broader turns.

Waist

This is the area between the bindings – the narrowest part of the board. The waist has to be wide enough to accommodate your boots, although the narrower the waist the faster the board.

Boots

Good boots are essential for controlling the snowboard and they also need to be comfortable and warm. They are available with either a hard plastic or soft leather shell – soft boots have more flex and are a better choice for beginners. Hard boots offer better high-speed control and are generally used for alpine snowboarding. Freeride boots usually have an inner boot that can be laced as tightly as needed. The outer boot is stiff enough to provide extra support. Freestyle boots are more flexible and lower cut – the inners are usually molded. Alpine boots are higher than other snowboarding boots to provide support for the ankle and lower leg.

Bindings

Bindings are made for a particular style of boot, so boots and bindings are usually bought in combination. There are 3 basic types of bindings: flow-in, step-in, and lever. The most popular with freestylers and freeriders are the flow-in because they offer the most flexibility and comfort. Step-in bindings are easy to get in and out of but require boots to match the particular set of bindings. Lever bindings are very solid and give the most control over the board. They are suitable for alpine snowboarding.

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Buying or renting good gear is one of the most important factors in ensuring you've done your part to make the experience the best. Since you can't control the snow, that one has to be left up to Mother Nature.

Before running out and buying any old ski equipment or renting things without knowledge, it's important to understand that making sure things fit right can really mean the difference between a good run and a bad one. If the boots are wrong, the skis too long and the poles are ill fit, control will be hampered and this of course can mean unnecessary falls or just a difficult time on the slopes.

The poles themselves are probably the most basic of required ski equipment, but they're very important. Poles enable beginners, intermediate and even advanced skiers to maintain balance and can help a skier avoid falls, or at least recover from them. So, it's plain to see that poles are pretty important pieces of equipment.

Not just any old pole will do. Poles need to be of a proper length for the person using them to be effective. Plus, they absolutely need to be designed for skiing. A stick might work – sort of – but not in the manner a well-designed pole will for helping keep balance and stave off those embarrassing tumbles.

When standing in a basic ski stance, poles placed with the grip in front of the feet should allow the forearm and upper arm to be positioned at a 90-degree angle. When ski poles are too short, they cause improper posturing that can be dangerous on the slopes and effect balance. If they are too long, they effect basic maneuvering as well.

They are a pretty basic piece of ski equipment, but if the poles are wrong, the whole run likely will be too. Make sure the poles you rent or buy are the right size or can be adjusted to become so.

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One of the most important pieces of gear to ensure a good overall experience on the slopes are boots. When your feet are cold, wet and uncomfortable, the rest of you is, too. Soldiers in many a war were issued extra socks to keep them on the march, and snow skiers should consider making sure the boots they issue themselves are designed to keep the feet protected, warm and comfortable, too. Otherwise, a good day on the slopes can quickly turn into a bad one.

Skiers don't necessarily have to run out and buy themselves a new pair of boots just to wear a few times a year either. Although those who really get into the sport and go more than once in a while will most likely want their own pair, and should probably have it, beginners can benefit from rentals.

The only problem with rentals is the fact, oftentimes, they just aren't as comfortable as they should be. Renting a pair of ski boots is not at all like getting a pair of bowling shoes. You won't be indoors. You won't be exercising minimal movements. And you won't be in welcoming climates.

The boots themselves are not only meant to help keep a skier warm, they also work in controlling the skis. This, of course, makes them that much more important.
When looking for rental boots or even those to buy, ski fans should make sure they fit and they fit right. By this, it means boots that:
* Are comfortable
* Are waterproof
* Are snug, but still provide enough room for the toes to wiggle
* Not so big that the heel comes up in the boot when you walk
* Allow for no side-to-side slippage of the foot within the boot

Boots when they are fit properly keep the snow out, keep the feet warm and help aid the skier in controlling his or her action. When they're fully done up, boots should be comfortable on the muscles, but not too tight.
A good pair of boots is as much an investment in a good time skiing as the lift pass and the skis themselves. If you're feet don't feel good while you ski, the rest of you won't either.

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When it comes to ski pants, the good ones cover all the bases. This means they not only "look good" if that's what's desired, but they also protect against the cold and wet conditions found on most slopes. To ensure the best protection, ski pants should be waterproof if at all possible, but they should also offer some padding to help protect against little spills in the snow.

The best ski pants employ a multi-layer system that serves different purposes with each layer. Multiple layers help keep the body's equilibrium in check and assist in maintaining temperature. One layer of material contacts with the skin. The purpose here is to act as a moisture barrier. The next layer provides insulation, keeping the body's own heat inside the pants. The last layer is the one that really protects against the elements. This layer should offer protection from both wind and water.

When shopping for ski pants, those on the prowl for the best will look past the names and go directly for quality. The best pants employ a multi-layer system that also provides a little bit of breathing, too. Hard to believe, but it can be accomplished.

Style, of course, will matter to many a skier. Considering the makes and choices on the market, it's not out of the question to look good and still find a quality pair of ski pants. Remember though that any pants chosen should not only provide good protection, they also should offer free movement. Skiing is a demanding sport that requires people to be able to move with the slopes, pants that get in the way are not good buys.

Skiing is a fun and challenging sport. This is so for cross-country and Alpine skiing both. If the equipment isn't correct, however, the fun can be wrecked. Be certain to go with gear that covers all the bases first and then go for style second. Doing otherwise can result in a bad day on the slopes, or at the very least an incredibly cold one!

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The draws to this sport are many and include such things as exercise, excitement and even just a love of the snowy scenery. Not as dangerous as many would think, skiing safely can be achieved if those involved take a few precautions.

Although there's no sure-fire way to avoid every possible accident, safety measures can be taken to help avoid many of them. Some of the most important things to consider when it comes to safety include:

* Clothing. If it's too binding, uncomfortable or just not warm enough, the skier can become fatigued, miserable, or even worse, not have the necessary range of movement to perform the proper stances while heading downhill.
* Skill. Skiing isn't a terribly hard sport to start out in, but basic skills are required. Someone who doesn't know how to navigate a five-foot walk on skis has no business heading for advanced slopes. Common sense is often key in avoiding injury. Training is available at just about every ski slope in the world – taking advantage of it is just plain smart.
* Skis. The skis themselves should fit a person correctly. Too long and the control is lost. Shorter is better. This is especially so for beginners.
* Eye protection. If the sun's rays are too bright on the white snow, some serious problems can take place. Protecting the eyes, protects you. Wear eye protection, sunglasses if necessary, but do cover the eyes appropriately.
* Bindings. When it comes to safety, this might be the No. 1 piece of equipment. The bindings hook you and your boots to the skis. Every single movement from your body intended to control the skis must go through the bindings first. Good bindings also are designed to release a foot if a fall takes place, helping users avoid serious injuries like breaks and torn soft tissues. Make sure the bindings you buy fit your feet, boots and skis correctly and be certain to understand how to set the release setting.

Skiing can be a fun and safe sport with some occasional bumps and spills. When common sense, good gear and safety measures are included in the mix, the chances for a problem are greatly reduced. The key is making sure to know what you're doing.

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1. Guide to Buying Snowboard Bindings
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Getting started skiing will most likely (and quite honestly should) involve some basic instruction. Hitting the slopes before a skier is ready can result in unnecessary injury or just simply a bad time. Learning how to ski isn't difficult in and of itself, but learning how to ski well takes time.

Two of the most important basic skills to perfect are movement and stance. Both come into play whether you're skiing cross-country or downhill and they can make all the difference in the world if they are learned correctly. If proper technique isn't learned and practiced, the consequences can range from just making the sport seem undoable for the new skier to down right dangerous.

Beginners should learn how to move in their skis first and foremost. The best way to get started on this is to actually have the boots and skis strapped on. Just try picking up one ski at a time and turning them from side to side on solid ground. There's no need to go downhill just yet. Get accustomed to the feel and what comes into play to make the skis go where you want them to before you worry about anything else.

Another smart thing to practice before attempting a major ski run is the basic stance involved. How the skis are held and how the body is postured can be a very big deal. If the skis are held in a proper stance, the chance of falling over with movement is lessened. If it's not, well then down you'll quite likely go.

The best way to stand with skis on for Alpine action is to have the feet shoulders-width apart with the toes pointing slightly inward. This creates a V-shape and is commonly called the snow plow. This basic stance is great for developing a firm standing on the snowy ground and enables a whole host of movements, as well. This is a good one to practice over and over again with bending included to develop a feel for what's needed to stay up and balanced while moving.

Basic movements and the stance are key to learning how to ski correctly. They should be practiced and understood before downhill movement takes place. With a little time, skiing can become as second nature as walking or driving a car. It just takes some practice and patience.

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Western Canada

British Columbia has lots of mountains and lots of famous ski resorts. Whistler-Blackcomb is probably the most famous and will be the setting for the 2010 winter Olympics. Whistler-Blackcomb is just 78 miles from Vancouver. It has the highest vertical drop of any ski resort in North America as well as the largest ski-able area – 8,171 acres – more than 50% larger than the largest ski resort in the USA (Vail).

To make the long runs more accessible, several high speed gondolas and chair lifts have been installed. Skiers can get from base to alpine in just 15 minutes – a one mile vertical lift. The longest run on Whistler-Blackcomb is an amazing 7 miles. The total number of trails is more than 200, and range in difficulty from beginner to expert. No matter what your level is, you can find a suitable trail at Whistler-Blackcomb. The snowfall here is 360 inches a year, and the snow stays on the mountain year-round for those hardcore skiers who just can't let the season end.

Another popular ski area of British Columbia is the Kootenays. As well as being home to several popular ski resorts like Red Mountain and Kimberly, the Kootenays is also famous for back-county skiing. Skiers can get to pristine powder by either snowcat or helicopter. This is one of the most expensive ski options in the world, but offers more than 80,000 acres of unskied deep powder.

Quebec

The mountains of eastern Canada are nowhere near the height of those in western Canada but still offer respectable skiing. The two main ski areas in Quebec are the Laurentians (close to Montreal) and the Quebec City region.

Mont Tremblant in the Laurentians has been rated as the #1 ski resort in Eastern North America. It has 600 acres of trails with a maximum vertical height of 2,871 feet. The longest trail here is 3.73 miles. There are 94 runs rated from easy to expert. The 12 ski lifts have a capacity of about 27,000 skiers per hour.

Mont Sainte Anne near Quebec City has a slightly lower vertical height than Mont Tremblant (2,050 feet) but offers 64 trails over 450 acres. Because of its northerly latitude it has the longest ski season in Eastern North America. Ski trails are located on 3 sides of the mountain so you can pick trails to stay in the sunshine almost all day long. There are also 17 lighted trails for night skiing for those who want to extend their ski day to a maximum. With a total of 13 lifts (including two high-speed covered lifts) waiting time is kept to a minimum. The close proximity to Quebec City gives you access to fabulous restaurants and night life after a day of skiing. Quebec City is just 20 miles away from Mont Sainte Anne.

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