Are heavy skis getting you down?

Posted on March 30, 2010 by admin

Heavy Skis A pocket-sized, lightweight device to help skiers who are sick of carrying heavy equipment around resorts has been launched by a Yorkshire-based company.

Portaski, the invention of Barnsley businessman Mike Johnston, carries up to 70% of the weight of skis in an easily-secured tray that can be used on roads, ice or snow.

He told OnTheSnow: “It all started when a friend of mine took his two kids on a skiing holiday and ended up carrying his own as well as both the kids’ skis and poles while slogging through the snow in his ski boots.”

Designed around a simple wheel-sled, the device can be used with skis of all kinds and is particularly valuable to those skiing with their children or whose accommodation is some distance from the slopes.

The Portaski can be purchased for £19.95, including postage and packaging.

Winter Olympics have gone, should we head to Canada?

Posted on March 29, 2010 by admin

ski canada It should be no shock that Canada’s snowy lands where a hot topic with the 2010 Olympic Winter games now a fading memory, but even if you weren’t vying for a gold medal you may still want to head out to the maple leaf country all the same. In fact, Canada has been given the honour of hosting for a good reason in that its piste is not only one of the best but as they say it is Olympic-calibre.

Of course hitting the slopes is always the best way to fill your days, but in addition to prime hills and trails you will be offered much in the way of luxury as well. There are a featured 12 resorts that are world class standards to make your stay all that you could have hoped for. Another big draw is the surroundings for there are plenty of national parks kept in pristine condition that are just begging for a photo opportunity. In fact the Banff National Park in Alberta is one example as I sits on 270 different trails and expanses 7,700 acres; there are then three varying resorts you can choose to lodge at while exploring the snowy countryside.

For those more acclimated to European-style, then you will want to head over to Quebec and take your skiing clothing there and out on the snow there while staying in style. The three regions you can opt for among Canada’s great expanse include not only Quebec and Alberta but also British Columbia, and each one boasts its own array of specialized benefits. Quebec will err on the side of luxury as noted, but it also will offer you some of the most daring vertical heights across the entire country; sure to give an adrenaline rush to any junkie.

British Columbia, the destination for all of the athletes and fans flocking to the 2010 Winter Olympic games, has both some challenging trails as well as longer runs for you to take advantage of but in addition touts some rather deep powder. Another draw is that the temperatures here aren’t as frigid as elsewhere so you will be snugly warm in your ski clothes atop that ski equipment for all your hours of fun.

Finally, Alberta is a great place for families with places to stay between those immense Rocky Mountains. For all of those on skis and snowboards you can choose to slide the half-pipes or instead speed down plummeting free falls. So should you be left watching the Olympic events on the TV for now, you could spend a thrilling holiday in the not so distant future at the same place and get your ski on!

Ski guides available on iPhone

Posted on March 26, 2010 by admin

iphone Skiers keen on knowing the latest weather conditions before they hit the slopes will be able to check on their iPhones after the launch of a number of new applications.

The 13 resort guides, developed by InfoMedia and Alps information website Skinets.com, allow iPhone users to keep up-to-date with their surroundings.

The applications feature weather forecasts, snowfall depths and video reports.

It is also possible to view piste and resort maps.

Each resort guide costs £2.39, and is available to download from the App Store

Michael Tomlins, managing director at InfoMedia, said the applications can play a crucial role in helping skiers before they head out on to the pistes.

He said the content in each guide is “usable and useful”.

Mr Tomlins added: “The partnership with Skinets.com enables us to strengthen our position in the App space and adds to our growing portfolio of clients in this sector.”

Ski helmet sales rise after death

Posted on March 18, 2010 by admin

The death of Natasha Richardson triggered a rise in the number of ski helmets sold in the UK, manufacturers have claimed.

The 45-year-old actress, who was not wearing a helmet while on the slopes, died from bleeding in her skull caused by a fall.

While sales of the item have risen steadily for the past few years, winter outfitter Ellis Brigham said this year had witnessed a particularly pronounced increase of 58%. Similarly, snow sports company Snow and Rock said its sales had tripled.

Anecdotal evidence of the increase has been seen on the slopes, where many say they have been struck by how frequently they see helmets worn.

Some resorts, such as Vali Resorts in Canada, have even made wearing the items compulsory for children and employees this season.

Buoyed by the latest technological developments, most decent helmets are now light and come in an endless variety of styles and colours.

Their increasing use has also forced down the price, with the most popular models selling for around £50.

Germans ‘lack awareness’ on slopes

Posted on March 15, 2010 by admin

A new rivalry has emerged between England and Germany, this time on the ski slopes, according to a new poll.

Results from a survey conducted by insurance company InsureandGo showed that German skiers show a lack of awareness on the slopes.

Other nationalities did not avoid criticism either, as results showed Italians are most likely to “ski and board too fast”, while the Spanish take to the pistes without enough tuition.

And the French, according to the survey, overestimate their own ability to ski.

The research also looked at when accidents are most likely to occur. According to the survey, late in the afternoon is the time most incidents happen, followed by just after lunch.

The biggest cause of accidents is people pushing themselves beyond their ability, brought on by jealousy of others’ expertise on the slopes.

Snow Skiers A new rivalry has emerged between England and Germany, this time on the ski slopes, according to a new poll.

Results from a survey conducted by insurance company InsureandGo showed that German skiers show a lack of awareness on the slopes.

Other nationalities did not avoid criticism either, as results showed Italians are most likely to “ski and board too fast”, while the Spanish take to the pistes without enough tuition.

And the French, according to the survey, overestimate their own ability to ski.

The research also looked at when accidents are most likely to occur. According to the survey, late in the afternoon is the time most incidents happen, followed by just after lunch.

The biggest cause of accidents is people pushing themselves beyond their ability, brought on by jealousy of others’ expertise on the slopes.

Skiers in kilts set new record

Posted on March 8, 2010 by admin

Hundreds of kilt-wearing skiers and snowboarders have set a new world record.

Some 235 snowboarders and skiers took part in the record bid from the Ptarmigan Top Station on CairnGorm Mountain, near Aviemore.

They have set a new record for the most people in kilts to go down a piste.

Money raised from the event will be donated to charity and a schools skiing programme.

Organisers described the event as a “fantastic spectacle” as the group crossed the finish line to the sound of two pipers and a drummer.

CairnGorm Mountain spokesman Colin Kirkwood said they wanted to something to celebrate the great ski season they were seeing.

According to Ski-Scotland, is it the best ski season the country has seen since 2001 with even more snow forecast, meaning the season could last through to May.

Mr Kirkwood said: “We’re delighted, it was a little cloudy overhead but it was a fantastic spectacle and people really enjoyed taking part.”

Cairn Gorm Mountain Hundreds of kilt-wearing skiers and snowboarders have set a new world record.

Some 235 snowboarders and skiers took part in the record bid from the Ptarmigan Top Station on CairnGorm Mountain, near Aviemore.

They have set a new record for the most people in kilts to go down a piste.

Money raised from the event will be donated to charity and a schools skiing programme.

Organisers described the event as a “fantastic spectacle” as the group crossed the finish line to the sound of two pipers and a drummer.

CairnGorm Mountain spokesman Colin Kirkwood said they wanted to something to celebrate the great ski season they were seeing.

According to Ski-Scotland, is it the best ski season the country has seen since 2001 with even more snow forecast, meaning the season could last through to May.

Mr Kirkwood said: “We’re delighted, it was a little cloudy overhead but it was a fantastic spectacle and people really enjoyed taking part.”

Scottish skiing boasts £25m profit

Posted on March 5, 2010 by admin

The Scottish ski industry is celebrating healthy profits after this winter’s heavy snowfall.

Ski-Scotland said winter sports fans had spent £25 million and with further snowfall predicted the season could continue until May.

The country’s five mountain ski areas have had their best season since 2001, with high levels of snow falling at CairnGorm, Glencoe, Glenshee, Nevis Range and the Lecht.

Ski Scotland said the rise in the number of skiers had boosted trade for local businesses such as bed and breakfasts.

Nevis Range managing director Marian Austin said the resort had extended its skiing area this year due to the unexpected levels of snow.

She said: “Unlike the ski areas in the east, we do not normally ski to our car park.

“But this amazing snow cover – even at low level – has allowed us to offer skiing from 1,190m (3,900ft) down to 100m (330ft), which is about 4.5km, or close to three miles.”

Pieter du Pon, of the Lecht Ski Company, added: “The snow this year has been fantastic with constant cold and great skiing conditions.

“Snow has just piled up week after week since before Christmas, with another metre falling in 36 hours last week.”

Skiing In Scotland The Scottish ski industry is celebrating healthy profits after this winter’s heavy snowfall.