Gadling

Video: "Stuff" skiers say

Laurel Miller — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Skiing, North America, Canada, United States, Video

I'm in Lake Tahoe--California and Nevada's premier ski destination--visiting my brother and his family. My teenage nephew, a member of the Olympic Valley Freeride & Freestyle Team, turned me on to this farcical video about things skiers say. If you're a skier--or snowboarder--you're fully aware that there are certain phrases ubiquitous to those who spend their days on the slopes--even if the language between the two sports differs slightly.

Even if you don't dig snow, you'll likely appreciate this. And if you're a flatlander heading to the mountains for a weekend of shreddin'....please...don't act like a gaper. "Now go get your sesh on."

Warning: this clip contains language that may be offensive to some.

Video: "Stuff" skiers say originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 11 Feb 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Celebrate 50 years of skiing Breckenridge with great deals on lodging

Kraig Becker — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Skiing, Festivals and Events, North America, United States, Travel Deals, Luxury Travel

Breckenridge is celebrating its 50th anniversary this winter, by offering a number of great deals on lift tickets and lodging alike. Now that winter has finally arrived in Colorado, bringing plenty of powder along with it, it is a perfect time to hit the slopes at last.

As we mentioned last week, ski resorts across the western United States have finally been receiving healthy doses of snow, and Breckenridge is no exception. So far this season, the area has had more than 150 inches of powder dumped on it, and currently Breckenridge has a base of about 51 inches. That means that all of the lifts, and nearly all of the runs, are currently open for business.

To entice visitors to come ski or ride some of the best snow in North America, several of the lodges there are currently running some great specials. For instance, the Village at Breckenridge, which is a ski-in/ski-out resort, is offering up to a 30% discount on double occupancy rooms through April 15. Similarly, the near by Mountain Thunder Lodge has a great weekday rate that allows travelers to book two nights and get a third one free, which also runs through the 15th of April. Even the Doubletree by Hilton is getting in on the action by offering bonus points for their HHonors members who stay there through the end of April. For a complete rundown of these deals, and others, click here.

The snow may have been late in coming this year, but there is still plenty of time left to enjoy the ski season. Breckenridge is truly one of the best destinations around for doing just that, and in its 50th year of operation, there are some good discounts to help skiers and snowboarders enjoy the mountain.

Celebrate 50 years of skiing Breckenridge with great deals on lodging originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 11 Feb 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Hiking across Mordor in Tongariro National Park

Kyle Ellison — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Climbing, Hiking, History, Learning, Skiing, Stories, Oceania, New Zealand, Hotels and Accommodations

There aren't many places where you feel the urge to wear your wedding ring around your neck and begin dodging fictional forces of evil.

New Zealand's Tongariro National Park, however, is exactly one of those places.

As anyone who has been to a movie theater in the last ten years probably knows, New Zealand was the setting for the epically popular Lord of the Rings trilogy which introduced us to the adventures of Middle Earth.

Arguably one of the best known movie series of an entire generation, the movie saga has simultaneously done wonders for the New Zealand tourism economy by displaying the country's enchanting and other worldly scenery to a global audience of millions. While Middle Earth tourism has sculpted out its own niche for diehard fans (my 2012 New Zealand road atlas, for example, points out where each scene was filmed), as a casual viewer there are only a few place names I actually recognize.

One of these, of course, is Mt. Doom, and as I set out from the campervan into the volcanic cinder of the Tongariro Crossing-one of New Zealand's most heavily trafficked walks-I found myself standing directly beneath it.

So what exactly is Mt. Doom?

Well, to begin, its real name is Mt. Ngauruhoe, it is 7,516 ft. high, and from the best I could tell there aren't any quivering, flaming black eyes located anywhere near it. While Mt. Ngauruhoe doubled as Mt. Doom, the surrounding bits of Tongariro National Park provided the scenery for Mordor, the fiery and terrifying volcanic wasteland that serves as the home of evil.

As it happens, Tongariro is actually pretty cold, even during the summer months. Lacing up my hiking boots at 6am with about 100 other trekkers, the morning dew had frozen and blanketed the campervan beneath a thin layer of frost.

"Weird", I thought. "There's not supposed to be snow in Mordor."

Continue reading Hiking across Mordor in Tongariro National Park

Hiking across Mordor in Tongariro National Park originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

The Teva Winter Mountain Games begin today

Kraig Becker — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Biking, Climbing, Arts and Culture, Skiing, Festivals and Events, North America, United States

The first-ever Teva Winter Mountain Games get underway today in Vail, Colorado, where some of the top pro and amateur outdoor athletes have gathered to compete in a variety of sports. The event, which lasts through the weekend, will also feature a number of concerts, gear giveaways, clinics, and more.

Some of the sports that the athletes will be competing in including ice climbing, Nordic and telemark skiing, snowshoeing, and on-snow cycling. Even man's best friend can get in on the action, as there are several events for dogs to compete too. But the biggest event of the weekend is the Ultimate Mountain Challenge, which features three different sports spread out over three days. In order to be crowned the King or Queen of the Mountain, a single athlete will have to fend off all the competition in a Nordic Freestyle race today, than follow it up with an up-hill cross country skiing competition tomorrow. On Sunday, those same competitors will then square off in the toughest stage of all - a skiing race up, over, and back down, Vail Mountain.

A large group of spectators are expected to be hand over the three-day event, cheering on their favorite athletes. That crowd won't have to sit on the sidelines without getting the opportunity to join in on the fun however, as they'll get the chance to take part in photo competitions and clinics, test out some gear, and hone their own winter outdoor skills. They can also enjoy an adventure film festival, listen to some live bands, and join the celebration at several parties.

The inaugural Teva Winter Mountain Games is a natural extension of the summer Mountain Games, which will be taking place later this year. If you're an outdoor enthusiast who loves to run, ride, or climb, you'll certainly find a lot to love at both events.

The Teva Winter Mountain Games begin today originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Surfing Dolphins make waves in Florida

Chris Owen — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 07:00:00 EST

Filed under: Skiing, North America, United States

Dolphins are some of the most intelligent marine mammals on the planet, are closely related to whales and porpoises and have a playful nature.

In this video, taken off St. Pete Beach in Florida, two dolphins stay right with a water skier, leaping into the air from time to time.

Their playful nature often has Dolphins leaping above the surface of the water for reasons unknown to scientists. They may be locating schools of fish by looking above the water (like birds do), communicating with other dolphins, dislodging parasites or simple amusement. Here, it looks like they just want to play.

Like that? Here's another one.

Surfing Dolphins make waves in Florida originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Gadling gear review: Nikon CoolPix AW100 camera

Kraig Becker — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Climbing, Hiking, Paddling, Scuba Diving, Skiing, Surfing, Gear, Gadling Gear Review

Buying a digital camera is no easy task these days. As cameras have grown in popularity, the market has become flooded with dozens of models, all with a dizzying array of features and specs, and few ways to distinguish one from the next. Aside from minor variations in shape and color, most of them all look about the same, and it is difficult to know which one is the best fit for each of our individual needs. That simply isn't the case for the new Nikon CoolPix AW100, which not only has a unique look, but an identity all of its own. This is a camera that is built for travel, and will have a great appeal to adventure travelers in particular.

After removing the AW100 from its box, the first thing you'll notice is how solid it feels in your hands. The ruggedized body conveys the sense that this is a camera that can take a lot of punishment, which makes it a great option for those excursions that take us to the far flung corners of the planet. The AW100's tough shell keeps it waterproof to 33-feet, while allowing it to withstand temperatures down to 14ºF and survive drops up to five feet in height. Those qualities alone help to set it apart from nearly any other digital camera on the market and make it an attractive option for scuba divers, climbers, skiers, and other outdoor enthusiasts who demand a high level of performance out of their gear.

Don't let this camera's rugged body fool you however, because under the hood, it has plenty of brains to go along with its brawny exterior. This CoolPix features a 16 megapixel CMOS sensor that not only takes fantastic photos, but also manages to capture video in full 1080p HD as well. It has a vibrant 3-inch screen, an easy to use (and understand!) interface and Nikon's new Action Controls, which make the AW100 a snap to operate, even while wearing gloves.

Continue reading Gadling gear review: Nikon CoolPix AW100 camera

Gadling gear review: Nikon CoolPix AW100 camera originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 06 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

U.S. ski resorts get much needed snow at last

Kraig Becker — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Skiing, North America, United States, Ecotourism, News

It has been a very tough season so far for many of the ski resorts across the western United States. Warmer than normal temperatures and little snowfall had conspired to make it a challenging start to the winter. But things have started to change out west, and a few big storms over the past few weeks have made now made it possible for skiers and snowboarders to hit the slopes at last.

The Jackson Hole Ski Resort in Wyoming, for instance, got hit with a massive winter storm last week, resulting in 80 inches (that's 6.5 feet!) in just eight days time. That brought their snow base up to 80 inches on the mountain, and their total seasonal accumulation to 198". As a result, all runs are open and skiers are taking advantage of the great conditions at last.

Similarly, Mammoth Mountain in California had a big snow storm in late-January as well, getting more than four feet of accumulation in just a few days time. That brought their total base to 40-60 inches, depending on where you are on the slopes, and they currently have received over 107" of powder so far this year. After a bit of slow start to their season, Mammoth now has all lifts and runs open for business too.

In Utah, Alta and Snowbird now have over 165" of snowfall for the year, bringing their bases to 69 and 65 inches respectively. In Colorado, Vail has grown their base to more than 35 inches, with a foot of new snow falling in the past week alone. Montana's Big Sky Resort now has a base between 45 and 69 inches in depth, while Sun Valley, Idaho reports similar numbers.

What does all of this mean for skiers? Winter is now officially here! Take advantage of it while you can, as it could be fleeting, but it seems that at long last, there are some excellent snow conditions for those eager to hit the slopes.

[Photo courtesy Mammoth Mountain]

U.S. ski resorts get much needed snow at last originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Chile's Valle Nevado ski resort rolls out early-bird special

Laurel Miller — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Skiing, Festivals and Events, North America, South America, United States, Chile, Hotels and Accommodations, Budget Travel, News, Travel Deals, Luxury Travel

Dedicated pow hounds tend to hightail it to the Southern Hemisphere once summer rears its sunny head. Chile is justly famous for its snow, as well as its lack of crowds, above-timberline terrain, and epic backcountry and vertical accessible via heli-skiing.

Valle Nevado, located 20 miles east of Santiago, is already the largest ski resort in the Southern Hemisphere. This year, during its June 22-October 2nd winter season, it has even more enticements to offer.

North American and UK guests who book and pay before March 31st, 2012, will receive up to 50% off a season-long package that includes a seven-night stay at any of Valle Nevado's three hotels (which range from high-end to budget), and two interconnect tickets for the neighboring resorts of La Parva and El Colorado, which opens 7,400 acres of skiable terrain (that's more than Vail, for you ski and snowboard die-hards).

The promotion also includes 25% off equipment rental, a complimentary 30-minute massage, and free attendance at the weekly Thursday Wine Festival. Look for forthcoming announcements on heli-skiing packages, as well. To book, call 1-800-669-0554 from the U.S., or email reservas@vallenevado.com.

Chile's Valle Nevado ski resort rolls out early-bird special originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Vagabond Tales: Is sandboarding better than snowboarding?

Kyle Ellison — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: History, Skiing, Surfing, Stories, South America, Peru

Contrary to what you may believe, the ocean in Peru is not very warm. In fact, it's not warm at all. It's freezing.

Other than desert outposts in the northern reaches of the country where it's still possible to surf in boardshorts (Mancora, Vichayito, etc.), the Humboldt current--which swings northward from Antarctica--renders the water in Peru so cold that much of the coast is a seascape of lonely gray populated by neoprene-clad surfers suffering from ice cream headaches (surf slang for intense pain in the temples felt when diving beneath a frigid wave).

For this precise reason there was little part of me which wanted to surf in Peru.

But wait, Peru has some of the best waves in the world. Chicama, Pacasmayo, Cabo Blanco? These places are legendary. What's wrong with you?

Standing on the rocky shores of Huanchaco, a beachfront suburb of the colonial city of Trujillo, the thought of removing my warm flannel and thrusting my ceviche-laden body into 51° water held remarkably little appeal. That, and the waves simply just weren't that good. Admittedly, a fair weather surfer I will be.

Having already toured the ruins of Huaca de Sol and Chan Chan, ancient cities of the Moche and Chimu people who began inhabiting this coastline around 400 AD, my wife and I were simply going to have to find adventure elsewhere.

How about sand boarding?

For years I had seen photos of warm-weather renegades riding down sand dunes from Morocco to New Zealand to here on the coast of Peru. Still, I was skeptical. It's sand. Not snow. Or water. How fun can it possibly be?

Continue reading Vagabond Tales: Is sandboarding better than snowboarding?

Vagabond Tales: Is sandboarding better than snowboarding? originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

British woman completes solo traverse of Antarctica

Kraig Becker — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Skiing, Antarctica, News

British adventurer Felicity Aston completed her solo traverse of Antarctica yesterday, becoming the first person to accomplish that feat completely alone and under her own power. The journey took 59 days, and covered more than 1084 miles across the frozen continent.

We first told you about Felicity's adventure back in November when she was still preparing to start the expedition, which began on the Ross Ice Shelf. Traveling on skis, and pulling a heavy sled filled with gear and supplies behind her, Aston first made her way across the Leverett Glacier and Transantarctic Mountain Range, arriving at the South Pole just a few days before Christmas. That stage of the journey covered 248 miles, and while 90ºS is traditionally the finish line for most polar explorers, for Felicity it wasn't even the halfway point yet.

Over the course of the next few weeks, she battled a combination of high winds, bitterly cold temperatures, and blowing snow to make her way back to the coast. That leg of the journey covered another 835 miles, culminating with her arrival at Hercules Inlet yesterday. She spent one last night in Antarctica at that location before catching a ride aboard a transport plane headed back to Punta Arenas, Chile today.

Spending two months completely alone in the Antarctic, while struggling against the very harsh elements there, requires a lot of physical and mental strength. Aston has accomplished an amazing feat with this crossing of the continent and I salute her courage and sense of adventure.

[Photo credit: Associated Press]

British woman completes solo traverse of Antarctica originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 24 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Explorer Mark Wood reaches South Pole, completes first half of journey

Kraig Becker — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Activism, Skiing, Antarctica, News

Back in November, we told you about British adventurer Mark Wood, who was preparing to set out on an epic adventure. Mark was hoping to become the first person to make back-to-back journeys to the North and South Pole on foot, and at the time he was getting ready to travel to Antarctica to start his expedition. Fast forward a few months, and Wood has now reached the South Pole, successfully completing the first phase of his journey.

Last Monday, after 50 days on the ice, Wood officially reached the bottom of the world - 90º South. That was pretty much exactly on schedule for what he had predicted, which is remarkable considering he had to deal with challenging surface conditions, unpredictable weather, equipment failures, and whiteout conditions for much of the way. All told, Wood covered about 680 miles on skis, all the while towing a sled laden with his gear and supplies.

Despite the fact that it has now been more than a week since he completed his journey, Mark remains stranded at a research station located near the Pole. Bad weather has prevented a plane from coming to pick him up, although conditions are expected to improve this week. When they do, he'll get airlifted back to Chile, where he'll take some time to reorganize his gear, and recuperate, before immediately flying off to Canada to start the next phase of the expedition.

While skiing to the South Pole is an impressive accomplishment, traveling to the North Pole is considerably more challenging. The journey will be similar in that Wood will go on skis, once again pulling his sled behind him, but while the Antarctic is ice formed over solid ground, the Arctic consists of giant slabs of ice floating on top of an ocean. As a result, Wood will face much more unstable ground and will have to navigate around or across large areas of open water. That open water has become much more prevalent in open years thanks to global climate change.

Continue reading Explorer Mark Wood reaches South Pole, completes first half of journey

Explorer Mark Wood reaches South Pole, completes first half of journey originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 17 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Freedom to Roam: The Southern Alps by helicopter

Kyle Ellison — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Hiking, History, Skiing, Stories, Oceania, New Zealand, Transportation, Luxury Travel

No, the Southern Alps aren't in the south of France or Italy as the name may lead you to believe. Rather, they are 12 time zones away in a remote corner of the Pacific Ocean and form the spine of the rugged South Island of New Zealand. Home to National Parks such as Mt. Aspiring, Mt. Cook, Arthur's Pass, and Fiordland, the similarities to their European counterparts are so similar, however, that when hiking amongst sections of the Southern Alps you could swear you were outside of Chamonix, France.

It's well known that the original Maori name for New Zealand is "Aotearoa", a phrase which literally translates to "Long White Cloud". Seeing as the Polynesian triangle only has a few mountains tall enough to ever receive snow, it's understandable why a narrow, snow capped mountain range could be construed as being a long white cloud. (The only other mountain in Polynesia outside of New Zealand which regularly sees snow is Mauna Kea on the Big Island of Hawaii, a name which literally translates in Hawaiian to "White Mountain". See a trend?)

Aside from providing a picturesque backdrop for the majority of the South Island, the Southern Alps are also home to the majority of the outdoor activities in the country, which is really saying something in an outdoor haven such as New Zealand.

When it comes to the Southern Alps, even though you can hike your way through them, ski your way down them, jetboat their rivers, and fish in their lakes, the undisputed best way you're going to actually SEE them is by getting up on top of them. Unless you plan on climbing 12,316 ft. Mt. Cook (Maori: Aoraki, "Cloud Piercer") and are a whiz with crampons and an ice axe, your best bet is to get beneath a set of rotating blades and take a helicopter to plop you down on top of them.

That's what I did over Mt. Aspiring, and in all seriousness, it was one of the best things I've ever done.

Gallery: Mt. Aspiring National park by helicopter

Continue reading Freedom to Roam: The Southern Alps by helicopter

Freedom to Roam: The Southern Alps by helicopter originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 13 Jan 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Adventure Vacation Guide 2012: Chamonix, France

Kyle Ellison — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 09:30:00 EST

Filed under: Biking, Climbing, Hiking, Skiing, Europe, France

There is a stark difference between "adventure destination" and "adventure capital" in that adventure capitals offer some sort of adrenaline rush 365 days a year. A prime example of this never-a-bad-time-to-be-here type of adventure capital poised to be hot in 2012 is the legendary town of Chamonix at the base of France's Mt. Blanc.

Summer and fall seasons turn Chamonix into one of the world's most renowned mountaineering and rock-climbing destinations, and the epic treks departing from the Chamonix valley include the eight-day Tour de Mt. Blanc and The Haute Route, which was recently listed as one of Lonely Planet's top 10 treks in the world.

Or, for the best view of anywhere in the valley, the skies of Chamonix are dotted with the colorful confetti of paragliders blissfully hucking themselves off of craggy alpine peaks.

In the winter and spring months, the valley offers some of the best skiing found anywhere in the Alps, with the 2100m (nearly 7,000 ft.) vertical run of Les Grand Montets and the off-piste Vallee Blanche serving as the pinnacles of winter adventure.

After a slow start to the winter season where the resorts were essentially devoid of snow (late-season mountain biking!), the Chamonix Valley was just graced with enough record-shattering snowfall to once again postpone the start of the season due to white-out conditions and avalanche danger.

Plus, with the Euro plummeting against the dollar amidst European debt fears, 2012 is shaping up to be an all-around good year for outdoor adventure in the French Alps.

[flickr image via rachel_thecat]

Adventure Vacation Guide 2012: Chamonix, France originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 10 Jan 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Epic Pass holders can ski Big Sky for free

Kraig Becker — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 07:00:00 EST

Filed under: Skiing, North America, United States, Hotels and Accommodations

The Epic Season Pass is an amazing deal for avid skiers. For one fee, it allows unlimited skiing and snowboarding in some of the best resorts in Colorado and the Tahoe region, including Vail, Breckenridge, Heavenly, Arapahoe Basin, and more. The trouble is, those resorts haven't been getting their usual allotments of snow so far this winter, which has made for some less than ideal conditions on the slopes.

Enter Big Sky Resort in Montana, where the snow has more than lived up to expectations so far. With a current base depth of 30-45 inches, Big Sky has more than 3000 skiable acres, and 131 of its 155 named runs, open to the public. That means plenty of great skiing on a mountain so large that you'll often find yourself completely alone, even on a busy day.

Due to their relatively bountiful snowfalls, Big Sky has decided to share the wealth with less fortunate skiers living in other parts of the country. For the entire month of January, Epic Pass holder can ski Big Sky for free, provided they book lodging for the duration of their stay at the resort. They'll even extend their "Bring a Buddy" program to allow non-Epic Pass holders to ski at discounted rates as well. Full details on the promotion can be found here.

I was lucky enough to be in Big Sky last January and it truly is a great place to ski or ride. There are tons of excellent trails, plenty of lifts, and wonderful snow conditions. So while you wait for winter to catch-up with the rest of the country, consider a visit to Montana for a little fun in the snow.

Epic Pass holders can ski Big Sky for free originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 10 Jan 2012 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Adventure Vacation Guide 2012: Queenstown, New Zealand

Kyle Ellison — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 09:30:00 EST

Filed under: Climbing, Hiking, Skiing, Oceania, New Zealand

Just as I mentioned in the Adventure Vacation Guide to Chamonix, France, what separates an adventure destination from an adventure capital is the ability to get an adrenaline rush for all 365 days of the year. Although Queenstown may be closer to the South Pole than the Equator, it doesn't mean that there aren't adventure activities perfectly suited for every season of the year.

Also, as an added bonus, under the country's traveler-friendly Adventure Compensation Corporation program (ACC), many travelers to New Zealand are actually covered for any medical costs they may incur while inside of the country. Seriously. I'm not making this up. You hurt yourself, you're covered. End of story.

So now that you know that you're covered in the extremely unlikely event of an accident, what sort of adventures can you sniff out in Queenstown? How about throwing yourself off the Kawarau bridge at the AJ Hackett bungy center, the original bungy operation in New Zealand? Or maybe take a jet boat ride through canyons which are way too narrow at speeds which are way too fast?

Extreme sports aside, Queenstown is also within striking distance of Fiordland, the protected and mountainous region which is home to such treks as the Milford Track and the Routeborn Track, a trail which was recently chosen as one of the top ten treks in the world by Lonely Planet.

In the winter months, The Remarkables ski area stoically lurks on the craggy peaks that form the backdrop to the town, the Southern Alps providing some of the best skiing opportunities in the Southern Hemisphere. Lastly, with the New Zealand dollar currently holding steady at $.75 to the US dollar, it's also a somewhat a cheap way to get your thrills in 2012.

[flickr image via Or Hiltch]

Adventure Vacation Guide 2012: Queenstown, New Zealand originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 06 Jan 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Mammoth Mountain offers guaranteed snow

Kraig Becker — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Skiing, North America, United States, Budget Travel

It has been a real hit-and-miss season for skiers so far this winter. Some regions of the U.S. have received plenty of snow, but large sections of the country are still waiting for for the sizable accumulations that will allow them to hit the slopes in style. But visitors to Mammoth Mountain in California can rest assured that they'll have plenty of powder to play in, as the resort is even offering a snow guarantee for pass holders.

The Mammoth Mid-Winter Pass is currently on sale for just $299 and allows skiing or snowboarding everyday of the week between January 9 and February 10. That averages out to just $12 per day, which is an amazing deal for anyone who wants to ski one of the premiere resorts in all of North America. But, it gets even better. Starting yesterday, for every day that goes by in which the resort doesn't receive 24 inches of new snowfall, they'll extend the length of the pass for an additional day.

I'm told that the current snow base on the mountain is between 1.5 and 2 feet, and daily measurements will be provided by the Mammoth Mountain Ski Patrol to keep track of how much new snow falls. A running ticker will also be added to the Mammoth website to keep pass holders informed of those measurements and how many extra days are being added to their pass. So while you're lamenting the fact that no fresh snow has fallen on the mountain, the value of that Mid-Winter Pass will continue to go up.

There is one small caveat however. In order to take advantage of this deal, you'll need to purchase the Mid-Winter Pass by Monday, January 9th. To find out more and order your pass online, click here.

[Photo Courtesy of Mammoth Mountain]

Mammoth Mountain offers guaranteed snow originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 05 Jan 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Eco-friendly indoor ski resort coming to Barcelona

Kraig Becker — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Skiing, Europe, Spain, Ecotourism, News

When you think about great ski destinations, Barcelona is not one that comes to mind. After all, the Spanish city boasts an average year round temperature of 68ºF. But a Dutch company known as SnowWord is hoping to change that by building an indoor ski resort that is also environmentally friendly.

SnowWorld specializes in building ski domes that allow skiers to hit the (artificial) slopes all year round, and have been using a host of creative techniques to make their buildings more sustainable. For instance, the company has designed buildings that recycle the heat generated from their snow-making machines for use in creating hot water. But the Barcelona project is their first attempt to completely eliminate the energy needs of one of their facilities.

The plan is to tap a resource that, until now, has been left largely unused, in an attempt to help cool the ski dome. Barcelona receives large, and regular, shipments of liquified natural gas, which has to be kept at temperature of -238°F while in transit. Once it arrives in the city however, it is warmed in seawater to return it to its gaseous state, cooling that water in the process. In the past, that cold seawater was simply returned to the harbor, but the city now has plans in place to start using it to cool buildings in Barcelona, and the new indoor ski resort would be one of them.

The cold seawater would provide approximately 75% of the facility's energy needs, and create no CO2 emissions. The remainder of the dome's energy would come from solar panels installed on the roof, which would power the lighting and a variety of other equipment. These two renewable energy sources would combine to make the ski resort completely carbon neutral.

It is estimated that the ski dome will cost approximately $55 million to build, and at this point it is still several years from opening. There are some logistical hurdles for SnowWorld to clear and partnerships to be secured before construction can commence. Once they do break ground however, it will take about 2 years to complete.

Eco-friendly indoor ski resort coming to Barcelona originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 27 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

New Jersey law now requires helmets on skiers, snowboarders

Kraig Becker — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: Skiing, North America, United States, News

If you're planning on hitting the slopes in the Garden State this winter, you'll want to take note of this story.

New Jersey is set to begin enforcing a new law this weekend that will require skiers and snowboarders under the age of 18 to wear a helmet while on the slopes. The law was passed last April, and makes the state the first in the nation to require minors to wear protective head gear.

The new law requires parents to ensure that their minor children are wearing helmets at all times, including while they're on rope tows and lifts, or face a fine. The penalty for a first offense is $25, with each additional infraction setting them back as much as $100. The hope is that this move will make skiing and snowboarding safer activities for young people.

While New Jersey isn't well known as a ski destination, it does have several resorts, most of which are set to open for the winter season by this holiday weekend. Warmer than normal weather has kept snow away for the most part and hampered efforts to make artificial snow as well. But resorts such as Mountain Creek are optimistic that they'll be open in time for the Christmas holiday. In preparation for that opening, and this new law, the resort has doubled the number of rental helmets that it has on hand.

The question is, would a law requiring helmets actually catch-on in states that are more well known as ski destinations, such as Colorado or Utah? California governor Jerry Brown has already vetoed such a law, but did so out of concern for more and more authority being handed over from parents to the state. He did say that he appreciated the value of wearing a helmet however, but inferred that it wasn't the state's duty to mandate it.

Considering more and more people are wearing helmets while on the slopes already, I don't think such a law would be met with much opposition. Much like wearing a seat belt while driving these days, it just makes good sense to wear a helmet as well. It'll be interesting to see if other states follow New Jersey's lead or if they'll take California's approach and put the onus back on the parents.

New Jersey law now requires helmets on skiers, snowboarders originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 23 Dec 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Video of the Day: Salt boarding

Laurel Miller — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: Skiing, North America, United States, Video, Transportation, Budget Travel, Video of the Week

Some people love winter sports so much, they don't give a hang if there's an absence of snow. Check out this epic video, where a group of shredders hit the Utah Salt Flats for kicks at speeds up to 50 mph. The boards were supplied by snowboard company BLANK; no word on who handed out the road rash salve.

Video of the Day: Salt boarding originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 16 Dec 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Ghosts of Scott and Amundsen still haunt the South Pole

Kraig Becker — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 09:30:00 EST

Filed under: Arts and Culture, History, Skiing, Festivals and Events, Antarctica, Norway, United Kingdom, News

Exactly 100 years ago today, Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen became the first man to reach the South Pole, effectively ending a race that he had been engaged in for years with his British rival, Robert Falcon Scott. Both men had been eager to become the first to plant his country's flag at 90ºS, and in doing so, they created one of the most indelible and tragic stories in the history of exploration.

As the first decade of the 20th century came to an end, both Amundsen and Scott had become seasoned polar explorers. The two men had spent years in the remote, cold regions of our planet, and while Scott had remained largely focused on the Antarctic, and reaching the South Pole, his Norwegian counterpart had split his time between both the North and South Polar regions. Along the way, he had also managed to become the first person to traverse the Northwest Passage, where he learned the secrets of arctic survival from the indigenous Inuit tribes. Those lessons would come to serve him well in the Antarctic too and play a large role in his eventual triumph at the South Pole.

In the spring of 1910, with an air of optimism and determination, Scott set off from London for New Zealand aboard his ship the Terra Nova. He held no sense of urgency however, as he believed that he would have the Antarctic to himself, while Amundsen would be content to head north once again aboard his ship the Fram. When he arrived in Melbourne in October of that year, Scott was surprised to find a telegram from the Norwegian awaiting him that simply read: "BEG TO INFORM YOU FRAM PROCEEDING ANTARCTIC--AMUNDSEN."

The race was officially on, as Amundsen and his crew had set sail in June and were in hot pursuit of Scott and the Terra Nova. Scott didn't panic however, as he knew that he had a considerable lead on his rival and a good strategy for proceeding south. Those plans were disrupted by a series of mishaps however, which included his ship being trapped in the Antarctic pack ice for 20 days and the onset of particularly bad weather. Those mishaps caused Scott to miss his window of opportunity during the austral summer of 1910, although he was able to establish a series of supply depots which would give him a potentially large advantage the following year, when he and Amundsen would duel head-to-head for the Pole.

Continue reading Ghosts of Scott and Amundsen still haunt the South Pole

Ghosts of Scott and Amundsen still haunt the South Pole originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 14 Dec 2011 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments