30Oct

Lake Tahoe Skiing and Lodging

FILED IN Ski Stuff No Comments

The streets in Lake Tahoe were busy today, probably because all the locals are “battoning-down-the-hatches” and getting thier chores done before the storm hits. Tahoe hasn’t gotten a whole lot of snow this year (Global warming and all), but the seasons not over yet, and man-made snow making machines have kept the slopes white (for the most part).

The Lake Tahoe skiing conditions have been icy in the mornings and then slushy in the afternoons, it’s pretty much like spring skiing these days. But this storm due to hit Tahoe Sunday night and last through next week, is projecting 2-6 foot of snow fall above 7000 feet. Now if we get 2 feet of snow up here this week we’ll all be happy. But if we get 5 or 6 feet up here…the town shuts down. The summits all close for days, no commerce is brought in and every local skier and snowboarder is waiting for it to be over so they can carve up the fresh powder.

It hasn’t happened in a while but when we get that much snow all at once, it makes it hard to get supplies up here, the shelves start running bare at the market, there’s endless hours of snow removal and the streets are hard to get around on. And that’s if you have 4 wheel drive, it you don’t have a 4×4 then you need to chain up or use studded snow tires. This is part of the “battoning down the hatches” I mentioned earlier.

So the streets are full and locals are scrambling around and getting all their shopping done, and waiting, for hopefully a nice big storm, we could sure use it. The new snow would attract some much needed tourism and help stimulate our economy. Hey, Tahoe’s an expensive town to live in. We need all the help we can get. And this storm should be just what the doctor ordered.

Skiing will be awesome and the Lake Tahoe Ski Resorts ( http://www.laketahoequest.com/skiing.htm ) will have a deep fresh snow pack that they so dearly need. Stay on the marked runs though, and beware the newby OOC (out of control) snowboarder on the black diamond runs. You gotta keep your head on a swivel up there. So if you’re planning a trip up to Lake Tahoe to hit the ski slopes, check the road conditions ( http://www.dot.ca.gov/cgi-bin/roadlt ) and drive cautious, cars like sliding around on the white stuff.

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28Oct

The Top Ten Places to Live in America

FILED IN Great Place No Comments

Sometimes we just have to get away from it all. That doesn’t always mean a vacation, although that’s usually what people do. Have you ever felt like it was just time to start a new life in a new place? You might be surprised at just how many people feel that way, and even more surprised at how many people actually do it. 

If you are ready to pack up and move, but you’re not sure where to go, there are some great places to live that have been recognized as the top ten places to buy real estate in America. These lists have been compiled based on a number of criteria, which includes property for sale and prices, rental property prices, jobs available and average wages earned, education systems and school ratings, crime rates, and even things to do in town. 

The top ten places to live in America that are shown here are compiled from several lists, and each have been in the top five of at least one top 100 list for 2008.  The top ten places to live in America are: 

Austin

Houston

Seattle

Sacramento

Portland

Des Moines

Chicago

Denver

Minneapolis

Raleigh

Now that you know the best places to buy real estate, you will need to do some research on each one and choose a few that look to you like great places to live. Do you want to live in a place where there is always something to do, with great night life and entertainment? Try Chicago, Seattle, or Austin.  Are you looking for a place to raise a family with the best education and the least crime? Then go to Des Moines, Portland, Raleigh, or Denver. Do you like warmer climates? Houston, Sacramento, Austin have warm climates.  Do you enjoy mountain climbing or skiing? Denver or Seattle is perfect for skiing & climbing. You are the only one who can choose your best place to live, but this list is a great place to start.

Now that you have narrowed it down to a few cities, how will you find real estate property listings or rental property in those towns? That’s easy. Go online and look for them. You can check property listings or even do foreclosure searches and find a great deal on a new house. You can even get free quotes for mortgages and movers. You can find land parcels and get free quotes for contractors to build your house – all online.  You can even list your current home online for free, too. You can find all of these things at www.buildwish.com

When you are considering moving to a location that’s more than a few miles away, it is often difficult to find a real estate agent who you can trust to help you from a long distance, or even a local agent who is willing to put the effort into finding you a great home that far away. The internet is a resource that you can use on your own, any time of the day or night, and search all of the property listings you want to, not just the ones that somebody else wants you to see. When you search for property online, you are in control of your own destiny. See how easy it is to find real estate property listings online, or even rental property listings. You could find your new home town sooner than you thought possible. 

For more Information on this topic visit www.buildwish.com a free Online Home & Garden Renovation & Design Directory in 100 Cities in North America. Featuring over 1 million free Real Estate Classifieds, Helpful Articles, Contests, Virtual home tools, Qualified Trades, Forums, a moving center, free quotes for Insurance, Moving, Mortgages, Contractors, Foreclosures and Much More!

 

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24Oct

Lecht Skiing boarding

FILED IN Ski Boarding No Comments


Powder day at the Lecht

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24Oct

new zealand snow boarding

FILED IN Snow Boarding No Comments


new zealand snow boarding

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24Oct

Preferring the Fitting Type of Ski Boots

FILED IN Ski Stuff No Comments

Skiing is a stirring activity. When it amounts to snow skiing, the challenge is enlarged. If walking along sharp trails is a challenge for most people, then skiing through the icy surface and in slippery conditions is the supreme challenge. Not only will your poise be verified, you will as well be positioning your persona to the test as well. As such, when skiing is the option of outdoor action for one, it is crucial that one is wearing the befitting ski boots.

Soothe in Ski Boots

Ski boots are no general footwear. They must be fashioned carefully so as to cater a adequate outfit with one’s ski. Furthermore, when the skier is practicing ski bindings, the boots are the one that render the attachment of the biding to the skier. To Begin With, boots expended for skiing were affected from leather. This is due to the experienced attribute of leather to render a stonewall barrier from intense colds as well as from the elements. Furthermore, the strength of leather as a material forbids one from getting hurt when struck by uncontrollable debris and chunks of ice that are incidentally set off during skiing.

The earliest patterns were attained to look indistinguishable any other pair of shoes. Their cut was as well the indistinguishable as an average shoe leave off that they are a bit higher and padded on the inside to act as a cushion. Notwithstanding, when skiing established a greater following, this did the pattern of ski boots to be modified from the regular plan. What used to be gained of leather, today’s boots are now normally made of plastic with soft foam lining and padding. The hard plastic shell is finer than leather because it is totally impervious to moisture and its powerful building draws it immaculate for skiing because it can deal with exceedingly cold conditions, which may get leather to drop off its potency. The padding and lining render Ease and warmness, which are two elements sorely took during skiing runs.

Because of the diverse kinds of skiing, there are similarly various ski boots that one can practice dependent on the surroundings that one will come across. Still, the difference is only by a matter of degrees as plastic yet reigns as the most desired stuff because of its strength.

Types of Ski Boots

One of the variations in boots is the style by which they are worn. The following are the most everyday Character of boots in use for skiing:

# Front entry ski boots. These boots are the most modern because of the manner that it heightens functioning. The high and hard cuff allow the skier to make control and power easily shifted to the binding.

# Rear-entry ski boots. This is the boots of option for novices as well as for those who hate the restrictive mode of wearing the front entry miscellany. By simply unbuckling a hinged cuff at the back of the boot, one can easily wear and take off this boot. Because of its restraint, it is besides the cheapest kind gettable, although they do not afford the comparable level of control as front entry boots.

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24Oct

2008 is the Year of the Wii Balance Board

FILED IN Ski Boarding No Comments

Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock somewhere, chances are you’ve heard the buzz about Nintendo’s latest creation, Wii Fit. If you haven’t, here’s a brief rundown. Wii Fit is the new lifestyle product for the Wii Console that combines the fun of gaming with the benefits of exercise. The Wii was a revolution in itself in the way that it allowed users to interact with games using wireless motion sensitive controls that were fun and easy to use, appealing to both gamers and non-gamers alike. Wii Fit takes this concept one step further with the introduction of the Wii Balance Board which comes bundled with the game.

The Wii Balance Board

The Wii Balance Board looks a lot like an oversized bathroom scale but it actually contains four pressure sensors that allow it to very accurately determine a user’s weight and their position on the board. This information is sent wirelessly to the Wii Console, allowing games to interpret a whole new range of motions and provides a completely new gaming experience. Wii Fit is the first game to take advantage of the Wii Balance Board and features over forty different exercises and games including yoga, muscle workouts, aerobic exercise and balance games.

Wii Fit is an Instant Hit

Wii Fit was launched in Japan at the beginning of December 2007 and it was an immediate hit, selling almost 1.8 million copies in the first four months. It was then released in the UK on the 25th April 2008 and almost immediately topped the UK gaming charts. Within days, retailers had sold all of their initial stock allocations and it was estimated that over 200 000 copies of Wii Fit were sold within the first week. In fact, one high street chain claimed to be shifting 90 copies a minute on launch day. Wii Fit is scheduled for launch in Australia on the 8th May 2008 and in the US on the 19th.

What’s Next after Wii Fit?

There’s no denying the success of Wii Fit even before its US launch which will no doubt be massive, but I predict that ultimately it’s the Wii Balance Board that’s going to be the big hit in 2008. Wii Fit has taken Wii from being just another games console to being an actual lifestyle product that wouldn’t seem out of place in the average home and this will mean a potentially huge increase in the gaming market. As the buzz and excitement of Wii Fit dies down, many Wii Fit owners will begin to wonder what else they can do with their Wii Balance Boards, and that’s when things will really start to get interesting.

Upcoming Wii Balance Board Games

Right now (1 May 2008), Wii Fit is the only game available for the Wii Balance Board but that will definitely change in the coming months. Namco Bandai has already confirmed the release of We Ski in the US on May 13 and 2k Sports have Don King’s Prizefighter scheduled for June and the list will grow. In fact, Nintendo US COO, Reggie Fils-Aime, confirmed that over 10 games were already in development.

No other games have been confirmed but there are already rumours spreading of Nintendo snowboarding, EA Skate, Rayman Raving Rabbids and even future Mario titles. Like I said, nothing’s been confirmed but whatever the case, Wii Balance Board games are definitely going to be a big hit in 2008.

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24Oct

How To Water Ski Safely

FILED IN Ski Boarding No Comments

Kathy was sure she was ready for this. True, she hadn’t been on water skis for 15 years, but she had skied a lot as a girl.


Water skiing, she reasoned, was no different than riding a bicycle. It all comes back to you once you climb on. So, even though Josh didn’t want to drive the boat faster, Kathy insisted he crank it up. Faster! Faster!


Ahh! The exhilaration of the wind in her face and the water at her feet. Ouch! The pain of losing control and flying head over heels, landing on her back, and having to be pulled from the water with a seriously sprained shoulder.


According to the National Safety Council, about 5 million Americans water ski each year, and approximately 6,500 require emergency room treatment. Most of these injuries are the result of carelessness and poor preparation.


Driver Prepare


* Learn and obey the “rules of the road” on water.


* It takes three to water ski:

-the skier,

-the tow boat operator,

-an observer in the boat. The driver cannot watch and know if the skier has fallen while also seeing where the boat is going.


* Operate in a corridor at least 200 feet wide, giving a safety area of 100 feet on both sides of the boat. The ski path should be at least 2,000 to 3,000 feet in length.


* The boat driver is responsible for keeping the skier away from dangerous areas. Take time to get familiar with the shoreline, shallow areas and obstructions. Keep the boat a safe distance from the shore, docks, and objects in the water.


* Be alert for boats entering the ski area. If one does, shut down the engine and wait for the area to clear.


* Always pull novice skiers slowly. High speeds are not essential to pleasurable water skiing.


* Always approach a skier in the water on the driver’s side of the boat.


* Picking a skier from the water is a dangerous proposition. Your boat engine must be turned off and the propeller must be fully stopped.


* The boat should run parallel to the shore and come in slowly when landing.


* When your skier is down, raise a ski flag to alert other boaters.


* Equip your boat with a wide-angle rear-view mirror.


* A towing pylon, boarding ladder and speedometer are also advisable.


Skier Beware


* Know how to swim!


* Do not ski in unfamiliar waters where there could be unseen dangers. When skiing in new waters, take along someone familiar with the area.


* Never ski in shallow water, at night, or in front of another boat. Rough water is particularly dangerous since waves and a running sea will prevent the tow boat from keeping a smooth speed and course.


* Always wear a properly fitting U.S. Coast Guard-approved lifejacket. Lifejackets are required in most states. The lifejacket should be Type III, approved by the Coast Guard, and designed as a ski vest. It should fit snugly, and it must keep the skier face up in the water if he or she falls.


* The skier and the boat driver should agree in advance on the general boat path, and signals to use.


* If a skier falls, he or she should clasp both hands overhead to be seen and to signal they are OK. In a congested boating area, a downed skier should hold up a ski to show that everything is okay.


* Buy age-appropriate skis. Make sure the bindings are snug, but will release in case of a fall.


* Wear a helmet to protect against head injury.


* Some of this information came from the website of U.S.A. Water Ski.


Other Water Hazards


* Don’t stay on the water too long. The sun, wind, waves and vibration can make you tired.


* Whether you are pulling or being pulled, do not drink alcohol, take prescription drugs or over-the-counter medications, or use illegal drugs that can impair your judgment.


* Use and renew sunscreen.


* Some special advice for those who like to water-tube:

-Stay well away from shore. Most injuries occur when water tubers come too close to shore.

-Before water-tubing, inspect the rope for fraying and the tube for defects.

-Wear a Type III lifejacket.

-Two people should be in the boat.

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22Oct

Breckenridge 2008

FILED IN Ski Boarding No Comments


Ski / Boarding

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21Oct

SAVE 15% OFF HOTEL ROOM- EASTERN SIERRA

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The Comfort Inn Bishop invites you to explore California with Choice Hotels. From the movie magic of Hollywood to the emerald waters of Lake Tahoe to the towering cliffs of Yosemite National Park, California is an amazing destination for your vacation getaways. Discover days filled with sightseeing, shopping, museums, attractions, and theme parks. Enjoy skiing and boating at Lake Tahoe and Big Bear, swimming and surfing on beautiful beaches, hiking and cycling through redwood forests, extreme desert adventures, a wine journey through Napa and the enchantment of Disneyland and Universal Studios Hollywood. Wherever your California travels take you, you'll find a comfortable and convenient Choice Hotels just around the corner. Choice Hotels is committed to making your California vacation or business trip an unforgettable experience with friendly hospitality, affordable accommodations and ideal locations throughout California. COME EXPLORE CALIFORNIA www.gowestchoicehotels.com Comfort Inn Bishop – CA951 805 N Main St Bishop, Ca. 93514 Tel 760-873-4284 Fax 760-873-8563

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21Oct

Finding The Best Aspen Ski Homes and Aspen Real Estate

FILED IN Great Place No Comments

Naturally, if you are looking for Aspen real estate, you are going to want to get the most for your money.  You can get a big bang for your buck if you look at the real estate for sale in Aspen today, including Aspen ski homes.  If you want to get a bargain and come away with a winter vacation home, then you should take a look at what is available on the market in Aspen, Colorado. 

 

Aspen is considered to be the best place to ski in the United States. You may even run into a movie star when you are skiing in Aspen and many of them have Aspen ski homes that they use either as a primary residence or a ski home.  Right now, the price of Aspen real estate is lower than ever, which means that it makes sense to buy.  If you want a bargain as well as the best real estate in a prime area, look no further than the Aspen MLS. 

 

You can access viewing the MLS in Aspen when you go online.  You can go to a site that will allow you to take a look at the different properties that are on the market in this area.  This can give you a good idea of the type of Aspen ski homes you can afford as well as what is out there.  If you find something that you like, you can then travel to Aspen to see the home for yourself.  A great many people who purchase Aspen real estate are from out of town. 

 

 

No matter what your reasons are for purchasing Aspen ski homes, you can get the best deal when it comes to Aspen real estate right now.  There has never been a better time than the present when it comes to purchasing property in Aspen as the prices are lower than ever.  You will also build equity in your home as the home values across the United States are expected to start rising in the near future.  You can enjoy your ski home and also allow it to make money for you as a good investment by making a purchase when the supply is high and the prices low as is the case right now. 

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