TEX KNEEBOARDING ATC-2K ACTION CAM
Written by ski on September 25, 2009 – 3:26 am -
This is me driving Dessie towing Texas Hold-Out on the kneeboard with Da Milne spotting on the Coal and Candle Akuna Bay. I strapped the camera on my scone in the wrong position so 50minutes of footage was kinda wasted. On Tex's last run he had a decent spill which gave him what looked like a mild concusion and had to jump in the drink to fish him out.
Tags: Action, ATC2K, KNEEBOARDING
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first snow boarding edit of the season came out ok
Written by ski on September 21, 2009 – 4:57 pm -
Tags: Boarding, came, edit, first, Season, Snow
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Ski Holidays: a Resort Guide Part 3
Written by ski on September 21, 2009 – 12:12 pm -
In Britain, we don’t get an abundance of either sun or snow, so it stands to reason we’ll go elsewhere for it. Ski resorts are a popular holiday choice amongst the British, and while not as great a variety as there is with sunspots, there’s still plenty of choice to suit any taste. This is the final part of our brief guide to the various ski resorts.
New Zealand
The island of New Zealand is probably the last place you’d associate with skiing and other winter sports, but it is becoming more popular with skiers who wish to go somewhere a little different. The volcanic region of Whakapapa comprises 1360 acres and is one of the largest ski areas in the country. Flanked by three volcanoes, two of which are active, it provided some of the locations used in the Lord of the Rings film trilogy. On the other side of the volcanoes is the resort of Turoa which boasts a massive 722m vertical drop. Despite this, Turoa is popular with beginners, and snowboarders are in their element due to the unrivalled terrain parks.
For intermediate skiers, the region of Treble Cone is a good place to visit as it has more challenging slopes and terrains. It’s also where the Austrian national ski-team stay for their pre-season warm-ups before the winter starts in the northern hemisphere. The après-ski in the Cone isn’t as bustling as in other resorts, so if you base your ski holidays, you may wish to try a different region. But if you like a quiet relaxing mountain atmosphere, this is the place.
Switzerland
The traditional alpine ski region, Switzerland has huge mountains, huge glaciers, huge cable cars and a huge following to take advantage of them. This is only due in part to the spectacular views and ski runs. The hospitality is famous too, as the Swiss have been refining their skills in this area for over a century. Switzerland is known as a country which takes life seriously; their rules and regulations attest to that, but it all makes for a very efficient and relaxed atmosphere for anyone on ski holidays in this country.
The USA
Last but not least, America is the home of Aspen, the resort which conjures up images of skiing, sun and Jim Carrey with a silly haircut. But Aspen is by no means the only ski resort in the US. In fact, it boasts more than 30 resorts, all with different appeal. Many of these are in Colorado, such as Aspen and Beaver Creek, with the Rocky Mountains providing the perfect backdrop. California, Vermont and Utah, to name a few, are all destinations for ski holidays.
It’s worth doing some research into American ski resorts as there is such variety. For the ultimate ski experience Aspen is the pinnacle, yet for the less confident skier the Colorado resort of Beaver Creek would be better as it has fewer lift lines and gentler slopes.
Tags: Guide, HOLIDAYS, part, Resort
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Backpack
Written by ski on September 21, 2009 – 11:50 am -
A backpack (also called rucksack, knapsack, packsack, pack, or Bergen) is, in its simplest form, a cloth sack carried on one’s back and secured with two straps that go over the shoulders, but there can be exceptions. Light weight types of backpacks are sometimes worn on only one shoulder strap, or in the hand like an ordinary bag. Ski GlassesBackpacks are often preferred to handbags for carrying heavy loads, because of the limited capacity to carry heavy weights for long periods of time in the hands. Large backpacks, used to carry loads over 10 kg, usually offload the largest part (up to about 90%) of their weight onto padded hip belts, leaving the shoulder straps mainly for stabilising the load. This improves the potential to carry heavy loads, as the hips are stronger than the shoulders, and also increases agility and balance, since the load rides nearer the person’s own center of mass. In ancient times, the backpack was used as a means to carry the hunter’s larger game and other types of prey as a way of easier transport. In the cases of larger hunts, the hunters would dismember their prey and distribute the pieces of the animal around each one packing the meat into many wrappings and then into a bag which they place on to their back. The bag itself was made up of different animal hide and skin (depending on what sorts of animals were in the area) and sewn together by the intestines of said animals, which were woven together tightly to make a sturdy thread-like material. The word backpack was coined in the United States in the 1910s. Knapsack and packsack were used before; they now occur mainly as regionalisms in North America. The word rucksack is a German loanword mainly used in the UK: ‘der R?cken’ means ‘the back’ (the part of the body) in German. The name Rucksack is cognate with Danish Rygs?k, Norwegian Ryggsekk, Dutch Rugzak, and Swedish Ryggs?ck. Alternative names include Haversack, and Bergen (from the manufacturer’s name Bergens, used for a backpack supported by an external frame, usually associated with the British Armed Forces). Backpacks can often simply be referred to as “packs”, especially in outdoors contexts; though sometimes ambiguous compared to other bags such as saddlebags and duffel bags, context is generally sufficient for identification. Backpacks in general fall into one of three categories: frameless, external frame, and internal frame. A pack frame, when present, serves to support the pack and distribute the weight of its contents across the body more easily (generally by transferring much of the weight to the hips and legs), so most of the weight does not rest on the shoulders, restricting range of motion and possibly causing damage from pressure on the straps. Most are capable of being closed with either a buckle mechanism or a zipper, though a few models use a drawstring for the main compartment. The simplest backpack design is a bag attached to a set of shoulder straps. Such packs are used for general transportation of goods, and have variable capacity. The simplest designs consist of one main pocket. This maybe combined with webbing or cordage straps; while more sophisticated models add extra pockets, waist straps, chest straps, padded shoulder straps, padded backs, and sometimes reflective materials for added safety when the wearer is out at night. In general these packs can be produced inexpensively. Some outdoors packs, particularly those sold for day hikes, ultralight backpacking and mountaineering are sometimes frameless as well. The more traditional type of frame pack uses a rigid external frame which is strapped on the back and in turn carries and supports a cloth or leather sack and potentially strapped on items. External frames were traditionally used to carry heavy loads (20 kg / 40 lb and more), giving the wearer more support and protection and better weight distribution than a simple, frameless strapped bag. Wooden pack frames have been used for centuries around the world (?tzi the Iceman may have used one in Copper Age Alpine Italy [1][2], though some archaeologists believe the frame found with the body was part of a snowshoe), and such gear was common in military and mountaineering applications right up to the 20th century [3]; metal versions first appeared in the mid-20th century, and plastic designs towards the turn of the 21st. Modern pack frames are usually made from lightweight metal tubes, generally aluminium but sometimes also using titanium or scandium alloys. The frame typically has a system of straps and pads to keep the sack and the frame from contacting the body. The open structure has the added benefit of improved ventilation and decreased sweatiness. The fabric part of the pack occupies part of the frame’s length, but the frame typically protrudes above and below. These areas of the frame allow bulky items (such tents, sleeping bags, and thermal pads) to be strapped on. Thus the main compartment is smaller than that of an internal-frame pack, because bulky items (tents, sleeping bags, thermal pads) are strapped to the parts of the frame not occupied by the main compartment itself. This may result in a less smooth load (annoying in dense forest) and less control over the movement of the center of gravity of the pack. While less popular than internal-frame gear, some manufacturers (such as Kelty, Jansport, and Coleman) continue to produce external packs, and military packs are often external-frame designs as well. An internal-frame pack has a large cloth section in which a small frame is integrated. This frame generally consists of strips of either metal or plastic that mold to one’s back to provide a good fit, sometimes with additional metal stays to reinforce the frame. Usually a complex series of straps works with the frame to distribute the weight and hold it in place. The close fitting of the back section to the wearer’s back allows the pack to be closely attached to the body, and gives a predictable movement of the load; on the downside, the tight fit reduces ventilation, so these type of packs tend to be more sweaty compared to external frame packs. The internal construction also allows for a large storage compartment. Internal-frame packs may provide a few lash points (including webbing loops and straps for sleeping bags and other large items), but as the frame is fully integrated and not available on the outside, it is difficult to lash a large, heavy item so that it stays fixed and does not bounce, so most cargo must fit inside. Internal-frame packs originally suffered from smaller load capacity and less comfortable fit during steady walking, but newer models have improved greatly in these respects. In addition, because of their snug fit, they ride better in activities that involve upper-body movement such as scrambling over rocky surfaces and skiing. The improved internal frame models have largely replaced external frame backpacks for many activities. In many countries, backpacks are heavily identified with students, and are a primary means of transporting educational materials to and from school.[1] In this context they are sometimes known as bookbags or schoolbags. The purchase of a suitably fashionable, attractive, and useful backpack is a crucial back-to-school ritual for many students. Typical school backpacks generally lack the rigid frame of an outdoor-style backpack and include only a few pockets in addition to the main holding space of the pack. While traditionally very simple in design, school backpacks are often made with padded straps and backs as well as additional reinforcement to hold large numbers of heavy textbooks, as well as safety features such as reflective panels to make the wearer of the pack more visible at night. It is very common for schools (especially colleges and universities) to sell backpacks decorated with the school logo. Specialist ergonomic back packs are available that are designed to protect young backs and distribute the weight across the strongest muscles and relieve pressure on the neck and spine. Backpacks are sometimes worn as fashion accessories, in which they perform the same function as a purse.[3] Some such backpacks designed specifically for women are no larger than a typical purse, and are generally associated with younger, often college-age women. Some backpacks are specifically designed to carry certain items. Common examples include backpacks for small, high-value items such as laptops and cameras (see photo);[4] backpacks designed to hold laptop computers in particular generally have a padded compartment to hold the computer and are especially common in college and university settings. It is also possible to buy “picnic basket” backpacks that come with plastic dishes and utensils, a tablecloth, etc. In order to supply these devices with electricity, some backpacks are equipped with solar panels.[5] Backpacks (often made of clear plastic) are sometimes used as a type of packaging, particularly for educational toys and games targeted at children. In retail settings, loss prevention rules sometimes require employees to use clear plastic backpacks (as well as purses) to carry materials to and from work to prevent loss by employee theft. There are also single-strap packs that are essentially a hybrid between a backpack and a messenger bag. Inexpensive, very simple packs that combine the drawstring and straps into a single piece of cloth or webbing are occasionally sold for use at sporting events and the like. Some high-end retailers (notably Apple Stores) use a similar design for their shopping bags as well. Rolling backpacks are backpacks with wheels on the bottom and an extending handle to ease carrying objects inside the backpacks. Because of its design, rolling backpacks reduce the strain on one’s back, which is more ergonomic than regular backpacks, though rolling backpacks can be carried on the back as well. Backpacks are a standard part of the carrying equipment of soldiers, especially infantry, in most countries, and military-style packs are regularly available to civilians in military surplus stores. Well-known examples include the United States ALICE field pack and the British Army PLCE rucksack attachment, both of which are widely available to civilian markets both as actual military surplus (new or used) and as replicas. Such packs are often, though not always (e.g. the USMC’s ILBE pack), external-frame packs, with the pack itself lashed or pinned to a metal or plastic carrying frame. Many police tactical units, as well as players of military-style combat games such as paintball and airsoft, use military-style backpacks and webbing for storing gear and ammunition. There is also a small but thriving industry devoted to creating historical reproductions of military gear; such companies generally produce period-appropriate uniforms and other gear in addition to backpacks. Some more recent military/tactical designs, especially the MOLLE and ILBE packs used by the United States armed forces, are covered with webbing loop attachment points for increased carrying capacity. Backpacks are sometimes used as luggage, particularly as carry-on bags for airplane travel. Backpacks form an essential part of the gear of the outdoor trekker and the urban backpacker, allowing more mobility and compactness than would be available to someone carrying most of their gear and clothing in a suitcase. In addition to their use in outdoors pursuits, backpacks are sometimes used in other sports as well. Hydration packs, sometimes used by runners and bicyclists, carry water (in either a bladder or a rigid bottle) and have a tube connected to them from which the wearer can drink without removing the pack; this feature is also included in some more general-purpose hiking backpacks. Backpacks that carry skateboards have also become more popular in the youth culture. One common special type of backpack (sometimes referred to as a “technical pack” or “frame pack”) is designed for backpacking and other outdoors activities. These type of packs are more complex than most other backpacks. Compared to backpacks used for more day-to-day purposes such as schoolbooks, such packs are designed to carry substantially heavier loads, and as a result most such packs attach not only at the shoulders but at the hips, using a padded hip belt to distribute the majority of the weight of the pack to the legs and not the back. The often heavily padded and sometimes semi-rigid shoulder straps are mainly for balancing the weight. They usually (except for those used in ultralight backpacking) have a metal or plastic frame to support and distribute the weight of the pack. Larger packs of this type tend to have a subdivided main compartment. These trekking packs often have several pockets on the outside; they may also have lash points on the exterior (either directly attached to the frame or webbing loops), so that bulky items may be strapped on, although depending on the pack design and type of trek most backpackers will try to stuff everything into the pack. Multiday packs typically have a content between 60 and 100 liters (and are about 3ft /1 meter tall). Smaller packs with similar features are available for shorter trips. The most common materials for such packs are canvas and nylon, either ripstop fabric for lightweight packs or heavier fabric such as cordura for more typical usage. Most such packs are purpose-designed for the outdoors market; however, it is not uncommon for military surplus packing gear to be sold to outdoorspeople as well for the same purpose. The cheaper versions of the outdoor packs are often favoured by city trekkers; as they have a large volume and still carry relatively easily. Outdoors packs, in addition to the distinction between external-frame and internal-frame, can be further subdivided based on the duration of trip a pack might be expected to be used on; daypacks hold supplies for a single day’s hiking (size about 20-30 litres), while “weekender” bags can hold two to three day’s worth of gear and supplies (sizes about 40-50 litres). Larger packs generally have no specific names but are designed to distribute the weight of increased numbers of gear and supplies for longer-duration trips (60-100 litres); such packs often include complex ergonomic support features to simplify the carrying of large amounts of weight. A third type with little or no frame at all, similar to the bookbags used by students and made of light fabric (often nylon ripstop, as mentioned above), is used in ultralight backpacking to eliminate the weight of the frame and heavy fabric used in more typical outdoors packs. Despite (or perhaps because of) their lesser weight, such packs are seldom less expensive than more typical, regular-weight packs. In addition, outdoors packs are designed for specific purposes such as kayaking/canoeing, rock climbing, mountaineering, cross country skiing, and other such activities. Packs used in competitive strategic sports such as paintball and airsoft are often based on or actually are military gear.
Tags: Backpack
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First Time Snow Boarding
Written by ski on September 13, 2009 – 5:14 am -
This was my first attempt at going snowboarding and I figured I would record it and share my experience. I went yesterday and I'm really sore today, pretty much every muscle in my body is in some sort of pain, he he. Either way this video was shot with my new Kodak Zi8 at 720p at 60 frames per second. Although when I exported it using "youtube Widescreen 720p" preset in Adobe Premier it rendered it at 24 frames per second so it doesn't look as smooth as the original footage.
Tags: Boarding, first, Snow, time
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Enjoy Skiing on Your Kullu Manali Tour
Written by ski on September 9, 2009 – 9:50 pm -
Manali is one of the beautiful hill stations of India. It is one of the most beautiful hill towns of Himachal Pradesh, India. It is situated at the northern end of world famous Kullu Valley by the Beas River. It is globally famous for the bountiful display of exceptional natural scenery with delightful climate, fruit laden apple orchards, lively valleys, meadows of wild & cultivated flowers, forests for pine & deodar trees, snow-capped mountain peaks, lovely lakes, gorgeous landscapes, gushing waterfalls, picturesque picnic spots, etc.
The region of Kullu and Manali are internationally famous for wide range of adventure sports. Adventure sport lovers from all over the world embark on shimla tours. Some popular adventure sport opportunities available in Kullu region are white water rafting (river rafting), kayaking, paragliding, skiing, heli skiing, fishing & angling, mountaineering, rock climbing, ice climbing, ice skating, river crossing in the valley, etc.
Skiing is considered as one of the best activities for adventure sports on tours to Manali. A visit to this beautiful hill town of Himachal Pradesh offers fabulous opportunity for skiing, heli skiing, snow boarding, ice skating, and other ice sports. These activities can be enjoyed not only by professionals but also for beginners. And of course it will be a delightful and thrilling experience to treasure for lifetime.
There are several fascinating & natural slopes for enjoy skiing activities in the region of Manali and Kullu. Some of finest slopes located near Manali are Solang Valley, Rohtang Pass, Dhundi, Kothi, Gulaba, Marhi, and Patalsu. These peaks are considered among some of the best skiing slopes in the world. Adventure sport lovers from all over the world come here to enjoy skiing in these fascinating sloples of Himalayan peaks. In Rohtang Pass and Patalsu, summer skiing can be also enjoyed. Skiing is also favorite activities of honeymooners on their manali tours in Himachal Pradesh, India.
Solang Valley is one of the most spectacular ski sloples in the western Himalayas. It is located at the short distance of 13 km from Manali. Solang Valley – popularly known as the Snow Point – is not famous among adventure sport lovers but also among honeymooners from all over the world. This exceptionally beautiful valley offers to watch panoramic view of snow capped mountain peaks and massive glaciers. When sunrays fall on the snow capped mountain peaks, it creates spectacular view worth seeing.
Solang Valley is ideal spot for skiing. It is famous among both beginners as well as professionals. There are several skiing packages available on daily and weekly basis. The best season for skiing in Solang Valley is from January to March. Solang Valley is also the venue of national level skiing competition and winter carnival. During summer season ballooning can be also enjoyed in Solang Valley of Manali.
Manali is also globally famous for Heli Skiing. Rohtang Pass, Deo Tibba, Hanuman Tibba, Chanderkhani Pass, etc are known for their high peaks and ideal for Heli Skiing. In heli-skiing a helicopter leaves you on the peaks and you have to make your zigzag ways downwards. It is a risk taking sport but delightful and thrilling. If you too want to enjoy skiing in Manali, book your Kullu Manali package that makes enable you to enjoy these adventure sport activities. Not only Manali, Shimla also offers skiing opportunity at skiing spots like Kurfi, Narkanda, etc. Shimla tour package may be your best friend to enjoy skiing in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh.
Tags: Enjoy, Kullu, Manali, Skiing, Tour
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Switzerland Ski Vacations – Winter Season 2010
Written by ski on September 9, 2009 – 10:33 am -
This country emerges out for it known beauty and culture. The decency present is also a factor. Apart from all this the country brings out its name in sports held internationally which are specially winter sports. These sports are popular throughout the year. A visit here in summer does not allow you to feel the heat of summer. The ski resorts present in Switzerland give you a pleasant and warm feeling.
Skiing is been going on in Switzerland since ages. It is nothing new for it. You get to see real ski lovers there even in summer. The best ski resorts available in Switzerland are in the region of Wallis Canton which is quite popular in Switzerland. The best spot for skiing in Switzerland is Swiss Alps which is equally well known there. If you want to entertain yourself doing something other than skiing then you can choose for snowboarding. A view of the slopes meant for skiing and snow boarding is worth watching. If you are one adventure lover then skiing is the option you must go for. The resorts present in Switzerland look forward in providing the best experience possible to all the ones participating in this sport which include everyone from the beginners to professionals.
There are varieties of skiing options once you reach Switzerland. One must make a good survey on every type of sport and activity present in Switzerland before reaching there because once you reach here you get so many options that it may confuse you to choose one on the spot. If you are planning to visit this place this year then you are surely right because a large amount of newer and friendlier facilities are coming up. The Switzerland government has been taking various steps in improving the standards of skiing facility more which is going to make this vacation one of the best visit.
Not only for skiing Switzerland has been gaining immense popularity for the parties it holds. You spend a night there then you come to know what party is all about. The night clubs and pubs associated with the resorts add to ones entertainment. If you try to visit Switzerland for its culture then the resorts present in the mountainous regions of Matterhorn are the place to be. You get to see exquisite and heritage scenery here. Planning up for one resort of your choice which suits you the best by means of everything must be done before time.
Swiss Alps is the best spot for skiing in Switzerland. You can either opt for a ski or a snowboard for enjoying all the fun. Once you have the full gratification in skiing then take a vertical train equipped to the slops, were you can enjoy the fantastic beauty. The breathtaking view of the slope itself is worth the travel to Switzerland. Other Swiss ski resorts which enjoy great popularity world-wide include Interlaken, Les Diablerets, Appenzell, Tarasp, Zinal, Zermatt, Saas Fee, Scuol and many others. There are a lot of hopes of a good and pleasant change in skiing in Switzerland in the year ahead by the people all over the world because as always every person as an individual would like to have a great experience even this time in Switzerland especially in their ski vacation.
Tags: 2010, Season, Switzerland, Vacations, Winter
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Snowy Lake Tahoe
Written by ski on September 5, 2009 – 2:28 am -
Airfares have loosen their belts this year to encourage more travelers. Hospitality industries blend with the bargain season however certain destinations are still whooping the cost no matter how cheap the airfares and the accommodations bargain their prices. This season Lake Tahoe is a much worth for an ultimate winter vacation, even termed as an all year round destination, a wedding host, and just an American place with great weather and sights.
To save more, hire an RV to escort your travel in Lake Tahoe. Stuff in all your luggages in your rented RV and choose among various RV sizes. Some are built for two people and some are built for a convenient group or a family travel. Staying amongst RV parks isn’t something to worry about when you hit Lake Tahoe, as they are ubiquitous whichever your compass points to. North Lake Tahoe alone has over 30 RV parks. Several RV parks are private owned and several are operated by the government. Choose an RV park situated by the Lake make sure they have another room for your RV, especially during the peak season.
Another convenience of hiring an RV is its feature of being a sleeping facility other than a vehicle. On of the most popular activity in Tahoe is Skiing, fishing, hiking and of course camping. Skiing and snowboarding in Tahoe is the best in the west, the slopes and the deals are a perfect match. While it has ideal ski slopes, it also has fabulous beaches so beach goers will be found in place. Few bays are best explored by a boat.
Tags: Lake, Snowy, Tahoe
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My Descent – Les Sybelles
Written by ski on September 1, 2009 – 1:21 pm -
I took my camera and went up early. The weather was great, minus -10 degrees Celsius and almost nobody at the piste! Sorry for the shakiness, I still do not have a camera helmet. I'm currently trying to find a way to mount my JVC Everio cam on my Burton Trace helmet. If anyone has tips, please leave a message! The descent was from 2620 meter till 1550 meter roughly.
Tags: Descent, Sybelles
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