Alpine Skiing

When you think about bodybuilding, the first phrase that pops into your head probably isn’t “Alpine skiing.” You would be surprised at the kind of exercise benefits you can get from an endurance-testing, core-strengthening sport like downhill skiing. But does that mean that downhill skiing is a good idea for body-builders, or would they want to pursue other exercises that develop different aspects of their fitness? Here are some of the questions and issues of the relationship between alpine skiing and bodybuilding:

Developing quick-firing muscles. There is evidence to suggest that Alpine skiing does result in a lot of strength buildup for the skiers who practice it, but that this type of strength isn’t very conducive to the type of exercises many weightlifters and bodybuilders endure. For example, alpine skiers are more likely to be able to endure for a long time rather than have a tremendous output of energy in a resistance training situation without getting fatigued quicker, perhaps, than people who work primarily with resistance training.

An aerobic exercise? There is also question about Alpine skiing and what kind of exercise it is – anaerobic (“without oxygen”) or aerobic (“with oxygen”). Typically, aerobic workouts mean that you have enough oxygen to feed your muscles, while an anaerobic exercise often focuses on performing work without a lot of oxygen levels pumping to your muscles at the time. Generally, an aerobic exercise won’t rob you of your breath, and is clearly more sustainable than an anaerobic workout. Skiing would seem to fall under the “aerobic” exercise category.

Specificity. Bodybuilders are often concerned with isolating different aspects of their fitness – the development of certain muscle groups, for example. In skiing, there doesn’t seem to be a lot of specificity. This can work tremendously well for someone who is interested in cross-training and needs an exercise that challenges the muscle groups that downhill skiing challenges. But for bodybuilders, skiing might be an ultimately inefficient exercise.

Remember: whether or not alpine skiing is right for you depends on you and your individual goals. What do you want to get out of your exercise and hobbies? If you’re a bodybuilder, you might not want to hit those slopes. But if you’re someone who is interest in a hobby that helps you break a sweat and strengthen certain parts of your body, skiing might just be what the doctor ordered.

Photo Credits: aLindquist

Originally posted 2009-11-26 03:47:47.

Ski Snowboarder

Helping people enjoy the sport I love

When your coaching helps someone enjoy skiing more, conquer their fears or achieve things on the snow they didn’t think they could do it is a pretty good thing. 

Access to some of the best ski teachers in the country
You can learn from great skiers at your mountain, in your region and even the PSIA national team.

Great teachers for your friends and family  
My boyfriend doesn’t ski ( I love him anyway). I found him a great skier, with a good eye for movement analysis who knows how to coach him. My boyfriend said that he learned more in 30 minutes with his coach than a whole day of following me around, I’m going to let that go.

Developing skills I need to rip
When I started as a ski instructor I was a upper body rotating, foot picking up, z-turner and now I love to play in the trees, steeps, bumps, powder, crud and more. 

“Networking”
The Divas love to network in the bar apre ski or on the chairlift. We will be out in force at ProJam in December. 

Amazing friends
At my first recruiting event our director said that some of his best friends are people he met through skiing. Some of my best friends (note: not skiing friends, best friends) are people I’ve met through ski teaching. I’m very lucky to have them.

Time with Mom
This only applies if you have a mom who is a ski instructor and a lot of fun.

Great deals on ski gear
Need I say more 

Great deals on skiing
Seriously, what else is there to say 

Great deals on training 
At our mountain there is free training almost every day by some great teachers and skiers including the ones that post here. You can also go to reasonably priced regional and national events if you are looking for more.

Diva Ski Tips

What are the risks of skiing?

When actress Natasha Richardson recently died due to injuries resulting from a skiing accident, it brought more attention to the dangers of skiing. But if you’ve been watching the news for a while, you’re already aware: skiing took the life of Sonny Bono, for example. So if skiing is such a dangerous sport, why do so many people continue to engage in it? To answer that question, we’ll need to go to the heart of the matter.

First, understand that risks are part of life. If you never go skiing, there’s about a 100% chance you won’t die in a skiing accident. But the same logic could be applied to driving cars, flying in planes, or even taking showers in your bathroom – a room in the house where many people die each year. Risk is a part of life; human beings aren’t immortal and physical activity will put us in potentially risky situations.

According to the FAQ at the web site Ski-Injury.com, approximately 2-4 skiers out of 1,000 will require medical attention of some sort – though it does note that some types of skiing have more risks of injuries than others (consult their chart for more information on these types of skiing and the injury rates they see).

Second, understanding risks is not a license to be reckless. It’s important to note that it’s impossible to go through life without some risks, but it’s also important to talk about minimizing risk. Understanding that an activity is risky is not an excuse to be cavalier about that activity. Instead, you should be working harder to minimize risks when you take on riskier activities, as this will give you a better shot at staying healthy and, in some cases, alive.

As for the risks involved with skiing, they are varied. There are small injuries that are possible, not to mention more serious ones like concussions and knee problems, to the mortal injuries – injuries that cause death. One frequent theme amongst ski injuries are knee injuries, but that doesn’t mean that’s the only body part you’ll want to protect.

A good attitude to take is that life does require a healthy amount of risks sometimes, but if you’re not preparing yourself for those risks, you’re exposing yourself to unnecessary danger. If you’re prepared and take things slowly, you should have very few problems with skiing.

Photo Credits: bgraun

Originally posted 2009-12-08 03:27:00.

Ski Snowboarder

Ski one weekend golf the next!

For many it seems like the winter fun has just begun and it is suddenly over, especially for skiers. The good news is that just because winter is over it doesn’t mean that you have to hang up the skis. A lot of ski resorts have extended hours through April offering longer hours and deep discounts on accommodations and lift passes. Actually, spring is a great time for skiers. The slopes have less people on them then in the peak season and the texture of the snow is almost like sugar which is very appealing to most skiers. Most ski resorts also have their cafes open so that skiers can not only enjoy a bite to eat but can also get a little sun and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Because it is not so cold in the spring and the atmosphere is more relaxed it is common to find festivals or carnivals that celebrate the end of the winter season. Often there are live bands playing and other festive events. It is even possible to catch sunburn while on the slopes so make sure you come prepared with sunscreen. You’ll also need some good sunglasses that will protect your eyes. Goggles are not that popular when the weather gets warmer because they can get hot and cause sweating.

Of course the warmer weather also allows the skier to wear fewer clothes so without all that bulk; the skier can really maneuver himself around the trails. Maybe this would be the time also to break in some new skiing gear. This is when all of the ski equipment is on sale and offers the deepest discounts ever. Buy some new gear and head to a resort such as Whistle as it remains open until June because of its higher altitude.

When you are looking for spring ski resorts just narrow down your search to the places that have northern exposure, that are at a higher altitude, and have glaciers or heavy snow packs as these are the places that will likely stay open and running until June. Ironically, many of these resorts have their best snowfalls measures in March and April. If you are a die hard skier then you can ski one weekend and golf the next. For many, nothing beats spring skiing.

So as you can see there is no reason whatsoever to pack away the ski gear before its time. There are a few great reasons to hold off and enjoy some spring skiing because it is warmer, there is often more snowfall, and you will get the best prices of the season. This is done purposely to attract more skiers during this time. Once you start looking around you will be surprised just how long you can ski for. There are only a few months out of the year that it is impossible to ski, July through October, the rest is fair game if you know where to look. Just because the calendar says that winter is over doesn’t mean that you have to stop skiing!

Photo Credits: dvs

Originally posted 2009-03-17 05:17:47.

Ski Snowboarder

Water Skiing

Like most seasonal sports, Water Skiing is a summer sport many people participate in during the warmer months.  For those new to this exciting sport, there are some fundamental tips for ensuring the novice has a fun and safe experience.  This is a sport in which a person uses tow ropes, stands on one or two boards called skis, and skims the top of the water while being pulled behind a motor boat.

Water skiing started in 1922 in Lake City, Minnesota, with two boards and a piece of clothesline as a tow rope.  It evolved as technology advanced in the skis, tow lines, and techniques; however, since beginners don’t start out with a myriad of skills, most need some pointers to improve their skill.

There are several important tips that beginners need to understand to make it easier for them stand up on the skis.  First, look at the fundamental techniques that are recommended:

1. Fit the skis snugly on the feet.
2. Hold the tow rope handle by both hands with the rope centered between the knees.
3. Bend the knees upwards towards the chest, as though in a “seated” position.
4. Point the skis towards the boat keeping them shoulder width apart.
5. Have the ski tips between six and 12 inches out of the water.
6. As the boat picks up speed, keep the knees together and the skis parallel.
7. Bend the elbows slightly, arms pointing out straight ahead.
8. Have the chin down toward the chest.
9. Press both feet slightly forward on the skis.
10. Remain in this “seated” position as the boat picks up speed pulling the skier out of the water.
11. When the skis are horizontal to the water, straighten the knees and rise to a standing position, keeping the knees slightly bent.

There are a few tips that the beginner should remember which allows them to have a more enjoyable experience, such as:

• Attempting to stand up too soon throws the skier off-balance and causes the skier to fall backwards or forwards.
• Keeping the eyes looking straight ahead, or towards the boat, helps the skier support a balanced position.
• Keep the arms out straight, with the elbows slightly bent.
• Don’t pull the rope into the body.
• Stay inside the wake of the boat until better balance control is gained.
• Keep the back straight and skis shoulder width apart.
• Use the body to steer in the correct direction when feeling off-balance.

Skiing is a great activity for the beginner because as skills are mastered the sport is even more enjoyable.  Once the skier learns to let the skis and the boat do most of the work and to relax and not fight the skis, they will find skiing even more exciting.  Agree on the hand signals with the operator of the boat to make sure the driver knows when to slow down or speed up, and above all, remember to let go of the ski rope when off-balance and falling – don’t hang on to be dragged by the boat.

Photo Credits: Igor Bespamyatnov

Originally posted 2010-04-20 03:47:09.

Ski Snowboarder

Skiing Form.

At some point during your introduction to skiing, you notice that your muscles adapt, your core gets stronger, and you no longer get sore after a good long day of skiing. But if you continue to have pains or soreness in areas that might not even include your muscles, you might want to think about fixing the way that you ski. This means fixing your form. If it sounds like a cumbersome process, these tips should help you get started.

Get an outside perspective. You go to the doctor so that they can diagnose your problem – not only do they bring an outsider’s perspective, but they’re better at diagnosing illnesses than you. The same holds true if you have a problem with your skiing form – ask someone more knowledgeable with skiing (preferably an instructor or a professional) to watch you ski once or twice to see what you’re doing wrong.

You can’t fix what you need to fix if you don’t know what’s been hampering you, so do your best to show them how you naturally ski and you should get some crucial advice that helps you move forward – or, in this case – down the hill!

Concentrate on proper form, not “fixing” bad form. Huh? Don’t fix your bad form? What kind of article is this? Yeah, you heard me: if you concentrate on the proper form, your bad form should hopefully go away naturally as the result of two particular phenomena. First, of course, is that practice makes perfect, and the second: when you become aware of a problem and simply move forward in your practice, you sometimes automatically correct it. So don’t think about your old form; that doesn’t serve you much. Instead, concentrate on doing the right form the correct way; you’ll naturally get away from your bad form before.

Treat it like taking on a new skill set. When you started skiing, you took on a new skill set that wasn’t always easy. In fact, it might have been downright frustrating. Unfortunately, you’ve got to go through these growing pains again as you fix your form. Don’t worry if you don’t get it right the first time; persistence and faith are the most crucial elements in your success. So even when you feel frustrated, keep going – eventually you’ll get there.

Photo Credits: jawcey

Originally posted 2009-11-17 03:17:43.

Ski Snowboarder

Ski Gear

When you’re debating whether you should go skiing or not, it’s important to remember the harsh conditions that are often found at the slopes. You will definitely want to have multiple layers of clothing, and perhaps you will want to have a special kind of fabric for your clothing. What things should you absolutely remember to wear though? This article will list a few pieces of clothing that are absolutely essential when you go skiing.

Upper Body

One of the first areas that people focus on when preparing for their trip is their upper body clothing. It’s very easy to wear multiple layers here and you should do so to a point where you feel comfortable outside. While it’s ideal that you wear enough to feel comfortable, don’t put on too much weight because you keep adding more layers. Too much weight can cause you to lose balance and have a harder time turning. You should layer up with a shirt and a sweater followed by a ski jacket. If you don’t own a ski jacket most resorts will be happy to loan or sell you one.

Lower Body

The lower body is often overlooked compared to the upper body and miscellaneous items, but that doesn’t mean that it isn’t important. Ski pants should be the outer layer when picking out clothes for the lower body just like the upper, but what should you wear under them? It’s recommended that you wear tight but breathable clothing such as tights or tighter fitting sweat pants. A problem with sweat pants is that they cause bunching under your ski pants, it’s crucial that you avoid this.

Miscellaneous Items

The last group of items you should consider when going on your ski trip is any miscellaneous items that you may wish to wear. Ski goggles are recommended to be your first purchase as they help to keep the snow out of your eyes. From there you can look for a random assortment of items such as insulated hats, gloves, and socks. Boots are also important but try not to get a pair so heavy that they will hinder your movement.

Remember that skiing being outside in prolonged cold isn’t healthy and that if you’re adequately dressed then you may become ill. Your ultimate goal is to keep the snow out and to keep the heat in. If you consider the items presented in this article then surely you will be much warmer when you hit the slopes.

Photo Credits: Joe Shlabotnik

Originally posted 2009-10-01 03:29:44.

Ski Snowboarder

Unfortunately many people that adore skiing are unable to join in the fun because they have suffered a knee injury in the past. However, today there are many very effective knee braces on the market today that are of special interest to the avid skier. These braces are designed to accommodate your particular injury level, they address both stability and protection and they can have you back on the slopes in no time.

Without using a brace similar to the ones mentioned it can be a disaster attempting to ski. It can be downright painful and awkward but it can also be extremely dangerous and often will cause a greater degree of damage to the already injured knee. Be confident in using a knee brace but also use good judgment when selecting one. These were designed with those that can not stay away from the slopes in mind. Look at the brace like you would a pair of shoes in terms of a comfortable fit. If the brace is uncomfortable or bulky, it will not suit your needs at all. It could also cause even greater injury. Contrary to what you may have heard in the past, knee braces are not standard or one size fits all. These braces are specifically designed for specific knee injures for people that will be skiing.

Often the braces will be ranked from mild to severe knee injuries and obviously the greater the injury the more support the knee is going to require. Sometimes the knee will respond nicely with just a knee sleeve. If the injury is greater than you might have to consider wearing a more serious knee brace such as ones that protect the knee while it is in motion. The final choice of knee braces should include one that fits snug but know now that if you start looking for custom braces these is in the higher price range. These are usually only necessary with very severe injuries. Knee braces will actually help to heal your injury too and there will be no reason to miss out on some skiing as long as you are willing to invest a bit of cash and the time that it takes to find one.

An important factor to also consider is when to finally break down and get that knee brace. The best advice there is to get one at the very first sign of trouble. Don’t wait until the problem is out of control. The knees and the back are the two biggest spots for injury with a skier. Support the knees as well as the back. Don’t ignore that sudden pain or discomfort or play it off as something simple because before you know it this problem can become very serious. While some knee injuries won’t take you off of the slopes they do have to be addressed. If you can remember this then you will likely have many good years of skiing ahead of you.

Originally posted 2008-10-29 04:55:53.

Ski Snowboarder

Many people get into skiing initially just to enjoy all of the cool gear involved, and who can deny it: if you’re a winter sports buff, skiing is one of the best sports you can find. The goggles, the poles, the huge boots, the skis themselves: heck, skiing can be a really cool sport. Which is why you might be looking for some companion gadgets and trinkets to go along with your skiing experience.

But skiing isn’t all about advertising what you’re able to buy at the pro shop. It’s about a fun experience that can hopefully remain and warm and dry as possible.

If you’re looking for great skiing products that can help the experience and the fun, this article’s for you. Here are the top three skiing items that you want, not need:

• Bomber hats – Bomber hats are great for sking because they not only do a swell job protecting your head and ears from the inevitable blasting of some cold air (or snow), but they also look pretty cool. And really, how often do you find yourself wearing something like a Bomber hat in day-to-day life? That’s part of what makes skiing fun, and it’s part of what makes the novelty of bomber hats give you an extra bounce in your turns.While bomber hats definitely function well, they aren’t necessary for you to have a great time skin; even though it is advisable that you wear some kind of solid protection against cold air and wind.
• DryGuy OverGloves – Also belonging to the category of “extremely practical yet not totally necessary,” OverGloves are billed as adding up to 50 degrees of warmth over your regular mittens or gloves. They can still grip the poles on your skis, and might even make for a better grip. These aren’t only for skiing, but for any time you’re in the Cold Outdoors for an extended time. Protect your fingers: you need them.This helps keep those valuable skiing fingers at an ideal temperature while you also keep them out of the way of snow. Simply put them over some of your existing gloves and grip your poles – you’re ready to enjoy skiing while remaining warm and dry.
• WigWam Master Socks – You need socks, but you don’t need these socks. But if you absolutely, positively, have to stay dry – you’ll definitely want these socks. WigWam Master Socks are ideal for winter sports, not just skiing – snowmobiling and sledding are some other options that come to mind. Many people wear regular athletic socks when they need something that offers more protection from a harsher “foot environment.” Regular white socks don’t always cut it. Yes, regular white socks will get the job done and they’ll help your feet stay warm while skiing down the slopes – but if you want an ideal skiing experience, you’ll want the best – even for your feet.

Originally posted 2008-11-11 04:55:18.

Ski Snowboarder

There is much debate as to where the best place is to go downhill skiing. Americans often say that it doesn’t take crossing an ocean to find great downhill skiing, but my grandfather, who has toured the world searching for the best downhill skiing locations swears by the slopes in Austria.

The soft snow, beautiful scenery and wonderful people make Austria one of the top locations for downhill skiing. While you may have a language barrier, if your true goal is to enjoy some fantastic downhill skiing, you must check out Austria for an out of this world downhill skiing experience.

For more Skiing tips, visit http://Skiing.lifetips.com

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