Unique Ski Travel Advice

Ski travel sounds wonderful but? it can be frightening for those who are not in good shape or for those who are not aware of the risks they take when they ski down a slope without having taken ski advice. Ski travel advice is also necessary from the financial point of view as you must consider the price of your equipment, which includes skis, ski boots, ski poles, bindings, goggles and a weatherproof outfit.

Duplicate the changes here:Content: Ski travel sounds wonderful. However, it may sound dangerous for those who do not have a proper physical training or for those who are not aware of the risks taken when they go down the ski slope without previous ski advice. Ski travel advice is also necessary from the financial point of view as well. You must consider the price of your equipment, which includes ski boots, ski sticks, straps, glasses, and costume.

Ski equipment can be very expensive. Thus, if you are a beginner our ski advice would be to rent equipment or purchase good second hand skis and ski boots. They are of course cheaper and can be good enough for learning to ski. If you decide to purchase second hand equipment, you should go with an expert in the field? to make sure the equipment is in good condition and suitable for a beginnerl. After you have made progress, you can purchase better quality skis adapted to your favourite skiing style.

It is important to pay attention to ski travel advice related to your knees, which are one of the most exposed and vulnerable parts of your body when skiing. Ski advice is necessary because a beginner skier should have the physical fitness necessary to help with balance, reaction time, the ability to learn, attention span, the capacity to judge distances correctly, and self confidence..

Before going on holiday in the winter, our ski travel advice would be to take as much physical training as possible in order to help avoid injuries on the ski slopes, especially if you are not used to exercising for the rest of the year. At the beginning of the ski season, it is recommended to take up exercises that tone the muscles of the legs to avoid stiffness because they are given a real workout while skiing.

Cycling (in a gym or in the open) is the ideal training for a ski holiday. It is also good to learn some warm-up exercises like arm rotations, stretching and twisting the body, lunges, etc. Ski advice can help you to avoid common injuries. When skiing, a skier has their knees slightly bent and joints can be vulnerable in this position, especially when rotation movements exert considerable stress onto ligaments.

Having toned muscles can help you to stay in control when skiing.ligament and that is why it is important for a skier to have highly developed muscles around the knee. Otherwise, the risk of accidents can be high. The most frequent skiing traumas are associated with the knees: contusions, sprains, dislocations, ruptured ligaments, and ruptured meniscus. Other ski related accidents are fractures, and traumas to the face or head. Arms can be exposed to accidents also if the skier happens to fall.

An important factor related to ski travel advice is correct use of the equipment. For example, binding must be correctly adjusted. The ski boots and the bindings must release when needed, so that the knee is not damaged. Many knee sprains can be avoided if bindings are correctly adjusted so that they release properly.

Greatest Ski Holidays

Winter is when skiers start to think about booking their skiing holiday. In Europe there are hundreds of destinations to choose from. France, Switzerland and Austria all have very popular ski resorts, but if you are looking for a bargain then try Eastern Europe. Borovets in Bulgaria and the high Tatra mountains in Slovakia are attracting increasing numbers of skiers. A survey by pricerunner.co.uk and travelex.co.uk revealed that not only are the Eastern European resorts much cheaper than the popular destinations in the Alps, but they are also rated quite highly. Bansko in Bulgaria, Jasna in Slovakia, Zelezna Ruda in the Czech Republic and Kranjska Gora in Slovenia all got a mention.

If you are unsure which resort to pick, companies such as Forbes create a list of the top ski resorts in the world. The list will contain many Western and European resorts primarily because of the quality of the snow and the village atmosphere. New England has snow, but it won?t feature much on the list. This is because its snow tends to be icy, not powdery like the snow in Europe which is better for skiing. However, skiing holidays are about more than the quality of the snow. Resorts such as Aspen are hugely popular and the slopes are crowded, meaning that you probably spend more time waiting for the chair lift than on the slopes. Another consideration is the apr?s-ski scene. For some people this is the best part of the holiday. There should be plenty of opportunities for dining, drinking and swapping stories in front of a log fire. It is also a good idea to choose somewhere that has activities other than skiing, just in case your legs need a rest from the slopes. Your accommodation is also important and should be comfortable with easy access to the slopes.

Ski holidays can be expensive, but there are ways to save money. When you book your holiday you should consider a package deal as these often work out cheaper. A single lift ticket can be very expensive.? Try booking at the last minute and stay in catered accommodation to save on eating out. Book your ski pass and ski hire online and always pay in local currency.

Ski resorts that regularly make it into the top 10 lists are:

Aspen: Located in the beautiful state of Colorado, Aspen always features on the list of top ski resorts due to its excellent ski runs that are suitable for skiers of all abilities. It is also the place where you have the chance to ski with the rich and famous although the downside of this is that it is not cheap!

Cortina: Another top choice is this stylish Italian ski resort which hosted the Olympic Games in 1956. Cortina was one of the world?s first ski resorts. The Cortina Ski World is located in the Alps and is one of the most scenic places in the world, with 120 kilometres of ski trails and 52 lifts.

Mont-Tremblant:? Canada?s best known ski resort first opened in 1939 and has recently been given a $1 billion facelift. It is a compact ski resort lying in the pretty Laurentian Mountains. The village has a distinctive French feel to it and it has a number of cafes and bistros in cosy log cabins, as well as boutiques and restaurants. The skiing is suitable for mixed groups and there is a good ski school. Another plus for this resort is that it is just one hour from Montreal for those who would like to do some sight-seeing along with their skiing.

Stowe: Located in Vermont, this is another American resort famed for its picturesque setting. It has the largest vertical drop in the area and is famous for its double-black diamond ?Four Front? trails, suitable for experienced skiers. However, it also offers trails suitable for intermediate skiers and beginners. Away from the ski slopes it has over 90 shops and 60 restaurants.

Chamonix Mont-Blanc: Situated in the French Alps, it played host to the first Winter Olympic Games in 1924. It lies at the foot of Mont-Blanc, the highest peak in the Alps. It is renowned for its vertical drop of 9,209 feet and for having one of the world?s longest runs, the Vallee Blance, at 13.7 miles.

Banff/Lake Louise: This ski resort in Alberta, Canada is located in the Banff National Park. It is one of the most scenic mountain resorts in North America and has very reliable snow conditions. Covering 4,200 acres it offers tree-lined runs, smooth slopes and plunging bowls, providing ideal skiing for everyone from the novice to the expert.

Vail: Another ski resort in Colorado, Vail claims to be America?s favourite resort. With 5,300 acres of skiable terrain it has the largest ski area in the USA. Vail also has a lot to offer besides skiing with art galleries, ballooning, dog sledding, museums, ice skating, hockey and snowmobiling.

Zermatt:? Switzerland?s top resort is a picturesque village and a car-free area at the foot of the Matterhorn. It has the second biggest lift-served vertical drop in the world. Zermatt has large snowfalls and the longest skiing season in the Alps.

Kitzbuhel: The most famous resort in the Austrian Tyrol. Skiing began here in 1892 and the 700-year old village still retains its traditional charm. Kitzbuhel is home to the Hahnenkahm the most dangerous and famous of the downhill ski races and is Austria?s winter entertainment capital. It has excellent skiing and snowboarding, but due to its low altitude snow may be lacking on the lower slopes.

Whistler/Blackcomb: This resort in British Columbia provides the best skiing in North America with the biggest vertical drop. It has 8,171 acres of skiable terrain and has been voted North America?s Favourite Ski Resort by OntheSnow.com visitors. The village has cafes, spas, galleries, international stores and over 100 restaurants that feature cuisines from around the world including French, Chinese, Italian, Mexican and more.

Popular Ski Boats

Cruising the waters and going for a ski on your new ski boat is the perfect way to enjoy those long deserved days off.A popular outing and sport, water sking has been around for a number of generations.

To ski on water you not only need the right kind of skis, but also the right kind of boat. For a better ski boat they should have small wake and have nippy maneuverability and turning capability, and getting the biggest meanest boat doesn’t make it better. Some popular ski boat ranges are equiped with an inboard engine rather than outboard, and while many people ski using general purpose deck ski boats, the best are purpose built.

There are many popular ski boat ranges in Aussie and since there are so many of them and most are great for Australian conditions for water sking. It would be easier to single out those slightly less fabulous than the rest than to pick the best, and you can’t go by price. Australia is a nation perfectly situated for water skiing, and they know how to build the right ski boats for sale to do the job.

If we were to name a few, then of the popular ski boat ranges in Australia, Lewis must be amongst the most favoured, being one of the major ski boat builders in the world.? Anywhere there is water skiing you will find a Lewis boat, built by Australia?s oldest manufacturer.

Although the original Lewis boats were made of wood, they are now fiberglass that provides a strong but very lightweight boat.? Even though the internal stringer system is generally wood, Lewis boat sales are high preformance and have the speed and dexerity for great skiing. The 2280 and Revolution are typical of the Lewis range with their zippy Mercruiser engines that produce a small wake at speed for a smooth slalom ride, and nice big wake for wakeboarding at lower speeds.

Their well crafted Wake towers can be pimped any way you like them, with sound system speakers, . However, the disadvantage in a dual purposeski boat or wakeboarding vessel is that you can get a rougher ride on skis.? It isn’t always ideal to have a dual purpose boat, but if you enjoy both sports then you should get enough performance from a wakeboarding and ski boat to make you happy.? If it’s championship performance you are seeking, then a specialist boat for sale for skiing could be an option.

A well known and popular boat builder Bayliner has a great standing in the 16-22 foot range of ski boat sales The Bowrider 205 is is a great example of skiboat with a 220 hp Mercuiser engine. This ski boat for sale comes with and great sound system from its stereo controller that allows you fit a CD player, iPod or MP3 player. Building boats for over 40years Bayliner has the experience to know how to build good boats. These ski boats for sale are quality, and respond to the helm perfectly.? They have great acceleration with a agility for some great water skiing.

Crownline boats are for the boating enthusist that likes a bit more power.? These boats for sale exude class and quality, and the Bowrider 240LS is great for skiing. With a variety of colours to choose from and your Mercedes engine up to a maximum 425 horse power.? With many great options including an entertainment system, sink and shower it makes it a great fun throughout your ski boating day. If you prefer a deckboat to a bowrider for your skiing, then the Crownline 252 EX has similar features with the same outboard engine, and a Sony Marine stereo system as standard. Crownline may be a little more expensive but you pay for quality and one of the best ski boats for sale.? Again, though, they are multi-purpose and while a common choice with the mid range ski boat skier they are not designed to be specialised ski boats.

For a championship specialist ski boat, then Skicraft must figure in there somewhere.? Based in Bayswater, Skicraft boats, have been building top of the range ski boats for sale since 1969, offering very reliable turning and maneuverability, but is also very safe. From the lustrous and prompt 202 to the new V-Drive eXV Skicraft are true ski boats.? The ExV is an updated model of the popular eX2, with a good heaviness design allowing you to switch from wakeboarding to skiing with a turn of a switch.

Skicraft normally build specialist boats, and the V-Drive is commonly better for wakeboarding. However, wakeboarding boats for sale can be costly because they have to be heavier to produce a good wake. Skicraft have developed a wake control technology whereby you can adjust the size of the wake to switch between skiing and wakeboarding, and all at a price well below that of a purpose-built wakeboarding boat.

However, the luxury cruiser that catches everyones attention is the new Mustang. Since being taken over by new owners, Mustang has re emerged, and is going from strength to strength. Their most recent boat, still to be unveiled, is the Mustang 2008 430 Sports Coupe.? How good this will be for ski boat we don’t know, but it is equipped with Volvo IPS 600 engines as usual, with 418 HP each so is going to be prompt enough.

These are among the more popular skiboat ranges around Australia, and with so many more ski boats for sale that we have missed it might pay to visit a great website Boats To Buy for both new and used boats for sale online.

Ski in Ski Out Rare Find in Colorado Ski Resorts, Usa

Ski in, ski out accommodation isn’t really a concept the Americans have conquered yet, but more options are gradully creeping in to Colorado’s repertoire.

Most Europeans?by contrast?have grown?up with ski in, ski out lodging as the norm.?Alpine villages, and the ski areas they were associated with, grew alongside one another and developed into the large ski areas we know today. The ski resorts began as part of the centre of the town and naturally as new ski lifts and runs were added and more people wanted to ski, the towns expanded around them to accommodate their needs. Ski in, ski out properties just became a normal part of the expansion and although often commanding?a premium prices are relatively?easy to find.

Skiing in the US is increasing in popularity with the Europeans, but especially the Brits due its superior snow conditions and uncrowded slopes.?

Several US ski towns such as Breckenridge Telluride and Aspen started life as mining towns, before they grew into the world famous ski areas they are today. Steamboat Springs was originally a ranching town and still retains much of its Old West character. Many of these ski towns in the US were already established before the ski areas were developed, so the ski lifts are a mile or two from the town associated with them.

Winter Park was originally?home?to railway workers?and gradually developed into a small town. The town?is about 3 miles from the ski area, but an easy 5-10 minute free bus ride. The vast majority of accommodation is still in the?town of Winter Park and the small towns of Fraser and Tabernash, a little further along US Highway 40.?

However, gradually the powers that be are recognising the importance and desirability of ski in, ski out accommodation. The base area is now being developed to include more lodging options closer to the lifts in addition to the one true ski in, ski out accommodation already completed?- Zephyr Mountain Lodge Restaurants and shops are now also being added at the base area to give ski in ski out residents more dining options near their accommodation. Chalets USA have added?a luxury one bedroom and a luxury 2 bedroom apartment in Zephyr Mountain Lodge to their portfolio to give their guests the option of enjoying this newly improved ski in ski out experience. They only have one ski in, ski out catered chalet, due to the very limited properties available near the mountain. Thunderhead chalet ?is in Steamboat Springs, sleeps up to 14 in 6 ensuite bedrooms and is literally ski to the door.

Maybe with higher gas prices and Americans gradually relying a little less on their vehicles, ski in, ski out lodging will become increasingly popular and perhaps more ski in, ski out possibilities may be just around the corner….

For more info on these new chalets or other luxury ski accommodation in Colorado visit www.chalets-usa.co.uk

How to Choose the Right Ski Gear

Want to enjoy the skiing season? It all depends on the type of ski gear you select. Just as hiking boots which are more robust and useful when you use them on trails but quite useless and ridiculous even if you were to wear them to a party, so also ski gear has to be suitable to the purpose you have in mind for it to be of any use.

Of course, you need skis. Beside that, you also need ski goggles, ski jackets, ski hats and ski gloves.

Ski gloves: Every seasoned skier knows that much of the body heat is lost through the extremities. Ski gloves keep your hands warm and dry. Do not compromise on the quality of these gloves. They must be well insulated and water proof. At the same time, they must allow enough ventilation. Leather ski gloves are particularly strong and waterproof. They also last longer. But these are expensive. So, if you decide to give leather gloves a miss, at the very least, your gloves must have leather seams. Mittens are a good choice but they may pose grip problems. In either case, gloves or mittens must carry elastic wrist welts and overlapping cuffs with Velcro.

Ski goggles: When you?re cruising across slopes laden with snow, proper vision could be a matter of life and death. Regular ski goggles are good for those people who do not wear any kind of protective eyeglasses. In case you wear eye glasses, your ski goggles must fit snugly over the glasses. Yellow or brown tints are helpful because they help you see contours better. Your goggles should fit snugly over the helmet so they can rest over the helmet comfortably. Adjustment straps are a must.

Ski helmets: Comfort and safety are the main things to look out for when selecting ski helmets because they can save your neck, literally. Besides, fashionable helmets make you look cool and sleek. Select helmets that have snug interiors. That will keep you warm and dry. Adjustable ventilation allows you to regulate the temperature. Adjustable straps are another wonderful feature.

Ski jackets: Ski jackets stand between you and the elements. So they had better be good if you want to enjoy your skiing. The most important features of ski jackets are waterproofing and ventilation. If you are on a tight budget, you could look for ski jackets that are only taped at critical seams. However, to be well and truly dry and warm, you must select a jacket that has all its seams taped. Ventilation is important because skiing can make you lose up to half a liter or more of liquid every day. If the jacket does not release moisture, then this moisture can condense within the jacket, making you feel cold and wet. Combining ventilation with waterproofing is the tricky bit and this is what decides the quality of the jacket you select. Ski jackets must have a base layer to keep the moisture out and an outside layer for letting out moisture. Jackets with hoods, pockets and stretch panels are helpful.

Ski gear has to keep you comfortable, dry and safe. Of course, if you are in a mood to splurge, there is no limit to what you can buy. But, if you are counting your dollars, then you need to buy those items that are most important and will give you maximum skiing pleasure.

Want to Avoid Crowds? Try Skiing at Bear Valley

You’ve heard about the skiing at Lake Tahoe or Mammoth, but one of the best ski or snowboard experiences you’ll ever have awaits you at Bear Valley, where the crowds are few, but the thrills are many.

While not on a par with Squaw Valley or Heavenly or other major California ski resorts, the Bear Valley ski area is still a prime candidate for a weekend or even an extended skiing vacation. As we discovered in early February, Bear Valley offers a surprisingly complete ski vacation experience – no frills, to be sure, but still rewarding and well worth the trip deep into the Sierra Nevada range.

If designer clothing stores, zillion-dollar condos, and Hollywood-style glitz are part of your criteria for a ski vacation, this ski area might not be the best choice. If wide-open ski runs, no lift lines and plenty of groomed snow are more important to you, then by all means give Bear Valley a try.

Coming originally from the Pacific Northwest, we could not help but compare Bear Valley to one of our favorite ski areas in Washington state – a place called Mission Ridge in a town named Wenatchee. The population in that part of the state is sparse compared with the big ski areas near Seattle, so Mission Ridge is able to offer wide-open skiing runs most days of the week.

Similarly, Bear Valley is less accessible than the many larger ski areas in the Lake Tahoe area. Bay area and Sacramento residents can drive Interstate 80 to the Tahoe area and find a selection of ski resorts a short distance off the interstate. To reach this ski area, you have to drive two-lane roads through the foothills and mountains for close to 100 miles.

But when you get there, most skiers and snowboarders will find it’s worth it. Our mid-week skiing was some of the best we’ve experienced – plenty of wide-open, groomed terrain perfect for intermediates and serviced by a number of lifts where there seemed to never be lines. It was ski down the run, get right on the chair and do it all again and again until just a few hours into our day we were growing exhausted. We probably skied in four hours what it would take us a full day to do at a resort with moderate lift lines.

There are no gondolas or high-speed quad chairlifts at Bear Valley, although there are 10 lifts altogether, mostly doubles and triples. About 1280 acres are available for skiing and snowboarding; some 100 acres are in an area where they can make snow – although at 7,750 feet, it’s likely Mother Nature will supply all the snow you need.

We mentioned the intermediate skiing because that’s our favorite – but rest assured this ski area has many black diamond or expert ski runs for those looking for more of a challenge. The day lodge is situated mid-mountain with lifts going both up the mountain to 8495 feet, and coming to the lodge from the lower part of the mountain. Most of the expert runs are located on the lower mountain.

The area’s day lodge also was wide open and easy to navigate. Instead of masses of people waiting in line to get their food and find a place to sit, we stepped right up and got our cooked-to-order Philly cheesesteak sandwiches in just a few minutes. And there was no shortage of menu options – lots of different types of food from sandwiches to Asian cuisine, from soups and salads to major meals.

But the Bear Valley experience is much more than a daytrip – or at least it should be given the time it takes to get to the ski area. For our trip we booked lodging at the Bear Valley Lodge, one of just a few hotel-type facilities near the mountain. Located about three miles from the mountain, the Bear Valley Lodge seems to be the hub of activity in the area and proved to be a good choice for accommodations. While showing some of its age – it was built in the 60’s – the lodge proved to be a comfortable, convenient base of operations. A ski shuttle bus will take you to the mountain, and you can even ski all the way back to the lodge.

When we say comfortable, we are not comparing the lodge to the high-end condos you find at most major ski resorts. The rooms at Bear Valley Lodge are more like a motel unit with two double beds a bath area and a TV/entertainment area that included HBO. But small touches – such as the bay window looking out onto the snowy landscape or the pine furniture – helped to make this feel much cozier than a motel room.

The four floors of rooms at the Bear Valley Lodge look out onto the Cathedral Lounge, a large open space in the middle of the lodge that offers guests a place to sit and read and enjoy the fire in the massive stone fireplace. Photos are mounted along the walls depicting the history of the lodge and Bear Valley ski area. Celebrities such as Spider Savich, Claudine Longet, Merv Griffin and several others are shown skiing or otherwise enjoying Bear Valley.

Adjacent to the lounge are several shops including an old-fashioned general store – with a deli to get quick sandwiches and soups – and a surprisingly complete ski shop with all of the latest ski equipment, clothing and accessories. But keep in mind this is not the type of resort where you can spend hours shopping when you’re not on the slopes; your down time here most likely will be spent in front of the fire reading a good book.

During our brief stay we dined in the lodge’s Grizzly Lounge – mainly because the other lodge restaurant, the Creekside Dining Room, was closed Mondays and Tuesdays. The lounge food was good and included a few menu items from the Creekside. We did learn that the Creekside has recently employed a well-educated and accomplished chef that has proven both creative and popular with guests – so we were disappointed we didn’t get a chance to sample the Creekside cuisine.

We also enjoyed a meal down at BaseCamp, a lodge that is just a short walk from the Bear Valley Lodge and the only other hotel-style lodging this close to the ski area. We enjoyed our meal at BaseCamp where we got to know an English waitress who had come to Bear Valley simply because the skiing is so good. The BaseCamp, incidentally, offers the lowest cost rooms in the area with “bathroom down the hall.”

There are also condo and cabin rentals available in the Bear Valley area, as well as the Tamarack Lodge further west on Highway 4. Prices in general will be less at BaseCamp, moderate at the Bear Valley Lodge and Tamarack, and more when you rent an entire vacation home.

While in the area, there are several small towns and attractions that are worth a stop if you have the time. To reach Bear Valley in winter, you’ll be traveling through the historical town of Angel’s Camp and then a similar but smaller Gold Rush town called Murphys.

But our suggestion would be to allow plenty of time for skiing. You’ll want to ski or board Bear Valley just as long as the weather – and your legs – will hold out.

AT A GLANCE

WHERE: Bear Valley Ski Resort is on Highway 4, about 52 miles from the foothills town of Angel’s Camp, and 130 miles from Sacramento.

WHAT: Bear Valley is a throwback to skiing in the ’60’s and ’70’s – no high-speed quads or gondolas but lots of wide open groomed terrain in a gorgeous setting.

WHEN: Winter always means where is lots of snow for skiing as well as many other snow sports; the area also is a popular summer recreation area with numerous lakes, hiking trails and a pristine forest.

WHY: It’s refreshing to ski where there are no lift lines and little pretense – most of the “beautiful people” went to Colorado; the home-growns stayed here. Economically, this ski vacation is quite affordable.

HOW: For more information on Bear Valley Ski Resort, phone (209) 753-2301 or visit www.bearvalley.com. For more information on Bear Valley Lodge, phone (209) 753-2325 or visit www.bearvalleylodge.com.

Five Great Places to Water Ski in the U.S.

Most of us associate water skiing with summertime fun – warm sunshine, beaches and picnics – so it may come as a surprise that water skiing was born in Minnesota in 1922 when Ralph Samuelson used two boards and a clothesline to ski across Lake Pepin. Samuelson has been credited by the American Water Ski Association as the first water ski racer, and the first to jump a ramp and slalom ski, as well as the first to hold a water ski show, too.

Like Samuelson, avid enthusiasts will water ski nearly any time, any where there is an opportunity, even when winter temperatures and chilly water are a deterrent for most people. Fortunately, no matter what city and state you call home, there’s probably a local lake or other body of water where you can get in some ski time, perhaps even practice your gainers and other tricks.

Of course, skiing at the same location all the time can become routine. Add a little excitement to your water time this year by planning a water skiing vacation. Whether you are a novice or expert, you can have some added fun by water skiing at one of these five great locations:

Top U.S. water skiing destinations

1) San Diego, Calif. – With a climate that provides ideal conditions year-round and an average of 264 days of sunshine each year, San Diego is a water skier’s dream. It’s also the home of Mission Bay Park, the largest manmade aquatic park in the U.S. Located just 10 minutes from downtown, Mission Bay offers hardcore skiers the opportunity to take an early morning jaunt around the bay, and still make it to the office on time. In addition, there’s a variety of water ski classes for everyone from the novice to the experienced. For a little more excitement and a change of pace, skiers can cruise around the freight and military ships in San Diego Bay. A variety of local lakes are perfect for those that prefer freshwater water skiing. Plan your trip to San Diego the weekend of Oct. 9,, 2009, and you’ll be able to watch the 5th U.S. Open Water Ski Racing National Championships, too.

2) Austin, Texas – As the Live Music Capital of America, Austin’s earned a reputation as a vibrant city that exemplifies a young, active outdoor lifestyle. For water skiers, the long summers and short winters provide almost year-round opportunity to hit the water. In addition to Lake Austin and Lake Travis, Austin offers several world-class facilities built specifically for water skiers:

- Austin Aquaplex – The Aquaplex is known for “easy” water with a medium-to-high viscosity – great for slalom and jump-ski enthusiasts.
- Guadalupe Ski Plex – Built to accommodate competitive water skiing, Guadalupe is home to three lakes, two slalom courses and a ski jump, as well plenty of boat docks and storage areas.
- Utopia River Ranch – For professional lessons, trek to Utopia River Ranch, a private water ski training facility located near Staples, just outside of Austin.

3) West Palm Beach, Fla. – South Florida, from Key West and Miami to West Palm and Orlando, is a hub of activity for water sports lovers of all kinds. With few days under 70 degrees, South Florida’s Palm Beach County offers ski enthusiasts nearly year-round opportunity, as well as two major water ski attractions and several exciting competitions.

- Okeeheelee Park – The site of choice for beginners and professionals, the facility is a nationally recognized competitive water ski park with five courses that can accommodate everything from traditional to barefoot and kneeboard skiing. If you love to bask in the moonlight, you can take advantage of night skiing on a lit course, too. At under $100, annual permits are more than affordable, too.
- Palm Beach Training Center – Ask Chet Raley, one of the world’s top ski coaches and a national champion, for world-class water ski instruction at Palm Beach Training Center, a private facility located in Boca Raton. Raley offers video coaching for under $100, as well as more expensive clinics for professional skiers.

In addition, South Florida hosts the following water skiing events:

- 3rd IWSF Pan Am Region Wakeboard Championships (Miami)
- Board Up Miami (Miami)
- 4th Big Dawg Slalom Series Championship (West Palm Beach)
- 67th GOODE Water Ski National Championships (West Palm Beach)

4) Pine Mountain, Ga. – Located just outside of Atlanta in Pine Mountain, lays Robin Lake Beach, home of the world’s longest manmade white sand beach. Ranked among Fine Living’s top 10 most unique beaches in the world in 2007, Robin Lake Beach is part of Callaway Gardens resort. Callaway Gardens also hosts the Masters Water Ski and Wakeboard Tournament?, which awards more than $100,000 in winnings each Memorial Day weekend. A great destination for the entire family, the stunning vacation resort offers something for everyone, from water skiing to golf, relaxing spa visits and more.

5) Seattle, Wash. – Although you may not think of the rainy Emerald City as a water skiing hub, it’s the testing ground of choice for popular water ski manufacturers like Herb O’Brien, Pat Connelly, Jeff Jobe and Denny Kidder. With picturesque Mount Ranier as a backdrop, Lake Washington and Lake Sammamish provide the perfect glass.

Of course, these aren’t the only great places to water ski. Lake Havasu City, Ariz., Charlotte, N.C., Sacramento, Calif., Grand Rapids, Mich., and Madison, Wis. are other destinations beloved by ski enthusiasts.

No matter where in the U.S. you are located, there’s a great place to water ski near you. However before you take your boat on a trip or hit the water, be sure it’s protected. Nationwide offers affordable boat insurance, as well as personal watercraft insurance in case you own any other water sport toys, like jet skis. For more information, visit nationwide.com.

Choose The Right Snow Skis – Part 1

Snow skiing is one of the most popular winter sports in the world. Millions of people hit the slopes every year for fresh air and fun, and a large percentage of them are beginners. This is a fun sport, but it is equipment-oriented. Without the proper ski gear it can be frustrating, discouraging, and even dangerous.

This article will help guide you in selecting the best equipment for your level and style of skiing. Skis are the single most important piece of ski equipment. Choosing the right pair of skis will help you get the most enjoyment out of your skiing time.

Your Skill Level

The most important factor in choosing a pair of skis is your skiing ability. Beginners and intermediate level skiers need skis that can be easily maneuvered, while experts require more specialized skis. When choosing a pair of skis, the variables include materials, type, length, shape, and stiffness.

Materials Used In Skis

Skis were originally made of wood, but very little wood is used in modern skis. The most common materials used today are aluminum and fiberglass. Other more exotic materials like Kevlar, carbon, titanium, and boron fibers are also used.

Skis are frequently made from a variety of materials to provide various degrees of flexibility and strength in the different sections of the ski. The core of the ski can be made of foam, wood or some other material. The tops and sides are usually made of aluminum and fiberglass. The base of the ski is a synthetic polyethylene, with edges of steel.

Type Of Skiing

There are several different types of skiing and, therefore, different ski designs. For example, cross country skis are longer and thinner than downhill skis, because they are made for gliding along straight paths, rather than making quick turns down a hill. Furthermore, downhill skis come in a variety of shapes and styles, depending on whether they will be used for freestyle, powder, racing or packed trails.

Length Of Skis

Most beginners start off with a pair of short skis because they are easier to turn; also some freestyle skiers use short skis. Longer skis are faster, so racers and expert skiers who like the challenge of a fast run use them. They are also suitable for a greater variety of snow conditions. Skiing ability, style, and the weight of the skier determines the proper ski length.

Various Shapes Of Skis

Skis come in various shapes to match the different types of skiing. For instance, skis that are narrow in the boot area are capable of making sharp, fast turns. Skis that are wider in the boot area offer more stability and will make broader turns. The overall length of the ski, when taken into consideration with the various shapes, results in skis with a wide range of characteristics.

Appropriate Stiffness

The stiffness of a ski is determined by the materials and shape. Shorter skis offer a greater maneuverability at the expense of high-speed stability, while longer skis are more stable at high speeds. Your skiing level and style will enable you to choose skis of the appropriate stiffness.

In Part 2 of this article we will examine tips for renting and buying the right skis for a successful and fun day on the slopes.

Ski Property Investments In The French Alps

The French Alps in the Eastern provinces of Savoie and Haute Savoie are among the most popular ski destinations in Europe. Every year hundreds of thousands of ski tourists descend on the French alpine ski resorts that border Switzerland and Italy to enjoy the snow, sun and to marvel at the fabulous French scenery.

Visitors to the French Alps tend to hire accommodation to suit their purposes. While some tourists select ski resort hotels for their holidays, others decide to rent apartments and ski chalets close to the ski lifts.

Ski-in / ski-out accommodation is preferred by many. This allows skiers to ski up to the front door of the French property they have hired, avoiding the need to take their skis off and trudge through the snow and ice to get back to where they are staying.

I have to admit here that I am a fan of the French Alps ski scene. In the past few years I have visited several ski resorts in France. My favourites are Meribel, which is a very picturesque village with wooden ski chalets overlooking a spectacular alpine valley, and Courchevel 1850 ? one of the most prestigious ski resorts in the world.

A lot of people I have met on the French ski slopes have talked to me about their desire to buy French property in one of the ski resorts. For most it is only a pipe dream ? they see the property prices in the windows of real estate agents in the ski resorts and immediately declare that they cannot afford to buy property there.

Yet, if they were to dig a little deeper; if they researched the French property market they would find that a ski property is in truth affordable, and would make for a very good property investment indeed.

Property investing in the French ski resorts

Ski resorts in France, by their very nature, are big tourist draws. Many ski resorts ? like Meribel, Courchevel and Val d Isere ? offer summer alpine activities as well as winter sports, making them all-year-round holiday destinations. It is here where the vast potential for investment in French apartments and chalets in the Alps starts to become apparent, as it is possible (with the right type of marketing behind you) to rent out French property under your ownership to tourists for the entire year.
Imagine the amount of rental income you could receive from such a property investment!

Sceptics of course will point out that achieving a high level of tenant occupation is rather difficult. The majority of French property owners simply do not have the resources to market their property efficiently and obtain the necessary bookings.

In answer, there is another way! Buy French leaseback property:

In the 1970s the French government introduced an investment concept in France. Called the French leaseback scheme it encouraged overseas property investors to buy French property in France’s popular tourist areas and then lease the property back to a tourist management company for a period of several years. The tourist management company would take on the responsibility of renting the property out and obtaining rental bookings for the property. As part of the lease agreement the management company would pay the French property owner a guaranteed percentage of the rental income received.

Today, french property leasebacks continue to grow in popularity. They offer property investors the opportunity to buy freehold property in French ski resorts, and receive a guaranteed income from the property for the life of the lease, which is normally between 8 ? 11 years. Property owners can also elect to have built into the lease plan a clause that allows them to use the ski property themselves for anywhere between 2 and 6 weeks of the year. It is basically like having a holiday home in France that you can use, but having the security of a world class tourist management company that pays you for the use of the property for the rest of the year. It’s a perfect property investment!

French leaseback rental yields

As I’ve mentioned, rental income from French property leaseback acquisitions are guaranteed by the management company, courtesy of the French government’s involvement. Rental yields are generally between 2% and 5% depending on the type of rental lease program chosen, and subject to how many weeks of personal use are required from the ski property.

Some of the best leaseback property purchase opportunities in the French Alps at the moment are in the Three Valleys area (Trois Vallees).The Trois Vallees is a massive ski domain that offers hundreds of kilometres of ski runs and cross country skiing tracks. It is possible to ski between the different winter resorts in the Three Valleys ? something that makes the area very popular with tourists who want to try out the different ski runs in other alpine villages. If you are keen on the idea of trekking through the snow to other alpine resorts it is always best to take a map of the french alps and a compass with you. Getting lost in the snow if a blizzard sweeps in across the French alps is not a pleasant experience!

Top ski investment spots in the Three Valleys include Meribel Mottaret

Meribel is a very beautiful place to enjoy a winter break and to own ski property. One-bed ski apartments on a French leaseback deal are available from around 380,000 euros. Currently, at les Crets ski residence there is a west-facing 6th floor apartment of 54m2 living space + 8.3m2 balcony. It sleeps 5-7 people and is priced at 382,255 euros excluding VAT without furniture or parking. With furniture and parking the price is 402,257 euros excluding VAT. Rental income of up to 19,000 euros is guaranteed as part of the French leaseback scheme.

http://www.europe-property.org/property/leaseback-investments.html

Les Menuires

Situated between St Martin de Belleville and Val Thorens the ski resort of Les Menuires is a quiet family-oriented alpine village. It offers some superb ski runs and plenty of childrens activities to keep the kids happy. Ski property in Les Menuires is reasonably priced. Prices for ski apartments at the Residence Aconit in the heart of the village start at 225,000 euros. Rental yields are guaranteed at up to 4%.

http://www.french-property-1st.co.uk/listing-Ski+leaseback+at+Les+Menuires+in+the+3+Vallees-264.html

Courchevel 1850

Looking for a French leaseback investment in a luxury ski location? The Chalets du Forum lease back residence could be your dream come true. In the heart of one of the most prestigious ski resorts in Europe the Chalets du Forum offers luxury ski apartments in chalet-style wood and stone buildings. Prices for the luxury lease back apartments start at around 500,000 euros. Rental income is guaranteed at 4%.

http://www.propertymagnate.com/property/listing-Chaletstyle+ski+leaseback+apartments+at+Courchevel+1850-150.html

Buying ski property in the French Alps is a good investment decision. If you play your cards right with your property loan or mortgage you could be enjoying positive cash flow from your French property leaseback investments for many years to come.

Breckenridge Ski Rentals – Snowboard Rentals – & Information

Breckenridge Ski Rentals & Snowboards

Many vacation goers choose to leave their dusty ?old school? skis at home and experience cutting edge technology while on their Breckenridge ski vacation. Simply stroll in to one of dozens of shops and get fitted for your Breckenridge ski rentals and snowboard equipment.

Breckenridge Ski Rentals Online

A popular option for renting Breckenridge ski and snowboard equipment is to purchase them online in advance. Simply go the internet and rent skis and snowboards for your trip to Breckenridge. This saves time and money. You?ll provide your skier type, size and equipment preferences in advance which will save serious time in the Breckenridge ski rental shop of your choice.

Here are some tips for renting Breckenridge ski gear.

First, when selecting Breckenridge ski rentals and equipment, you need to sort out what type of terrain you will be skiing, what are the current conditions like and the all important question ?What type of skier are you?? These factors will determine a number of things when it comes to fitting your Breckenridge ski rentals.

As most avid skiers know, today?s equipment is far superior to yesterdays gear. With this advancement in technology, renting the ideal Breckenridge ski equipment can seem like a daunting task. You will most likely need to get fitted for boots, skis and poles. Some say, a proper fitting ski boot is the most important part of progressing in your skier ability.

Getting fitted for Breckenridge ski boots

In order to rip up the terrain of the Breckenridge Lake Chutes, it is imperative to rent boots that support every inch of your feet. You want to prevent having what is known as sloppy feet. Sloppy feet happens when there is too much room in your boots which will lesson the amount of ?feel? you have with your skis. This will maximize your sensitivity to the terrain and increase your control.

Ski rental shops in Breckenridge will provide poles if you rent skis and boots. The ideal pole size changes with what type of terrain you prefer to ski. If you?re a competent skier on groomed terrain then you need to get a standard sized pole. You can measure what size pole you need by turning the ski pole upside down and grabbing directly under the basket. If the pole is correctly fitted, you?re arm should be bent at a 90 degree angle.

On the other hand, if you enjoy challenging the mogus of Devel?s Crotch or the Burn, then make sure you get smaller poles so you can plant correctly while bashing those bumps. Get the poles to long and planting on the mogul will push your shoulders back which will cause you to either be kicked to the back seat or redirect your skis. Since you want your upper body to be ?quiet?, short poles will enable you to simply flick the top of the mogul while skiing through the line.

Common Ski Equipment Rental Questions

1)What size skis should I get?

Ski lengths will depend on your current skiing ability. If your standing up, ideal ski lengths for beginner to intermediate skiers tend to fall anywhere between your upper chest and nose. For advanced skiers who tend to seek powder stashes, skis are generally longer to support their body weight while in the deep snow.

2)What?s up with Powder Skis vs. Groomer Skis?

Getting knee deep in powder off the new Imperial Superchair at Breckenridge is what a ski vacation is all about. In order to ski powder, it is essential you have skis wide enough to carry you on top of the snow. If you are on narrow racing skis, you will tend to sink too deep. On the other hand, if you?re into carving flawless turns in Colorado corduroy, then you need to rent skis that are a little narrower which will hold the line tighter while leaning into your turns.

3)What does is the hour glass parabolic ski mean?

Parabolic skis have revolutionized the ski industry. They have enabled beginner skiers to advance to intermediate while intermediate skiers have enjoyed tackling advanced terrain. Basically, parabolic skis enable for quick edge to edge turning radius. Simply pivot your knees, put the skis on edge, and they do the rest of the work for you.

4)What?s the difference between a flexible vs. stiff ski

Stiff skis are great for holding an edge on hard packed snow. They also allow a skier to ski faster without the skis from loosing an edge. Flexible skis are great for blasting through the crud and blazing over moguls.

Next Page »