How to find a snowboard instructor

Choosing a snow boarding instructor can be a very difficult choice, and one that comes down to your judgement more than anything else, however by following a few basic rules and asking the correct questions you can be sure that your choice will make a more informed one. When I first started learning how to snow board I was only 20 and in fact the sport was just getting started. Snow boarding began when a man decided to attach his son’s skis together in order to ensure that his son’s technique was correct. This has lead to snow boarding being one of the most popular winter sports even making an appearance in the Olympics. Despite this, the rules and regulations that surround other sports are different with snow boarding and for that reason alone it can be difficult to find an instructor that you are able to trust.

Does your instructor have any customers that you can speak with?

Ask your instructor if he has any past pupils that you are able to speak with. If he does then you will be able to ensure that he at least has some experience, and you can ask those pupils how they found the training that they were given. This is something that I consider with all my pupils. I ask them if they would like to speak with any ex pupils and give them their telephone numbers. Although most don’t bother calling them up, it gives them a certain level of confidence in my ability.

What rates or charges will you incur for instruction?

This is an important question and one that should be considered as a major factor in who you choose. If an instructor is charging more then it probably reflects on one major issue and that is his ability. If you are being charged more then this may be reflected in his service and experience and therefore it may be worth it. On the other hand, if you are mainly looking for the ability to master basic skills, then perhaps it is not worth paying extra. It is also imperative that you ask if the rates that you are paying reflect every cost element that you will incur. What do I mean by this? Some instructors may charge you an hourly rate, but then the course may ask for more in order to use the facilities or rent equipment. Be sure that you know about everything that you are paying. Another point for consideration is that if you intend to train on a better slope then the costs of tuition will surely be higher. I would say it is probably worth paying that little extra to learn on snow, and on a diverse and challenging range of slopes.

How well do you think you will get on with your instructor?

This is something that we must all consider before choosing an instructor, and although we cannot always tell, meeting them in person is a great way to get a feel for their personality. Many instructors choose to make friends with their pupils however this is something that I refrain from doing. In my opinion students attain the best results, when they have a relationship of mutual respect and understanding with their instructor. When the pupil and instructor become too chatty problems arise. However, this is just my opinion. If you feel more comfortable with a chatty instructor then this should be your choice. Think about what is best for you, and allow this to influence your choice of instructor.

The times the instructor is available.

If your instructor will only be available between the hours of 9-5 and this is when you will be working then the chances are that this instructor is not very well suited to you. Stop and discuss with an instructor when both of you are available and you be sure to have a better working relationship.

Links to some great snowboarding trip sites

I found the following great sites for some more snowboarding information


Snowboarding trips in South America for our summer which is their winter
CASA Tours - Ski & Snowboard Tours in Chile and Argentina.

Cool site with a bunch of featured trips in North America and Europe
WWW.SNOWBOARDING.COM :: Featured snowboarding Trips and Packages

Ski Canada which offers packages deals for snowboarding trips
Ski Canada - Ski Snowboard Trips and winter vacation packages to Canada

Cool college ski and snowboard trips so that you can go as a group
College Ski & Snowboard Online Reservations College Ski Trips College Snowboard Trips - Home

A Seattle newspaper article about a company that has created Snowboarding trip packages
Sharing scuba diving and snowboarding trips on GeoJoey

Lots of different snowboard trips for cheap
Snowboarding - Activity Holidays, Trips & Tours

Burton snowboarding gear

With the winter season fast closing in on us, it's time to start getting ready to hit the slopes. Burton Snowboarding Gear is one of the best companies to come up with snowboarding equipment that keeps the fun-loving ones in mind. Where other snowboard manufacturing companies tend to focus on professional level gear that's patterned after "the equipment used by professionals" or some other similar sales pitch, Burton's focus is on the rest of us who just want to snowboard for fun, have a good time, and stay warm and comfortable while doing it.

Burton's lineup involves not only snowboards, but apparel and accessories that focus on stylish appearance, safe performance, and user comfort. While they also have their own line of competition level gear, a vast majority of their equipment is meant for casual enjoyment and usage. Here are some samples of their offerings.

Kiddie and Beginner Snowboards - these snowboards are designed like bikes with trainer wheels, in that their balance and shape are very forgiving on the slopes. Performance wise, don't expect to pull stunts with these boards, but if you don't know much about snowboarding, you can expect that you'll be eating the snow a lot less than you would with a normal board.

Intermediate to Advanced Snowboards - these are top quality snowboards designed for speed and agility. If you actually know what you're doing and want to hit the slopes with a board that will let you strut your stuff, these are good purchases. Just make sure that you really DO know your stuff, as these boards can turn pretty quick, and it you're not quite as agile as you think you are, you might wind up making a pretty good snowman on the slopes.

Kid's Apparel - snowboarding is for everyone, even little kids, and Burton's lineup takes into account high factors of both warmth and safety in their children's clothing. Warm multi-layered socks, flashy jackets that make it easy to spot your kids on the slope, and heat-retaining pants are just some of the offerings. There are even additional lines for girls, featuring fleece jackets and beanies. These are meant as much to look good as they are to keep their wearers safe and warm.

Adult Apparel - these are full sized regular adult snow gear that affords warmth and protection. However, Burton's winter gear lineup for adults also offers a greater degree of freedom of movement than some other winter gear manufacturers. While still warms and comfy, these jackets, boots, and pants are built light and sturdy to allow for quick and easy motions.

Gear Bags - Burton's lineup of winter gear bags are made to mold to a snowboarder's back during a run. Compact, light, and built with shallow profiles that cut on wind resistance, these bags can be taken on a board with no worries about their weight and balance throwing you off at a crucial moment. Even the arrangement of the straps has been taken into consideration, as they are designed to avoid binding up a person's arms and shoulders when snowboarding.

Belt Pouches - Burton also has a lineup of belt pouches that hold small odds and ends if you don't want to hassle with a full backpack on a snowboarding run. Some of these belt pouches are even specialized, like ones meant to hold the average portable CD player so you can listen to your favorite sounds while you're on the slopes.

Ever wonder what the best snowboard sites are when you are looking for news and tips as well as reviews of the best of all snowboarding slopes? Here is a great list to start with.

Snowboarding.com
Yearly events and resorts listings for snowboarders, plus news, photos, videos, forums, and featured snowboarding package trips.

Snowboarding: About.com
Terrific resource for beginners details how to determine board size and stance, plus how to tackle your first day on the slopes. Learn the background of the sport and find articles on performance techniques.

Snowboarding Reviews
Reviews for snowboarders by snowboarders. Enjoy critiques of such brands as Hammer, Town & Country, Gnu, Airwalk, and many more. Find a buyer's guide and links to online shops.

TransWorld Snowboarding
Highly popular magazine's online home offers chapters on instruction, resorts to hit, competitions, and industry news. Buyer's guides, photos, forums, and message boards available.

Snowboarding2.com
"Over 2 billion boarders" have dropped by this site since 1998. Access weather reports for popular resorts, performance tips, a history of the sport, pictures, and forums on everything from events to tricks.

Snowboarding Tips for Beginners: Wintercream
Quick Find section offers easy access to chapters on basic terminology, how to ride, and necessary equipment. Learn about clothing to wear and dealing with injuries, too

Snowboarder Terminology
Huge lexicon of all the evolving terminology of snowboarding. Send in your own submissions.

Snowboarding Technique: Ifyouski.com:
Sections on getting started, basic stance, and how to use a ski lift. Eight-step guide to better boarding teaches jumps and 360 spins.

History of Snowboarding
Relatively new recreational sport's beginnings and basic how-to can be read. Find forums and awesome action pictures.

Google Directory: Snowboard Manufacturers
Connect to the official sites of over three dozen snowboard manufacturers and companies, including K2, Nitro, Elan, and Palmer USA. Check out the related boots and bindings category.

Wintergree Virginia snowboarding

Known as the single best snowboard resort in the South,
Wintergreen Resort in Virginia has quite a bit to offer
snowboarders. Featuring 11,000 acres with 19 trails,
Wintergreen has a top elevation of 3516 feet, with a
1003 foot vertical drop. Beginners, intermediates,
and experts will all find suitable trails at Wintergreen
Resort.

To accommodate snowboarders, there are six lifts, including
five chair lifts and one surface lift. There is also a
dedicated terrain park for snowboarding. The resort
is located near Charlottesville, Virginia, and you will
experience breathtaking views of the Appalachian
Mountains, and be surrounded by luxury that most
people only dream of. There is also a world class
golf course located near the resort.

Other activities include tubing, snowmobiling, tennis,
hiking, and horseback riding. The Out of Bounds
Adventure Center is a very popular attraction at the
resort with rock climbing and bungee trampolines.
The Outdoor Wilderness Leadership school offers
corporate retreats, real rock climbing, rappelling,
and mountain biking.

This is an ideal spot for a family trip. You and
your children can participate in a variety of craft
workshops, enjoy campfires and storytelling, go on
hay rides, and enjoy many more community events
that are scheduled throughout the year. There are
many planned activities for families, including winter
hiking, snowboarding, snowboarding, tubing, and swimming
in a cozy indoor pool.

While triping at Wintergreen Resort, make time
to see the civil war history attractions, and visit the
local wineries as well. Also take time to enjoy the
Wintergreen Spa. At the spa, you can be pampered
with massages, body wraps, snowboardn treatments, and
nail care. You can also visit the Mountaintop
Aquatic and Fitness Center which features the
latest in cardiovascular equipment, strength
equipment, heated pools, hot tubs, steam rooms,
and saunas.

The Wintergreen Performing Arts has many musical
performances throughout the year that are sure to
delight you and your family. If you are less interested
in culture, and more interested in nature, the
Wintergreen Nature Foundation is for you. This
foundation promotes the understanding and
conservation of natural resources that the Blue Ridge
Mountains are famous for.

No matter what your interests are, if getting away
from the hustle and bustle of city life is what you
want, this is the number one spot in the South for
fun, relaxation, and rejuvenation. The Wintergreen
Resort is open all year long, with activities that are
suitable for every season.

Snowboarding in Tennessee

Located near Gatlinburg, Tennessee, Ober
Gatlinburg is the only snowboard resort in the state. It is
more than just a snowboard resort, however. It is a complete
family trip spot with an amusement park, indoor
ice skating, a bungee tower, an alpine slide, and
many other activities and attractions – there is
something to please everyone.

With an elevation of 3301 feet, and a vertical drop of
600 feet, Ober Gatlinburg features eight trails: two
beginner trails, four intermediate trails, and two
advanced trails. There are three lifts, including two
quad lifts, one double lift, and one surface lift. The
season runs from the middle of December through
early March, and night snowboarding is allowed on all trails
except the Grizzly trail.

Rentals are available for both snowboard equipment and
snowboarding equipment. Private and group lessons
for snowboarding and snowboarding are also available
through the Smokey Mountain Snow Sport School.
You can also easily find food at the many snack
bars, food carts, the café, the restaurant, or in the
lounge.

You must not miss the longest chair lift ride in the
south! You will see awesome views of the Great
Smoky Mountains. You will also get a bird’s eye
view of some of the slopes, and you can have your
picture taken on top of the mountain. If you don’t
snowboard, don’t worry! You can ride back down the
mountain on the chair lift as well. Don’t forget the
Tramway. The tramway departs from downtown
Gatlinburg and takes you to the snowboard resort and the
amusement park.

Even if you don’t snowboard, you can still explore the thrill
of flying down a mountain at a high speed – or a
slow speed if you choose. This is possible with the
Alpine Slide. The slide is approximately 1800 feet
long, and takes you down a winding wooded slope.
You have total control over your speed with the
use of a braking device on each sled. Other
attractions at the amusement park include the
Black Bear Habitat, a bungee jump, a water race,
go karts, indoor ice skating, kiddie land, an arcade,
miniature golf, a Spider Web Velcro Wall Jump,
water rides, and a shooting range.

No matter what type of fun or adventure you are
seeking, there is something to satisfy everyone in
the family at Ober Gatlinburg snowboard Resort and
Amusement Park. This is definitely a trip worth taking
– especially if you have younger kids or senior
citizens traveling with you.

Snowboarding in Lake Tahoe

If you are planning a snowboard trip and there are beginners in your group, or you are a beginner yourself, you should definitely consider Tahoe Donner in Truckee, California for your snowboard trip. Since 1971, when construction first began at Tahoe Donner, the area has come to be known as a world class cross country snowboard center, but beginners are still welcome, and this is one of the better places to learn how to snowboard.

Located near Tahoe and Truckee, Tahoe Donner provides a family atmosphere, and is very affordable. It features a 601 foot vertical drop, and the highest elevation is 7353 feet. There are approximately 120 acres for snowboarders to enjoy, with over 13 trails for beginners, intermediate snowboarders, and expert snowboarders. The resort features four lifts, with two of the list being surface lifts, and two being chair lifts.

Snowboarders are also welcome at Tahoe Donner. The resort has reasonable lift ticket rates, and there are rentals available. Here, you will also find a variety of snowboard programs and a snowboard school. After a full day of snowboarding, be sure to visit the Lodge Restaurant for a wonderful and relaxing dining experience.

Snowboarding in Vermont

Mount Snow, located in Vermont, is the one of the
largest snowboard resorts in the Eastern United States.
Featuring 26 lifts and more than 135 trails, the top
elevation at Mount Snow is 3600 feet, with a vertical
drop of 1700 feet. There are 20 chair lifts and six
surface lifts available.

Snowboarders are welcome at Mount Snow, and
there is a ‘kids only’ terrain park as well as a special
tubing park. The Grand Summit Hotel and Crown Club
sits right off the slopes, and guests enjoy a heated
outdoor pool and snowboard in/snowboard out accommodations. There
is something to suit everyone at Mount Snow.

Many different winter snowboard trip packages are
available. Many of these packages are really great
deals designed to save families money. Child care is
available at Mount Snow, and the youngsters will be
well cared for, and learn to snowboard as well. The adults
aren’t left out of the learning process either! Both group
and private lessons are available.

Mount Snow is very family oriented. At Mount Snow
a unique ‘back-to-base’ trail system is used that
keeps everyone in your family from getting lost. Kids
under six snowboard and ride for free. When an adult buys a
3 - 5 day ticket during mid-week, their kid receives a
free ticket for that same time period as well. During
January, the Kids snowboard & Learn Free weeks seem to
be the most popular family deals.

Mount Snow features a full service health spa that
you should take full advantage of. A variety of
massages are offered, as well as various snowboardn
treatments. Spa packages are also available, and the
spa caters to couples as well, and wedding parties are
also welcome. There is also a fully equipped health
club and fitness classes are offered. There is always
something to do at Mount Snow – even if doing
nothing but relaxing is on your agenda!

Winter activities at Mount Snow also include
snowmobiling, snowshoeing, tubing, cross country
snowboarding, and sleigh rides. There is a snowboard shop on the
premises and rental equipment is available. There are
several restaurants and bars on the mountain to
choose from as well. Again, Mount Snow is family
oriented. You will find that this is a very safe environment
for your entire family, where you can relax and have fun
– without any worry. Be sure to ask about the family deals
when you call for reservations or information.

Lost Valley Snowboard vacation

If you will be traveling to the North East, you must
not miss Lost Valley snowboard Resort. Located on 300
acres in the middle of Maine, the resort offers many
different types of terrain, hills, streams, bridges, and
fifteen well maintained trail systems.

The Lost Valley Resort is best suited to beginners
and intermediate snowboarders, but there are more thrilling
trails available for expert snowboarders as well. There are
three lifts to accommodate snowboarders, including two chair
lifts and one surface lift.

Equipment can be rented for all sports that are
catered to at Lost Valley Resort, including snowboard
equipment, snowboarding equipment, mountain bikes,
and paintball equipment. snowboard and snowboarding
lessons are also available for private parties and
groups.

At the lodge, you will experience a warm family
environment with outstanding food and beverages.
This is an absolutely wonderful place to bring a family.
There are training programs, adaptive snowboard programs,
racing events, a snowboard terrain park, mountain
biking, and a huge twenty acre paintball park. Lost
Valley Resort is also a great place to hold meetings,
family reunions, weddings, and other special events.
Catering is available.

Family Snowboarding vacations

It’s time to plan the family trip – and everyone
wants to go snowboarding. Don’t worry, snowboarding isn’t as
expensive as you might think, and there are
numerous resorts that cater to families, offering a
variety of packages designed to save you money.
The problem will be choosing the destination.

Most snowboard resorts have websites. Start the planning
process by accessing these websites to determine
where you and your family might want to go for your
family snowboard trip. There are many different things to
look for when choosing a resort. The absolute most
important thing to look for is a snowboard school if someone
in your family will need instruction. While most
resorts do have snowboard schools, some don’t. Don’t
make the mistake of choosing a destination where
one or more of your family members won’t have fun,
simply because they don’t know how to snowboard.

Next, take a look at the slopes, lifts, and trails. You
want to make sure that the resort has something to
offer everyone in your family. If the resort only caters
to beginners, an expert snowboarder will become quickly
bored. If you have a snowboarder in your group, and
there is no snowboarding park or terrain, that
snowboarder will not be happy. There are resorts
that serve all winter sports – so make sure that your
families interests are covered.

Lodging is the next thing to look at. You want to be
comfortable, so where you will sleep at night matters
a great deal. In most cases, there is a hotel right at
the base of the slopes – but this isn’t necessarily the
best or most affordable place to stay. Find out what
your lodging options are for the area, and choose
the one that is right for your family and your budget.
If you will be staying farther away from the slopes,
make sure that there is transportation to and from
the slopes each day!

Your family will have many more interests that you
will need to search for before deciding on a particular
destination and resort. Some of those interests may
be dog sledding, sleigh rides, snowmobiling,
snowshoeing, or horseback riding. Resorts do offer
these activities, but some don’t – so be sure to ask
about the winter activities, as well as the planned
events during the time that you will be at the resort.
This will help you plan a snowboard trip that your family
will enjoy and remember for the rest of their lives.

Snowboarding on Washingtons Crystal Mountain

If you are in or near Washington State, you should
definitely check out Crystal Mountain. With an
elevation of 7004 feet and a vertical drop of 3102 feet,
Crystal Mountain actually sits below Mount Rainier,
which has a top elevation of 14,408 feet. Between
the months of November and April, several feet of
fresh powder falls on Crystal Mountain, due to the
cold Cascade storms common to the area.

This is rough terrain, and there is little offered to
beginners as far as the ease of the trails go. But
lessons are available, as well as rentals for snowboard’s and
other equipment. At Crystal Mountain, there are more
than 2300 acres and fifty trails, making this the largest
snowboard area in the state of Washington. There are ten lifts
available: 2 high speed six passenger lifts, 2 high
speed quads, 2 triple chairs, 3 double chairs, and 1
children’s surface lift.

The season runs from the middle of November to the
middle of April, when the most snow fall is
experienced. There are several places to choose for
lodging, meals, and nightly entertainment, but the
biggest attraction is the snowboarding, of course.

The Crystal Mountain Express Buss service runs on
weekends from the middle of December to the middle
of March. You will be picked up from your lodge and
dropped off at the base plaza – where you can begin
a full day of fun on the slopes. After a day of snowboarding,
you should definitely head over to East Peak
Massage & Fitness to take advantage of the hot tub,
sauna, showers, and even the game room. Massages
are also available, with a reservation.

If your kids aren’t quite ready for the black diamond
trails – but you are – you can register them in the
Kid’s Club. The Kid’s Club is open from 8am to 4pm
each day for children aged four to eleven years old.
The kid’s aged 4 – 11 will be supervised while they
snowboard on a ‘kid appropriate’ slope, and snowboarding
is also available for children aged 7 – 11 years old.
Your child will have fun, while being supervised and
taught. The cost of the care includes a four hour
lesson, a lift ticket, lunch, and supervision. Rental
equipment is available for the kids for an additional fee.

Everyone has fun at Crystal Mountain. It is a great
place for a family trip, but again, the slopes are
more for intermediate snowboarders and expert snowboarders –
although beginners will have fun as well. Just use
good sense, and avoid trails that you don’t feel like
your ready for.

Oregon Snowboard vacations

Oregon is famous for the snowboard slopes found around the
state, and if you are planning a snowboard trip, you
should definitely consider Timberline Lodge, located
near Mt. Hood in Oregon. There is quite a bit of
history in the area, starting with the lodge that was
built during the Great Depression by a master
craftsman. The Timberline Lodge also has a bit of
more recent history attached to it. Part of the movie,
The Shining, was filmed here. Many of the ‘outside’
shots were done at Timberline Lodge.

The lodge is entirely hand made, and well preserved.
The hand woven draperies and the hand hewn beams
add to the rustic charm and history of the place. The
lodge sits in the middle of 1400 acres consisting of
35 trails. The trails are perfect for beginners,
intermediates, and experts. The top elevation at
Timberline Lodge is 8504 with a vertical drop of 2501.
There are six chair lifts to accommodate snowboarders.

One of the most unique things about Timberline is
that it is the one place in the United States that offers
year-round snow snowboarding. Palmer Snowfield is part of
the Timberline Resort, and it is permanently covered
with snow. Beginners are not always allowed on
Palmer snowfield – the conditions are considered
each day when making this determination.

snowboarding, snowboarding, hiking, snowshoeing, and
lodge tours are the main attractions at Timberline.
Here, it is all about the powder! Mt. Hood is an active
volcano which is considered to be dormant.
Occasionally, tremors are felt, and steam vents are
often visible. The Cascade Dining Room is open for
breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day, but the hours
do change with the seasons. Other fare can be found
at the Ram’s Head Bar, the Blue Ox bar, the Wy’East
Kitchen Cafeteria, the Market Café, and the Mt. Hood
Brewing Company.

Rental equipment is not available at Timberline. You
must bring your own equipment. However, smaller
items such as gloves and goggles can be purchased
at the lodge, along with some clothing items. There is
a snowboard and snowboard school on the premises, and
private and group lessons are available.

If the idea of a ‘rustic’ snowboard trip appeals to you,
as opposed to trips with accommodations that are a
bit fancier, then Timberline Lodge in Oregon is the
place to be! Again, it is definitely all about the history
and the powder here. However, whether you snowboard or not,
you must not miss the Magic Mile, which offers a
panoramic view of the Cascade mountains that cannot
be matched!

Snowboarding on a budget

When you start thinking about snowboard trips, you will
find a lot of information about various resorts and
packages. Finding terrific trip spots isn't difficult,
however, finding snowboard trips that fit into your budget
can be a challenge.

To save money, look for lesser known resorts. This
doesn’t mean that these resorts won’t provide you
with a fun trip – it simply means that they aren’t
quite as well known as other resorts, and therefore,
the prices may be a great cheaper. Also look for snowboard
trip packages that will include your lodging, lift
tickets, lessons, rentals, and possibly even some
meals.

Be willing to make some sacrifices if money is a real
issue. For instance, instead of eating in an expensive
restaurant each night, eat cheaper fast food, or make
sandwiches in your room. Borrow equipment from
friends instead of renting it. Join a group for lessons
instead of taking private lessons. Don’t stay at a
lodge, stay at a motel farther away from the slopes
if necessary. There are numerous ways that you can
cut down on the expense of your snowboard trip. It is all about
the powder after all!

Snowboard clubs

snowboard trips with snowboard Clubs

There are many different types of clubs throughout
the world. In fact, there is a club or organization for
just about everything that you can imagine! snowboarding is
no exception. snowboard clubs are a great way to learn new
things, and to go on snowboard trips with other
members. In fact, snowboard club members often get
discounted rates on snowboard trip packages.

No matter where you live, there is a snowboard club near
you. This is true even if you live in a place that does
not ever get snowfall! These clubs regularly get
together for trips to various mountains, snowboard areas,
and snowboard resorts. Some are local clubs, meaning that
the slopes that they snowboard on are within driving
distance, while others are more national or global,
which means that they not only snowboard locally, if
possible, but they also plan snowboard trips.

Again, members of snowboard clubs often receive deep
discounts on snowboard trip packages. Arrangements
are usually made through the club, so that everyone
is eligible for the discounts. The money that is
required from each member for the trip is usually
paid to the club, and the club passes the funds on
to pay for lodging, airfare, meals, lift tickets, and
other perks that are included in the trip. Because
arrangements are being made for a group of people
– which is usually fairly large – discounts are given.
This benefits all members of the club.

The discounts aren’t the only thing to be excited
about. These clubs get together regularly – even if
they aren’t getting together to snowboard. They join together
for other activities as well, such as cookouts and
fundraisers. Many snowboard clubs do annual fundraisers to
help less fortunate families and children at Christmas
time. Others do annual fundraisers to help preserve
the environment – which is usually a topic of great
importance to snowboarders who love being out in the wide
open spaces and fresh air.

While snowboarding is what brings these groups together in
the first place, it is not necessarily what keeps them
together. Their love of a common sport, and their
common interests and feeling of community is what
keeps them together – and it keeps them snowboarding
together for years and years. If you are a snowboarder, you
should definitely consider joining a club. It doesn’t
matter – in most cases – what level you are at.
Beginners are usually welcomed, and this is a great
way for beginners to quickly improve their snowboardlls and
techniques out on the slopes.

Snowboarding Michigan and the Nubs nob resort

If you will be in Michigan, you should definitely visit
Nub’s Nob snowboard Resort. Nub’s Nob has what is
considered to be the Midwest’s best snow, and the
resort has a reputation for being a family friendly
mountain. Generations of families have brought their
children here for their very first snowboard run.

The mountain layout is fairly simple with an elevation
of 1338 feet and a vertical drop of 427 feet. There are
43 trails serviced by eight chair lifts. Boasting one of
the best snowboarding and snowboarding schools in the
country, both private and group lessons are available.
If you are brand new to the sport, you can even learn
to snowboard free, and take advantage of Nub’s Cubs
Childcare Center while you learn.

Don’t make the mistake of thinking that intermediate
or expert snowboarders won’t find any challenges waiting for
them at Nub’s Nob! The terrain is varied, and you will
find challenges. Night snowboarding is also available. The
snowboard School offers training programs for advanced
snowboarders who are interested in racing, and many racing
events are held at the resort. You can signup for race
leagues at the resort, and many league events are
planned each season.

Equipment rental is available, and there is a General
Store right inside the lodge, where you can purchase
gloves, hats, and neck warmers among a variety of
other items. You should also visit the technology
center to have your snowboard’s tuned or repaired.

You won’t go hungry either! Nub’s Nob Cafeteria is
open for breakfast and lunch, and if you brought your
own lunch, you can eat in the ‘brown bag’ room.
Nub’s Winter Garden serves grilled burgers when the
weather allows. Pintail Peak Warming Hut is located
at the top of the Black Lift. Here, you can enjoy
amazing views while enjoying home made soups and
sandwiches.

Nub’s Nob is the place to go if you want to have a
great family snowboard trip – or if you are already an
expert snowboarder interested in racing and snowboardll events.
There is plenty to do and see. In fact, you may find
that you have a problem deciding which activity to
participate in first! Don’t worry about missing
anything, though – if you want to snowboard now and board
later, you can do that. Most events are planned for
the weekends, so arrange your schedule so that you
are able to attend or participate in the planned events.

Fun Valley Snowboarding

If you are looking for a great place to go for your
family snowboard trip, Fun Valley, Iowa is the place to
go. This resort caters to families and beginner level
snowboarders, but it is also great for intermediate and expert
snowboarders as well. There is something to suit all levels at
Fun Valley.

The top elevation at Fun Valley is 1201 feet, with a
vertical drop of 200 feet. There are six lifts, including
three chair lifts and three surface lifts. The new
learning center is something to see – and experience
if you are a beginner. Tubers and snowboarders are
welcome, and there is an excellent terrain park
available. Rental equipment, including tubes and boards,
is available.

Fun Valley offers outstanding group rates for groups
of ten or more. Birthday packages are also
outstanding for kids twelve and under. Every
Wednesday and Thursday night, the resort offers a
student night, with greatly reduced rates. Buddy Pass
Friday’s are also popular – bring your friends and you
will all save on lift tickets. Coca-Cola sponsors Sprite
Saturday’s at Fun Valley, where you can participate in
three activities for one flat affordable fee. Sundays are
Family Four Pack Day.

Red River New Mexico Snowboarding

Red River, New Mexico is home to one of the most
popular snowboard resorts in the United States, and has
been for many decades. The resort offers six chair
lifts and one surface lift, and the trails are equally
divided for beginners, intermediates, and experts.

Top elevation at Red River is 10354 feet, and the
vertical drop down the face of the mountain is 1601
feet. Unfortunately, it doesn’t snow much, and about
85% of the powder is man made. There are 58 trails
scattered over 247 acres. Red River is called the ‘snowboard
town of the Southwest.’

The resort has three restaurants, all of which offer
fabulous fare. Lodging can be obtained in cabins,
chalets, inns, or private condominiums in the area,
and many lodging packages, as well as snowboard packages
are available through Red River Central Reservations.
Red River also offers snow pass rates which allow
children to snowboard for free, and teens to snowboard at reduced
rates. This is a great way to save money on your
family snowboard trip.

Red River also has a snowboard school, and group lessons
and private lessons are available. Even if you’ve never
snowboarded before, you will quickly be on the slopes after
your lessons. There are even lessons for
snowboarders, who are welcome on the Red River
slopes. You can also rent all of your snowboard and
snowboarding equipment for very reasonable rates.

The nightlife in Red River is also great. After a day
on the slopes, you can kick back and relax at the
lodge, or visit one of the taverns in the area. For the
younger crowd, there is a great game room located
right in the center of the town. One of the great things
about Red River is that everything is within walking
distance of the lodging areas, and shuttles are
provided for transportation to and from the slopes.

You can also enjoy taking scenic chairlift rides,
hiking, biking, horseback riding, camping,
snow-mobiling, and hunting. You can even take one
of the jeep tours to go see the abandoned gold mines
in the area. So, even if you don’t snowboard, there is still
plenty of fun to be had at Red River snowboard Resort.

Childcare is available while you spend your day on
the slopes. Your child will be well tended at the Li’l
Buckaroos Child Care Facility, and the center
provides lunch for your child as well. At Red River,
everything has been thought of and taken care of to
ensure that your snowboard trip is as enjoyable as
possible.

Okanagan Snowboarding

The Okanagan mountains are on both sides of the US-Canada border
and offer many mountains with great snowboard potential.

Okanagan is a mountain range that runs through
valleys close to three mountain ranges.During the
summer this is the perfect place to do some camping,
but when winter hits you will have great snowboarding
weather and conditions. There are small resorts that
are scattered throughout the area. The climate here
will make for great snowboarding down the slopes and through
the trails.

These scattered resorts are very quiet and peaceful.
Lifts are available, but they are limited to specific
times and dates. These resorts have great snowboarding
around them, even though they are small. This area
of mountains offers the most consistent
weather conditions, and the resort offers lodging for
everyone that cares to stay - at a reasonable price.

The mountain ranges offer different trails and snowboardll
levels, but most of all they provide you with the
snowboarding trip of your dreams. During the winter,
temperatures in the Okanogan range often drop to
zero degrees. The items you bring will need to keep
you warm at all times and safe no matter which trail
you may choose to snowboard.

Snowboarding in Solitude Utah

If you are looking for the ultimate Utah snowboard trip,
Solitude Mountain Resort has everything that you
could want or need. During the early 1900’s, the
area was full of silver miners, who gave the area its
famous name. Today, the area is covered with
snowboarders – but the crowds are rather light.

The area became a snowboarder’s paradise in 1957. It was
developed by Robert Barrett, who made his fortune
as a uranium miner. He basically started developing
the resort because he was denied restroom privileges
at the snowboard area in Alta – because he was not a guest.

Now owned by a different family, the resort features
1200 acres of 63 runs for beginners, intermediate
snowboarders, and experts. There are eight lifts, including
seven chair lifts and one surface lift. The top
elevation at Solitude Mountain is 10036 feet, with
a vertical drop of 2048 feet.

There are five lodging options for guests, and
activities and events take place all throughout the
year. The resort looks like a Tom Kincaide painting,
and one can’t help but wonder if this is where some
of his inspiration came from!

Snowboarding on Crystal Mountain

If you are in or near Washington State, you should
definitely check out Crystal Mountain. With an
elevation of 7004 feet and a vertical drop of 3102 feet,
Crystal Mountain actually sits below Mount Rainier,
which has a top elevation of 14,408 feet. Between
the months of November and April, several feet of
fresh powder falls on Crystal Mountain, due to the
cold Cascade storms common to the area.

This is rough terrain, and there is little offered to
beginners as far as the ease of the trails go. But
lessons are available, as well as rentals for snowboard’s and
other equipment. At Crystal Mountain, there are more
than 2300 acres and fifty trails, making this the largest
snowboard area in the state of Washington. There are ten lifts
available: 2 high speed six passenger lifts, 2 high
speed quads, 2 triple chairs, 3 double chairs, and 1
children’s surface lift.

The season runs from the middle of November to the
middle of April, when the most snow fall is
experienced. There are several places to choose for
lodging, meals, and nightly entertainment, but the
biggest attraction is the snowboarding, of course.

The Crystal Mountain Express Buss service runs on
weekends from the middle of December to the middle
of March. You will be picked up from your lodge and
dropped off at the base plaza – where you can begin
a full day of fun on the slopes. After a day of snowboarding,
you should definitely head over to East Peak
Massage & Fitness to take advantage of the hot tub,
sauna, showers, and even the game room. Massages
are also available, with a reservation.

If your kids aren’t quite ready for the black diamond
trails – but you are – you can register them in the
Kid’s Club. The Kid’s Club is open from 8am to 4pm
each day for children aged four to eleven years old.
The kid’s aged 4 – 11 will be supervised while they
snowboard on a ‘kid appropriate’ slope, and snowboarding
is also available for children aged 7 – 11 years old.
Your child will have fun, while being supervised and
taught. The cost of the care includes a four hour
lesson, a lift ticket, lunch, and supervision. Rental
equipment is available for the kids for an additional fee.

Everyone has fun at Crystal Mountain. It is a great
place for a family trip, but again, the slopes are
more for intermediate snowboarders and expert snowboarders –
although beginners will have fun as well. Just use
good sense, and avoid trails that you don’t feel like
your ready for.