Entries filed under 'snow sports'

How to Introduce Your Kids to Skiing: A Parent's Tips

With fewer kids participating in outdoor activities these days, it’s always good to hear about parents who buck the trend. My question: What are their secrets to making sure the outdoors is fun? Jason O., manager of the REI Westminster, Colo., store, shares the following tips (and a mistake or 2) on how he and his wife Tara recently got their 4-year-old son Gavin enthused about skiing.  Pre-trip: We spent a few days beforehand pulling together his clothing and some gear to make a successful ...

Posted by Steve T on March 7, 2011 5:19 PM & Tagged eldora, family, handwarmer packets, kids, skiing and snow sports | permalink | Comments



Frostbitten in Alaska: A Cautionary Tale from the Wilderness Medicine Institute

Riku* hadn’t felt his toes for days. His experience climbing in the Japanese Alps had made him feel well prepared for the rigors of Denali, but when a fierce storm pinned his party down for several days above 14,000 feet, he began to doubt if anyone could be ready for such a challenging environment. The Alaskan wind ripped by at over 130 kilometers per hour (80 mph). The temperature stayed well below zero. Food and fuel dwindled, and then they ran out altogether. The whiteout and wind lasted ...

Posted by Hovey WMI on March 1, 2011 3:41 PM & Tagged Denali, WMI, Wilderness Medicine Institute, frostbite, mountaineering and snow sports | permalink | Comments



How to Land an Outdoor Dream Job: One Woman's Story

What's your outdoor dream job? I discovered a new one recently. In fact, if Kristen Smith wasn’t so nice, I might be tempted to pull a "Tonya Harding" at her local ice skating rink in hopes of stealing her job. Kristen is the sparky marketing director for the Methow Valley Sport Trails Association, keeper of 120 miles of primo Nordic ski trails in remote north-central Washington state. (How remote? The Methow Valley is the last stop before the snowplows give it up for the winter and let state ...

Posted by KellyH on February 8, 2011 1:14 PM & Tagged Cross-country skiing, MVSTA, Methow Valley, rei and snow sports | permalink | Comments



Which Ski Resort is Boasting the "Most Snow in the World?"

Currently, the deepest snow base reported at any ski resort worldwide is at (the envelope, please): Mammoth Mountain in California! This is a wonderful payoff for all of the recent stormy weather in the Golden State, and a fine note on which to end 2010. Located in the eastern Sierra Nevada, Mammoth was recently hammered by storms that left a base of 220 inches (more than 18 feet!). This is the deepest total they’ve ever recorded in December. Their #1 standing is noted by skiinfo.com which ...

Posted by Steve T on December 30, 2010 1:47 PM & Tagged Mammoth Mountain, Snowboarding, skiing and snow sports | permalink | Comments



Shopping for a Snowboard? Our New Video Explains the Basics

A new snowboard is a big purchase, so whether you're shopping for yourself or buying a gift, you'll want to check out REI's new Expert Advice video on the topic. This how-to video gives you the basics on snowboard shapes, camber, riding styles and stance. See our How to Choose a Snowboard Expert Advice article for a complete overview.   ...

Posted by Steve T on December 17, 2010 2:47 PM & Tagged Expert Advice, Snowboarding, rei, snow sports, snowboards and winter sports | permalink | Comments