The Ski Club

Your First Skiing Vacation

snowman — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 10:11:55 +0000

Lots of people enjoy skiing, however if you have never been skiing before it can be quite scary the first time you decide you are going to give it a go. One of the best ways to learn to ski is by booking skiing lessons and having professional training. You can even do this on you vacation so you can still go skiing even if you cannot ski. A good way to see if you like skiing prior to spending a fortune on your vacation and skiing equipment is to go to your nearest ski slope, these can be both indoor and outdoor slopes, and some of the indoor slopes even have snow instead of the dry ski slope option. Once you have decided that skiing is for you, you will need to make sure you have the right clothing for your ski trip.

There is some basic skiing clothing which you will need to buy to make sure you are going to be comfortable enough to ski. The clothing needs to both protect you from the cold temperatures and also be fairly waterproof as snow is wet. The clothing also needs to let your body breath as you will get hot skiing. The best methods are to wear lots of layers instead of one big thick layer, this way if you get hot you can take a layer off, once you cool down you can then put it back on again. The standard clothing you will need is a ski jacket and pants, fleece tops, sweater, thermal underwear, ski socks, ski gloves, hat, goggles and sunglasses. You should be able to rent the skis, poles, boots and helmet from a ski shop or at the resort.

As mentioned layers are the key to keeping warm enough when skiing and the recommendation is the three layer system. This consists of a protective outer layer which is both windproof and waterproof but also made from a breathable material. A insulating layer which could be a sweater or a fleece and finally a base layer which will be a fleece which will be both warm and lightweight enough to dry quickly or thermal vest. The skiing trousers will be the same as the ski jacket and underneath you should wear thermal leggings or underwear. Make sure that you only wear one pair of socks as wearing multiple layers of socks will reduce the blood circulation and make you feet feel colder. The best socks are thick thermal socks which will keep your feet warm. You ski gloves should be thick enough to keep your fingers and hands warm but not too thick that you cannot grip your ski poles, a hat is also recommended to keep your head warm and I would also wear a ski helmet as there are lots of needless injuries to the head caused by people not wearing a helmet.

Another item you would think you would not need but do is a pair of sunglasses they need to provide UV protection and should be shatter proof and they should not come off too easily when you are skiing so a pair of wrap around or glasses with a cord would be the best option. You can wear sunglasses under your goggles if you decide you want skiing goggles as well. You should also take some sun tan cream for your face as this gets the most exposure to the sun when skiing. Once you have your basic kit you are ready to decide where to take your first skiing vacation, make sure you can hire the other kit you will need such as skis and poles plus boots at the resort you are going to, booking these in advance may be a wise option if you are going in peak season.

Skiing Accidents – Funny Skiing Accident Videos

snowman — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 10:54:08 +0000

We all love to watch other people have funny accidents and there is nothing better than too see it happen on the snow. Watching people have accidents on the snow seems to be lots better than just watching normal accidents. Skiers taking massive falls down steep slopes and snow boarders wiping out on big jumps, the snow makes the accidents all the more spectacular.

Here is a great collection of Snow boarding accidents and then you can also see how not to do it the professional way. You will see even the best coming up second place to the snow. It just shows you how hard it is to conquer the snow and ice and why we all have difficulty with it. It could put you off going to the slopes for good or it might encourage you to go and give it a go, how bad could it be!

When the snow falls it makes everyone happy and wanting to go out in it, the only problem is most people try to do things which they do not appear to have the skill to accomplish. This does make for good viewing and funny accidents. The snow always seems to bring out the best bloopers. See people overcooking ski jumps and wiping themselves out.

In this one there are some incredible skiing accidents, although I cannot understand why you would want to try and ski down a mountain with no snow on it, the man must be mad! There’s also some great wipe outs and incredible falls. Just about everything you want from a skiing blooper.

Here is a great selection of snowboarding accidents and bloopers which look like they hurt. I always thought it was easier to snowboard than ski but it seems its just as hard to snowboard and keep on your feet, although why would you want to snowboard down a hand rail!

Ski Chalet Vacation Rentals

snowman — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 15:10:25 +0000

This is our gorgeous private A- Frame ski chalet located 7 miles outside of Malone- right on Titus Mountain. The ski resort is literally right across the street. This is a year round rental that is secluded and right on the Salmon River… To see more information and pictures on this great ski vacation rental just click on the picture.

3br – TITUS MT. SKI CHALET RIGHT AT THE SKI RESORT

Easy to get to – a short distance off of Vermont Hwy 11, yet near the Green Mountion National Park, this cozy chalet is privated located on a wooded hillside next to a stream.

The home features a great room with a woodburning stove, fully equipped…To see more information and pictures on this great ski vacation rental just click on the picture.

3br – Chalet by a Stream – In the Heart of Ski Country

Located high on the mountain in Steamboat’s Ski Village, the Royal Flush House has wonderful southern views of the Yampa Valley and the Flat Tops Wilderness Area that extend for miles.

Our Steamboat Springs vacation rental home is on 3/4 acre and… To see more information and pictures on this great ski vacation rental just click on the picture.

6br – Steamboat 6 bdm Chalet high up on the ski mountain

Benefits of Joining a Ski Club

snowman — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 08:45:35 +0000

Whether you are a recreational or professional skier, deciding to join a reputable ski club would certainly be one of the best decisions you’ll ever make. Membership in these clubs is open for people of all ages, disciplines, and skiing abilities. You do not have to be a pro skier in order to join these exclusive clubs. Even those who occasionally ski with family and friends are very much welcome.

But the question is — why should you join such clubs? Skiing clubs offer their members with numerous benefits and ski trip advantages. Some of the reasons that might interest you in joining include the following:

Meet New People and Form Strong Bonds of Friendship – One of the many reasons why many join skiing clubs is to get to know people who have the same interests. This is a great way to establish a network of connection. Moreover, you get to share your ideas while learning more about skiing. Skiing clubs provide an excellent avenue to hone your skiing abilities as you share a great ski experience with people who enjoy the same hobby.

Convenient Planning – The best thing about skiing clubs is that their members will never have to worry about booking ski accommodations and planning ski trips. This is because the trip leader or the club coordinator will handle everything, from the location, lodging accommodation, up to the selection of skiing spots. As a member, all you need to do is to sit back, relax, and just wait for the information about your next ski trip.

Greater Savings and Bigger Trip Discounts – If you are a member of a skiing club, you’ll get to enjoy discounts on lift tickets, ski transportation, ski gears, apparels, and insurance. This is possible because you travel in big groups. That being said, you’ll have better chances of landing discounted accommodations and airfares.

Memorable, Exhilarating, and Fun Club Activities – Skiing clubs always plan exciting activities all year round. This usually include picnics, dive trips, ski holidays, softball events, and many more.

Great Ski Destinations – Most clubs host their skiing events on premier ski destinations from around the world. In addition to that, they also get group discounts from luxurious and first-class ski resorts.

Club-owned Ski Houses – Many skiing clubs purposely build ski chalets near ski resorts so they will have a place to lodge their members. This also offers an excellent way of cutting down ski trip expenses. Those that have large ski houses ensure that all their members are given equal opportunity to use a ski chalet through a rotating schedule.

Experience Home-like Amenities and Conveniences – The ski houses owned by skiing clubs often include cooking facilities as well as other functional amenities. Some even provide free shuttle service to the ski slope to save their member from the hassle of finding a convenient parking space.

After knowing all the benefits that you can possibly enjoy once you become a ski club member, by now, you should be convinced that joining one is definitely a great idea. So, have fun, save money, and gain new friends by becoming a part of a skiing club that appeals to you!

Skiing Accident: Important Facts That You Should Know

snowman — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 08:35:48 +0000

Although you cannot exactly predict the occurrence of a skiing accident, it can definitely be prevented. This can be done by becoming familiar with the common types of ski accidents. Majority of these accidents occur due to carelessness, recklessness, bad judgment, and failure to follow safety protocols. To give you an idea, here are some of the most common types of accidents that will most likely occur when skiing or snow boarding.

Ski Collision – This is perhaps the most usual type of accident that may result to serious body or facial injuries. A collision takes place when one skier collides with another skier. Majority of the victims from a collision accident are caught by surprise.

Ski Lift Accidents – 90% of ski lift accidents occur due to fatal operational errors and poor maintenance. Although most ski lifts are built with the highest quality of safety standards, wear and tear is still inevitable. That is why it is highly advised that the management regularly inspect the lift before and after the everyday operation. Ski lift accidents typically happen when the skier is either loading or unloading. The ski lift operators are the ones who will be liable for lift accidents that resulted from poor lift maintenance and human error.

Negligence on the part of Ski Instructors – It is critical that ski instructors practice extreme caution when teaching their students, especially when they are handling children or first-time skiers. That being said, they have to ensure that each student is safe during ski practice or classes. If a student get into a ski accident due to lack of supervision from the instructor, there is a big chance that the instructor can lose the job and face civil charges at the same time. To prevent this, the instructors should only accommodate a certain number of trainees that they are capable of handling.

Ski Falls – Poor compliance to ski safety requirements can result to accidental ski falls. Majority of these falls resulted from poor slope area maintenance and miscalculations on slope designs.

All of the above-mentioned accidents can lead to severe injuries and even death. Hence, it is highly recommended that skiers take precautionary measures to ensure their safety while skiing down a slippery mountain slope. To do this, make sure to take note of the following safety tips:

Always wear the appropriate ski gears and equipments, which should include a helmet, protective goggles, and the right ski apparels.

Inspect your ski equipments to ensure that they are in good condition. And never use damaged skis.

Do not forge to check the weather report and ask the ski resort about the present condition on the ski slopes.
If you are new to skiing, make sure to find a ski instructor that will teach you the proper ski techniques. Never ever try practicing on your own. Remember skiing is a very dangerous sport.
Stay away from steep slopes and refrain from showing off unnecessary ski tricks.

Make sure to bear all of these tips in mind to prevent the likeliness of a skiing accident.

Useful Facts about a Ski Chalet Holiday

snowman — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 08:30:07 +0000

Planning a ski chalet holiday? Then, you better book your accommodation early on to ensure that you’ll find a good location that falls within your budget. Finding a great but affordable chalet is just a matter of making the right choices. That being said, it is really important that you do your homework to spot a nice chalet location. With the increasing popularity of ski chalets, ending up with a good one would not be that difficult.

Austria, Italy, France, and Switzerland are some of the top ski destinations where vacationers would most likely want to spend their winter holiday. These spots provide varying chalet options ranging from the quaint and rustic up to the modern and contemporary.

Home-like Accommodations

Basically, the concept of ski chalets is wrapped around the idea of a home away from home. They are pretty much like hybrids of a ski lodge and a hotel. They became extremely popular among tourists and skiing enthusiasts mainly because of the fact that they offer great accommodations that have home-like conveniences. Most chalets have upgraded amenities to ascertain that their guests are given excellent lodging services as they take on an enjoyable ski experience.

The great thing about ski chalets is that ski vacationers would not need to worry about cleaning and cooking. This is because everything is already taken care of on their behalf. Normally, the chalet hosts are the ones preparing all the meals and snacks for the guests. They can also be a good source for information when locating excellent ski spots. On that note, ski vacationers are definitely guaranteed to make the most out of their trip by allowing themselves to enjoy their ski holiday to the fullest.

Types of Ski Chalets

Catered chalet holidays offer varying types of accommodations that normally include the following:

Family Chalet – This type of chalet accommodation is the perfect choice for those skiing with their family, friends, or relatives. It offers a stress-free, relaxing and enjoyable environment that both children and adults would certainly love.

Group Chalet – Organize a large or small group of skiers to get big discounts. Most ski chalets offer great discounts to group bookings. Therefore, the larger the group, the bigger the discount. So, the end result —- everyone benefits!

Luxury Chalet – A growing demand for luxury chalets have been noted in the recent years. These kinds of ski chalets offer high-end accommodations that are packed with plush amenities and splendid services.

Great Planning Tips

Whether you are organizing a great chalet holiday with friends, colleagues, or family, make sure to bear the following tips in mind:

Find ski chalets that are nearby superb ski spots.
Talk to the group about the specifics of your chalet accommodation (this is important to ensure that everybody’s needs are accounted for.
Make inquiries on several ski chalets to spot the one offering the type of accommodation that you are looking for.
Do not forget to ask about the included services and amenities in your ski chalet holiday package.

Practical Tips to Maximize Your Weekend Ski Trip

snowman — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 06:40:20 +0000

Short weekend ski breaks are now becoming increasingly popular these days. This is ideal for those who cannot afford to have long winter holidays, but still wants to have a pleasurable skiing experience. With the help of advance planning and a little research, you can certainly find affordable deals on excellent ski weekend destinations.

Short ski breaks offer people the perfect opportunity to have a worthwhile weekend. Even though, ski weekend breaks are short trips, you still have to plan it the same way you’ll do when preparing for a long winter vacation. That being said, here are some tips that will help you maximize your short ski trip.

Avoid scheduling your ski trip during peak seasons – As much as possible try not to book your trip during New Year or mid-February. Because chances are, hotels and ski lodging accommodations are already booked by this time. In addition to that, thousands of people will be swarming the ski slopes; therefore, you wouldn’t really be able to enjoy the trip.

Find alternative ski destinations that you haven’t visited yet – It is a great challenge to ski on unfamiliar mountain slopes. Aside from that, you will most likely have the entire mountain to yourself since it is not a hot spot. Additionally, pick a spot with short transfer time or in close proximity to an airport or a ski lodge.

Smaller ski resorts are better – Since it is just short trip, you really do not need to go to larger ski resorts. A small ski resort with good slopes is more than enough to keep you happy. Aside from that, small ski resorts are much cheaper and will most likely have open slots to entertain short-term accommodations.

Opt for nearby ski destinations – Instead of flying out to another country or a distant ski vacation area, make the most out of your time by settling for ski destinations that are just a couple of miles away from where you are residing. Doing so will help you gain more savings since you do not have to pay for expensive airfare tickets plus you can embark on an enjoyable road trip with your friends or family on the way to the ski spot.

Do not forget to check the weather report – If you have decided to drive to your ski weekend destination, make sure that you are aware with the weather report. In case of heavy snowfall, it is highly advised that you gear your car with reliable snow tires.

Always travel light – It is highly recommended that you only carry the items that you really need during a short weekend ski trip. Try not to bring too much clothes and just stick with the basic necessities. If the ski resort where you are going offers ski equipment rentals, then might as well consider renting your ski apparels. But if you think you’ll save more by bringing your own ski equipments, then it is much better to carry them with you.

Great Tips for Choosing Ski Lessons

snowman — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 06:26:53 +0000

If you are thinking of taking some ski lessons, by now, you have already discovered that there are tons of options to choose from. There are a lot of factors that must be taken into consideration to find the most suitable skiing lessons for you. Remember that skiing lessons vary greatly depending on the level and type of instructions provided, the students’ skiing abilities, as well as the training methods used.

Skiing entails precision, accuracy, and skills. That being said, those who are interested to learn the sport would definitely need to find a good ski program. Skiing lessons can be formally acquired from ski schools or you may also take short courses offered in most ski resorts. It is vital that you choose a program that covers the techniques and methods that you want to learn.

To ascertain that you’ll find a ski program that perfectly fits your training needs, here are some useful tips that you should take note of.

Do a thorough research on the available skiing lessons. An extensive online research will greatly aid you to spot the ski program that suits you the most. This is important so you’ll become familiar with the existing options. Most ski schools have official online websites where clients can place their queries.

Find ski programs that teach the basics – Most of the people enrolling in skiing lessons are either not familiar with the sport at all, or have very minimal ski training. Therefore, it is vital to find a program that focuses on basic ski techniques These techniques are essential before the students can advance to more difficult ski trainings

Choose a program appropriate for your age – Skiing lessons are offered to both children and adults. However, majority are exclusively taught to a particular age group. Hence, make sure to join a program suitable for your age and skiing capability.

Decide whether you want to join a group or individual lesson – Some ski schools offer clients with one-on-one skiing lessons or group programs. In terms of costs, one-on-one lessons are definitely much more expensive than group lessons.

Compare the costs of different ski programs from 3 or more ski schools – It would be a good idea to get price quotes from several ski schools so you’d know which can cover your allotted budget. You also have to find out if the ski equipments are already included in the program.

Inquire about the length or duration of the program – It is critical that you consider your schedule before enrolling in a skiing lesson to ensure that you will be able to make good use of your time. Know how long the skiing lesson will take so you can effectively divide your time.

Enroll in a ski program that has a PSIA-certified instructor – Make sure that the instructor teaching the program is PSIA certified. A PSIA certification guarantees that the instructor is qualified for teaching skiing techniques.

Hopefully, the information provided in this article will help you find schools offering ski lessons that fit your skiing ability and budget.