Where’s the best snow?

by Martha Edwards on

Here in my neck of the woods, on the eastern edge of the Canadian Rocky Mountains, we have tons of snow — and temperatures that match the chilly look of the landscape. But drive a few hours west to the central mountain region–where I’m spending my Christmas Vacation–and the snow’s terrible. What gives?

For many people, the less snow the better but for those of us who are planning on heading to the ski slopes this year, snow is a must. So if you’re planning on heading for the slopes, check out Bestnow.net for snow ratings, trends and reports at all the best slopes. Want to know what US resorts are the snowiest this year? MSNBC has the scoop.

Check out the ’08 season report for a look at the snow conditions across the board — it seems that snowfall at most resorts is either way up or way down. I’m hoping it will be a record-setting year here, provided the temperatures stay mild enough to actually venture outside.

Must-haves for a long winter drive

by Martha Edwards on

I’ve lived in Canada all my life, and I’m pretty adept at winter driving. I know when to pump my brakes, how to counter-act a fishtail in a flash, how fast to safely go on the highway in white-out conditions and how much space to keep between cars in case of black ice. So I thought driving 700 kms (450 miles) to visit a friend in a neighbouring province would be at best a little stressful. I didn’t prepare myself for 12-hour white-knuckled trip home (For the record, it usually takes 7 hours.)

If you’re driving through the snow this holiday season, here are a few thing you should make sure you have before you leave:

  • An emergency car kit. It’s essential in case you break down.
  • A car cell-phone charger. You’ll be kicking yourself if you break down and don’t have enough juice to call the tow-truck.
  • Blankets and candles. You know, just in case.
  • Tunes. Don’t just bring enough music for the drive — bring enough in case the drive gets stretched out.
  • A repertoire of word games to play with the driver. I was the driver on this trip, and in order to distract myself from the stressful drive, my friend and I played 20 questions and other games the required just enough concentration to distract me from how much the roads sucked.

  • Gas. Don’t fill your car with just enough to get there — have extra in case of a detour.
  • Food. Yeah, you can plan to stop for lunch in a certain place, but in case you don’t make it by lunch time, be prepared for the onset of grump-inducing hunger.
  • A map of the route. During our drive, the main highway was closed because of an accident. I know the area so I knew what the best detour route was but I might not have been so lucky.
  • A shovel. You might have to dig yourself out in case you hit the ditch. Or better yet, bring some strong men if you can.
  • Winter Tires or chains. This isn’t a necessity — I made through a high mountain pass on a road that was like a skating rink with my trusty all-seasons — but they might be worth it to you. They’re highly recommended and even required for some roads here in the Rockies.

Other tips? Make sure to clean off the sludge from your headlights — winter falls quickly this time of year and caked-on mud can really limit your visibility. And check the road conditions online before you go.

Above all else, take it slow if the roads are slippery. No appointment is worth you risking your life for.

Get your Ski-Mojo working!

by Abha Malpani on


No, it’s not what you are thinking. Ski-Mojo is gear that will help you ski longer should you not be able to keep that squat while skiing for an extended period of time.

The little mechanism that is strapped to your backside and rods down to your knees and somehow connects into your boots, has been in development for the last 11 years and finally hit the stores last week for a whopping £289 — but then skiing has always been an expensive sport.

Apparently it reduces fatigue and enhances your control and balance on the slopes. I suppose the mojo lets you rest on it in some way; but will you still build the muscle? or will you have to forgo the tight-butt and thigh muscle cuts?

Although I wouldn’t buy it (I’d feel really old), it’s available for skiers of all standards. Want it or not, the website (“this is no hoodoo”) is funny and worth looking at for a giggle.

[Via Guardian]

Tips for Planning a Family Ski Vacation

by Martha Edwards on

Family ski vacation were a staple of my childhood, despite the fact that my parents didn’t particularly like to ski. Nonetheless, my brother and I terrorized the Rocky Mountains for many years — until Mom and Dad stopped footing the bill at least. Family ski vacations are a great way to bond, and a great way to get your kids (or yourself) active when it’s cold outside. They might not be super cheap, but they’re worth it, if you ask me.

We Just Got Back has some great resources for people looking to book a ski trip, and you should check it out sooner rather than later because prices just go up as the ski season nears closer. If you search around, chances are you can find a package deal that will include accommodation, ski lessons, lift passes and rentals for the whole family, but act fast.

Here are a few of my own tips for planning your ski vacation: Don’t go around the Christmas to New Years time — prices are sky-high then. Opt for a weekend in January or February, or if you can handle letting the kids miss a bit of school, go for a mid-week trip. Choose somewhere you can drive to (if possible) and consider staying in the nearest town, rather than on the hill. And try to find accommodation with a kitchenette so you can cook your own meals and pack lunches for your day on the hill — ski hill food is expensive and unhealthy.

Is This The World’s Most Southern Igloo?

by Brett Atkinson on

Normally igloos are meant to be surrounded by polar bears and Inuit fishermen drilling holes in pack ice, but that hasn’t stopped a few wacky Kiwis from building one half way up an active volcano. Mt Ruapehu in New Zealand’s North Island last erupted in 1996 and earlier this year sent a lahar of mud, rocks and water careening down its slopes. Despite the occasional natural interruption, Ruapahu features two popular skifields, and visitors for the upcoming season now have the opportunity to sleep in an authentic igloo.

Visitors will need to be quick because the icy structure will only last until spring kicks in from October. There are already two dining rooms for up to 20 mountain-side diners, and new sleeping quarters are now being added that will house up to nine people.

There’s no reviews on Trip Advisor yet, but it’s probably just a matter of time.

Story and pic via the New Zealand Herald.