FAMILY HOLIDAY VACATIONS

 SKIING AND SNOWBOARD VACATION
BY CLAY LARROY

Leisure travel is a wonderful experience that everyone should have in their lifetime. Even business travel can be made enjoyable. There are some aspects of travel that can detract from your enjoyment.  When planning to fly for a trip, don't forget any frequent flier miles you might have racked up. It does you no good to hang onto those once you've already gone on your big vacation. Even if you don't have enough miles to cover the whole trip, many airlines will allow you to discount your rate using your miles. When you want to plan a vacation contact me!

Ski Skill Levels and Variations

Colors: Resorts categorize their ski runs into different colors that can vary from resort to resort, but the following colors and their meanings are most common.

• Green runs are the easiest and best for beginners, allowing new skiers to practice without steep slopes or narrow paths.
• Blue runs are somewhat trickier with more turns. They are steeper. They are often ideal for anyone who has had some experience or perhaps as a warm-up for those who only ski a few times a year.
• Red is where you start to get serious. These are classified as difficult and steep slopes. They have challenging turns that make them out of reach for beginners.
• Black represents the most difficult runs that should only be attempted by would-be James Bonds.

Snow: Not all snow is created equal. Snow can be wet or dry and have various grades. You’re likely to find dry snow higher on a mountain where it’s colder, since it is formed when temperatures are sub-zero. Dry snow is also likely to be blown around into drifts and has a characteristic crunch when you walk on it. Wet snow is formed when snow’s tiny ice crystals start to melt. This type of snow is found on lower slopes where temperatures increase.

So what’s the difference to a skier? Dry snow takes less effort to ski across, and melting snow is problematic, particularly for beginning skiers.

Glacier skiing involves skiing on natural glaciers, often providing year-round skiing. Most European glaciers have a variety of terrains for different skill levels and are most commonly found in Austria, France, Italy and Switzerland. In North America, British Columbia’s Whistler Blackcomb ski area offers the continent’s only glacier skiing.

Heli-skiing, for advanced skiers only, offers an opportunity to go far into the back-country via helicopter to off-trail regions difficult to reach by any other means. To avoid endangering yourself and others, you should be in good shape and proficient in a variety of steep slope and snow conditions.

Before you go

To make the most of your skiing tour, you should be as fit as possible. Injuries are not uncommon, particularly for those who are out of shape.

So what can you do before taking your tour? Engage in physical activities that build your strength, particularly in your thighs and legs - many gyms have machines that simulate skiing. You could also try lessons at a dry ski lodge or an indoor facility, if you have one in your area. This will accustom you to skiing and familiarize you with the necessary equipment, saving lesson time while you are on vacation.

What do you pack?

If this is your first trip, or if you don’t own many outdoor or ski-specific clothes, visit a local sporting goods or outdoor shop for helpful advice. The list below offers some ideas to get you started:

• It’s always safe to layer clothing - warm interior layers combined with waterproof outerwear is ideal
• It used to be that wool was the best fiber for an outer layer, but it has since been replaced by several synthetic fibers, since wool is not very breathable and snow will stick to it
• Cotton should be avoided - it gets very cold when wet and takes a long time to dry
• Thermal underwear made of an appropriate material is helpful because it can easily be worn underneath other layers and doesn’t take up much room in a suitcase
• Pack socks specifically for skiing and wear only one pair at a time
• Don’t rely on jeans or track suits! They become wet, cold, heavy and uncomfortable
• Operators say you should spend extra to purchase or rent high-quality ski pants; if you plan to rent, just be sure to check availability while you are on your trip (this can also save you space when packing)
• Gloves and hats are essential - check temperature and wind conditions before making a purchase to be sure your face and ears are fully protected
• Sunglasses, sunscreen, and an SPF lip balm are also mandatory

Some operators provide equipment such as bindings, daypacks, or sunscreen, in addition to snacks and lunch; others do not. If you check before you pack, you may be able to preserve precious luggage space.

You will have to decide if you are going to rent equipment or take your own. This is a personal decision, often made in context of the complicated logistics of traveling with expensive equipment. A ski bag to hold poles, boots and skis is a must. Attach tags containing your address, telephone and cell phone numbers to your equipment and bags.

Finally, make sure you pack any travel documentation you need (ask your travel consultant) and any pre-purchased vouchers or lift tickets.

Reminders

Find your own skill and comfort level. Resist the temptation to overdo it on the first day or so of your vacation. Give yourself time to adjust to the altitude. Frequently apply sunscreen and sun-protective lip balm, even on cloudy days. Carry a water bottle and drink frequently to prevent the dehydration that results from high altitude and outdoor activities.

Finally, tip your guides and instructors 15-20% if you are happy with the service - they count on tips as a major part of their wages.

Ready? It’s time to hit the ski-trails and enjoy an entirely new take on winter!

REFERENCE SITES:

http://www.travelresearchonline.com/

“Sharing the holiday with other people, and feeling that you’re giving 

of yourself, gets you past all the commercialism.” 

— Caroline Kennedy

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