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I know there are many of you out there that aren’t enticed by the word Free. In fact, there are probably more of you out there that dash away from Free because it probably has strings attached, isn’t of good quality or doesn’t really exist (No such thing as a free lunch, etc.).

Well, put all your trepidations aside and open your heart and mind to the idea of first-rate free, a.k.a nothing, on the house, open, liberated  or gratis. . . you get the idea. Today, I’m here to tell you about about Free Ski-iPhone Apps you can download to your iPhone and get some really stellar information, from trail maps to lift openings to snow reports to directions and much more. You can get apps from Apple’s App store or find guys who post them on their own websites.

The Ski-O-Meter iPhone app lets you keep your iPhone snug in your zipper breast pocket and record everything from distance, speed, maximum, average, and minimum speed. All you have to do is press Play, while being sure to put the iPhone in the lock position. I know I love having this information after a long bike ride, so now it’s possible with skiing. I think this app is really great for either alpine or cross-country skiers.

The Snocater iPhone app is probably one of the most diverse iphone applications; plus, it’s really built for skiers and boarders by skiers and boarders. The displayable trail maps not only show you where you are, but allow you to interact and see where you’re going or how to get there (mid trail). Not to mention, you can access mountain cams, get forecasts, check nearby lifts and runs and terrain, all while  keeping in touch with friends through Sniff—a texter that allows you to text friends and see where they are at too. The designers, Liberty Media Corps, are offering both US and International locations (coming soon).

The RealSki iPhone App doesn’t use virtual reality but claims to be unique in it’s use of AR or Augmented Reality. To describe it, the app overlays digital graphics by utilizing, “camera, compass, and other 3GS features to overlay ski runs and key points of interest in AR.” Essentially, as you turn the iPhone to the slopes, little ski trail and resort signs (green here) pop up on the screen telling you which way to this or that run.

The Hangtimer Iphone App maybe doesn’t do a lot of fancy-shmancy stuff, but it does do one thing that all the other never thought of—catch how long you catch air! I like this app because it’s good for skiing but good for a lot of other sports where air time may not be important but is fun. Apparently, in using some arduous math skills, it can tell when you take off and when you land, whether jumping off a cliff or careening down a slope or roller coaster.

The REI Snow Report iPhone App pretty much has it all. You can view snow reports around the globe, so it’s not just US-Centric! From Australia to Chile, New Zealand to Austria, this app can show you the depth, forecasts, trails, maps, open and closed lifts and even projected snow fall. You can even access web cams and links to other web resort sites. Aside from Hangtimer, this app can do what all the others can do, combined. Improved from last year and unique, get it for free now.

The iTrailMap 3D iPhone App lets you see yourself on a 3D mountain and record them and later get them on the web. Additionally, you can keep record of your stats, like distance, speed, vertical drop and much more. Some unique, fluid features include rotating 3D, panning, switch from digital to paper maps and even see the snowscape in landscape mode, showing you all the terrain and topography. Whats more, once you have the maps downloaded, you don’t need cellular connection while mid-piste. You’ll have access to it all from memory and see it when you want, regardless of connection.

The SkiJump Lite iPhone App has been said to be a very addicting game. I’ve not tried it, but for all it’s worth, I thought including a generic little game would keep you from getting bored with all the serious stuff. What is really cool about this game, however, is that once you do make an amazing jump (longest, as this is the aim of the game), your score is uploaded to the database automatically and you are entered to win some cool prizes, from Gore-Tex jackets to Softshells that make skiing fashionable and fun.

From Strap-Ons to Snowboard Slings, I’ve looked for some of 20-10s cutting edge toys to help you squander that ski holiday money. At any rate, I just wanted to give you some ideas for the slopes to help you with everything from staying warm to staying in step. Here are some things to help you get at it!

iPhone Apps

I might as well give you a sneak preview of next week’s blog article: iPhone Apps. I’ll soon give you a run-through and teach you about some of the niftiest iPhone applications related to skiing, but for now, I’ll tell you that there are all kinds of apps for gear, snow conditions, trail maps, international and US ski resort information and weather updates. It’s like playing God, pointing to what you want to see and instantly knowing. Oh the Power! (Stay Tuned.)

Battery-Heated Ski Socks

Say you’re on ski holiday but you never really get to enjoy those Alps in Tonale, Italy nor do you ride the runs in Tignes, France because you’re always just too cold. If you’re the type that freezes to death on a summer’s eve, it’s time to quit shivering. May I introduce to you the battery-heated ski sock, long enough so you can still fit into your ski boots, and warm enough to keep you skiing merrily till dusk. If you’re still cold you can try Smartwool socks, Insolator winter insoles or Thermastat silk that heats up naturally. Ther-Mic Foot warmers have insoles already built in to a battery operated heater sock. You may never have to enjoy hot cocoa again…

No Such Thing As Handicapped

If you have an amputation above the knee, then do not fret—Your high-adrenaline rush will continue to flow with the XT9 Energy Storing Prosthetic Knee. From Telemarking in Kranjska Gora to Alpining or Cross-country skiing in Les Orres, SymBiotecks make it possible to ice climb, play ice hockey, go ice skating or, yes, snowboard (among many other non-ski related fun). Your next skiing holiday will be just as fun as you remembered it, but this time, you may even be better than ever!

SnowQ Snowboard Sling

Though this doesn’t involve any batteries or windy widgets, the SnowQ Sling allows you to carry your snowboard or skis on your back. This is especially handy, if like me, your ski hotel, hostel or apartment is immeasurably far from the slopes (yes, because I’m poor and cheap). At any rate, no more lugging your skis or board to the slope with arms achey and numb. (So far, I think these are only available online from retailers in the USA.)

Tri-Slider Sled

Some of us just want to stay off our feet while on ski vacation. One way we can do this and have more fun is through the tri-slider sled. This sled allows the rider to comfortably sit over the top of their legs and have control whilst going vroom down hill. The concept is quite easy and nicely ergonomic. There’s even brakes and steering handlebars.

Strap-On Snow-blades

You’ve probably heard of these because they have been around for a few years. Snow-blades are unique in that they are shorter but wider and mainly used for Alpine skiing, though denomination groups for snow-blades may very well use them for all kinds of purposes. They are easy to carry around and great for carving. Usually, these are worn with your alpine ski boots, without poles.

Before hitting it to France with MountVacation.com I’m obliged to stay at home and shred nothing but the resort near my place. It doesn’t offer any rails, parks or back-country, but at least it’s skiing. Better than nothing right?

Check out this little edit from myself.

Whilst you’re watching this clip, I’ll be out on the field doing some street rail filming.

After winning Air&style, Marko Grilc made it to the premiere of Burton’s new movie in Ljubljana. It was soooo sick to have him here, not only as a host but also as a friend. He’s achieved so much and made at least 400 people at the party soooo proud of being in the Slovenian extreme sports scene.

“‘Yo dude you gotta come over here…the premiere is on!’

“Grilo in the name of love”

It felt so good to be back among friends who I haven’t seen for  such a long time. I took a picture with everyone I knew, or didn’t and it made my day.

The press car only means trouble!

and tall girls mean only…long legs…definitely not trouble!

the hat means having a cool lifestyle

and a wink means only ALL IN!

a movie night gives us all a reason to hang out

the crowd shows appreciation of it!

and a group photo means nothing but love.

Yesterday, I got home from Kaprun where I spent 4 days hanging out with really cool people. BTW, the Cosmopolitan ski opening for women hosted by Mountvacation.com was also taking place. You can imagine what was going on mostly… Or not. Anyway, I tried to find the first pow in the season to draw some lines. I found it for sure but, unfortunately, there was a lack of base snow so the ‘reef sharks’ peeked out of the snowy cover almost everytime in the steeper parts. There were only couple of lines, but that was all I needed to start the season in Europe. Only freeriders know this feeling and what it can do for you for the rest of the day.

Laughing at one of the lamest and easiest short lines…but it was just so cool!

The line in the middle was rough to my skis, and the next one was rough to my body after falling from a rock 4m high to other rocks.

I just love these ends of day

Two days ago at 3 o’clock in the morning I was partying pretty hard and I got news from Innsbruck where my friend Marko Grilc won the Air & Style competition… I couldn’t believe it and i still can’t really tell how cool it is to hang out with my friends who achieve so much in their lifes and inspire me every single day, no matter where we hang out. Every single one has done so much in this season already and it hasn’t even started yet. Trust me good old YUGO’s will rock this year everywhere. No matter where and how we gonna kill it!

Marko invited us for a dinner tonight

As we are in the very beginnings of the skiing season across much of the northern hemisphere, it is important that we not forget how this great recreation came about, evolved and turned into a present-day phenomenon. Nearly all forms of skiing had its beginnings in something related to survival. Whether used for hunting, for gathering, for escape, for war, for military maneuvers or for traveling over expansive distances and mountains, we can thank those who persevered for the evolution later turned recreation sport of skiing. As you hit the slopes this holiday skiing season, be sure to keep in mind the histories of this now worldwide pastime.

Long Ago-ish History of Skiing:

I think it is safe to say—and historians who get paid to do this sort of research likely agree—that the modern type of skiing we know today was invented somewhere in northern Europe. Skis dating from about 5000 years ago were found on the border of France and Switzerland with a ski as old as 6500 years old found in a swampy bogland in Sweden. Even older drawings of skiers using one pole are depicted in carvings from over 7000 years ago in Nordland, Norway. A ski recently found and carbon tested dates at over 1000 years old.

Ergo, we can safely assume that, yes, northern Europe generally and Nordic people specifically were setting a world example even way back when. Most of the time, unlike today however, these Nordic and Sami populations used skiing as a way of survival and livelihood rather than recreation and holiday getaways. Be thankful (heck we should throw an annual party) that these guys survived to pass on their intimate knowledge of this sport.

Not So Long Ago-ish History of Skiing:

If you know some history of skiing, then you’ve probably heard the name Sondre Norheim pop up now and then around the midday meal. Some researchers give Norheim the honor of the “father of modern day skiing.” All those slopes you’ve enjoyed, all those innovations to your over-priced skiing equipment and all those cracked bones, twisted ankles and bruised knees and tailbones can be attributed, then, to Norheim himself.

Again, thanks goes out to northern Europe and Norway again, Norheim advanced the sport of skiing by his innovations in secure and stiffer ski bindings. He didn’t use animal skin or leather like others before him, but made his quite tough but pliant straps from the dug up (or newly dead) roots of birch trees. Norheim’s contribution, especially to downhill skiing, made it possible for skiers to not only go downhill faster, but accompany this newfound speed with jumps, turns and before unseen maneuvers—today, they might be aptly more known as “tricks.”

Norheim some decades later kept making improvements to his and other’s design with more narrow, curved and shorter skis—today’s telemarking. All sorts of woods and layers of wood were used for decades to come, and improvements came quickly with international exposure; however, Norheim’s crafty hand played a huge role in what we all get to enjoy (no matter the type or skiing) today.

or: What Happened When Others Weren’t Expecting

Skiing, as you may know, can be a dangerous sport. Most of the time, a wipe out leads to a yard sale (when your ski gear spreads out over the slope after a wipe out) and everyone is OK and laughing—a bruised tail bone or ego is all you go home with that day. Others, however, have had more traumatic experiences, though often still humorous. As long as someone doesn’t have to be flown home in a casket, I think you can always find a little amusement. At any rate, I’ll add some of my own (and others’) ski holidays that had a unexpected twist. If you got any slapstick ski stories to toss in, then by all means tell me about them here. (We’ll take a vote in about a month to see who gets the best “Gone Bad Ski Trip” award for 2009.)

Took My Girlfriend Out:
This is one of my own stories, one where I play the protagonist and by girlfriend the antagonist—though she may still see it differently. Neither of us are expert skiers. We stick to the easy and intermediate slopes and become experts when it comes to the resort food and late night drink-fests. Anyway, we were skiing in Courchevel in France in the Les Trois Vallees and both took to the slope at the same time.

I am, of course, crazier than she, so I was zigzagging, trying to show off. My girlfriend was pretty much bee-lining straight for the bottom. Instead of either going behind or in front of her, as we both caught some nice speed, I ran straight into her. “How does a person who weights 72 kg (~165 lbs) take up the space of a bear? You are a Manimal,” she often tells me at least thrice per day. That day, my bearness was out of control. When I said “Took my girlfriend out” above, I didn’t mean to fine dining and a movie. I mean, actually, that I took her legs out from underneath her body. I was Superman-ing downhill while she was on her back, sliding down backwards, legs up in the air—kid you not—like a turtle! We slowed down and I got a beating of a life time; I think she even kicked me in the ribs. Save for a few bruises and scrapes, we didn’t really feel hurt until the next day when we had to shower in hot water for twenty minutes in order to walk straight. Girls have a funny way of getting even over a very long time, but I won’t go there now…

Check Out Her Rack:
Though this is something you might say to your buds over sipping some brewskies, unfortunately, I’m neither talking about fun bags, jugs nor knockers. This story will be much quicker, because conversations about melons never end. At any rate, my two friends Sheila and Bart had just gotten back from a ten day ski holiday in Italy. Bart retold with hilarity how in Livigno, Italy, to be exact, Sheila had somehow managed to get her ski pole forcefully, aptly and firmly between her legs. Apparently, Sheila lost some control after rushing down a pretty intense blue slope and in an effort to (stop?, keep balance?, keep going?) gain control, she got her ski pole stuck in the frozen ground in front of her. In one single motion, she ended up with the ski pole racking her between the legs. When she came to a stop, according to Bart, she laid holding her bruised nether-regions for several long minutes. Shelia told me later that the worst was how Bart kept laughing at her, not helping her one bit. She eventually got up and started beating Bart on his back. They were equally bruised when they got to their hotel that night, I (without asking) understood.

Now, it’s your turn to add your ski vacation story that went for the worst:

If you’re a newcomer to the fascinating world of skiing (or snowboarding), then you may not entirely know what to expect. You either know a little from listening to friends chatter or from what you’ve seen on TV (or YouTube, et al.). I’ve come up with four possible expectation scenarios that I think are plausible for the neo-skier: If you’re a tenderfoot or a go-getter or something between, you likely fit under one of the following categories (sorry to pigeonhole). Before you leave for your first ski holiday, humor me and read my psychobabble on the physical and mental and emotional approaches to first-time skiers and boarders.

Those Who Expect Perfect Everything
If you’re the type of person who is used to being waited on hand and foot, then you’ve probably paid some decent Euros for your first time ski getaway. Perhaps, even, you’ve invested in some cute skiing clothes and all the coolest gear—it’s always nice to feel good about what you’re doing. However, if you approach the Slope-full Mother Nature with such Hope-full expectancy, then you might be let down…hard. Perhaps the weather won’t be great on days one and two; perhaps the hotel got over-booked and you had to take the studio apartment; or, perchance you’re feet are just too big to fit into your ski boots, it’s best to come to the ascents with a little room for let down. Ninety-percent of the time all goes as planned, but in order to have the most fun as a powder virgin, you should simmer down and predict that the unpredictable can happen. You won’t be a party pooper then when the toilet gets backed up because Andy clogged it with… whatever.

Those Who Expect To Ski Like A Pro
If you’re one of those gifted athletes who can pretty much catch on to anything—“Kite surfing took me like an hour to learn,”… “That dirt biking trail was a piece of cake,” … “That climb up Kilimanjaro didn’t even wind me,” et cetera—then don’t expect to hit the blacks just yet, or you might end up black and blue all over. (My first time skiing I accidentally took a right on a red and felt like a pansy when I came scooting down the slope on my butt [I thought I caught on quick too].) At any rate, don’t hit the slopes cocky. It’s OK to take ski lessons and learn down the bunny hill. No one will laugh, except you, maybe. No one cares, no one is watching and it’s all in the name of fun. So, be smart and you’ll be a pro in a couple of days.

Those Who Expect To Be Scared
If you come to the hill’s edge with your legs in fact chattering, then you may have some initial fear. No matter the grade, it does seem a bit scary for most at first. If you find yourself feeling anxious, it’s OK to practice at the bottom of the hill. Or, better yet, do as I do: I mentally visualize approaching the slope, looking down it, feeling the zigzagging, the wind, the adrenaline, others zooming in front of me, and me feeling confident and excited. If you can practice some visualization, your mind will be calmer once the real flags go down. Imagine right now sucking on a bright yellow lemon—sour, isn’t it? See, your brain doesn’t know the difference between mentally doing something and really doing it. Practice makes perfect, even if you’ve never really been down a slope in all your life.

Those Who Expect Nothing
I think those who have the least expectations make the best first-timers. I mean, when you’ve got no expectations, then you are open to a limitless supply of newness. One good example is the little kids who follow their ski instructor down the hill for the first time—like chicks following Mama Duck—not scared of following but only focusing on doing. Not to get all hokie on you, but come to the slope as a blank slate, ready and willing to try anything for the first time. Expect less and receive more, I suppose, in a corny sort of way. Above all else, it’s next to impossible not to have fun—plus, there’s always sledding and sleigh rides as a back up.

Europe is probably the world’s best retreat if getting down right silly for your ski holiday tops your To-Do list. Not only does Europe house some of the world’s longest ski runs, it also boasts several hundred large and small resorts that cater to everyone from nudist to purist, to wackos and hippies. I’ve compiled a list here to bring you some of the brainless, mindless and thoughtless things you might want to do this ski season. Not all are crazy but some are downright boneheaded and irrationally reckless—if this sounds like you, I invite you to read on you witless warrior.

Skiing Downhill, Fast:

If you want to try your hands at one of Europe’s steepest slopes, then you don’t have to look much farther than Austria, Mayrhofen(Zillertal) to be exact. The Harakiki slope angles at almost 80% or 40º, which creates enough speed to make even the slightest turns dangerous and mind boggling. Though there are some longer slopes for sure, Harakiki makes you feel like gravity has let go and human-powered flight on skis is possible.

Skiing Nude, Frozen:

If you’ve ever thought of disrobing just for the sake of it while on the slope, you’re not the only one. In fact, there’s a cross-country ski route in Austria—Obertaun (Obertauern) to be exact—where nude skiers are welcomed and invited to ski (sticking to the route) while in the buff. There are more resorts where skiing in your birthday suit suits the local authorities, but I’ll have more on that in my upcoming blogs. If you don’t mind snowburns, sunburns and shriveled (very tender) tissues to be showed off, then Obertauern, Austria, should make your dreams of “in the buff,” “bare,” or “buck-naked” come true.

Skiing Gambler, Broke:

If you like to gamble away little Susie’s college fund, then you should stay away from Les 2 Alpes in France this January (10th – 17th). It’s the first of many annual Poker Week celebrations where you can come, put your best Poker Face on, bluff like hell and either win buckets of Euros (drug dealers currency of choice over the flailing dollar these days) or go home bankrupt. Just make sure to pay your bills back home, pre-pay for the hotel room and little Susie’s ski lessons and let the gambling begin. Lay your best hand down for the best Poker Party this winter in Europe.

Skiing Night, Lost:

It’s not likely you’ll get lost if you try night skiing in Europe this year. There are loads of ski resorts that flick on the power to illuminate the slopes for all you night owls. Though the slopes might be frozen or even packed down from day skiers, night skiing has its advantages. Places like the Dolomiti Superski area in Italy, Saint Bernard in Switzerland and Maribor in Slovenia all gloat about their fantastic night skiing and venues. Before hitting the sack, be sure to hit the slopes on your next ski holiday. I find that though the slopes are not as well groomed, they are way less crowded and seemingly more dangerous. An easy intermediate suddenly becomes a treacherous black after the sun sets.