Snow Skills

The TSA is experimenting with using a ski-industry trail marking system to assist travelers through security. Many skiers/riders are familiar with the green circle-blue square-black diamond progression of easy to intermediate to difficult abilities. The TSA intends to translate that standard system to the selection of various types of security lines; green for families and those who need extra time, blue for travelers with multiple carry-ons who are familiar with traveling, and black diamond for experienced travelers who are familiar with security procedures.

The levels of security are the same; the intention is to reduce stress by grouping like travelers together. The TSA is testing this system at Salt Lake City airport, apparently expecting that a higher percentage of travelers who are skiers/riders will be familiar with the trail markings.

Winter is a long season in North America and it can be a challenge to stay active during those months. Here in Maine, it’s part of our New England heritage to keep getting outside no matter what the weather and conditions. A non-profit organization called Winterkids promotes those winter recreation activities, including skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and hiking!

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A season pass represents a big commitment with regard to funds and a pledge to get out skiing and riding in the coming season. Whether a Season Pass is right for you, however, is all in the details. From a details standpoint, here are some good reasons to get a season pass:

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For those who just don’t get enough skiing and riding in one winter, heading to the southern hemisphere is a good opportunity to extend one’s skiing/riding season right through the year. I’ve been fortunate to teach skiing for over 14 years now and one of the highlights is surely spending a season Downunder teaching skiing at Perisher Blue, the largest ski area in Australia.

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When I purchased a ski area home years ago, the previous owners had almost 30 seasons worth of Season Passes for their entire family posted on the back of the basement door. It was an amazing sight; the many faces and how they changed over the years spoke volumes about how skiing was a way of life. I’ve continued that Season Pass farm with my own passes from over the past 14 years.

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You can plan your vacation down to the nth degree, with one huge variable; the weather. Ski areas are prepared to continue operation under practically every weather condition with another big exception; the presence of high winds. When the winds are blowing hard everywhere on the mountain, both aerial and surface lifts can be impacted to the point where its unsafe to operate any of them, putting everyone, guest and employee alike, in a WIND HOLD situation. Great, you’ve planned thoroughly, traveled a long way, spent a fair amount of money and effort, and suddenly you don’t have any way up the mountain. Now what?

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Yeah, the snow’s melted here in the Northeast and the yard work is calling. This season’s over, right? And the next one has just begun! There’s no time like the present to start getting ready for Winter 2006-2007; here are some tips on planning for a successful one: Read the rest of this entry »

Conditions change by the hour when skiing and riding in the Spring; the mix of changing air temperatures, underlying snow temperature, sunshine, and warm air winds can create a broad range of conditions in the course of a day. Based on a general timeline, here are some tips on terrain selection for spring skiing.

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Winter always seems reluctant to release its grip , but when it finally does, its enthusiastic replacement is Spring’s awesome blue skies, sunshine, and soft snow. These conditions last for an all-too-brief time, so let’s focus on getting out and enjoying them. Here are 10 tips on skiing and riding in spring conditions:
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When going on a ski vacation, a good ski or snowboard instructor can help make the difference between a good and great time! And one of the best ways to know in advance if an instructor is good is to ask for one who is certified by a professional skiing and riding organization. Almost every country with winter recreation sports has such an organization: in the United States, the professional organization of snowsports instructors is the Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA) and the American Association of Snowboard Instructors (AASI).

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