Hit the Slopes with the HARD CORE!
Are crunches a good exercise for the core and how important is the core for skiing and snowboarding?
Before we discuss exercises for the core, we must first dive into what areas make up the “core.” Your core is not just made of up the “abs.” Your core runs from your neck down to your hips and/or from the hips up to the neck. It is also important to realize that your core is three dimensional. Meaning we have a front, back and two sides. Therefore, and effective core program should challenge all three dimensions.
In addition, your core is the center of the body. It attaches the upper body to the lower body and also the lower body to the upper body. This is vital since information during movement is traveling through the center of the body and is being sent to the extremities. A faulty core will limit how well someone can move, whether it is in the game of life or on the snowy slopes.
That being said, how does your core help you while you are on the slopes? You need core strength, core stabilization and core endurance to help you successfully manage the slope’s varied terrain and numerous conditions. If your core fails you on the slopes, you will not be able to create an effective carve, the bumps will throw you around like a rag doll and your buddies will be waiting for you at the bottom every time. You can never over-prepare your core or your body for the demands of skiing or riding.
To start, the side core will be the first area of involvement. It is also important to note that even though this is a movement for the side core, every other part of the core (front and back) will be active since they all intimately work with one another.
The Side Plank
o Line yourself up in a side plank
o Feet are double stacked
o IMPORTANT – the elbow should be directly under the shoulder when at the top of the plank
o Slowly lower the hips towards the ground
o Raise hips back up as high as you can
o Perform 10 repetitions AND 2 sets on each side
o Up and down phase should be slow and controlled
Get on a single leg and feed the machine!
Single leg exercises offer the “biggest bang for the buck.” By training on a single leg, you entire leg is activated as well as your core. Additionally, the balance requirements provide your nervous system with sensory rich stimulation that it needs to improve the communication between the extremities and your brain.
Many know the benefits and train on a single leg. If you have never done exercises on a single leg, then what are you waiting for? The benefits are countless as the exercises will transfer into any activity that you do (running, jumping, throwing, etc.). So get on a single leg and watch your snow performance improve.
Single Leg Hop:
o You are jumping straight up and down
o Your landing should be soft and absorbent (landing in a half-squat)
o Hold the landing on the first 10 hops for 2 seconds
o The last 10 hops are done at a faster pace without holding
o Do 20 total hops in a row on each leg
o Do 2 sets of 20 reps
o You can use this exercise prior to any workout as an activation drill
As with any jumps or hops, the softer and quieter the landing–the better! A full-footed ground contact is the goal with the landing. Do not just land onto the toes or the ball of the foot. Depending on where you do this exercise will determine your balance demands. The Single Leg Hop can be done in the gym or outdoors. If you are hopping on a mat, carpet, grass, snow or dirt…each offer a slightly different proprioceptive demand that will provide the nourishment that your body needs and wants. So feed the machine and reap the rewards on the mountain!
Ferrari’s Engine + Camry’s Brakes = BIG Problem!
Deceleration is a component of human movement that is often neglected in training. Think of it as absorbing force or “putting on the brakes.” How well an individual decelerates will determine how well that same individual can accelerate or produce force.
Excluding all the cardiovascular benefits that come from hiking, as an exercise…hiking is very unique in the way that the movement system is stimulated. During the climb, acceleration or force production is primarily emphasized. Conversely, the hike down will tax your body’s ability to decelerate. Deceleration is also one of the big factors that contribute to the “quad cook” while you are on the slopes (winter or summer).
How does improved deceleration help your skiing or riding?
While we are in the dynamic movement of skiing or riding, our body is in a constant state of reducing and producing force. The component of deceleration is what keeps us in control and in contact with the snow. If our ability to decelerate was really poor, we would collapse to the ground at every bump and turn.
On the other hand, if we were to be stiff or rigid, then any bump would throw us into the air and thus; make us lose control. When we decelerate properly, we are able to absorb and control all the imperfections of the terrain, whether they are intended (moguls) or not. Deceleration is what will translate into that smooth and effective technique that everyone desires to achieve in their snowsport of choice.
Hiking Homework for Deceleration:
o Find a steep downhill (hiking trail or ski slope)
o Carry a backpack to increase the demand
o Keep track of how often you stop and rest (progress to minimal rest)
To use hiking as a training tool for deceleration, you obviously need to get to some elevation. Since deceleration involves going downhill, you may have to go uphill first. Although, some of you may have access to an area in which you go downhill first. Either way, you will get in your deceleration training. The difference will be whether you do it before or after an uphill climb. We suggest you try both if you have the option since there will be a noticeable difference 
By: Alex Chemerov
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Read more on Discover 3 New Ways To Exercise For Downhill Skiing…
Filed under Recreation And Sports by on Sep 4th, 2010. 
If you are planning a skiing vacation or maybe you are already at the resort and are preparing for a day of skiing then there is a lot to think about. This is especially so if you are new to winter sports. You need to get your skis, boots and poles. You need to organize your lift pass and then you need to hook up with your ski class. Without these things your day would be unsuccessful, however there are a few other things that people often overlook that can also impact on your day. Here is a checklist of 7 things you may need on the ski slopes.
First thing to take is a trail map. No doubt you have looked at the trail maps that are dotted throughout the resort or even at your pocket version but it is essential that you take it with you when you are skiing. Despite your studies you will need to refer to it at least a few times on the first day. Maybe less as the week goes by but it is always handy to have especially if you take a turn that you are not used to.
Lip balm and sunscreen. The lips are very sensitive to the sun and wind. They are one of the few parts of your body that will be exposed to the elements. Make sure they are protected as chapped lips can spoil your vacation. Take a small tube of sunscreen and top up every few hours or so. This is mainly around the face and ears but this depends on the weather and what you are wearing. If it a pleasant day you may decide to ski in a shirt and will need to protect the shoulders and arms.
Something to clean your goggles or sunglasses. Sunglasses often come with a bag that doubles as a cleaner so this is fairly easy to cater for unless you have lost the bag a long time ago like me. If you don’t have the bag then any cloth, like a chamois, will do the trick. Obviously you need to be able to see where you are skiing so clear vision is essential. I’d suggest goggles or glasses are essential too as the glare from the snow is too much even on an overcast day. Goggles are best but sunglasses are more comfortable in my opinion (depending on the type of skiing you are doing).
Carry some water and a snack. There are many cafes and rest stops dotted around the slopes and you won’t have to look far to get a drink at the bottom of the slope but a bottle of water is handy if you need a break during a run. It also means you don’t have to stop skiing for too long. As for a snack, I like a chocolate bar and skiing is my excuse to indulge my chocoholic tendencies. Other people may take an energy bar or even a sandwich.
A cell phone is a good device to have on you if you have an accident or need to keep in touch with friends. You need to find out where to meet up for lunch at the very least ! Take your wallet with some form of id and a credit card or small amount of money. You don’t want a heavy wallet weighing you down.
By: Adrian Whittle
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Read more on Snow Skiing Checklist – 7 Things You Should Carry On the Ski Slopes…
Filed under Recreation And Sports by on Sep 4th, 2010.
On your next winter ski vacation, you don’t need to leave the kids behind. Nowadays, children can not only take part in many winter sports, but you may find they even excel at them. Here are some tips for making your next ski trip fun for you and for your kids.
Health Considerations
Before you set off on your trip, consider the fact that some children, generally very young children, 6 and under, should not generally be exposed to intense cold or high altitudes. Children with ear problems may be miserable at a high altitude, leaving everyone in the family with a cloud over their trip. Some children with hyperactivity disorders may also not be right for a winter ski trip. A child who is hyper may not take too well to being stuck in a lodge or hotel room for long periods of time when a winter storm hits.
Choosing The Right Apparel
In order for kids to enjoy skiing safely, you must not overlook the importance of the right apparel. Since children are much smaller than adults, they will be more sensitive to the cold. Don’t forget that they are closer to the ground, so every part of their body needs to be shielded properly from the cold. Some parents may try to put their own apparel on the child, but this is a mistake. It’s extremely important for the child to have their own set of ski apparel. This is for safety first and comfort secondly. If you try and fit on a sweater or coat that has longer sleeves than their arms, this can be a safety issue with the child not being able to steer properly or the sleeve may get caught easily on other gear. These days, there are special stores dedicated to children’s winter apparel and ski gear. You owe it to yourself and your children to visit one and get the right gear for each child.
Choosing The Right Gear
Once you have the right ski apparel for your child, you need to choose the actual ski gear. This includes the skis, boots, poles, gloves, goggles and other accessories. Each element should fit your child appropriately, not be too loose or tight and be comfortable. Before each ski trip, you’ll want to check the fit of each element again, to see if the child has grown out of it, some items may need to be repurchased or refitted.
Safety First
Safety should, of course, be the #1 consideration for all parents. Children should also have extra safety gear when skiing. These include a helmet and extra pads including knee and elbow pads. Some other safety devices are also available to make skiing safer and more fun for both the parent and child, these include a fawn cushion, which is a cushion that attaches to the rear end of your child to cushion what may be many falls and a ski trainer harness which allows a parent to pull the child behind them on the slopes.
Armed with these tips, you should be able to make more informed decisions about the apparel, ski gear and safety gear. Most of all, however long your ski trip will be, don’t forget that the point of the trip is to have fun as a family.
By: Charley Lawrence
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Filed under Recreation And Sports by on Sep 3rd, 2010.
The Italian Alps are well known for skiing and offers dozens of mountain resorts, from the duty free zone of Livigno, to the glitzy Cervinia. However, what many people don’t realise is that it’s possible to ski on Mount Etna in Sicily – Italy’s mafia soaked Mediterranean Island, which lies off the south coast of the country.
Mount Etna is the largest and highest volcano in Europe, and one of the most active volcanoes in the world; and is in a state of almost continuous state of eruption. Sicily was chosen by the Gods of Olympus as the scene for their sagas of love and war, passion and revenge, and it was Mount Etna – the realm of Vulcan, god of fire – that was the home of the one-eyed monster known as the Cyclops; today it’s still a land of fire and latent wrath.
Building a ski area on an active volcano is not without its difficulties; continuous eruptions and lava flows have repeatedly damaged or destroyed various lifts systems in the past. In October 2002, rivers of boiling lava poured down from Mount Etna’s crater, engulfing small buildings, incinerating pine trees, pushing over ski lift pylons, knocking down power lines and swallowing a ski school hut before surrounding an empty mountain (everyone had been evacuated). However, the Sicilians have become accustomed to living in the shadow of the volcano, and have always rebuilt what the lava has destroyed.
Skiers and snowboarder describe the Etna experience as like nothing else in the Alpine world: “It’s an amazing place to ski – on a clear day you can see the sea, and at the same time you have a plume of gas and steam constantly rising from the summit”.
There are two ski areas on Etna; the southern slope is Rifugio Sapienza and the northern resort is Linguaglossa. As with any other ski holiday in Italy, hotels, instruction and ski rental is available in both resorts. The snow also provides ample opportunity for cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowboarding.
Despite Etna’s southerly latitude in the warm seas of the Mediterranean, the 3350m elevation means that in winter it receives deep snows, even down to the lower altitudes of 1800m. The area also offers plenty of warm Sicilian hospitality and wonderful authentic cuisine.
If you’re looking for a ski trip in the danger zone, Italy’s smouldering Etna should definitely be on your list. Just watch out for the lava.
By: Adam Singleton
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Filed under Recreation And Sports by on Sep 3rd, 2010.
You have a ski trip planned with your family, some friends or with a group and you’re wondering what to bring and what you need to prepare for your trip. With this article, I’ll explain what equipment you need, what clothing you need and some tips to make sure you’re not the last one that everyone’s waiting for to get ready.
If your trip is a few days out, then you have some time to possibly borrow any equipment that you need. Many people who ski or snowboard often and have their own equipment will have extra things like jackets, gloves, pants and maybe even skis or poles that you can borrow. So ask people you know that go skiing or snowboarding if they have any items that you’re missing. Then be sure to return it in good, clean condition.
After checking for any available equipment from friends and family, you should see what’s missing. You will also want to decide if you’re going to rent any equipment.
Renting Ski Equipment
Find the website of where you’re going to go ski and check out their prices for ski rentals. When you rent skis, they should give you poles and the bindings are included with the skis. Boots are usually also included since these places will often want you to use their boots with their skis. Find out if there are different rates for all day or for a partial day. If you want to ski and snowboard, some places will let you trade in one for the other part way though the day, which is a nice thing about renting.
If you don’t ski too often, renting equipment is a good deal. You get equipment that’s tuned and waxed and all ready for you. There might be some scratches on the equipment but it should be in good working order with the edges sharpened and so forth. You should also look for any package deals where you can get something like a lift ticket, rental and a lesson for one price.
The Ski Rental Procedure
As you go through the rental procedure, you will need to fill out paperwork, which includes a waiver. They will ask for your height, weight and skiing ability. If you don’t ski often, you should say you’re a level one or beginner skier. They need to know this information so that the bindings are set correctly. The bindings will release your boots from the ski if you happen to fall, so that’s an important setting.
Equipment Checklist
Here’s a checklist of other things that you will want to consider bringing with you:
Ski jacket – get a good ski jacket that will keep you warm and comfortable. It should keep the snow out and not restrict your movements. A hood can be useful if it snows or rains.
Ski pants – ski pants have about the same purpose of the jacket. Wearing jeans is not a wise decision. They’re often too tight and because they’re made of cotton, they just soak up any snow or rain. The lift chair may be wet or you may fall and the moment any snow sticks to them, it will soak in and you’ll get wet, which is not comfortable. Good snow or ski pants will not let any snow soak in and are comfortable to wear. Under your ski pants you can wear a base layer or long underwear.
Skis, ski boots and poles. Again, you can borrow from someone, bring your own or rent.
Gloves – gloves are very important. Bring two pairs in case one pair gets wet.
Hat or helmet – this keeps your head warm, of course. Bring two hats in case one gets wet.
Goggles – these are more important that you may think. They’re nice to have, help you see and keep the wind out of your eyes as you fly down the slopes.
Base and mid layers – dress in layers. Try to find a non-cotton layer for your base layer so that any sweat doesn’t get trapped near your skin. There are a lot of good polyester and synthetic materials that keep sweat away from your body.
Other things to consider bringing:
****** tissue or a handkerchief A face mask in case it’s very cold or windy Sun block Snacks like granola bars or nuts Walkie talkies A scarf Sunglasses
Hopefully with this list, you can better enjoy your ski trip. Plan ahead and you’ll be sure to enjoy skiing since the right equipment does make a difference. Have fun!
By: Anthony Herman
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Filed under Recreation And Sports by on Sep 3rd, 2010.
Mt. Bachelor has some of the best powder in the Pacific Northwest, boasts short lift lines and almost 3,700 acres of winter fun. It sits in the Cascade Mountains within a short drive from Bend Oregon. It is known for its dry snow and some of the best skiing and snow boarding in the West. It has 71 runs and 13 lifts.
Mt. Bachelor has the largest ski area in the Pacific Northwest. It features spectacular views of the Cascade mountain range including Three Sisters and Broken top as well as a view of Bend and Central Oregon. It has an elevation of 9,065 feet above sea level and features downhill skiing from around the middle of November until early summer. Some years in the past have had skiing into July.
Oregon’s favorite ski area boasts nearly 400 inches of snow annually. It has a vertical rise of 3,365 feet and features wide bowls and tree-bordered trails as well as vast open snow fields. “The Northwest Territory” is the wild back country and features 500 acres of tree skiing and rugged trails all served by lifts.
Bachelor’s lift system is fast and efficient. It features 3 lodges and a Nordic Center. From the Sunrise Lodge you can easily access the vast trail system via the Sunrise Express high-speed quad. It goes up 800 feet to the timberline where you can catch the Summit Express to the top. You can also just ski leisurely back down to the lodge.
The Summit Express is not always open due to wind. If the Summit is closed due to winds you could turn right of the lift and follow the West Village Getback road that crosses the mountain over to the West Village Day Lodge. The West Village Getback crosses various runs named, Cliffhanger, Pat’s Way, Chipper, Dentist or DSQ that will take you to Skyliner Express.
The West Village Day Lodge features several options for breakfast or a mid-day break.
If you can beat the crowds to Carver’s you will enjoy some of the best food on the mountain. It features an expanded menu including made-to-order salads, smoked meat sandwiches, homemade breads, soups made-to-order burritos and baked potatoes! For those 21 and older specialty brewed beers are available.
Cocoa’s Cafe serves breakfast and lunch daily. It is the place to stop for a quick cup of hot cocoa or a full fledged meal. Breakfast options include bacon croissant, breakfast wraps, fresh made donuts and other bakery items. Lunch offers the famous Mt. Bachelor chili cheese fries, hand tossed pizza, Thai chicken wrap, tacos, nachos grande and sandwiches made to order.
The Clearing Rock Bar, “The Rock”, is a full service bar offering lunch for those 21 and older. “The Rock” features Oregon specialty brews, beverage specials and reportedly the best Bloody Mary in the Northwest. Food includes bratwurst and kraut, chipotle chicken nachos and pig wings. Who said pigs can’t fly?
If you are just looking for a little pick me up you can hit Pinnacles Espresso Bar on the upper level. It features espresso drinks and specialty baked goods. It is said the chocolate dipped macaroons are incredible.
If you can make it out of the West Village lodge without eating too much you can ride Pine Marten Express to Pine Marten Lodge and its large mid-mountain cafeteria. You can reach just about any trail on the lower mountain from here. Or you can take the Summit Crossover and go straight to the Summit Express lift.
Pine Marten provides access to the Outback which comprises of 6 long runs dropping almost 1,800 feet. It’s served by the Outback high-speed quad. Past Outback the Northwest Express quad serves eight intermediate trails that are sheltered by the surrounding trees.
If the wind is howling you can ski the six lower mountain express chairs because they end at timberline which provides much needed shelter from the wind. If you didn’t eat and drink too much at the West Village Lodge the Pine Marten Lodge is a good place to rest on windy days if you are skiing the sheltered runs.
Pine Marten Lodge features Scapolo’s which is Italian for “Bachelor”. It features open hearth gourmet pizzas, fresh garden salads, hot soups wine and a variety of microbrews on tap. Good food and great views make Scapolo’s one of the most popular restaurants on the mountain.
Mount Bachelor features terrain for skiers and boarders of all abilities, 15% for beginners, 25% intermediate, 35% advanced and 25% for experts. It has 3,683 accessible acres and it’s only a short drive from beautiful Bend Oregon. Powder snow and lots of sunshine!
By: Jimmy D Johnson
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Filed under Recreation And Sports by on Sep 3rd, 2010.
For those who love to ski, but don’t love the high prices that are typically associated with it, the quest to find ways to make skiing more affordable is constantly going on. Skiing is great fun, but if you want to get into it on a serious level then you are looking at quite a cost. Along with the equipment itself, you also have to pay lift ticket fees, pay for lodging, and pay to use many of the resort facilities.
However, it is possible to enjoy the great sport of skiing and still practice some level of frugality. Here are some ways that you can make your skiing adventure a bit more affordable:
• Used Equipment: As expensive as the equipment is for skiing, there is a way to go about obtaining all that you need without having to take out a second mortgage on your home; buy used. Many people, who have more money than they know what to do with, will buy skis, boots, and the like, use them for one season and then get rid of them in order to buy the newest ski fashions available. This is great news for you as you can pick up this hardly used ski equipment for a fraction of the cost when compared to new stuff. To find these great bargains start with online outlets such as eBay and conduct a search for “used ski equipment.” You will be shocked with what you can pick up for a little bit of money.
• Choose Wisely: Skiing is great at almost any location you choose. It is just a fact that some ski resorts and ski mountains are going to be more expensive than others. If you take your time and choose wisely, you can enjoy an extended stay at a lesser known ski resort or ski mountain for about the same price as one day at a more popular ski resort or ski mountain would cost you.
• Stay Off Site: Staying in one of the lodges right on the ski resort is a great thrill, but it is also one that will cost you. Instead, you can choose to stay at a hotel near the ski resort and save yourself a good deal of money in the process. While you will not be able to wake up and walk right to the lift, you will be able to pocket a good deal of savings and that saving can be used for other necessities of your trip like buying food.
Skiing by and large is a “rich man’s” sport, but that doesn’t mean that the not-so-rich can’t enjoy it as well. While you may not be able to afford a $1,000 a night stay at a top-notch ski resort, you can probably swing $50 a night at the Best Western down the road. When you combine that with your bargain ski equipment as well as your knack for choosing a cost effective ski mountain, you too will be able to enjoy all the best parts of skiing. Best of all, this can be done without having to worry about spending your kid’s college savings.
By: Jason Kay
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Filed under Recreation And Sports by on Sep 3rd, 2010.
One of the primary reasons that my wife and I relocated to Vancouver was to increase our time in the mountains in the winter. I have been a keen skier since the age of 14 and Caroline my wife has skied since we got married in 2003 when she was given the ultimatum that once we were married we’d be going on a ski trip every year whether she liked it or not. Fortunately she taken to it and is now pushing me to my limits. In Jackson Hole 2007 she tired out several ski instructors over the course of our holiday and came to be known as the ‘energizer bunny’ in the Alpenhof bar. We both enjoy alpine skiing and are developing a love for the back country.
As a skier I have benefitted from osteopathy as it has helped me to recover from a variety of injuries that I have sustained over the years. Osteopathy has also helped me to get fitter prior to my skiing holidays as osteopathic manual therapy has helped to free up restrictions in tight muscles and stiff joints. As an osteopathic practitioner I’m always a popular person to have on a trip and have carried out informal osteopathic consultations in bars, hotels and restaurants from the Powder Keg in Ohakune New Zealand, le rond point Meribel France to Jimmyz in Aspen!
Alpine Ski Injuries
The most common skiing injuries affect the knee joint and these usually involve the medial collateral ligament which stabilises the medial border of the knee, the anterior cruciate ligament or the cartilage. Most ski injuries to the knee are ligamentous and they usually occur when we fall backwards in a twisting motion.
Most of us will also sustain a number of bumps and bruises over the course of our trip as we fall and injure ourselves.
Shoulder injuries are also common and usually result from a fall onto an outstretched hand, directly onto the shoulder or an arm being dragged behind as we slide down the slope following a crash. One of the most common shoulder injuries and perhaps the most painful is a dislocated shoulder (believe me it’s no fun as I found out on a CAT skiing day in Aspen 2006), followed by acromio-clavicular subluxations, and fractures to the humerus or clavicle. Thumbs are also commonly injured when our ski poles fail to release when we fall.
Head injuries can also occur when we fall from mild bumps to concussions, to more serious life threatening injuries depending on the speed of the accident, the object hit and area of the skull damaged.
Any injury sustained on the mountain should be examined by a medical professional as soon as possible to exclude the possibility of serious injury. An anterior cruciate ligament injury for example will usually require surgical repair if a skier wishes to return to a high level of activity. With head injuries where there has been a possible loss of conciousness a patient should be monitored for any signs of brain injury and is definitely advised to forgo any alcohol that evening.
With sprains and strains, knocks and bumps I recommend Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication, icing, compression, elevation and rest (NICER). It’s also probably best to avoid a relaxing soak in the hot tub as this may increase the inflammation.
Osteopathy and Knee Injuries
Once an injury has been diagnosed osteopathy can be an appropriate therapy to help with a successful recovery. Osteopathy can help knee injuries such as medial collateral ligament strains and cartilage injuries by localised soft tissue treatments to the knee joint and by improving the compensatory mechanisms of surrounding joints such as the foot, ankle and hip to take away strain from the injured joint. As an osteopathic practitioner I can also advise on appropriate strengthening and stretching exercises for surrounding tissues.
Prior to a trip osteopathy can be beneficial to improve the function of surrounding musculature of the knee such as the hamstrings and quadriceps. Deep soft tissue techniques can also help to breakdown scar tissue in old injuries to the lower extremity.
Osteopathy and Shoulder Injuries
Most shoulder injuries require the arm to be supported in a sling for a period of time. This can lead to a joint becoming stiff and restricted. Osteopathic mobilization can help to prevent further injury and joint restrictions. For example when a shoulder dislocates there is often serious derangement of the rotator cuff muscles surrounding the joint leading to instability, deep soft tissue techniques can help to restore function along with specific strengthening exercises.
Osteopathy and Head Injuries
Following a head injury we can often sustain whiplash type injuries to the cervical and thoracic spine which can lead to pain and discomfort for a long time after the injury if they are not treated rapidly. Osteopathic treatment can help to reduce tension and restriction into the musculature of the cervical and thoracic spine using gentle soft tissue techniques. Osteopathy can improve the range of movement and mobility of restricted joints using manipulation and articulation. Osteopathy can also help to relieve headaches that can be associated with head injuries.
As an osteopathic practitioner I would always recommend that you wear a helmet when you ski as this may reduce the risk of head injury. Anecdotal evidence would seem to suggest that this would be the case and I would recommend reading about Sam Bass in the October 2008 issue of Skiing Magazine if you’re not sure.
In conclusion I sincerely hope not to see you as a result of a skiing injury (it’s much nicer to chat about what a great day that you’re having on a lift) but should you sustain an injury osteopathy is a safe, effective treatment that will help get you back on the hill or prepare you for your next trip. If you require more details on skiing injuries I recommend www.ski-injury.com
By: Alexander Evans
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Filed under Recreation And Sports by on Sep 2nd, 2010.
Quite often, people ask me about the difference between downhill and cross-country skiing or between alpine skiing and nordic skiing. This always seems strange to me. Growing up in Vermont as the son of a ski instructor and ski coach, I thought humans were born with the ability to tell pleasure from pain, sweet from sour, and of course, alpine from nordic. But then I moved to California, where this knowledge seems less common. Yesterday someone asked me again, so now I’m writing it down.
The difference between downhill skiing and cross-country skiing is pretty simple. Cross-country involves propelling yourself across rolling terrain under your own power. Downhill skiing, by contrast, involves somehow getting to the top of a big hill and then turning around and skiing, well, downhill.
Cross-country skiing is done on light, skinny skis attached to light, flexible boots. There are two major forms of cross-country skiing. Classic cross-country is sort of like running, though with a longer, shuffling stride. Cross-country skate skiing is, not surprisingly, more like ice skating, where the skier pushes from side to side.
Downhill skiing usually involves much wider skis and much heavier, stiffer boots. In the larger majority of cases, it involves taking a ski lift up, and then sliding back down. Some of us, though, climb up under our own power using “climbing skins”, a material with a one-way plush that you can stick on your skis for the climb up and remove for the descent.
There are also two major forms of downhill skiing: alpine and telemark, also known as “nordic downhill”. It used to be that there were huge differences in the equipment and telemark gear resembled heavy-duty cross-country gear. Now it’s more similar to alpine equipment, except that the boots bend at the toe and the bindings allow the heel to move.
Which brings us to the difference between alpine skiing and nordic skiing.
Nordic skiing is a technique where the toe is firmly fixed to the ski, but the heel is free to move. There are basically four forms of nordic skiing: telemark, classic cross-country, cross-country skate skiing and nordic jumping, where skiers jump for distance rather than doing tricks. There are no telemark events in the Olympics, but the other nordic events are represented. In addition, biathalon combines cross-country skiing with marksmanship and is an Olympic event.
Alpine skiing by contrast uses a binding that fixes both the toe and the heel to the ski (though it releases in event of a fall or other strong force). There’s really just one form of alpine skiing, but there’s a lot of variation, including several Olympic events. For the Vancouver Games in 2010, those events are slalom, giant slalom, super G, and downhill for racing, as well as moguls, aerials and ski cross for freestyle (though actually, ski cross is a race; are you confused yet?). Most forms of alpine skiing are considered downhill skiing, but alpine touring (also known as AT or Randon
Read more on Difference Between Downhill and Cross-Country Skiing and Alpine and Nordic Skiing…
Filed under Recreation And Sports by on Sep 2nd, 2010.
Cross country skiing has been around since pre-historic times. In countries with large swaths of land covered with snow in the winter, like Scandinavia, people had to find an easier way to traverse the snow to hunt for animals. They strapped boards made of wood to their feet with wood poles strapped to their hands using leather straps. Armies have used cross country skiing to move entire armies across snow.
Here are some of the basics of the equipment used for cross country skiing:
The Skis
The difference between regular and cross country skis is that cross country skis are much longer and thinner. This is to help better distribute the weight of a person and enables them to slide faster. In modern times, wood skis have been replaced with high tech materials that are lighter in weight and more durable.
Poles
Poles are as essential to cross country skiing as they are to regular skiing, perhaps moreso. The poles in use today are made of high strength, lightweight materials such as graphite or aluminum. Cross country skier poles are also typically longer than traditional ski poles. This is to enable more reach and speed.
Boots
Boots used in cross country skiing are different as well. Cross country ski boots are much stiffer, heavier and made of stronger materials than typical ski boots.
Bindings
There are several types of bindings used in cross country skiing. There is the New Nordic Norm, Salomon Nordic System and the Salomon Nordic System Pilot. The main differences in the binding types are with the axes of the boot. The different types of bindings are not compatible with each other and makes it especially difficult for beginners to select the right bindings.
Wax
Wax is available for all types of skis and snowboards, however, wax is especially important for cross country skis. This is due to the amount of gliding involved in the sport. The amount and type of wax you use will be dependent on the conditions you will be crossing. There are several types of wax, including kick wax, glide wax and klister wax. There are also new waxless skis that have a technologically advanced surface made to move across snow faster.
Apparel
As far as apparel for cross country skiing, it is very similar to regular ski clothing. You’ll need a good ski jacket, plenty of layers of warm clothing, headwear, goggles, gloves and other accessories.
By: Lydia Quinn
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Filed under Recreation And Sports by on Sep 2nd, 2010.