The basics of water skiing seem simple to the inexperienced skier: hang on to the rope, and let the boat do the work as you enjoy a cool glide over the water. There is a little bit more to it than that, but beginners can easily become experienced skiers by taking some water skiing lessons.
Many people learn to water ski at the family cottage. Of course it's fun to learn with friends, but you may not always receive the best level of instruction. You can find professional instructors who are committed to making your first water skiing experience a fun and memorable one. Check local lakeside resorts or coastal towns to see if water skiing lessons are available in your area.
The best way to learn water skiing basics is to start on land. This can seem strange, but it's the ideal place for you to become comfortable with techniques, body position fundamentals and the safety precautions that are necessary in water skiing. Once you and your instructor are confident in your understanding of water skiing basics on land, you can then move into the water.
Some water skiing lessons will involve a device called a static boom that's attached to the side of the boat. This offers stability for you, and allows your instructor to keep a close eye on your technique.
First-time water skiing experiences are most special for younger skiers. If their first experience is a bad one, they'll probably never want to try it again. Children need to learn from a facility that emphasizes safety and understands the special needs of children, and provides instruction in a nurturing environment. Children's water skiing lessons often involve a second instructor who will ski alongside the student to provide guidance, support and additional safety precaution.
Facilities that teach beginners how to water ski tend to have the highest quality of equipment, and generally provide proper gear designed to help the student to enjoy a safe and fun ride. Safety should always come first, so follow your instructions carefully.
If someone you know will be giving you water skiing lessons, remember to start out on a small, private body of water. Be sure that you are skiing clear of any other boats or people. You need to start off without any distractions.
Water skiing lessons are essential for any beginner, whether a young child or a nervous (or know-it-all) adult. Don't be too proud to accept water skiing lessons from a professional. Their professional advice will make your first water skiing experience a fun and memorable one.
By: Michael Davis
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Skiing In Chile
History of Skiing in Chile
Getting from point A to point B in the rugged Andes was a cinch in summer. Come winter, though, deep snow, howling winds and massive mountain passes meant going anywhere east or west was nearly impossible. Skiing in South America was a necessity before it was considered a pleasure. On both sides of the imposing Andes Mountains, skis were first strapped on by explorers, engineers and military trainees attempting to travel across treacherous mountain terrain, to colonize remote valleys and to guard both sides of the border. Portillo, the first ski resort in Chile, and Catedral, the first one in Argentina, were created by visionary immigrants who had a sense of the adventure potential of the amazing Andes.
Picture the poor guys laying the railway tracks beneath the tall Andes. Working in the freezing snow 3,810 m above sea level, in knee-deep snow. When their European bosses suggested strapping on wooden boards so they could head back to the work camp faster, they must have been intimidated. But after a few quick lessons on the basics of skiing, the wooden boards surely made life even a little bit more fun. When eager athletic types from Santiago joined them for winter weekend ski trips, the essential became an indulgence.
Isolated from the rest of the world by the Andes, with a long coastline, Chile had little reason to attempt mountain travel until the Trans-Andean railway was built in the early 1900s, connecting Valparaiso near Santiago with Mendoza, Argentina. The tall peaks that formed the country’s western border were simply seen as too large and too difficult to explore. When it opened in 1910, the railway crossed the highest mountains in the world outside the Himalaya, and changed the way Chilean saw the snowy peaks. Travelling on skis proved the only way for workers (led by English and Norwegian engineers who’d brought their boards over from Europe) to make the Uspallata Pass, not far from what is now Portillo resort. Skis were necessary for transportation before they became a source of fun.
Portillo
The new sport introduced by European railway engineers caught on in Santiago, particularly amongst social clubs of Europeans who established a company, Hoteles de Cordillera S.A. that would build a hotel just west of the Uspallata Pass. The first chair lift went up at Portillo in 1946, making it the first in South America. The resort opened in 1949, and was an instant hit with Chileans from Santiago. The resort was purchased by Americans Bob Purcell and Dick Aldrich in 1962, and hosted the World Alpine Ski Championships in 1966, drawing world-wide attention. In 1987, Michael Prufer broke the record for speed dsecent at Portillo, clocking 217.68 km per hour.
Since then, other ski resorts have opened up and down the Chilean Andes, including Termas de Chillán in the 1970s and La Parva, El Colorado and Valle Nevado in the 1980s.
By: David Owen
Getting from point A to point B in the rugged Andes was a cinch in summer. Come winter, though, deep snow, howling winds and massive mountain passes meant going anywhere east or west was nearly impossible. Skiing in South America was a necessity before it was considered a pleasure. On both sides of the imposing Andes Mountains, skis were first strapped on by explorers, engineers and military trainees attempting to travel across treacherous mountain terrain, to colonize remote valleys and to guard both sides of the border. Portillo, the first ski resort in Chile, and Catedral, the first one in Argentina, were created by visionary immigrants who had a sense of the adventure potential of the amazing Andes.
Picture the poor guys laying the railway tracks beneath the tall Andes. Working in the freezing snow 3,810 m above sea level, in knee-deep snow. When their European bosses suggested strapping on wooden boards so they could head back to the work camp faster, they must have been intimidated. But after a few quick lessons on the basics of skiing, the wooden boards surely made life even a little bit more fun. When eager athletic types from Santiago joined them for winter weekend ski trips, the essential became an indulgence.
Isolated from the rest of the world by the Andes, with a long coastline, Chile had little reason to attempt mountain travel until the Trans-Andean railway was built in the early 1900s, connecting Valparaiso near Santiago with Mendoza, Argentina. The tall peaks that formed the country’s western border were simply seen as too large and too difficult to explore. When it opened in 1910, the railway crossed the highest mountains in the world outside the Himalaya, and changed the way Chilean saw the snowy peaks. Travelling on skis proved the only way for workers (led by English and Norwegian engineers who’d brought their boards over from Europe) to make the Uspallata Pass, not far from what is now Portillo resort. Skis were necessary for transportation before they became a source of fun.
Portillo
The new sport introduced by European railway engineers caught on in Santiago, particularly amongst social clubs of Europeans who established a company, Hoteles de Cordillera S.A. that would build a hotel just west of the Uspallata Pass. The first chair lift went up at Portillo in 1946, making it the first in South America. The resort opened in 1949, and was an instant hit with Chileans from Santiago. The resort was purchased by Americans Bob Purcell and Dick Aldrich in 1962, and hosted the World Alpine Ski Championships in 1966, drawing world-wide attention. In 1987, Michael Prufer broke the record for speed dsecent at Portillo, clocking 217.68 km per hour.
Since then, other ski resorts have opened up and down the Chilean Andes, including Termas de Chillán in the 1970s and La Parva, El Colorado and Valle Nevado in the 1980s.
By: David Owen
Arizona Skiing – Yes, Snow Skiing!
Ah, Arizona. Land of sun, scorching summer days and winter skiing fun. That’s right, skiing. Yes, Virginia, Arizona, known for tumbleweed snowmen, actually gets snow.
There are four ski areas to choose from in Arizona, all within a few hours drive from Phoenix, the capital of Arizona.
The most well-known of the ski areas in Arizona is located in northern Arizona, 7 miles north of Flagstaff. The Arizona Snowbowl offers 4 lifts and 32 trails for skiers and snowboards of all levels, and 2,300 feet of vertical drop. You can also test your freestyle skills at their Sunset Terrain Park which includes obstacles and spines. Lodging available in nearby Flagstaff or you can choose to stay at the ski resort at the Ski Lift Lodge & Cabins located at the base of the San Francisco Peaks. For reservations, call (928) 774-0729.
The largest ski resort in Arizona is located in McNary in Eastern Arizona. The Sunrise Park Resort is owned and operated by the White Mountain Apache Tribe, and is just a 4-hour drive from Tucson and Phoenix. You have for your skiing and snowboarding pleasure 800 acres on three interconnected mountains. Base elevation is 9,200 feet extending up to 11,000 feet. They offer 8 lifts and 65 runs for skiers of all levels, as well as a separate snowboarding area, cross country ski trails, and a Terrain Park featuring a snow half pipe, implanted wood and metal rails. The Sunrise Ski Resort is open from the first week of December through the first weekend of April. Night skiing begins January 2. Lodging is available at the 100-room Sunrise Park Lodge located on Sunrise Lake. Winter rates begin at $124 per night. Call (800) 772-7669 for more information.
Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley is located on Mt. Lemmon just outside Tucson, which is the largest city in Southern Arizona. Though smaller than the Arizona Snowbowl and Sunrise Park Resort, Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley offers 80 skiable acres, 3 lifts, 18 trails and a 907-ft. vertical drop. The longest run is 8,500 ft. Their trail ratings are: Easiest at 20%; More Difficult at 38% and Most Difficult at 42%. There is no cross-country or heli skiing available.
For those of you learning to ski, you might want to head up to the Elk Ridge Ski Area, formerly the Williams Ski Area located in Williams, Arizona, approximately 30 miles west of Flagstaff. The Elk Ridge Ski Area offers two lifts and seven trails. Elk Ridge is typically open Thursday through Monday, starting mid December. Thursdays is “skiing only” day. For more information call (928) 814-5038.
If you’re planning a visit to Arizona this winter, or if you live in Arizona, it’s nice to know a day of skiing is within driving distance. Who needs to hop a plane to Colorado or Utah when winter fun is right in your own backyard?
By: Shari Hearn
There are four ski areas to choose from in Arizona, all within a few hours drive from Phoenix, the capital of Arizona.
The most well-known of the ski areas in Arizona is located in northern Arizona, 7 miles north of Flagstaff. The Arizona Snowbowl offers 4 lifts and 32 trails for skiers and snowboards of all levels, and 2,300 feet of vertical drop. You can also test your freestyle skills at their Sunset Terrain Park which includes obstacles and spines. Lodging available in nearby Flagstaff or you can choose to stay at the ski resort at the Ski Lift Lodge & Cabins located at the base of the San Francisco Peaks. For reservations, call (928) 774-0729.
The largest ski resort in Arizona is located in McNary in Eastern Arizona. The Sunrise Park Resort is owned and operated by the White Mountain Apache Tribe, and is just a 4-hour drive from Tucson and Phoenix. You have for your skiing and snowboarding pleasure 800 acres on three interconnected mountains. Base elevation is 9,200 feet extending up to 11,000 feet. They offer 8 lifts and 65 runs for skiers of all levels, as well as a separate snowboarding area, cross country ski trails, and a Terrain Park featuring a snow half pipe, implanted wood and metal rails. The Sunrise Ski Resort is open from the first week of December through the first weekend of April. Night skiing begins January 2. Lodging is available at the 100-room Sunrise Park Lodge located on Sunrise Lake. Winter rates begin at $124 per night. Call (800) 772-7669 for more information.
Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley is located on Mt. Lemmon just outside Tucson, which is the largest city in Southern Arizona. Though smaller than the Arizona Snowbowl and Sunrise Park Resort, Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley offers 80 skiable acres, 3 lifts, 18 trails and a 907-ft. vertical drop. The longest run is 8,500 ft. Their trail ratings are: Easiest at 20%; More Difficult at 38% and Most Difficult at 42%. There is no cross-country or heli skiing available.
For those of you learning to ski, you might want to head up to the Elk Ridge Ski Area, formerly the Williams Ski Area located in Williams, Arizona, approximately 30 miles west of Flagstaff. The Elk Ridge Ski Area offers two lifts and seven trails. Elk Ridge is typically open Thursday through Monday, starting mid December. Thursdays is “skiing only” day. For more information call (928) 814-5038.
If you’re planning a visit to Arizona this winter, or if you live in Arizona, it’s nice to know a day of skiing is within driving distance. Who needs to hop a plane to Colorado or Utah when winter fun is right in your own backyard?
By: Shari Hearn
Arizona Skiing – Yes, Snow Skiing!
Ah, Arizona. Land of sun, scorching summer days and winter skiing fun. That’s right, skiing. Yes, Virginia, Arizona, known for tumbleweed snowmen, actually gets snow.
There are four ski areas to choose from in Arizona, all within a few hours drive from Phoenix, the capital of Arizona.
The most well-known of the ski areas in Arizona is located in northern Arizona, 7 miles north of Flagstaff. The Arizona Snowbowl offers 4 lifts and 32 trails for skiers and snowboards of all levels, and 2,300 feet of vertical drop. You can also test your freestyle skills at their Sunset Terrain Park which includes obstacles and spines. Lodging available in nearby Flagstaff or you can choose to stay at the ski resort at the Ski Lift Lodge & Cabins located at the base of the San Francisco Peaks. For reservations, call (928) 774-0729.
The largest ski resort in Arizona is located in McNary in Eastern Arizona. The Sunrise Park Resort is owned and operated by the White Mountain Apache Tribe, and is just a 4-hour drive from Tucson and Phoenix. You have for your skiing and snowboarding pleasure 800 acres on three interconnected mountains. Base elevation is 9,200 feet extending up to 11,000 feet. They offer 8 lifts and 65 runs for skiers of all levels, as well as a separate snowboarding area, cross country ski trails, and a Terrain Park featuring a snow half pipe, implanted wood and metal rails. The Sunrise Ski Resort is open from the first week of December through the first weekend of April. Night skiing begins January 2. Lodging is available at the 100-room Sunrise Park Lodge located on Sunrise Lake. Winter rates begin at $124 per night. Call (800) 772-7669 for more information.
Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley is located on Mt. Lemmon just outside Tucson, which is the largest city in Southern Arizona. Though smaller than the Arizona Snowbowl and Sunrise Park Resort, Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley offers 80 skiable acres, 3 lifts, 18 trails and a 907-ft. vertical drop. The longest run is 8,500 ft. Their trail ratings are: Easiest at 20%; More Difficult at 38% and Most Difficult at 42%. There is no cross-country or heli skiing available.
For those of you learning to ski, you might want to head up to the Elk Ridge Ski Area, formerly the Williams Ski Area located in Williams, Arizona, approximately 30 miles west of Flagstaff. The Elk Ridge Ski Area offers two lifts and seven trails. Elk Ridge is typically open Thursday through Monday, starting mid December. Thursdays is “skiing only” day. For more information call (928) 814-5038.
If you’re planning a visit to Arizona this winter, or if you live in Arizona, it’s nice to know a day of skiing is within driving distance. Who needs to hop a plane to Colorado or Utah when winter fun is right in your own backyard?
By: Shari Hearn
There are four ski areas to choose from in Arizona, all within a few hours drive from Phoenix, the capital of Arizona.
The most well-known of the ski areas in Arizona is located in northern Arizona, 7 miles north of Flagstaff. The Arizona Snowbowl offers 4 lifts and 32 trails for skiers and snowboards of all levels, and 2,300 feet of vertical drop. You can also test your freestyle skills at their Sunset Terrain Park which includes obstacles and spines. Lodging available in nearby Flagstaff or you can choose to stay at the ski resort at the Ski Lift Lodge & Cabins located at the base of the San Francisco Peaks. For reservations, call (928) 774-0729.
The largest ski resort in Arizona is located in McNary in Eastern Arizona. The Sunrise Park Resort is owned and operated by the White Mountain Apache Tribe, and is just a 4-hour drive from Tucson and Phoenix. You have for your skiing and snowboarding pleasure 800 acres on three interconnected mountains. Base elevation is 9,200 feet extending up to 11,000 feet. They offer 8 lifts and 65 runs for skiers of all levels, as well as a separate snowboarding area, cross country ski trails, and a Terrain Park featuring a snow half pipe, implanted wood and metal rails. The Sunrise Ski Resort is open from the first week of December through the first weekend of April. Night skiing begins January 2. Lodging is available at the 100-room Sunrise Park Lodge located on Sunrise Lake. Winter rates begin at $124 per night. Call (800) 772-7669 for more information.
Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley is located on Mt. Lemmon just outside Tucson, which is the largest city in Southern Arizona. Though smaller than the Arizona Snowbowl and Sunrise Park Resort, Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley offers 80 skiable acres, 3 lifts, 18 trails and a 907-ft. vertical drop. The longest run is 8,500 ft. Their trail ratings are: Easiest at 20%; More Difficult at 38% and Most Difficult at 42%. There is no cross-country or heli skiing available.
For those of you learning to ski, you might want to head up to the Elk Ridge Ski Area, formerly the Williams Ski Area located in Williams, Arizona, approximately 30 miles west of Flagstaff. The Elk Ridge Ski Area offers two lifts and seven trails. Elk Ridge is typically open Thursday through Monday, starting mid December. Thursdays is “skiing only” day. For more information call (928) 814-5038.
If you’re planning a visit to Arizona this winter, or if you live in Arizona, it’s nice to know a day of skiing is within driving distance. Who needs to hop a plane to Colorado or Utah when winter fun is right in your own backyard?
By: Shari Hearn
3 Simple Things You Need To Know About Skiing.
If you've ever started something new for the first time you know itn can be a frightening experience. This is especially true in trying something that has the risk of injury involved. The information here should ease your anxieties about getting started if you are just beginning skiing.
There are three things that you should know before you start skiing. You should know about equipment, ski slopes, and some basic instruction. First of all you need some equipment. You might have a question of whether you should rent or buy. If your just getting started it is best to rent as you don't know how much you'll enjoy skiing. It is also important to rent because there are many different styles of skis and boots that you may want to try before you settle in on something to buy. Your equipment should be comfortable and suit your skill level. If you're a beginner let the salespeople know that so they can choose the right equipment for you. Make sure you get ski goggles. If you will be taking children with you skiing make sure they have helmets. Skis, helmets, boots and goggles should all be available at the ski resorts rental shop.
Clothing is another option that you want to consider when going skiing. Since you go to be outside it's going to be cold. It's recommended that you dress in layers with the lowest layer having a fabric that will draw moisture away from your body. This will keep you warm and dry. You'll have much more fun if your teeth are not chattering.
Next, figure out when and where you plan to ski. You should be able to find resorts and slopes in your area or you may decide to take a vacation skiing somewhere else. If you're taking a skiing vacation make sure that you understand how pricing works at a resort. The fees for skiing will include equipment rental, ski lift fees, and facility fees. You may want to avoid the weekends as weekends are always the the most expensive. Some skiing resorts provide group pricing. Review the rates carefully when choosing a place to ski.
There are a variety of ways that you can learn to ski. You can learn yourself, from a friend, or you can take a class from a professional ski instructor. If you plan to teach yourself be careful because this can be dangerous. The best option is to learn from a ski instructor he can as they know all about the slopes, skiing techniques, and safety procedures. Also, ski instructors have experience teaching others. This is something your friend might not have. Ski instructors charge of variety of different rates so make sure that you find that upfront about their prices.
It can be scary when you first learn to ski but if you have the right equipment, a great place to ski, and a professional instructor you can have a great skiing experience.
By: Robert Michael
There are three things that you should know before you start skiing. You should know about equipment, ski slopes, and some basic instruction. First of all you need some equipment. You might have a question of whether you should rent or buy. If your just getting started it is best to rent as you don't know how much you'll enjoy skiing. It is also important to rent because there are many different styles of skis and boots that you may want to try before you settle in on something to buy. Your equipment should be comfortable and suit your skill level. If you're a beginner let the salespeople know that so they can choose the right equipment for you. Make sure you get ski goggles. If you will be taking children with you skiing make sure they have helmets. Skis, helmets, boots and goggles should all be available at the ski resorts rental shop.
Clothing is another option that you want to consider when going skiing. Since you go to be outside it's going to be cold. It's recommended that you dress in layers with the lowest layer having a fabric that will draw moisture away from your body. This will keep you warm and dry. You'll have much more fun if your teeth are not chattering.
Next, figure out when and where you plan to ski. You should be able to find resorts and slopes in your area or you may decide to take a vacation skiing somewhere else. If you're taking a skiing vacation make sure that you understand how pricing works at a resort. The fees for skiing will include equipment rental, ski lift fees, and facility fees. You may want to avoid the weekends as weekends are always the the most expensive. Some skiing resorts provide group pricing. Review the rates carefully when choosing a place to ski.
There are a variety of ways that you can learn to ski. You can learn yourself, from a friend, or you can take a class from a professional ski instructor. If you plan to teach yourself be careful because this can be dangerous. The best option is to learn from a ski instructor he can as they know all about the slopes, skiing techniques, and safety procedures. Also, ski instructors have experience teaching others. This is something your friend might not have. Ski instructors charge of variety of different rates so make sure that you find that upfront about their prices.
It can be scary when you first learn to ski but if you have the right equipment, a great place to ski, and a professional instructor you can have a great skiing experience.
By: Robert Michael
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