What is so thrilling about Snowboarding?

Snowboarding is a thrilling twist that incorporates some of the basic concepts of skiing. However, it is much more daring and many people find it offers them the challenges that they love while out in the snow. To keep a snowboard on the feet, there are straps on the board. Most snowboards look similar to a surfboard but shorter. There are no poles used for snowboarding and so you have to use your body to control it.

Even though the concepts behind snowboarding have been around since the 1970’s, the popularity of it exploded around 1998. It became very popular with the younger crowds that often engaged in skateboarding activities. This is even now on of the most anticipated events that takes place in the Winter Olympic
Games. The internet is also responsible for the popularity of snowboarding as there are numerous sites offering videos of the activities that really capture the attention of viewers.

Due to the popularity of snowboarding today, many ski resorts now rent snowboarding equipment and offer lessons for free on their slopes. They would prefer for people to learn the basics of snowboarding from a qualified individual than risk getting injured attempting the moves on their own. The fact that so many other people make snowboarding look easy can be misleading.

Some people believe you have to know how to ski before you can learn how to snowboard. This continues to be an issue of hot debate and it appears that it simple comes down to what you learned first. There are plenty of snowboarders out there that don’t know how to ski. It is similar to the issue of learning to drive on a stick shift – those that did think it was easy while those that didn’t can’t imagine having one more thing to try to do while learning how to drive.

Many ski resorts often hold snowboarding competitions as well for great prizes including cash and free lodging at their ski resort. The freedom that people get with snowboarding makes it very enjoyable. The various flips and turns that people perform while skateboarding can be incorporated into a snowboarding routine. It is fascinating to see snowboarder’s compete as they attempt the most difficult moves in order to get the best ranking from the judges.

There are also plenty of big name sponsors that have come on board for these snowboarding competitions. Some of them are only for professionals while many of them are reserved for amateurs. The Ticket to Ride is a snowboarding competition that takes place in various locations in order to continually promote this winter sport.

The advances that have taken place in the overall design of the snowboards and the number of ski slopes that now allow them to be used. It is even possible to have your snowboard customized so it has the look and fit that you really want. This is common for those individuals that engage in snowboarding on a regular basis. The forecasting for snowboarding through 2015 indicates that by then snowboarding will be more popular than skiing.

One of the biggest problems with snowboarding is the risk of injuries. While wearing helmets are recommended very few people wear them while engaging in this sport. In order to encourage this some ski resorts won’t allow you to snowboard without a helmet. Some of the top names in the sport have also volunteered their time to promote the use of helmets in posters, magazines, and commercials.

Even though snowboarding is a thrilling winter sport to enjoy, you need to make sure you keep safety in your thoughts as well. Never snowboard in unauthorized areas and without the right skills to do it safely. Make sure you use quality equipment that fits you securely so that you minimize injuries to your body. 

The Top Five Ski Resorts

If you are planning to take a ski trip this winter, you may be wondering where you should go. There are so many great ski resorts out there to select from, but if you want the best of the best you need to continue reading this article. The top ranked ski resort is in British Columbia called the Apex Mountain Resort. The get more than 200 inches of natural snow each year and offer more than 60 ski slopes.

Most people like Apex Mountain Resort because they offer a wide variety of slopes based on skill level. Approximately ½ of their slopes are for intermediate skiers and they have more for advanced skiers than most other ski resorts. It is also a very affordable ski resort with plenty of activities to do in the evening.

In the state of New Hampshire you will find Bretton Woods which is a wonderful ski resort as well. They have more than 100 slopes and 9 ski lifts so you won’t be left waiting in line to get to the top of the mountains. The get approximately 200 inches of snow each year and offer plenty of options for cross country skiing and snowboarding.

While Bretton Woods only offers about 20 slopes for expert skiers, many of them are said to be the very best in the world. One in particular called Bode’s Run is definitely worth the challenge for any expert skiers that are able to tackle what ever they come across.

Colorado is well known as one of the top ski locations, and you won’t be disappointed with Copper Mountain. It has plenty to offer with 125 ski slopes and 22 ski lifts. There is plenty of variety of beginners including quality lessons for adults and children, intermediate slopes, advanced, and expert. They are also one of the few ski resorts to offer an all day childcare facility so you can take on the slopes and not worry about your children.

Okemo is found in Ludlow, Vermont and offers a complete ski resort that is perfect for the entire family to enjoy. This is a smaller size ski resort but one that offers plenty of charm and beauty for everyone to enjoy. They have one of the best snowboarding parts in the entire world so many people come to Okemo just to experience the thrills of snowboarding that they can’t find elsewhere.

Sugarloaf in Maine is among the smallest ski resorts out there but it also is located at the second highest peak in all of Maine. They also offer a great place for people to hike with snowshoes if they just aren’t interested in skiing down the slopes. While they only offer 40 slopes, all of them are very exciting, even those that are designed for beginners.

Of course when you are looking for the right ski resort to visit, there are plenty of things to consider besides the overall ranking. Take a look at how far you will need to travel to get to the ski resort. Find out the cost of lodging there and ski packages so you can make sure it will fit into your budget. Figure out how you will get there

as some ski resorts are high in the mountains and the road conditions aren’t always the best.

You also need to make sure that particular ski resort offers the activities you want to participate in. While all of them offer ski slopes not all ski resorts have ski jumping or snowboarding options. If you are interested in these types of activities then you need to make sure the ski resort you visit offers them.

There are plenty of excellent ski resorts for you to enjoy. Go online to see what all your options are as well as the best deals. This way you can find one that offers something for all the skiers in your party and it will be affordable.