Spring Skiing; winter is over, but the snow must go on!

Just because the winter is over, it doesn’t mean the winter sports have to end. Most ski resorts remain open till mid-April, and with longer hours, sunny slopes, plus discounted lift passes and accommodation, spring is an ideal time to head for the slopes for some skiing and snowboarding.

In spring you’ll find the slopes less crowded than during the winter months, and the snow is typically soft and sugary. Other advantages of spring skiing are commonly found with the onset of warmer weather, which sees restaurant and café terraces opening for BBQs and beer sessions, where skiers and snowboarders can sit in the sun and soak up some rays whilst enjoying the mountain scenery.

Spring skiing and snowboarding typically offers a relaxed atmosphere on the slopes, and many resorts hold festivals, parties and carnivals to celebrate the end of another winter. These come in the form of live music performances and fun events such as a “Slush Cup” – where skiers and snowboarders ski down a hill and then try to make it over a big slushy puddle, often in fancy dress. The winners enjoy the glory and applause from the onlookers, the losers end up rather wet!

When skiing in spring, be sure to bring plenty of high factor sun cream, as the intense rays and highly reflective surface of the snow will quickly burn your skin. For the same reason, a good pair of sunglasses is essential to protect your eyes, as you may find wearing goggles gets a little hot. In spring it’s often possible to ski or snowboard in a t-shirt, although it’s wise to carry extra layers too, as it’s not unknown for spring storms to deposit a dump of snow, and you might even get lucky with some spring powder!

Spring is also an ideal time to buy new ski and snowboard gear, as prices are normally heavily discounted at the end of the season as shops seek to clear their stock and get ready for the summer trade.

The best places to head for spring skiing are ski resorts situated above 2500m. Ski area with glaciers such as Whistler will stay open even longer, with lifts running until June.

If you are considering a spring skiing trip, you’ll be able to find a range of options for ski resort accommodation whether you’re heading to resorts in Colorado, Wyoming or British Columbia. So, when the winter’s over, don’t let the skiing stop - spring is one of the best times to head to the slopes for low prices, sugar soft snow and fun in the sun!

About Author

Andrew Regan is an online, freelance journalist.



Source: ArticleTrader.com

Under Armour vs. Military Thermals: Choosing the Best Ski Gear

I moved to Colorado a little over five years ago. Although I was just a skier at the time, it was my goal to become a snowboarder. Months before the season started, I spent hundreds of dollars on all the gear I would need: Board, bindings, boots, jacket, pants, and a couple layers of fleece sweatshirts to keep me warm on those cold blizzard days. After all these expenses, I found myself short on money and decided to buy a cheap pair of thermal underwear from a local Wal-Mart.



In mid-December of that year, the mountains received quite a dumping of new snow, and my friends and I decided to make the trip to Vail to enjoy the fresh powder. While carving down one of the resort’s legendary bowls, I accidentally caught an edge and ended up sliding face first down the steep incline. By the time I managed to stop myself, a good couple feet of snow had jam-packed my jacket and pants. I was soaked to the bone, freezing cold, and standing in an almost full whiteout blizzard. When I finally reached the lodge, my Wal-Mart thermal underwear was soaked beyond repair, and I had managed to catch quite the nasty cold. Needless to say, I traded the snowboard for a warm bed and a couple gallons of Ny-Quil for the remainder of the weekend.



The following season, I decided that it was time to invest in some quality thermal underwear. Something warm. Something waterproof. At my local sporting goods store, a young salesman recommended the store’s featured product, Under Armour cold gear. I must admit I was a little skeptical at first. I was under the impression that Under Armour was created to keep you dry, not necessarily to keep you warm. However, the young man swore by the new cold gear, and claimed that it was the driest and warmest cold weather protection on the market today. Taking his advice, I purchased a crewneck, pants, socks and an outdoor hood. Although the gear came to over $200, I felt it was worth it to keep my body warm and dry during the next ski season.



The first couple weeks of the season were great! The cold weather gear kept me warm and dry in the mountains, and seemed to be serving its purpose perfectly. Then right around the end of December, we made the trip to Vail. Once I reached about 12,000 feet, I could no longer feel any of my appendages due to the bitter cold. The remainder of the season was miserable. The weather got colder and colder, and my new Under Armour cold gear, although doing a great job to keep me dry, was no match for the cold mountain winds. For the rest of the season, I was forced to wear my old Wal-Mart thermals on top of the Under Armour to keep warm. Once again, my thermal underwear had failed me.



This year, I was determined to solve my problem and enjoy what was predicted to be the coldest and snowiest season yet. After running some Internet searches, I found a product known as military thermal polypropylene underwear. Apparently, the military uses unique cold weather technology to develop a special kind of clothing, known as polypropylene, to keep their troops dry and warm in combat situations. According to my research, polypropylene thermal underwear was only recently approved for use outside the military, so I decided to see what the stuff was all about. Again, I purchased a polypropylene crewneck, pants, socks and neck warmer. To my astonishment, my total price was under $70, less than one third what I had paid for my Under Armour cold gear. At this price, I honestly didn’t expect it to work very well, but decided to give it a try anyway.



Over Christmas weekend, my friends and I once again decided to make the trip to Vail to enjoy some of the best snow Colorado has received in years. Again, we dropped back into their legendary back bowls, and again I took a nosedive right down the steep incline. Once again jam-packed with snow, I sadly stood up, waiting for the cold wetness to sink into my skin. I waited. And waited. All day long, I took falls in pile after pile of fluffy powder. And all day long I remained dry and warm.



I was utterly amazed! Not only had a spent a fraction of what I had on Under Armour cold gear, but I also remained warm and dry for the entire snowy weekend. My search for the perfect thermal underwear was over. So next time someone asks you what type of gear they need to stay warm in the cold, windy Rocky Mountains, tell them to check out military issued polypropylene thermal underwear. I guarantee it will be the last pair of thermals you ever buy!

About Author

Nathaniel Long now uses his Under Armour to keep him dry while hiking in the summer. When winter comes around, he purchases his military thermal polypropylene underwear from http://www.militarythermals.com/?Polypropylene_Thermal_Underwear.



Source: ArticleTrader.com

Keeping Your Kids Happy During a Keystone Colorado Ski Vacation

Tips: Clothing: Make sure your children are dressed in layers. We all know that layering allows our bodies to accommodate our constantly changing temperature. Avoid cotton clothing as it retains moisture and try some of the readily available wicking fabric products. A Turtleneck, fleece and jacket are all a good idea and the little one’s can shed layers as necessary.

Body Fuel: Stuff your pockets with Powerbar-like snacks, nuts, and dried fruit. Inevitably, someone will want to quit before others are ready because of hunger.

Extras: Make sure to keep a gear bag in the car with extra clothing items like mittens, socks, headbands, sunglasses, goggles, sunscreen, and lip balm. long underwear and socks. If you’ve ever seen the monumental size of the lost and found boxes at ski resorts, you will know that is only inevitable that someone will forget something...

Protective Eyewear: I can’t emphasize this enough. I hear more horror stories from my ophthalmologist friends about the dangers of the Colorado sun on young eyes, especially when it reflects off the snow. Make sure your children have UV protective sunglasses or goggles.

Plan for Being Separated on the Slope. While we all hope it never happens, I can assure you, it can happen much faster than you think. Make sure you plan a meeting place before you begin skiing in the event your child becomes lost. The information booth is a good place or decide which lift you will ski next so if you get separated. Make sure your child carries a piece of paper in a secure pocket that has your home, cell and lodging phone number as well as your name. Inexpensive walkie talkies are now available and are a big hit on the slopes.
Planning a little in advance ensures a great adventure, fun, laughter. It is a wonderful feeling to know that your children’s fondest childhood memories were of your family ski vacations.

About Author

Steve Falk is co-founder and operator of SkyRun Condos, a company that provides lodging in Keystone Colorado. For more information on planning your family vacation as well as discounts on lodging and lift tickets, be sure and visit www.SkyRun.com for great information.



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Discount Lift Tickets - Learn What Colorado Ski Resorts Do Not Want You To Know!

How to get Discount lift tickets for Keystone Colorado, Breckenridge Colorado, Arapahoe Basin Colorado, Loveland Ski Area Colorado, Copper Mountain Colorado, Winter Park Colorado, Vail Colorado, Beaver Creek Colorado.

Discount Lift Tickets in Colorado- All Colorado ski resorts make it difficult for anyone coming from out of state to get a great deal on lift tickets. Don't expect to get a great deal anywhere if you didn't start looking in late September or early October. As your Keystone Lodging provider, we can help, but WE DO NOT SELL LIFT TICKETS.

The most expensive way to ski is to buy your lift tickets at the ticket window without any coupons. The following information will help you find the best deal around no matter what time of year.

Colorado Ski Season Passes

If you are in Colorado in April, September or October, you can look into buying a season pass for Keystone, Breckenridge, and A-Basin. Both Loveland and Copper Mountain sometimes sell season passes into November. If you plan on skiing 5 or more days, a season pass to one of the areas ski resorts will more than pay for itself and is the cheapest way to go...even though you won't get to use it for the entire season.

:: Keystone :: Breckenridge :: A-Basin :: Vail :: Beaver Creek ::

Season passes are sold along the front range at places like Gart Sports, REI, and Christy Sports. Season passes for Keystone, Breckenridge and A-Basin usually cost around $329. A 2nd option is to pay slightly more and get 10 days at Vail or Beaver Creek added to that same pass. You MUST buy these in person, and you typically have to use it at least once before the holiday season, or it will become invalid for the rest of the year. These passes do have blackout dates during the holidays and during Presidents Day weekend usually, so make sure you read the fine print before purchasing these ski passes. If you're planning an early season trip (Before December 20th) AND a later prime ski season trip (January - April), this is by far the least expensive way to go. Best of all, once you get a pass that you have to buy in person, you can renew it over the web year after year.

:: Arapahoe Basin Only ::

This year, Arapahoe Basin is offering a season pass of thier own. For the 2005-2006 ski season, these are only $239. This allows unlimited skiing at Arapahoe Basin, but also allows you to ski at Keystone or Breckenridge for 5 days. One of the 5 days can be used at either Vail or Beaver Creek. This is an awesome deal if you're coming out for a short trip of 5 days or more. Best of all, you can buy these over the phone and just pick them up at the base area of Arapahoe Basin. As always, get in on this deal EARLY. Passes are usually sold in September and October only. Check out the Arapahoe Basin Website for full details.

:: Copper Mountain :: Winter Park :: Mary Jane ::

Copper Mountain is offering season passes for the 2005-2006 ski season for only $279. You can buy these without being present, but you must submit a photo of yourself so they can print your pass. Add a few more dollars and you can ski Winter Park and Mary Jane too. However, Winter Park is a solid 1 hour drive from Summit County. Still, the skiing at Mary Jane is legendary and you won't be disappointed with your day excursion to the snowpack in the Fraser Valley of Colorado.

:: Loveland Ski Area ::

Lesser known by people from out-of state, Loveland is a very inexpensive option. You'll see Loveland Ski area on your way into Summit County on the East Portal of the Eisenhower Tunnel. The closest ski lodging to Loveland is in Keystone....only 15 miles away. Loveland offers season passes for $253. Being an independant ski resort, you can only ski at Loveland. Loveland is one of the highest ski resorts on North America and they are usually the first to open the ski season in North America in October. Check the webste for details. They have an outstanding variety of terrain and there are little or no crowds at any given time.

++++++++++++ Warning ++++++++++++

Do not EVER try to use a 4 pack or season pass that is not yours. There are extremely stiff penalties including large fines and possible jail time if you are caught. The lift operators WILL catch you. A free lift ride is simply not worth the consequences.

++++++++++++ Warning ++++++++++++

Colorado Ski Resort "Four Packs"

Another money-saving tip is to buy what is called a "4 pack" for your ski resort of choice. A "4 pack" is 4 days of skiing for any 1 person. Typically the ski resorts sell these early in the season, but have also been known to sell them again in late March or in April. Buying late in the season is ideal...unknown to many, April is usually the snowiest month in Colorado!

:: Keystone :: Breckenridge ::

For the Keystone and Breckenridge 4 packs, you must buy them in person and they are not transferrable. In previous years they have been transferrable until people started selling them for a profit on eBay. $ packs usually run about $99 and are bought in the same fashion that a Season Pass is bought. The 4 packs do have blackout dates, so read the fine print carefully.

:: Copper Mountain :: Winter Park :: Mary Jane ::

Copper Mountain offers 4 packs for only $69 and ARE transferrable. This deal usually is around for about a week and may have already passed. If so, you're still in luck...both Copper Mountain and Winter Park offer 4 packs for $120, which is still only $30 per day. This offer expires on Dec 9th 2005, so jump on this quickly if you want to get in on the deal! There are usually rules and restrictions as to the dates you can use the 4 pack, so check the fine print carefully.

:: Loveland Ski Area ::

Loveland also offers a 4 pack as well for the 2005-2006 ski season. The 4 packs run only $99 but are only available through November 21st 2005. There are no blackout dates on these 4 packs and can be used anytime during the 2005-2006 ski season at Loveland.

:: Aspen :: Snowmass ::

Okay, so these 2 resorts aren't really all that close to Summit County, but if you want to see what celebrities do during the winter in Colorado...try Aspen or Snowmass for a day. Cheap passes are available, but you have to get them in person. They are available up until November 20th, 2005 at select locations around the Colorado Front Range.

Other ways to get Discount Lift Tickets

Are you a member of the armed forces? Keystone has a special setup with any active duty military, Reservists, National Guard and dependents. Rocky Mountain Blue offers a Freedom Pass for only $129. This pass is good for unlimited skiing at Keystone or Arapahoe Basin. It can be purchased at military bases in colorado including Buckley AFB, Peterson AFB, Schriever AFB, F.E. Warren AFB, Fort Carson and the Air force Academy. You can purchase this anytime during the 2005-2006 ski season and it is good through closing day at Keystone. THIS IS THE BEST LIFT TICKET DEAL IN COLORADO.

Keystone Lift Tickets Sign up for a free Colorado Gem Card. These cards will give you discounts at other ski areas that are further away. The closest resort that accepts this card is Loveland Ski area, which is about 15 miles away right at the Eisenhower Tunnel on the Continental Divide.

Keystone Lift Tickets Know someone with a season pass? Season Pass holders usually can buy a lift ticket for you for a deeply discounted price of $29-$59. The number of times they can do this is limited.

Keystone Lift Tickets Don't forget eBay! Many times people will buy a package deal and not be able to use it. Sometimes it's a 4 pack, sometimes it's someone who has an inside track to the resort and is trying to make some money on the side. Either way, MAKE SURE you check the lift tickets carefully to make sure you know what you're getting. Search around and see what you can find!

Keystone Lift Tickets Buy an Entertainment book for the Denver area. These books are PACKED with ski coupons. We typically buy these books and keep them available for our guests to use. The coupons are for slightly discounted lift tickets. ($5 - $10 off ticket window prices) There are also coupons for ski school.

Keystone Lift Tickets Buy your tickets on the front range in or around Denver. Go to any Safeway or King Soopers grocery stores, or ski and snowboard rental shop. They sell disount lift tickets for most ski areas.

Keystone Lift Tickets As your Keystone Lodging provider, just ask us and we'll do what we can to get you the right information you need or point you in the right direction to save you the most money given the time period of your visit. We typically keep a packet of coupons just for our guests use. When booking, please email or call us with your requests and we will mail coupons to you before you arrive. Coupons are first come first serve. These coupons usually come from Entertainment Books, and wherever else we can find them. We do not sell lift tickets.

BE CAREFUL - Some other lodging providers will entice you with a "package deal" saying that they will give you discounted lift tickets after your reserve your lodging...only to suddenly "run out" of the lift tickets after they have your money.

About Author

Smith Chen is an author and internet marketing consultant.
Find more about Travel Tips and review page Travel



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Your Breckenridge Vacation

Your Breckenridge Vacation

You'll be welcome with open arms in Breckenridge, Colorado. Breckenridge ski resort offer the world's finest powder and terrain anyone can manage. Half of all slopes at Breckenridge ski and snowboard resort are for beginners. The other half is for moderate to extreme skiing. Breckenridge is the only ski area to offer this much skiing for all types of ability levels.

The town of Breckenridge is just like you would dream about on the way to your ski vacation. The town has a Main st. with stores, restaurants and variety. You won't be disappointed as you stroll down Breckenridge's Main st. The main area is about ½ mile long and make for a lovely walk during the daytime or night time.

As far as resorts go, you can stay in a classy hotel and pay big bucks, or you can stay just outside of town nestled in the Rocky. Many condos are located a few miles down the road on RT. 9 otherwise known as Main st. If you decide to book a condo out of town, you'll get a better sense of what a mountain vacation is all about. On top of this advantage, you can also expect to pay significantly less than if you stay in the busy town of Breckenridge. Be prepared to breathe the fresh Colorado mountain air. It's truly invigorating!

As the seasons change in Breckenridge, Colorado, your outdoors options expand and contract. Once Spring comes, the skiing gets better and the temperature goes up. Yes, it still snows hard in the Spring time. The only difference is the quality of the snow. It tends to be wetter than the winter dry fluffy snow. Either way, it's great and you'll love the Spring time snow as much as the Winter snow. After all, the base of Breckenridge in April is about 60 inches deep.

Summer time in Breckenridge is truly a beautiful time! You can fish the streams for Rocky Mountain trout or you can mountain bike, raft, boat (Lake Dillon) or just relax in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. There will never be a boring day during your Breckenridge ski or summer vacation.

Fly fishing is a very enjoyable sport to engage in during the Summer time. It seems like every stream or lake in the Rocky Mountain's houses some of the largest trout in the world. Since fishing season is only 5 months out of the year, it seems like the trout jump right on to the hook. Just kidding of course! It's not that easy to catch Trout, but if you use the right flies, you just might find the statement above to be true.

Mountain bike trails are everywhere, but be careful!! Be sure to have a map and enough food & water in case you get lost. The smartest thing to do is the mark your course with sticks in the ground if you have any doubts about not getting back home or to your vehicle. As long as you are sure of this, you're going to have a great time. Breckenridge offers mountain bike trails that go to the tops of mountains and down to the valleys. The scenery is breath taking and without a doubt, you're going to love mountain biking in Breckenridge, CO.

As far as rafting goes, there are many options within 20 miles of Breckenridge. The water flows highest around mid July because of all the snow which has melted from the mountains. There are plenty of guided trips who will help you navigate through the rivers.

Once you experience all the Breckeridge has to offer, you'll surely come back every year to enjoy yourself again and again. Also, did you know the state of Colorado has more blue sky days than any other state in the US? It's true!

About Author

You'll be twenty miles from six world class ski resorts nestled in the Rocky Mountains. Breckenridge, Colorado offers skiing, snow mobiling, fine dining, shopping and more.. Your ski or summer vacation starts here! Go to http://www.yourskivacation.com

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It's Snowing In Colorado, Time To Think Skiing and Boarding

I just saw it on the hearsay, the Colorado wavering Mountains are receiving a base or more of snow nowadays. It's time to dust off the skis and plank. Just think of the powder and tersely you will be swooshing down those Colorado slopes.

This has been some of the initial snow yet in Colorado. Ski areas are gateway all over. file gateways! You have to doubt where this Colorado ski flavor is open...

Of course, if you're a skier or a planker, flavor gateway can never transpire too early. But this winter is locale report in the Colorado wavering Mountains.

Some Colorado ski resorts are since 3-6 feet of snow already. And these resorts are pregnant greatly more in snow totals this flavor. This year could even beat last days notation blizzard and a notation 12.53 million in skier passes to Colorado's slopes. Oct. 6th of this year was the initial gateway ever at Loveland throw after producing artificial snow and then receiving a resonant blanket of the actual pack. Arapaho sink was open tersely after. Now, all the ski areas are gateway.

Keystone, Breckenridge, Copper Mountain, Vail, and Aspen are next become. quickly, Steamboat and Telluride will pursue in their basesteps. Colorado skiing is breach out all over! devour Creek has already standard a notation 6 feet of snow. This may be the flavor to recall!

Breckenridge was ranked "best resort" by Ski Magazine. envisage what it's like tis year. Breck has the uppermost ski revoke in North America and is one of the most accessible ski areas in Colorado. 150 acres of snow landscape will tempt even the most experienced of skiers.

But Vail even beates Breck. It was voted No. 1 as an complete resort by Ski Magazine. 1.6 million people skied Vail last year and enjoyed the unbroken Colorado skiing experience. This is one Colorado ski resort to migrate to.

Copper Mountain is now featuring the unbound Tucker Mountain Snowcat tour. On your off ski-time you can see some of the most spectacular pretty views that the Colorado wavering mountains have to deal. But when you think of Copper, think the fantastic skiing you will witness.

Steamboat has some of the best skiing around, and this year will not disappoint you. Why do you think Steamboat is known as "Ski city USA" and they copyrighted the verbalize "Champaign Powder"? For one of the most pastoral ski areas in the wavering Mountains, you can't beat Steamboat.

And then there's Aspen, one of the most current ski resorts in Colorado and has greatly to deal skiers and plankers. You can think masses of crowds and long revoke position on the slopes. evoke, this is a playground of the calorific and famed, and a lot of people in broad wish this ski vacation position modestly for that rationale. But that's just part of Aspen. Also look for the magnificent mountain views, the great runs, and wavering nightlife,

Of course, you can't splurge all your time on the slopes. Every ski resort area in Colorado provides its own smartness of off-slope vision since, nightlife, and shopping. You'll never be bored and sans for activities and adventure on your Colorado ski vacation.

While in Colorado this year, why not go in for the newest rage in winter sports - SnowKiting. You've already got skis or a plank. Just the addition of a yoke and kite will have you gliding across the snow roofed countryside of Colorado.

anything your winter sport inclinations are, you'll find what you're looking for in the winter sport paradise called Colorado. And this just might be one of the best ski flavors ever. At slightest it's first out that way.

About Author

Alan Tang is an author and internet marketing consultant living in Pennsylvania. Find more about Steamboat Springs Ski Vacation and Copper Mountain Ski Vacation at http://ski-vacations.spvnews.com



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Recreation in Colorado

Its really no secret that Colorado is the spot where America comes to play in the winter. If you are interested in snow sports on any level, then colorado is the place you need to be when the white stuff comes. The famous mountains in Colorado have also got a thriving real estate industry that soared to new heights as the demand for homes and vacation cabins and condos is higher than ever before.

Colorado has long been known for some of the finest winter resorts in North America, Vail, Aspen, Beaver Creek, and Breckenridge to name a few, and the Rocky Mountains are jammed with other smaller resorts and facilities. Skiing and snowboarding take the limelight in alpine areas that are world famous. But there is much more than these to catch the interest of winter sports fans. Any sport that you could imagine is available in Colorado, from nordic skiing, & snowmobiling, to ice fishing & ice climbing.

Because of the phenomenal recreation options, Colorado has become a popular choice for a second home or a condo. One of the nice plusses to a home in the mountains is the fact that you will never have trouble in finding renters to help pay the bills in the times that you are not using the home. Of course there are quite a number of people who end up making this area their year-round home. During the summer, Colorado is spectacular and boasts a whole new range of recreational options.

Colorado is simply perfect for anyone who enjoys an active outdoor lifestyle. It really does not matter which season it is, there is never a shortage of things to do. And the resorts in Colorado also offer a nightlife that is unmatchable. With great amenities and shopping, cultural events like the Sundance Film Festival and year-round sporting events, the lifestyle is good in Colorado. You just may buy a second home here and end up selling the first one.

About Author

Lane Hornung & the team at Colorado Real Estate are elite real estate agents dealing exclusively with homes & properties in Colorado. For the best in real estate service in Colorado contact Lane & the team today.



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