Garage Organizers Take Away All Your Excuses

Written by ski on August 24, 2009 – 11:48 am -

Garage organizers are not all created equal, not by a long shot. When you have stuff to store, but not enough space to store it in, then you know a lot about storage – or the lack of it. Many garages are used to solve this problem with simple plywood shelves. This works, but isn’t very attractive. It also isn’t very efficient. There really isn’t all that much difference between a pile of stuff on the floor and a pile of stuff on a shelf. It can be nearly as frustrating and as equally irritating. Creating a truly organized garage space takes a little bit of planning and thought. Once you’ve figured out exactly what you need to organize, then you can purchase the appropriate organization solution for your garage. Assuming that you’ve figured out your needs, here are some possible organizers for your consideration.

First, you could opt for something as basic as garage organizer cabinets that can be mounted on the wall, or put on rollers and left on the floor. These are really nice because they allow you to store items on shelves, then hide them out of site behind doors. No more embarrassment when friends and family go out to your garage. But you can do more, way more.

Garage organizers go way beyond simple shelves or even cabinets. Another one of the more popular solutions for garage storage is adjustable wall rack systems. Companies like Gladiator, Bench Solution, Flow Wall, or NewAge VersaTrac all make various wall track systems that are truly customizable and versatile. Think about all that stuff that clutters up your garage that just doesn’t fit in a cabinet or on a shelf. Hoses, rakes, shovels, brooms, roller blades, rackets, weed trimmers, etc. With a wall system you can adjust the racks and hooks so that you can make a truly functional and customizable space. Yard tools no longer have to plague your life. Don’t you hate the way they start out stacked in a corner, but somehow find a way to creep out onto the floor and invariably get in the way? Say goodbye to that little problem forever!

As a large active family, we have lots of bikes and sports equipment to manage. Rather then just have all those things rolling, bouncing, and lying around, we’ve found that overhead garage organizers are a simple, but important part of our garage. For the bikes, we bought some Prostor ceiling mount bike lifts. These allow us to use the space above, while still allowing easy access to the bikes when we want to use them. For the basketballs, soccer balls, and baseball equipment, we purchased a couple of Prostor ball and bat sport racks. These are great. They are solid steel and have a really nice smooth finish. They were easy to mount up on the wall and does exactly what we wanted them to do – keep stuff off the floor!

Garage organizers are also available for other specific items. You can get racks for golf club bags, fishing poles, ski equipment, roller blades, lawn and garden equipment, even ladders and wheelbarrows. No matter what you have to organize, you will be pleasantly surprised at your options. You truly can make sense of all that stuff. There just isn’t any excuse for clutter anymore. Go for it!


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bad snow boarding accident

Written by ski on August 20, 2009 – 9:37 pm -


a really bad accident on a cliff when a man tries to snow board down it


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Discount Lift Tickets – Learn What Colorado Ski Resorts Do not Want you to Know!

Written by ski on August 20, 2009 – 8:29 pm -

How to get Discount lift tickets for Keystone Colorado, Breckenridge Colorado, Arapahoe Basin Colorado, Loveland Ski Area Colorado, Copper Mountain Colorado, Winter Park Colorado, Vail Colorado, Beaver Creek Colorado.

Discount Lift Tickets in Colorado- All Colorado ski resorts make it difficult for anyone coming from out of state to get a great deal on lift tickets. Don’t expect to get a great deal anywhere if you didn’t start looking in late September or early October. As your Keystone Lodging provider, we can help, but WE DO NOT SELL LIFT TICKETS.

The most expensive way to ski is to buy your lift tickets at the ticket window without any coupons. The following information will help you find the best deal around no matter what time of year.

Colorado Ski Season Passes

If you are in Colorado in April, September or October, you can look into buying a season pass for Keystone, Breckenridge, and A-Basin. Both Loveland and Copper Mountain sometimes sell season passes into November. If you plan on skiing 5 or more days, a season pass to one of the areas ski resorts will more than pay for itself and is the cheapest way to go…even though you won’t get to use it for the entire season.

:: Keystone :: Breckenridge :: A-Basin :: Vail :: Beaver Creek ::

Season passes are sold along the front range at places like Gart Sports, REI, and Christy Sports. Season passes for Keystone, Breckenridge and A-Basin usually cost around $329. A 2nd option is to pay slightly more and get 10 days at Vail or Beaver Creek added to that same pass. You MUST buy these in person, and you typically have to use it at least once before the holiday season, or it will become invalid for the rest of the year. These passes do have blackout dates during the holidays and during Presidents Day weekend usually, so make sure you read the fine print before purchasing these ski passes. If you’re planning an early season trip (Before December 20th) AND a later prime ski season trip (January – April), this is by far the least expensive way to go. Best of all, once you get a pass that you have to buy in person, you can renew it over the web year after year.

:: Arapahoe Basin Only ::

This year, Arapahoe Basin is offering a season pass of thier own. For the 2005-2006 ski season, these are only $239. This allows unlimited skiing at Arapahoe Basin, but also allows you to ski at Keystone or Breckenridge for 5 days. One of the 5 days can be used at either Vail or Beaver Creek. This is an awesome deal if you’re coming out for a short trip of 5 days or more. Best of all, you can buy these over the phone and just pick them up at the base area of Arapahoe Basin. As always, get in on this deal EARLY. Passes are usually sold in September and October only. Check out the Arapahoe Basin Website for full details.

:: Copper Mountain :: Winter Park :: Mary Jane ::

Copper Mountain is offering season passes for the 2005-2006 ski season for only $279. You can buy these without being present, but you must submit a photo of yourself so they can print your pass. Add a few more dollars and you can ski Winter Park and Mary Jane too. However, Winter Park is a solid 1 hour drive from Summit County. Still, the skiing at Mary Jane is legendary and you won’t be disappointed with your day excursion to the snowpack in the Fraser Valley of Colorado.

:: Loveland Ski Area ::

Lesser known by people from out-of state, Loveland is a very inexpensive option. You’ll see Loveland Ski area on your way into Summit County on the East Portal of the Eisenhower Tunnel. The closest ski lodging to Loveland is in Keystone….only 15 miles away. Loveland offers season passes for $253. Being an independant ski resort, you can only ski at Loveland. Loveland is one of the highest ski resorts on North America and they are usually the first to open the ski season in North America in October. Check the webste for details. They have an outstanding variety of terrain and there are little or no crowds at any given time.

++++++++++++ Warning ++++++++++++

Do not EVER try to use a 4 pack or season pass that is not yours. There are extremely stiff penalties including large fines and possible jail time if you are caught. The lift operators WILL catch you. A free lift ride is simply not worth the consequences.

++++++++++++ Warning ++++++++++++

Colorado Ski Resort “Four Packs”

Another money-saving tip is to buy what is called a “4 pack” for your ski resort of choice. A “4 pack” is 4 days of skiing for any 1 person. Typically the ski resorts sell these early in the season, but have also been known to sell them again in late March or in April. Buying late in the season is ideal…unknown to many, April is usually the snowiest month in Colorado!

:: Keystone :: Breckenridge ::

For the Keystone and Breckenridge 4 packs, you must buy them in person and they are not transferrable. In previous years they have been transferrable until people started selling them for a profit on eBay. $ packs usually run about $99 and are bought in the same fashion that a Season Pass is bought. The 4 packs do have blackout dates, so read the fine print carefully.

:: Copper Mountain :: Winter Park :: Mary Jane ::

Copper Mountain offers 4 packs for only $69 and ARE transferrable. This deal usually is around for about a week and may have already passed. If so, you’re still in luck…both Copper Mountain and Winter Park offer 4 packs for $120, which is still only $30 per day. This offer expires on Dec 9th 2005, so jump on this quickly if you want to get in on the deal! There are usually rules and restrictions as to the dates you can use the 4 pack, so check the fine print carefully.

:: Loveland Ski Area ::

Loveland also offers a 4 pack as well for the 2005-2006 ski season. The 4 packs run only $99 but are only available through November 21st 2005. There are no blackout dates on these 4 packs and can be used anytime during the 2005-2006 ski season at Loveland.

:: Aspen :: Snowmass ::

Okay, so these 2 resorts aren’t really all that close to Summit County, but if you want to see what celebrities do during the winter in Colorado…try Aspen or Snowmass for a day. Cheap passes are available, but you have to get them in person. They are available up until November 20th, 2005 at select locations around the Colorado Front Range.

Other ways to get Discount Lift Tickets

Are you a member of the armed forces? Keystone has a special setup with any active duty military, Reservists, National Guard and dependents. Rocky Mountain Blue offers a Freedom Pass for only $129. This pass is good for unlimited skiing at Keystone or Arapahoe Basin. It can be purchased at military bases in colorado including Buckley AFB, Peterson AFB, Schriever AFB, F.E. Warren AFB, Fort Carson and the Air force Academy. You can purchase this anytime during the 2005-2006 ski season and it is good through closing day at Keystone. THIS IS THE BEST LIFT TICKET DEAL IN COLORADO.

Keystone Lift Tickets Sign up for a free Colorado Gem Card. These cards will give you discounts at other ski areas that are further away. The closest resort that accepts this card is Loveland Ski area, which is about 15 miles away right at the Eisenhower Tunnel on the Continental Divide.

Keystone Lift Tickets Know someone with a season pass? Season Pass holders usually can buy a lift ticket for you for a deeply discounted price of $29-$59. The number of times they can do this is limited.

Keystone Lift Tickets Don’t forget eBay! Many times people will buy a package deal and not be able to use it. Sometimes it’s a 4 pack, sometimes it’s someone who has an inside track to the resort and is trying to make some money on the side. Either way, MAKE SURE you check the lift tickets carefully to make sure you know what you’re getting. Search around and see what you can find!

Keystone Lift Tickets Buy an Entertainment book for the Denver area. These books are PACKED with ski coupons. We typically buy these books and keep them available for our guests to use. The coupons are for slightly discounted lift tickets. ($5 – $10 off ticket window prices) There are also coupons for ski school.

Keystone Lift Tickets Buy your tickets on the front range in or around Denver. Go to any Safeway or King Soopers grocery stores, or ski and snowboard rental shop. They sell disount lift tickets for most ski areas.

Keystone Lift Tickets As your Keystone Lodging provider, just ask us and we’ll do what we can to get you the right information you need or point you in the right direction to save you the most money given the time period of your visit. We typically keep a packet of coupons just for our guests use. When booking, please email or call us with your requests and we will mail coupons to you before you arrive. Coupons are first come first serve. These coupons usually come from Entertainment Books, and wherever else we can find them. We do not sell lift tickets.

BE CAREFUL – Some other lodging providers will entice you with a “package deal” saying that they will give you discounted lift tickets after your reserve your lodging…only to suddenly “run out” of the lift tickets after they have your money.


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The Alps Covers a Vast Area

Written by ski on August 16, 2009 – 9:07 am -

The French Alps are dramatic soaring alpine mountains, deep twisting river valleys and lakes, the personification of outstanding mountain scenery.


The Alps covers a vast area from Annecy in the west to the Swiss and Italian borders in the east and from Geneva in the north whilst reaching almost to the Mediterranean in the south.


The alpine heights are magnificent and include Mont Blanc, Europes highest mountain, reaching as far as 4810m at its summit. Whilst Mont Blanc is inhospitable without specialist equipment even in the peak summer months, there are many other heights and valley passes that are delightful walking country in the summer and the playground of skiing enthusiasts in the winter.


The deep alpine valleys offer great water based sports and enchanting villages.


As you might imagine, winters can be severe in the Alps, especially in the mountains. It is surprising how much the temperature changes as you climb. In winter time it can be pouring with rain in the valleys and as you drive towards the mountains the rain turns to a driving blizzard. So go prepared.

On the other hand, the summers are temperate although with more rainfall than in other areas of France.


There are many other types of active entertainment in the Alps including Via Ferratas, summer and winter skiing and Activity Centres.


You would be forgiven for thinking that this is the domain of experts, however whilst there is some serious stuff in the Alps, there is also plenty of more level stuff, easily within the scope of younger families.


Only to be undertaken with expert supervision, white water rafting can provide great fun for older children and parents alike.


The cuisine is typically strong flavoured and intense, complimenting the local lifestyle. Recipes adapt to ingredients that are immediately available; mostly dairy products, eggs, meats, fish and fresh produce.


The cultivation of cheese is virtually an art form that reached its pinnacle in the Savoy region which benefits from the Alpine meadows where cows and goats can thrive.


Local wines are also well known, although they have yet to rival the best vintages of Bordeaux and Burgundy . Montmelian is a popular red wine similar to Beaujolais . Also famous is Seyssel, a sparkling white wine with fine vintages that are comparable to champagne.


Dinners are usually finished with a glass or two of beaux de vie, strong liquor that goes well with the mountain climate. The best known varieties are Gentian and Chartreuse. Marc de Savoie is another unique drink, taken from the residue of distilled brandy, a fiery liquid that still swims in your head the morning after.


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The Basics of Skiing

Written by ski on August 16, 2009 – 1:26 am -

There are various techniques important in learning to ski. Below are some of the essential ones you will need to know.


Traversing uphill


Making your way up a long slope you will find the least tiring way is it “tack”, just like a sailing-ship.


Both skis parallel, at right angles to the line of the slope.


Weight on the right ski and the left ski raised and pointing in the new direction. Left pole thrust into the ground close to the left foot.


The right ski is lifted up and brought parallel to the left, with the right pole thrust into the ground by the right foot. By placing the weight on the poles you will prevent any tendency to slide back.


Your “tack” is now complete, and you can continue to ski uphill, with knees well flexed.


“Snow plowing” downhill

You’ve reached the top of the hill, and you’re now going to ski down for the first time. Your first problem is to determine your speed, and to have your skis under complete control as you ski downhill. For this purpose the “snow-plow” position is the correct method of braking.


The full “snow plow” position is flat skis, knees bent forwards, and not inwards. Assume a wide “snow plow” position, with the weight on the heels. Sit well back, with the knees flexed forward. The body from the waist up should be leaning slightly forward. All muscles should be relaxed, and the hands should be held close to the knees. In this position you will be able to brake, edging your skis as required.


Half “snow-plow” position

Running obliquely down a slope a less pronounced “snow plow” position of the skis will, as a rule, suffice to brake, and control the skis.


When you come to learning your first turns, you will find this position, and the practice it gives in the distribution of the weight, of great importance.


Place the weight on the outer (lower) ski by bending the corresponding knee. This ski should be edged a certain amount, while the upper ski should be flat on the snow, with comparatively little weight on it.


With this distribution of the weight you will be able to carry out your first turns. Changes of direction are determined by torsion, or rotation, of the body.


“Snow plow” turns

Learning to “snow-plow” will teach you the correct position of skis and body required for executing turns to the right and to the left. Transference of weight from one ski to another, combined with body torsion, will enable you to change direction at will. Every movement must be carried out rhythmically, and your skis should retain the full “snow-plow” position while the turn is being carried out.


Ski straight down hill, with your skis in the full “snow-plow” position. Place the weight on the left ski, and at the same time thrusting the left hip forward. You will find that you are turning to the right. Transfer the weight to the right ski, thrust the right hip forward, and you will turn to the left. Continue to ski downhill, turning alternately to left and right.


Perfect these techniques and your skiing will become a lot more enjoyable.


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