Learn to snowboard at Copper Mountain Ski Resort

by Kraig Becker on

Located a short drive from Denver, Colorado, Copper Mountain Ski Resort is amongst the premiere ski destinations in all of North America. With 125 total runs, spread out across nearly 2500 skiable acres, and an average snowfall of 280 inches per year, Copper Mountain truly is a fantastic winter playground that is set to open for the 2011-2012 season on November 4th.

One of the top attractions at the resort is the Woodward at Copper snowboard training center, which features a 19,400 square foot indoor training facility affectionately known as “The Barn.” Woodward was designed from the ground up to be a place where snowboarders can improve their terrain park and pipe skills, learning new tricks and acrobatic maneuvers, in a safe and supervised environment.

Visitors to the Barn will discover all kinds of unique training tools designed to help them master whatever skills they’re looking to add to their repertoire. For example, the facility features a long jump that lands in a foam pit 55 feet in length, allowing snowboarders to catch big air, pull flashy moves, and still land softly every time. Other features include plenty of boxes and rails to grind, trampolines to help develop acrobatic skills, and several runs that incorporate Snowflex, an artificial surface designed to simulate real snow. Copper hasn’t reserved all the fun for the boarders however, and skiers can hone their skills in the Barn as well.

The Barn is open every day and offers a variety of training programs ranging in length from a few hours to multi-day camps. If you’re a snowboarder or skier looking to improve your skills or learn new tricks, then you’ll want to see what the Woodward can do for you. Check out the video below to get a sense of what the program is all about, and then head over to the website to find a program that suits your needs.

[Photo credit: Roland Zumbuhl via WikiMedia]


Woodward at Copper Ski and Snowboard Camp from Woodward at Copper on Vimeo.

Why early season Colorado snow may spell danger for backcountry skiers

by Kyle Ellison on

Here on Gadling we recently reported that Colorado’s Arapahoe Basin Ski Area officially opened for business on October 13, thereby kicking off the start of the new winter season. As of opening day the resort was reporting 18 inches of powder on the ground, and with yesterday’s massive dump of over a foot of new snow the slopes are surely covered in a lot of the white stuff all over again.

While this undoubtedly puts a smile on the face of skiers and boarders who have been frothing all summer to get back on the slopes, some experts claim that large, early-season dumps such as those experienced thus far can ultimately create unstable conditions that contribute to fatal avalanches.

According to a new post by Unofficial Networks, early season snowfall mixed with cold temperatures can create what are known as “depth hoar crystals” that form an unstable layer of ice beneath the snowpack and aid in triggering avalanches later on in the winter.

Essentially ball-bearings that rest beneath the snow, the longer a thin, early season snowpack sits on the slopes, the greater potential it has to eventually form into the hated depth hoar crystals. While coastal resorts along the Sierra Nevada remain relatively warm after an early season dump, inland locations such as Colorado can see cold temperatures linger long after an early season snow, thereby lengthening the time that early season snow stays on the ground.

This is why, according to Unofficial Networks, Colorado is the leading state for avalanche deaths by nearly double the second leading state (Alaska) over the last 50 years. Should warm temperatures help to melt some of the October snow, however, it helps to create a much more stable base.

It’s important to note, of course, that the large majority of Colorado avalanche deaths occur in backcountry terrain that isn’t professionally groomed by qualified resort staff. Given that these in-bounds runs are monitored by the resorts, the chances of depth hoar crystals affecting your run down the bunny slope are far less than if you’re venturing out of bounds.

So while I’m as stoked as the next guy to get back out onto some powder this winter, it’s worth keeping an eye on how all of this early season Colorado snow is going to effect what experts are predicting could be another winter of epic proportions.

Enter to win a $3,000 grant toward responsible, off-the-beaten path travel in China

by Jessica Festa on

WildChina is offering the chance for travelers to win a grant of $3,000 towards pushing the limits of responsible, off-the-beaten path travel in China. The aim of the WildChina Explorer grant is to help people find authentic, life-changing experiences in their travels while also working to protect and sustain local cultures and environments.

The previous winner of the WildChina Explorer grant was Canadian traveler and writer Jeff Fuchs along with British entrepreneur and endurance athlete Micael Kleinwort. Together they traveled to the most isolated section of the Tsalam in Qinghai, completing the expedition in May, 2011 entirely on foot and leaving as small a carbon footprint as possible. The mission was part of Fuch’s desire to bring to light long lost routes in Asia.

Criteria for grant winner includes:

  • Focus on bringing to light a long lost route, cultural issue, promoting aid in a remote community, or a journey of discovery or rediscovery
  • An enthusiasm for exploration
  • Risk management plan
  • Incorporation of Leave No Trace principles
  • Low carbon travel
  • Skill levels that are equal to the proposed itinerary

Applications are due by November 15, 2011. For more information, e-mail expedition@wildchina.com or download the form.

Gadling gear review: OutThere AS-1 Pack

by Kraig Becker on

One of the things I enjoy most about my job is that I get the opportunity to test a lot of outdoor gear. I’ve been fortunate enough to put sleeping bags, hiking boots, clothing and much more through their paces, and in the process I’ve learned a lot about how those products differ and what distinguishes the good from the bad. After awhile, some of the gear starts to look the same, as one manufacturer copies another in an attempt to add new features or options to their equipment. That’s why it is so refreshing when you find new, innovative products that do something a bit different.

That’s exactly what I found in the AS-1 Pack from a company called OutThere, a start-up looking to challenge the big boys in the outdoor space. The AS-1 was designed by Mike Kloser, a world champion adventure racer, who has spent years competing in some of the toughest endurance events, in some of the harshest environments, on the planet. Kloser knew exactly what he wanted and needed out of a backpack, but since no one made what he was looking for, he went out and built it himself.

When using the AS-1 the word that kept coming to mind was versatility. The pack does so many things, and does it all so well, it is hard not to be impressed. Make no mistake, this is a backpack designed for the hardcore sport of adventure racing, but it brings a lot to the table for adventure travelers and backpackers looking to go light and fast as well. For example, the pack is made from lightweight, yet durable, water resistant fabrics, which help to protect the important gear inside, while shrugging off all the punishment that comes along with travel.The AS-1 features 30 liters of internal storage space, with room for an additional 10 liters in external stowage as well. It includes an incredible array of pockets of various sizes, all of which are easily accessible and help to keep travelers well organized while on the go. In fact, there are so many pockets, that I kept discovering new ones the longer I used the pack. You’ll also find both internal and external hydration bladder sleeves, trekking pole/ice axe loops, and two removable hip pouches that are perfect for snacks or a small camera. Integrated compression straps make it a snap to carry skies or a snowboard, while four mesh elastic pockets provide plenty of room for carrying water bottles too.

Of course, all of these options aren’t very useful if the pack isn’t comfortable to wear. Fortunately, the AS-1 excels in that area as well, thanks to a plethora of options for adjusting the fit. The easy to adjust shoulder straps, working in conjunction with a floating hip-belt and strategically placed compression straps, give you the ability to customize the pack to fit your body perfectly and once you have the fit set to your needs, it stays in place exceptionally well. The AS-1’s back panel is well padded and designed to keep air flowing between the pack and its wearer, a combination that will be much appreciated on those long days on the trail. All of this adds up to a backpack that can easily carry large loads, without sacrificing comfort.

As I mentioned at the beginning of this article, the AS-1 Pack was designed for use in adventure racing, a sport, which mixes trekking, paddling, and mountain biking through remote areas of the planet. For that particular use, this is without question the best pack available. But I think active, adventurous travelers will appreciate its versatility and attention to detail as well. For example, I wished that I had had this pack with me on a trek through the Himalaya last year and I know that backcountry skiers, climbers, snowshoers, and other outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy it as well. The AS-1 is one of those rare pieces of gear that you can purchase and use in all kinds of ways, making it a bargain at $189.

Win your dream trip to Canada

by Jessica Festa on

Lonely Planet is currently hosting a contest that gives travelers the chance to explore the world’s second-largest country however they please. Whether you enjoy winter skiing or summer hiking, this contest can help you have the experience your dreams in Canada. First prize is a $10,000 travel voucher towards the Canadian trip of your choice, while the second place winner will $500 worth of Lonely Planet books.

You can enter by going to Explore Canada like a local and browsing their featured trips. Select your favorite destination/activity and then copy the URL of your choice into the form on the Lonely Planet Facebook page. After filling in your information, you will be asked to explain in 200 characters or less why this trip is your dream Canadian experience.