Winter Olympic Games

Winter sports are great fun and they are great way to stay in shape and also enjoy the winter. Snow skiing is one of the most popular winter sports. Anyone from expert skiers, to very small children, will be able to enjoy the slopes of Snow Mountains.

Equipment required for snow skiing are skis and pair of poles. Skis used today are made up plastic, polyurethane foam and some other material. Traditionally skis were made up of highly polished wood. All these skis come in different sizes and styles, depending on type of skiing. There are different ways of doing snow skiing, cross-country, downhill, backcountry skiing and ski jumping. Special boots are attached to the skis by means of bindings. Use of poles is personal choice; each pole has a wrists wrap on top, sharp tip on bottom and circular ring about from the tip to prevent it from sinking into snow. Depending upon varying snow conditions skis are waxed for maximum glide. Along with skis, boots and poles, you will also need to have ski helmet to protect your head, good pair of goggles for eyes and plenty of warm clothing.

There are many different types of snow skiing. Apart from traditional downhill skiing, here are some other types of snow skiing option. Heliskiing, is very adventurous type of skiing. Heliskiing is downhill skiing but it done on a remote mountains reached by helicopter. Cross- country skiing, is a traditional type of skiing on snow in all types of terrains, but mainly it is done on flat terrains. Snow cat skiing, in this type of skiing skiers are delivered to the top of the mountain in a snow cat and ski down on the ungroomed trails. Snow cat skiing is for expert skiers. One more unconventional type of skiing is snow shoe skiing, it is walking on soft snow without sinking by wearing a snow shoe which is crossed with thongs.

You can go for snow skiing vacations, such snow skiing vacations are available for everyone. Most skiing resorts offer discount accommodation during off peak season, like end of the winter period. Holiday snow skiing is quite popular at many resorts.

Snow skiing is one of the exciting sports that have perfect combination of exhilaration, ambience and adventure for everyone. Everyone that takes up skiing, no matter their skill level, they will definitely find place on the slopes to be thrilled and challenged.

Just like any other physical exercise snow skiing has its own benefits. Snow skiing improves the circulatory system, which increases alertness making it easy for person to respond everything. Skiing provides excellent cardiovascular workout and improves circulation of oxygen.

One must seek proper tanning and good quality equipments as snow skiing is physically demanding sport that could results in serious injuries. The lack of oxygen on higher altitude can cause “ski sickness”, it is characterized by headache, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, insomnia, vomiting and loss of appetite.

Regardless of level of expertise, your budget; snow skiing is exciting sport that can enjoyed by anyone and everyone from family. You can go for snow skiing virtually anywhere around the world.

If you’re looking for a vacation where you can both enjoy yourself with sightseeing and get some exercise, skiing is the perfect sport. You’ll get a chance to travel and meet many kindred souls from all walks of life. Here are three of my favorite winter skiing spots in the country.

- Aspen, Colorado.

Aspen is where I learned to ski and I have had a fondness for it ever since. Like everywhere else, the cost of living in Aspen has skyrocketed so much that it’s now known, in large parts, as a destination spot for only the rich and famous. But, if you take the time to find deals, there are many reasonably priced lodging options available from rental homes to condominium to lodge resorts.

Aspen, Colorado is famous for its skiing, so much so that it’s a magnet for people from all over the world. Don’t be surprised if you wind up meeting people from as far away as Spain, France, England, Saudi Arabia, and other parts of the world. The small town atmosphere of the city gives it an intimate feel, there’s no feeling of being rushed, and the people and visitors are friendly as can be.

The scenery is Aspen is fantastic. After a big snowfall, the ski slopes form a virtual winter wonderland. And if you’re looking for powder, there’s few places where you’ll find better. Downtown Aspen is a combination of homey pubs and chic restaurants and within a ten minute shuttle ride to four magnificent mountains. It’s a great winter spot to spend a week or two on your vacation.

- Madison, Wisconsin.

Over the years, the city of Madison, Wisconsin has wound up on many people’s list of the best places to live in the U. S. Madison is a large college town, located in the heart of the midwest, and like most college towns, is full of vibrant energy.

The Midwest is mainly known for it’s flatlands, not its mountains, so it is probably not on many people’s best list of best ski places. Wisconsin hosts some nice sized mountains, but not great. However, it is a magnificent location for cross-country skiing. Known as the “City of Lakes”, Madison has four area lakes and in the winter when the snow covers the grounds, you can enjoy cross country skiing near the lakes whilst taking in the beautifully stunning and tranquil lake scenery.

Madison is a cosmopolitan city and you’ll find much to do there. However, if you feel like a road trip, Madison is within a two hour trip to one of the greatest cities in the U. s. , Chicago, Illinois.

- Park City, Utah

Park City Utah, home of the 2002 Winter Olympics and famous for it’s Sundance Film Festival, is a fabulous ski town and true resort town. It is home to three fantastic ski mountains – Deer Valley, The Canyons, and Park City Mountain Resort. Collectively these mountains have nearly 300 ski runs – so you’ll have no trouble avoiding long lift lines.

Utah has a reputation as a staid place to live, but you’ll never be bored at night in Park City as it has many and varied night clubs where you can find live music, restaurants where you can enjoy the best meals, and “private clubs. ” And as far as skiing, truly one of the best of the best.

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 caf? 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!

Jason Begg-Smith is the Ski and Snowboard Australia Snowsports Athlete of the Year for 2004/05. The annual awards were announced at a gala dinner at the Sofitel Hotel, Melbourne, on Saturday April 30. The competition for the premier award of the night was very tight, with Begg-Smith and aerials skier Lydia Ierodiaconou – both ranked number two in the world – the key contenders. In the end the award went to 20-year-old Begg-Smith, who as well as finishing runner up in the World Cup last season also claimed a bronze medal at the world championships. He had started the season ranked 18th in the world, with only 13 World Cup events under his belt, so his rise to world number two has been one of the fastest in the sport?s history. Ierodiaconou won the Outstanding Achievement of the Year award for her back to back gold medals at Mt Buller in September. Halfpipe snowboard star Torah Bright won the Junior Athlete of the Year award, while Begg-Smith?s coach Steve Desovich was named Coach of the Year. In the Media Award category, Herald Sun photographer Trevor Pinder won the Best Photograph of the Year award for his action shots of Ierodiaconou at Mt Buller. The Electronic Media award went to the Seven Network for its coverage of the Mt Buller World Cup. and the Print Media award was collected by Daily Telegraph journalist Arthur Stanley. Keynote speaker at the event was The Honorable Rod Kemp, Minister for the Arts and Sport. Awards were presented by Mark Adams from Mark Adams Real Estate, Leanne Sharry from T-Board Australia, Secretary General of the Australian Olympic Committee Craig Phillips, Chairman of the OWI Geoff Henke and the Seven Network?s Ian Johnson. The full award details:Snowsports Athlete of the YearSnowboard Athlete of the Year – Torah BrightFreestyle Athlete of the Year – Jason Begg-SmithCross Country Athlete of the Year – Paul MurrayAlpine Athlete of the Year – Luke DeaneSnowsports Athlete of the Year – Jason Begg-SmithJunior Athlete of the Year (Sponsored by T-Board Australia)Freestyle Junior Athlete of the Year – Ramone CooperCross Country Junior Athlete of the Year – Ben SimAlpine Junior Athlete of the Year – Katya CremaSnowboard Junior Athlete of the Year – Torah BrightJunior Athlete of the Year – Torah Bright. Coach of the YearSnowboard Nomination Ben WordsworthFreestyle Nomination Steve DesovichCross Country Nomination Finn MarslandAlpine Nomination Michael BranchCoach of the Year – Steve DesovichOutstanding Achievement of the YearSnowboard Nomination Andrew BurtonFreestyle Nomiration Lydia lerodiaconouCross Country Nomination Paul MurrayAlpine Nomination Luke DeaneOutstanding Achievement of the Year ? Lydia IerodiaconouClub of the Year (Sponsored by Mark Adams Real Estate)Cross Country Club of the Year – Birkebeiner Nordic Ski ClubSnowboard Club of the Year – Perisher Snowboard SquadFreestyle Club of the Year – Team BullerAlpine Club of the Year – Mount Buller Race ClubSchool Snowsports Club of the Year (Sponsored by Mark Adams Real Estate)Victorian Finalist – Bright P-12 CollegeNSW Finalist – SCECGS RedlandsSchool Snowsports Club of the Year – Bright P-12Media awardsPrint Media contribution – Arthur Stanley, Daily TelegraphBest photograph of the year – Trevor Pinder, Herald SunElectronic media contribution – Seven Network

Dale Begg-Smith is the Ski and Snowboard Australia Snowsports Athlete of the Year for 2004/05. The annual awards were announced at a gala dinner at the Sofitel Hotel, Melbourne, on Saturday April 30. The competition for the premier award of the night was very tight, with Begg-Smith and aerials skier Lydia Ierodiaconou – both ranked number two in the world – the key contenders. In the end the award went to 20-year-old Begg-Smith, who as well as finishing runner up in the World Cup last season also claimed a bronze medal at the world championships. He had started the season ranked 18th in the world, with only 13 World Cup events under his belt, so his rise to world number two has been one of the fastest in the sport?s history. Ierodiaconou won the Outstanding Achievement of the Year award for her back to back gold medals at Mt Buller in September. Halfpipe snowboard star Torah Bright won the Junior Athlete of the Year award, while Dale Begg-Smith coach Steve Desovich was named Coach of the Year. In the Media Award category, Herald Sun photographer Trevor Pinder won the Best Photograph of the Year award for his action shots of Ierodiaconou at Mt Buller. The Electronic Media award went to the Seven Network for its coverage of the Mt Buller World Cup. and the Print Media award was collected by Daily Telegraph journalist Arthur Stanley. Keynote speaker at the event was The Honorable Rod Kemp, Minister for the Arts and Sport. Awards were presented by Mark Adams from Mark Adams Real Estate, Leanne Sharry from T-Board Australia, Secretary General of the Australian Olympic Committee Craig Phillips, Chairman of the OWI Geoff Henke and the Seven Network?s Ian Johnson. The full award details:Snowsports Athlete of the YearSnowboard Athlete of the Year – Torah BrightFreestyle Athlete of the Year – Dale Begg-SmithCross Country Athlete of the Year – Paul MurrayAlpine Athlete of the Year – Luke DeaneSnowsports Athlete of the Year – Dale Begg-SmithJunior Athlete of the Year (Sponsored by T-Board Australia)Freestyle Junior Athlete of the Year – Ramone CooperCross Country Junior Athlete of the Year – Ben SimAlpine Junior Athlete of the Year – Katya CremaSnowboard Junior Athlete of the Year – Torah BrightJunior Athlete of the Year – Torah Bright. Coach of the YearSnowboard Nomination Ben WordsworthFreestyle Nomination Steve DesovichCross Country Nomination Finn MarslandAlpine Nomination Michael BranchCoach of the Year – Steve DesovichOutstanding Achievement of the YearSnowboard Nomination Andrew BurtonFreestyle Nomiration Lydia lerodiaconouCross Country Nomination Paul MurrayAlpine Nomination Luke DeaneOutstanding Achievement of the Year ? Lydia IerodiaconouClub of the Year (Sponsored by Mark Adams Real Estate)Cross Country Club of the Year – Birkebeiner Nordic Ski ClubSnowboard Club of the Year – Perisher Snowboard SquadFreestyle Club of the Year – Team BullerAlpine Club of the Year – Mount Buller Race ClubSchool Snowsports Club of the Year (Sponsored by Mark Adams Real Estate)Victorian Finalist – Bright P-12 CollegeNSW Finalist – SCECGS RedlandsSchool Snowsports Club of the Year – Bright P-12Media awardsPrint Media contribution – Arthur Stanley, Daily TelegraphBest photograph of the year – Trevor Pinder, Herald SunElectronic media contribution – Seven Network