December 14, 2009
And Save Money Too!
by G. Kunkel
The holidays are the time of year that we celebrate with family, friends, and co-workers. We all look forward to spending time together sharing favorite treats and stories. While planning these events you might ask yourself how to make your holiday season more earth-friendly. With a little bit of preparation, it’s possible to have a green festive season without breaking the bank.
A great place to be earth-friendly is around the house. Everyone likes holiday lights but they can create a large energy bill. A wonderful alternative to traditional holiday lighting are the newer LED holiday lights. These consume considerably less electricity and they have a much longer life span. Manufacturers have expanded their product lines considerably the past two years so, there’s sure to be a style that matches what you are looking for. To save even more money, put those lights on an outdoor timer. Not many people are watching your lights at 3 AM.
Try shopping from your house this season. Many retailers offer online coupons and free shipping…read the article
December 13, 2009
One Nimble Machine!
by G. Kunkel
The Stalmach Cayenne is a traditional “foot ski” ski bike built by the Stalmach Group in Austria. The Cayenne is designed for the all-mountain recreational ski biker. The frame is a mere 28 lbs and incorporates an upgraded suspension system over the Stalmach Colorado. It can be ridden by beginning to expert ski bikers on all terrain. Former skiers and the disabled will benefit from its low center of gravity and responsive steering.
Stalmach Cayenne ski bike
Pros:
This is just a fantastic ‘foot ski’ bike! It is very nimble, lightweight, and a joy to ride. The suspension is very robust and provides a smooth stable ride on a variety of terrain. The ‘upside down’ front suspension, the adjustable dampening rear shock absorber, and the rubber shock absorbers on the bike are integrated to perfection. No uncomfortable bouncing on this bike!
This bike loves to carve and doesn’t wash out on turns. Lay this bike over on a carve and get ready for…read the article
December 11, 2009
Resist temptation no longer. You’ve finally decided to try snowboarding. You too can learn to float through powder with a big grin on your face. But, before investing big bucks into snowboard gear, rent some and see if it’s right for you. Getting your rental gear can be stress-free with some basic guidelines.
The least expensive rental option is usually a package deal at your local ski hill. These discounted packages typically offer a combined beginning lesson, lift ticket, and gear rental. Renting gear at the hill has its advantages. If it needs adjustment or something breaks, it’s a simple matter of going back to the rental area. Most rental shops and instructors will not adjust non-resort rental gear due to insurance regulations. For a stress-free experience, try to pick up equipment the night before or get there very early in the morning. On holiday weekends, rentals go very quickly and they may not have your size.
At the rental shop they’ll set you up with snowboard boots, snowboard, and bindings. Bring some snowboard socks to the shop with you. These provide padding, warmth, and wick away moisture. You’ll first be fitted for boots. They provide the critical connection between you and… read the article
December 10, 2009
California Ski Resorts Want to Honor Those Serving Our Country
by G. Kunkel
California ski resorts would like to honor active duty military members this ski season by offering significant ski lift ticket discounts or free lift tickets to those serving our country. California ski resorts recognize the significant sacrifices active duty personnel are making while serving and would like to help them get out skiing and snowboarding on California’s ski slopes.
These discounted lift ticket offers are good for all active duty members of the military possessing a valid military ID. Some California ski resorts extend the offers to immediate family members of active duty military personnel. Active duty military members can then spend the entire day skiing or snowboarding with their family out on the ski slopes.
To take advantage of these discounted ski lift ticket deals, you just need to present a active duty military ID at the ski lift ticket window. Immediate family members should also have their military ID’s present to purchase ski lift tickets.
Sugar Bowl Ski Resort
Sugar Bowl is happy to offer ….. read the article
December 9, 2009
by G. Kunkel
Nothing can cause more excitement or fear in a never-ever snowboard lesson than when you utter the phrase “so now we are going to go learn how to use the chair lift”. Their friends have told them that it is harder than on skis or that you have no control on a snowboard when getting off.
With some basic instruction it is possible to get on and off the chairlift with few difficulties. As stated in Your Responsibility Code: “Prior to using any lift, you must have the knowledge and ability to load, ride and unload safely”. I want you to be safe and comfortable using the lift.
Practice on a lift meant for beginners. They have more user-friendly exit ramps.
How to get on a chair lift
First I must assume you have taken a prior lesson from a qualified instructor. If you cannot make some basic maneuvers on a snowboard, you should not load onto a chairlift. Before loading onto a chairlift you should be able to skate, perform a straight-glide to a stop, a straight-glide to a toe-side turn, and a straight-glide to a heel-side turn. These are more commonly called J-turns. You should be able to perform these fairly confidently without falling down. Take a lesson from a qualified professional if you are still falling down.
To load onto a chair lift you should only have your front foot attached to the snowboard. First, make sure the highback of your back binding is down so it won’t get caught under the chair. Enter the chairlift maze. Next, with the nose of your snowboard aimed ….. read the article
December 8, 2009
Ski and Snowboard Trips for Budget-Minded Singles
by G. Kunkel
Most single ski vacationers don’t view ski vacations as budget-friendly or affordable, especially skiing in Colorado. From frequent personal experience while skiing and snowboarding across Colorado, I’ve found this perception just isn’t accurate.
I’ve learned how to save money on solo ski trips to destination ski resorts while skiing and snowboarding around Colorado. After 20 years of budget ski vacations, these are the best money saving ski and snowboard trips in Colorado for single skiers and snowboarders.
Winter Park Ski Resort
Winter Park Ski Resort is the most affordable destination ski resort in Colorado for skiing and snowboarding. A budget ski vacation that includes airfare …. read the article
December 7, 2009
Getting to and Around Steamboat Springs for Visitors
by G. Kunkel
Air Travel
Direct flights to the Yampa Valley Regional Airport in Hayden are available on five major airlines during the ski season. Use the new www.FlySteamboat.com to find your affordable flight. Once you arrive, there is no need for expensive rental car contracts. Let inexpensive Alpine Taxi & Limo make the 30 minute drive to your Steamboat Springs vacation. Be sure to make transportation reservations ahead of time as the vans fill up quickly.
Alternate Airports
The closest alternate airport to Steamboat Springs is the Eagle County Airport. You can visit Vail, Colorado before making the 1.5 hour drive to Steamboat Springs. If you are flying into Denver International Airport, Storm Mountain Express or Alpine Taxi can transport you to your destination. In the fall of 2009, very limited Greyhound bus service to Steamboat Springs from Denver was restored. The schedule can be…read the article
December 6, 2009
Producing Award-Winning Wines at Reasonable Prices
by G. Kunkel
When you first meet Kevin Doyle, Vintner and Founder of Woody Creek Cellars, you know he has a story to tell. A quick smile and friendly greeting is just the start of discovering this wonderful Old World-style winery that produces handcrafted Artisan wines. Founded in 2000 as a one-man operation, Woody Creek Cellars produces vintages from the grape varietals found on the Western Slope of Colorado.
Background
Originally from Southern California, Kevin’s skiing passion took him to Aspen, Colorado in 1976. Over the next two decades he worked in many of Aspen’s fine dining establishments and educated himself on the characteristics of fine wine. This led him from a life as an old-school Aspen ski bum to a two-year apprenticeship with winemaker Steve Rhodes. With a small amount of startup capital and……..read the article.
