Sunday, June 28, 2015

Snowmaking Will Not Save Us

Snowmaking Will Not Save Us

Why it isn't the answer to decreasing snowfall

Fall's the time when ski resorts start to fire up their snowmaking guns. But manmade snow is not the answer to a diminishing snowpack. PHOTO: Justin Cash
Fall’s the time when ski resorts start to fire up their snowmaking guns. But manmade snow is not the answer to a diminishing snowpack. PHOTO: Justin Cash

The first time I went to my local ski area last year—Sipapu Ski and Summer Resort in northern New Mexico—there was one run open and almost all the snow was manmade. To any bird flying over it must have been quite a scene: a mostly brown hill with a thin, continuous patch of white running from top to bottom.

        But there I was, READ ON...

Wednesday, June 24, 2015

The Greenest Ski Lifts

 Mountain Rider’s Alliance are always looking for new, clean, and innovative ways of powering our uphill transportation. These lifts from all around the world have set the (T) bar high, plowing a path for the future of skiing. Without further ado, we present the Greenest Ski Lifts in the world:

1. Tenna T-Bar, Switzerland
This T-Bar is known as the world’s first to be powered by solar panels, which are placed along the lift. The lift generates over 90,000 kilowatts a year and sends energy back into the grid when it is not being used.


Saturday, June 20, 2015

Hire v Buy

Should you Hire or Buy your Snowboard Gear?by Rachel Verity

While skiers can rest assured that their rental planks have been built this side of the millennium, snowboard rental gear tends to be a little more hit and miss. (Well generally, but here at Doorstep Skis, Morzine, we can offer snowboarders the latest Burton snowboards- everything from traditional cambers through to the latest trick Rockers!)

But while it might be fair play for a seasoned rider to scoff at the offering of a battered old Burton Cruzer, what about rookies who are yet to stumble down their first green run? Is it that important that they deck themselves out in the latest and greatest? Probably not.
If you’re prepping for your first snowboard trip and debating whether to splash out on your own gear or head to the hire shop, here are a few thoughts to help you weigh up the pros and cons.

READ ON...

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

Wolves return to the Alps

Report courtesy of  Planet Ski
The animals have been re-introduced to parts on the Alps and they are a protected species.


They are growing in numbers and getting more adventurous.

There are thought to be about 200 wolves in the French Alps and their numbers are growing.
In France they are a protected species and farmers can not kill them.

Two years ago there were 600 reported wolf attacks on farm animals.
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The biggest threat they pose is not to humans but rather livestock, and especially sheep.

A farmer in the Austrian region of Carinthia shot a wolf last month after he claimed it had killed several of his sheep.

Some politicians claim farmers should be compensated if wolves attach their livestock.

Friday, June 12, 2015

How to adjust when your parents slow down

How to adjust when your parents slow down

Dads, a daughter's lifelong ski partner. PHOTO: Max Santeusanio When my dad first helped me latch my hands around the rope tow, I don’t think he knew how deeply skiing would take root for me. In college, he bought me a telemark setup and, in the dark before my first tour, he helped me cut my skins—wobbly edged and uneven—under the dome light of his car. When I moved to the mountains to submerse myself fulltime in the uphill-downhill world of skiing, my dad would plan work meetings in Denver around storms and drive up I-70 to crash on my couch like one of my low-budget friends. He’d take my roommates out to dinner to alleviate the weirdness of couch dad.
There was a point, sometime around then, when I became a better skier than he was. It felt odd to worry after a few minutes when he didn’t show up at the bottom. But he was always tougher. After I got soft and would only ski for a few hours, he’d still be at the lift early on scratchy, low temp days, PBJ in his pocket, ready to burn bell-to-bell.  Read on...
skiing-with-my-dad-pq1

Tuesday, June 9, 2015

Ski Carry Techniques

Ski Carry Techniques

Aspen Ski Sherpas - Professional Ski Carry Techniques- we've all done at least one of these techniques!

Be an A.S.S.!!!   https://vimeo.com/80124537

Sunday, June 7, 2015

Resort Guide: Morzine, France

Resort Guide: Morzine, France


Morzine and Avoriaz are two of the best ski towns in France and form part of the huge Portes du Soleil area. Purpose-built Avoriaz is perched seemingly precariously on a plateau at 1800m. It is very convenient, offering ski-in ski-out accommodation, but lacks the friendly atmosphere of Morzine which breaks the traditional French stereotype not being as ugly as sin, and instead an attractive village full of wooden chalets with not a high-rise in sight!

Wednesday, June 3, 2015

Best Resorts for Beginners


Monday, June 16, 2014

Best Resorts for Beginners

Avoriaz
It may not be the prettiest resort in the world, but there’s no denying Avoriaz is one the hottest places to learn the ride. With 650km of piste at your fingertips, Avoriaz and the Portes du Soleil area have to be on the list of places to shred.
The nursery slopes are right next to the resort centre and the park is nearby if you’re part of a bigger group with some experienced guys. Many of the gentler runs can be easily lapped with a decent lift system in place too.
Whilst the resort is not solely dedicated to beginners, it’s a good introduction to the Portes du Soleil area which can keep you coming back for years.

Read more...

Partying Hard In Morzine and Avoriaz

  Partying Hard In Morzine and Avoriaz ...