Snowboarding and the Latest, Raging Terrain Parks
By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large
January 28, 2003
This winter, snowboarding is all the rage! It has kick-started the sagging ski market and brought a host of younger, more extreme devotees to the mountain. The best of these young pups are, well…awesome! They move with the balance of a surfer, the strength of a gymnast, and the grace of a dancer--all at the speed of a downhill racer. The challenge and excitement of snowboarding has even encouraged a few of us old dogs to try and learn some new tricks. So if you and the family are planning to hit the slopes this winter, my question for you is: Are you ready for your first rail?
Skeptical? It might surprise you to know that snowboarding has actually been an Olympic sport since 1998, and since then, terrain parks have been steadily cropping up on mountains across the US. In fact, Breckenridge was ahead of the curve, and is currently celebrating the 20th anniversary of its stellar terrain parks this year.
Snowboarding--originally knows as “snurfing”--has its own rules, equipment, jargon, and even fashion. But lets start with the basics, as in, what exactly is a terrain park? Well, for you skateboarding devotees, think of it as a Tony Hawk thing, only the half-pipes and jumps are covered with snow. Terrain parks are areas where you can practice your form and moves on a variety of set-ups. For example, at the new terrain park in Keystone, you'll get 51 shots, including the longest rail at a resort in the US, which is 150 feet long. At these parks you may see all kinds of metal rails, fun boxes, rainbow rails, volcanoes, half-pipes, super-pipes, and maybe even a BBQ!
There’s obviously a lot of lingo to learn, but if you’re serious about snow, you should put in the effort because because this sport is here to stay. Terrain parks are popping up everywhere, and if you're traveling with the kids, it's in your interest to check one out. Family fun, an adrenaline rush, the chance to learn a whole new language--snowboarding has it all. Don’t know where to go? Below are just a few of the many good options out there.
- Squaw Valley in Lake Tahoe, three terrain parks
- Park City in Park City, Utah (just outside Salt Lake City), four terrain parks.
- Keystone in Keystone, Colorado, a brand new A51 terrain park .
- Breckenridge in Breckenridge, Colorado, the best terrain park in Colorado plus two others.
- Stratton in Stratton, Vermont, five areas for snowboarders, including one for tykes and beginners.
- Lake Louise in Banff, Alberta, British Columbia, has one of the best terrain parks in Canada.
Remember, boarding has rules just like skiing. Stay safe on the mountain by following these three basic rules:
- Look around and know where the action is. This applies to onlookers and jumpers alike. Be sure to yield to those in motion before a jump and at the landing.
- Don’t be a hero. Go at your own speed and ability. Session your way to bigger and better jumps.
- Most of all, act with respect, and you'll be treated with respect.
Now that you know where to go and what to do, it's all about getting your look down. Word to the wise: Ditch your regular ski gear and opt instead for a pair of baggy boarder pants by Burton (they'll look cool and keep you warm) and be sure to put a "hoody" on under your jacket to be stylie. Next, do a session on a low rail to start, leave the ginormous hits for the experts, and your kids will still think you're sick, which is a good thing, in case you were wondering.
If you have a question or topic you would like me to cover in a future column, please e-mail Amy Ziff at askamy@travelocity.com And remember to look here for your topic each week!
|
|
Ski, Sport & Adventure
Tips & Advice
|
Need Another Reason To Get Outdoors This Summer? We've Got It.
By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large
Resorts Take Skiing to the Extremes
By Larry Olmsted, Guest Columnist
All About the Aloha State
By Adam Davis, Editor
Summer Sports Go Gangbusters
by Adam Davis, Editor
Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow!
By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large
Surf Spots Around the World
by Adam Davis, Editor
Fresh Tracks - What's New at Top Ski Destinations in 2005-2006
Having Trouble Getting Hockey Tickets In Your Hometown? Try These Cities For Some Great Pro Hockey and Lots More
A View From the Top
By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large
Scuba Rules!
By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large
Snowboarding and the Latest, Raging Terrain Parks
By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large
Where, Oh Where To Ski This Winter?
By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large
What Skiers Need To Know Before They Go
By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large
To Ski or Not to Ski? A Deal May Be the Answer.
By Amy Ziff, Editor at Large
How to Choose the Right Ski Resort
Renting Ski and Snowboard Equipment
|
|
