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Skiing and snowboarding are inherently risky sports, and there’s no way to completely avoid all possible injuries or mishaps. You can, however, take steps to reduce the risks you take on the slopes.

The National Ski Areas Association (NSAA)endorses a responsibility code, and signs referring to its campaign—”Know the Code”—are posted at resorts across the country. Some states have even incorporated these principles into their statutes and laws regarding winter sports, and this season the NSAA has made a video available for those who want to see the principles of the code in action.

Here’s a run-down of the NSAA’s code, as well as reasons why you need to know and follow it:

1. Always stay in control, and be able to stop or avoid other people or objects.

Just about everyone on the slopes has had the experience of some crazy, out-of-control skier or snowboarder almost mowing him or her down on a free-flight down the mountain. It’s no fun. The fact is, it’s up to you to stay in control of your speed, and to know how to stop and avoid people and obstacles. There’s no excuse here. No matter how fast you’re going, always be ready to stop.

2. People ahead of you have the right of way. It is your responsibility to avoid them.

This is an important principle, and it relates to the first rule. The people in front of you have the right of way. Period. No matter how much they’re taking up space or how wrong they are for being where they are, they have the right of way. Even when they’re not following the code (see the next rule), it’s up to you to avoid them.

3. You must not stop where you obstruct a trail, or are not visible from above.

With all of that said, don’t be one of those people who stop in the middle of a trail to send a text or admire the view. You simply can’t obstruct trails. If you need to stop, go to the side of the trail.

4. Whenever starting downhill or merging into a trail, look uphill and yield to others.

If this sounds like a traffic rule, it’s because it is. Skiers and snowboarders hurtling down a mountain are rather like traffic on a fast-moving highway, and you have to look both ways (OK, mostly up) to make sure that there is room for you to pull out. When the traffic is clear, you can start. This principle is especially important when merging, since sometimes people coming down one trail won’t even realize they’re merging onto another one, and they simply might not see you. You need to watch out for yourself.

5. Always use devices to help prevent runaway equipment.

Most modern skis come equipped with brakes, so that any time your boot pops out of the bindings, the brake engages. Make sure that your skis have them, and if they don’t, get some installed. Snowboarders also need to wear retention straps, which keep loose boards from sliding down the mountain. These kinds of protections are important, because a wayward ski or snowboard can be a dangerous hazard to others who might hit it.

6. Observe all posted signs and warnings. Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas.

Signs and warnings are posted, and trails are closed, for good reasons. Don’t second-guess the resort authorities; they know what they’re doing. Sometimes a trail will be closed because of rocks, tree stumps, or other obstacles, and following all signs, directions and warnings will help keep you safe.

7. Prior to using any lift, you must have the knowledge and ability to load, ride and unload safely.

A large part of the skiing and snowboarding learning curve involves using lifts correctly. And that’s easier said than done. Make sure when you’re boarding a lift to go up to the designated line, and as the lift approaches, bend your knees slightly to catch it. Settle into the seat and pull down the safety bar when everyone is in. It’s also a good idea to let everyone else in the lift know when the bar is going down. When disembarking, glide down the ramp and get out of the way of people coming off the next chair.

The NSAA emphasizes that this is a partial list, and many states have their own codes, statutes, and laws that you’ll want to consult. These rules are a good place to start, however, and following them will help you stay safe and also make your time on the slopes more enjoyable.

Vivian Wagner is a writer and skier in New Concord, Ohio. Visit her website at www.vivianwagner.net.

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As we approach the skiing season, many people wonder, “What are the most important things that I need, in order to go skiing?” Some things, such as skis, are rather obvious; others, such as goggles, which may not seem important, are less obvious.

The key to skiing equipment is to get something that suits what kind of skiing you are doing (cross country or downhill), and should also suit your particular enthusiasm for skiing. If you are a casual skier who goes out three or four times a year, you don’t necessarily need top-of-the-line equipment.

If you are going every weekend, you will want to get the highest quality equipment you can.

Skis

The most essential piece of equipment for skiing are, of course, skis. The type of skiing you are participating in will determine what kind of ski you need.

If you are participating in cross-country skiing, you will want a longer, lighter ski than if you are participating in alpine (downhill) skiing; this will prevent you from wearing out on a long excursion. A good quality, carbon-fiber ski, such as the Rossignol Evo Glade, will last you a long time.

Ski Poles

Ski poles are just as essential, as they help to control your direction, and also help to propel you across the ground. The key is to select a pole length that feels most comfortable for you. You will also want your skis to be made of a sturdy material, such as aluminum or carbon-fiber. The K2 Lockjaw is good for the casual skier, as it can be adjusted for an individual skiers height.

Ski Helmets

More important for alpine skiing than cross country, ski helmets are designed to protect the head during any (inevitable) falls. One key is to make sure that the helmet is designed to allow a comfortable fit for snow goggles (many helmets are made to support this). The Giro G10 Snow Helmet is made with this design.

Ski Goggles

Important in both downhill and cross-country skiing, goggles help to keep snow out of your eyes, as well as protect the eyes from sunlight reflecting off of the snow on the ground. Bolle Gravity Polarized Goggles are excellent for downhill skiing.

Water-Proof Clothing

Light clothing is usually best for cross country; slightly heavier clothing may be more appropriate for alpine skiing. The waterproof aspect is most important for that inevitable fall into the snow; it will help keep you dry, which can prevent any potential bout with hypothermia. A coat, such as the Columbia Bugaboo 3-in-1, and pants, such as the Columbia Chilliwack Pants, are great, waterproof clothes for skiing.

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Ivica Kostelič’s wish to reach the world cup finals in Lenzerheide, having won the prized Crytsal Globe, finally came true in Kvitfjell. He is, now, so far ahead of his competitors that the prospect of any of them finishing close is next to nothing. Besides, if one must be honest, then it is fair to say that not did offer a challenge one this season. Svindal was out of tune, while Janka fell ill and Cuche didn’t compete in 2 disciplines. This turn of events eventually allowed the Croat to deservedly achieve one of his sporting goals. These results should not make the competition any less interesting though, as many more questions are still left unanswered.

The Downhill (M): Two veterans, who have led the discipline for the past 6 years, will be fighting it for the small Crystall Globes. Before Kvitfjell, Didier Cuche came as favourite to dispose of Michael Walchhofer, however the Austrian managed a win ensued by a third place that catapulted him in top position in the rankings. Before the last competition, Cuche had a 14 points lead over the Swiss, with Klaus Kroell still in with a theoretical chance to win a globe. However, the track in Lenzerheide should suit Cuche best.
SUPER G (M): With his victory in Kvitfjell Didier Cuche made a big step towards an overall win in the discipline. Second came the Austrian Streitberger, and in third place came Ivica Kostelič who was already lagging 68 points behind. Cuche is so much in control that finishing anywhere amongst the first eight will guarantee him an overall victory in the discipline.

Giant Slalom: With already three wins this season, the American Ted Ligety is well ahead his closest competitor. The world champion holds a 77 points lead over the Norwegian Svindal, who is yet to hit top form. Provided that Ligety finishes in the top eleven, he will successfully defend last year’s title owned by himself. In an incredible twist of faith, the French skier Cyprien Richard could still be in with a chance to grab gold.
The best 2 slalom competitors dropped out of the Kranjksa Gora championship. This leaves Lenzerheide to decide who the overall slalom will champion. Kostelič is 36 points ahead of the Frenchman Jean Baptiste Grange, who is currently in top form. The French skier can still win it, only if the Croat falls in a heap of trouble. The Swede will also be hoping for mistake from the first two as he will be fighting for a top finish place.
SUPERKOMBINACIJA (M): Ivica Kostelič has already won the small crystal globe.

As for the women, the situation is theopposite. The winners in individual disciplines are almost all already decided, but the battle to decide the winner in the team discipline promises to be a tough one . Friends Maria Riesch and Lindsey Vonn will be fighting it out. The German has a 23 points advantage with 4 competitions left, although the American skier appears to be mentally stronger. In the end, small will decide the faith of the race.
Downhill (W): Lindsey Vonn is already Crystal Globe winner.
SUPER G (Z): Lindsey Vonn is also already a Crystal Globe winner in this discipline.
GS (F): Young Victoria Rebensburg is presently in the best position to win the discipline.
And just as for Ligety, the German skier finds herself 77 points ahead of second placed French Tessa Worley. In order to win, the latter will be hoping for a top finish in the final competition or a second place, with Rebensburg making a mistake.
SLALOM (W): Marlies Schield already the winner of the Crystal Globe.
SUPERG (W): Lindsey Vonn is already the winner of the Crystal Globe.

Original text by Urban Lavrenčič translated from the Slovene by Christian Ngalikpima.

Hi all,

Here I simply wanted to share a video about the Trois Vallées (Three valleys) ski domain in France. Filmed as the cameraman/woman was skiing down hill, the video really gives you a good impression of what to expect if you were to ski in the 3 Vallées.
It is not said to be the biggest skiable domain in the world for nothing, and from the video, the big space, the never ending mountain chain, the interminable view above the clouds, can really be appreciated and sensed.
And if you are not familiar with this skiable domain, then you need to know that it is home to some of the best known resorts, not only in Europe, but also in the World.

Enjoy and have fun watching the video!!!

Should you feel tempted to go to France to ski the Trois Vallées, which include the ski resorts of La Tania, Courchevel, Les Menuires, Val Thorens, Saint Martin de Belleville, Brides Les Bains, Méribel Mottaret, we advise you to vist our website page where you’ll be sure to find snowboard and ski holidays, book hotels and other accommodation to please your wishes.

A big thank you to jimgrieve72 who did the video.

The times ensuing the 2006 Garmisch-Partenkirchen World Cup showed german skiing as a whole, in a dire position. The aim therefore in creating this competition was to promote skiing in a land where football and biathlon rule.
The Games on the Snow were created in that perspective, emulating the championship’s slogan in the process. However nature had a different conception of fun as it overwhelmed the games first, with ice and then with slush.This turned out in the to severely sap the overall quality of the competition. Damaged tracks and tons of snow salt covered with PTX was the principal source of troubles to the competitors.

Just take a look at the barren hills, where only a few white spots could be found. Those actually made the racing tracks and it wasn’t to impress neither. To add misery to all these weather complications, we also got to witness during the first part of the championship some very messy timings indeed. A fact that stands utterly unacceptable for a competition of such level, to say the least. The second part of the championship somehow saw those issues resolved, although doubts are still raised about some of the results. The International Ski Federation (FIS) can now expect to receive quite a few complaints from the other national ski federations.

TV production during the championship didn’t shine too bright either. The direction too managed their fair share of mistakes, partly due to the no optimal positioning of the track cameras.

In competitive terms, Austria, despite having its team ravaged by injuries still managed to maintain its status as the best ski nation. The credit for this, however, goes primarily to the girls, who took as many as four gold medals.
The biggest disappointment in term of results was the German team. The German organisers wanted to make a serial champion out of their favourite competitor, Maria Riesch. Instead, they ended up dragging her from one “dog show “ to another. Yet, despite feeling sick and exhausted, the First Lady of the World Cup still managed to take home two bronze medals, which is still less than the tally the Germans were hoping for as well as in stark contarst with the world Alpine skiing audience’s expectations.

With this prestation,it can be said that the Germans didn’t exactly demonstrate to be the perfect candidate to host the 2018 Munich Winter Games. However, we all know that other factors come in contention when it will be time to decide the championships’s host. The curtains has now been drawn in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. It now remains to be seen if Schladming will see any significant improvement.

Original text by Urban Lavrenčič translated from the Slovene by Christian Ngalikpima.

PS: You can also vist Mountvacation main site to book your next ski holidays and make sure not to miss the next great big sporting event on the slopes.

There are many traditional ski resorts and alpine communities in France and one of them is Megève. Guests love to visit the Megève’s skiing area known as Domaine Évasion Montblanc. Megève and the entire Domaine Évasion Montblanc have the best ski slopes in Europe. There are excellent hotels in Megève that will meet everyone’s preferences, budget and requirements.

One of the best Megève hotels is HMC Hotel l’Arboisie. This hotel is centrally located on Mount Arboise Road and offers one of the most fantastic views of the village. This hotel offers beautifully appointed and spacious rooms perfect for guests looking for an ideal mountain resort experience. Another tourist accommodation that boasts of breathtaking views of the mountains is Lodge Park. The proximity of the Lodge Park Hotel to the casino gives their guests an alternative activity during the evenings.

Another hotel in Megève that has a great view of the mountains is Au Coin du Feu. The welcoming atmosphere of this charming hotel will give you that feeling of a home away from home. Guests will love to have a quiet and romantic dinner in their cozy restaurant that serves a wonderful blend of European dishes.

One of the most recommended Megève hotels is Le Fer de Cheval located in the heart of the village. This quaint and beautifully maintained hotel offers excellent cuisine surrounded by antiques in rustic settings. It is not cheap but the price you pay for the experience of staying in Le Fer de Cheval is worth it.

There are many other hotels in Megève that cater for couples, families and groups. All the hotels in Megève offer great service and are sure to make your holiday a memorable experience.

For a full listing of Megève hotels, we advise you to visit the following link http://www.mountvacation.com/en/france/megeve/, where you will be able to read reviews, view pictures and tariffs of all the accommodation found in Megève

It seems that lately, Peter Fischer, the Chairman of the Organizing Committee of the Alpine skiing World Cup has started to lose his nerves. On top of his already busy schedule, he had to answer at a press conference some pretty embarrassing questions concerning some race timing errors in Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

It is absolutely ridiculous, that in 2011, and on a big stage such as the Alpine skiing world championship, that the timing of competitors cannot be effected without flaws. Errors can be seen on TV, and even more so in the finish arena. Split times are inaccurate or completely off the mark, with some of the lapses just being down right comical. This is taking some of the gloss away from a sport that has millions of TV viewers who are now stripped of the overwhelming emotion that the hundredth usually arouses during the races. This time around, ALGE, the Austrian company in charge of race timing, has come out as the guilty part, although it is Swiss timing that is usually in charge of timing the World cup races.

The organizers saved up by signing a “better deal”, effectively putting their trust in a less experienced timing company. They are now of course very sorry about the decision taken, not only because it totally ridicules the other strong sponsor, the reputed watch maker HUBLOT, that sees its brand name being displayed under each timed result, albeit the race being timed by the Austrian outfit.

Hublot coughed out the money to give its brand more exposure, but had almost no say in the selection of the timer to be used at the competition. This has turned out to be a nightmare for Hublot, whose hope of generating good publicity in Garmisch-Partnekirchen ends up piling embarrassment instead. The company is now directing all its efforts towards informing the public that the time is being measured by someone else.

The damage has now been repaired by the International Ski Federation, which has now amended all the results. The FIS manager Francesco Cattaneo gave assurances that all the times are absolutely correct; an assurance not shared by the journalist and some of the TV broadcasters.

The most blatant example was that of the Slovene athlete Tina Maze in the Super Slalom, who had her first time cancelled, then later reinstated. She was eventually granted the official time of 1:25:06. Slovenian and Swiss television replayed, second by second, Tina Maze’s run over and over again on their computer. At 1:25:06 Tina is at least ten meters past the finish line. Following a detailed video-analysis, it was actually considered that the excellent Slovene skier would have clocked a time half a second faster. This would have in effect meant a progression from 11th to 5th place, had that time been taken into account.

The Slovenian Ski Association is now preparing a formal complaint that must first comply with all the legal provisions. However the FIS has a rule that prevents television images being taken into account in the timing of races, rendering the chances of getting an appeal pretty slim.

The biggest problem with this farce is that each timed run falls now under severe scrutiny. When it comes to Alpine skiing, only one thing matters, and it is the race time. A single error and the whole process comes immediately under the microscope, along with the integrity of the championship.
ALGE blames high temperatures and a very loud sound system being used, which at certain frequencies can affect the time measurement. Absolute nonsense if you ask me, as some of the world championship races are held in some more extreme weather conditions without a hitch.

As far as things stand, it appears that they cannot put their finger on the error, and therefore one can now expect chaos right until the end of the championship. Nothing will change at this championship.
It is only when we will reminisce of this year’s Garmisch-Partnekirchen medal winners that we as reporters, we will mention the farce in which times where all put under scrutiny.

Original text by Urban Lavrenčič translated from the Slovene by Christian Ngalikpima.

Great video! Check these lads snowboarding Paris asif it was the last place left on earth to do so. It’s fun and HISTORICAL, watch It!

Unfortunately we don not have any chalets to rent in Paris. It’s giving me ideas though! However, should you really want to escape on a lovely ski holidays simply visit our site at http://www.mountvacation.com.

Paris - Montmartre_Google maps

MountVacation, mountain and ski accommodation provider, with more than 3800 properties across the best resorts in Europe, has pimped its site with a brand a new feature on its destinations and hotels pages: the long awaited ski pistes maps.
As from now, when making a reservation for you next ski holidays or just browsing the site for special deals, ski holidays, accomm0odation or more generally for information, you’ll also be able to view the maps of the ski slopes on specific ski resorts. The Ski maps show the start and end of each track within a chosen resort or ski area, but also the colour of each them: green, blue, red or black, according to the level of difficulties, with black being the hardest.

Alternatively, if you’re browsing hotels, then the ski maps showing the location of the accommodation according to tracks around. Mountvacation listened to its clients and understood that it is indeed a crucial information to provide to its visitors.

As you know, ski maps are essential information to any hardened or beginner skier or snowboarder who desire to book their ski holiday. Ski pistes maps are courtesy of Snowranger.com, the map provider for Garmin GPS equipment giant. As you will notice not all the resorts have their maps, although the main ones are covered, But fret not, as we are in the progress of adding more ski maps, the aim being to provide evry single skiing area with a details maps of its skiing tracks. MountVacation obviously tries to update as many of the resorts as is possible, and will notify its clients as soon as they will be available on the site. In the mean time, you can visit our website which displays enough information to help you plan the vacation of your expected on slopes.
In addition, MountVacation is pleased to announce that it will also be very soon including snow reporting, current weather conditions, weather and snow forecast as well as the history of snow fall for the last 10 years within a given region or locality. This will be added to the site soon, and a notification will be sent once operational.
To view some of the ski maps just visit a destination or accommodation in http://www.mountvacation.com/, where you will also have the chance to book your long awaited, hard earned ski holidays.

1978 was the last time Bavaria saw a huge sporting event such as this year’s Alpine skiing world championship. Garmisch-Partenkirchen has repeatedly bided for the past 33 years to become the host of the competition, but in vain, and it was only in May 2006 that it finally saw its wish granted. Below is the chronological account of the events that led up to the championship official opening on Monday:

June 2004
Garmisch-Partenkirchn City Council unanimously votes in favour of bidding to become the host to the 2011 world championship competition. A success that could be attributed to the support that emanated from the Garmisch Ski Club, led by the Peter Fischer.

May 2005
Mighty Schladming, Austria, becomes the only other candidate still in contention to host the championship.
September 2005
The International Ski Federation Commission arrives in Gap to assess the city’s readiness to organise the event. The main topic of discussion at the time is the long awaited reconstruction of the Kandahar racetrack.

May 2006
On the 25th May 2005, at 06.56pm, at the Congress of the International Ski Federation in Villamoura in Portugal, ithe winner of who is to become the host to the 2011 world championship is announced. GAP took the honour with a 9:6 voting victory over Schladming.

July 2006
The Organising Committee is created with Peter Fischer as its president. The first discussions also take place, and the financial aspects of the organisation are the topic of the day. Furthermore, the provincial government of Bavaria also expressed its willingness to be involved in the organisation of the championship.

February 2009
At the closing ceremony of the World Cup in Val d’Isere, France, representatives of Garmisch-Partenkirchen were handed the world championship flag.

February 2010
The championship mascots “Ga” and “Pa” are presented to a global audience.

March 2010
The federal government contributes a million and a half Euros towards the cultural program taking place throughout the championship. In addition, it is decided to issue a special coin commemorating the world championships.

June 2010
Disaster strikes in Gudiberg. As the Slalom track was being renovating, at the cost of 6 million euros, an unfortunate mudslide caused its collapse. At the same time, the Organising Committee starts the tickets sale.

November 2010
The last problem came from a farmer. The latter refuses to allow his land to be used as part of the finish arena of the Kandahar race track. Despite the numerous negotiations, no agreement is reached. The matter is settled in court later in January.

P. S. Schladming will host the 2013 world championship.

Original text by Urban Lavrenčič translated from the Slovene by Christian Ngalikpima.