Skiing

Skiing and snowboarding holidays have grown in popularity in recent years. This has been made possible by the growth of the low cost airlines and the increase in the availability of holiday home rentals.There are now many ski chalets, self catering apartments, farmhouses and holiday villas to choose from all over Europe and the rest of the world. France has become a very popular winter sports holiday destination. The explosion in the number of people snowboarding has led to tourists going to France on snowboarding weekends and also long weekend skiing holidays. The snowboarders like to stay in either self catering apartments or if ... Read Full Story

Utah’s Ski Resorts Prepare to Open As another cold early winter storm is blowing into the Wasatch at press time, snow depths are increasing as resorts complete their final preparations for the ski and snowboard season ahead. Weather permitting, Utah resorts will be opening on the following dates: * Alta: Nov. 20, 2009 * Beaver: TBA * Brian Head: Nov. 21, 2009 * Brighton: November 16, 2009 * The Canyons: Nov. 27, 2009 * Deer Valley: Dec. 5, 2009 * PCMR: Nov. 21, 2009 * Powder Mountain: Nov. 28, 2009 * Snowbasin: Nov. 26, 2009 * Snowbird: Nov. 21, 2009 * Solitude: Nov. 6, ... Read Full Story

" I do not participate in any sport with ambulances at the bottom of the hill, " so said noted humorist Erma Bombeck. " There are really only three things to learn in skiing: how to put on your skis, how to slide downhill, and how to walk along the hospital corridor," said Lord Mancroft of Britain. Ski fanatics appreciate quips like these; if it means their lift lines will be less crowded, then they're more than content to let the haters keep hatin'. There's no denying that attaching plastic boards to your feet and whipping down an icy hill for sport could eventually ... Read Full Story

Well under half of all British skiers wear ski helmets, despite a greatly heightened awareness of the danger and risk of head injury to skiers in recent years. The statistics from two-for-one ski equipment hirer, Ski Republic, and the Ski Club of Great Britain, come as many of Europe’s ski resorts are experiencing the first snows of winter and the industry prepares for the 2009/10 ski season.   “Around 44% of skiers and boarders wear helmets” says Betony Garner, a spokesperson for the Ski Club of Great Britain, “yet even this very low percentage shows considerable increase over the last five years. We urge ... Read Full Story

Chamonix, France At the foot of the Mont Blanc (White Mountain) at an altitude of 1,035 meters, Chamonix is one of the most popular winter sports resorts in France. For skiers and snowboarders trying to find haven, this must be it, with Vallée Blanche which runs down from below Mont Blanc du Tacul and the Aiguille du Midi to form a 12-mile run that is among Europe’s longest trails. Another reason to be here is the great French food and the warm village atmosphere. Cortina d’Ampezzo In the Dolomite Mountains in northern Italy, Veneto province, Cortina d’Ampezzo is a renowned ski resort known for ... Read Full Story

All that's missing is snow. Anything else that the members of the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association need — or want — is on site at the new USSA Center of Excellence, an 85,000-square-foot sports palace for skiers and snowboarders to train, heal or just hang out when they're not on snow. Alpine, cross-country, Nordic, freestyle — every discipline that involves skis or a snowboard is included. "It's cool just to have everybody here under one roof," said alpine skier Ted Ligety, who has been breaking in the physical therapy wing while recovering from a right knee injury. USSA president and CEO Bill Marolt ... Read Full Story

Kevin Rolland of France during the Half Pipe practise on Day Two of the Tignes Airwaves Freestyle Ski event at Tignes Val Claret Grande Motte on January 5, 2009 in Tignes, France. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Kevin Rolland (Getty Images) more pics » The ski season got off to a rocky start, literally. Snow fall for the year has been underwhelming at best. But now that things have started to come down, skiers are taking to the air. Check out these shots from Tignes, France. Mike Mertion of Canada during the Half Pipe practice on Day Two of the ... Read Full Story