The 5 Steps of Avalanche Safety

As the snow continues to pile up in Colorado Ski Country, we think it's as good a time as any to provide you with some resources for how to stay safe in the backcountry as well as in-bounds at certain resorts where avalanches could potentially be a hazard.
There are some fantastic resources out there to help you navigate snow hazards, medical hazards, and even human hazards such as poor judgement and decision-making skills in the face of massive lines and fresh tracks. Two great resources to start with are Backcountry Access (BCA) and the American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE).
BCA's website has a page called 'learn avalanche safety' where you can read up on tips for avoiding avalanches, rescuing victims, resources and trainings, as well as enlightening success stories. They also have an avalanche awareness guide for download. Both BCA and AIARE abide by a 5-step method to stay safe in any snow-heavy conditions.

1) Get the gear

Buy quality safety equipment if you're going into the backcountry (beacon, shovel, probe, avalanche airbag, emergency communication device), and have the best gear possible even in the front country in order to prevent potential hazards (first aid kit, extra layers, and maybe even a beacon, shovel, and probe in certain areas). Along with step 4, make sure you have terrain information and photos, a map, a gps device, and a charged smartphone or radio. Whether in the backcountry or front, make sure to practice with your equipment before heading out to avoid encountering an emergency situation and not knowing how to effectively, efficiently, and safely manage it.

2) Get the training

Take an avalanche safety and awareness course! They are held all over the state, usually put on by AIARE through community colleges, universities, community centers, gear shops, etc. These courses will help teach you how to read a slope and how to make the necessary decisions to keep you and your group safe in avalanche terrain. They will teach you the technical skills for using the required gear in rescue scenarios as well as the human influences that can change decisions, outlooks, and outcomes.
There are many different courses to choose from, including AIARE I: Three Day Course, AIARE I: Split Course, AIARE I: Hut Trip, AIARE Avalanche Rescue, AIARE II, Avalanche Field Review, and Avalanche Awareness Clinics. Check out avtraining.org for avalanche course dates, providers, resources for instructors, and scholarship opportunities for the training courses.
Another way to stay safe and ensure the best possible outcomes in any situation is to learn how to provide first aid to a victim, even if the injury was not from an avalanche. There are many different CPR courses happening around the state constantly, so make sure you chose the one that's best for you (courses for the public, for childcare, for healthcare professionals, etc). Search CPR courses in your area: the American Red Cross and CPR Choice Colorado are great websites to find courses all over the state.
Other trainings to obtain are in wilderness medicine such as Wilderness First Aid (WFA) and Wilderness First Responder (WFR). The care required for crises in the backcountry differs from that in the front country because you are farther from immediate, definitive medical care and your contact time with patients is generally higher. These medical trainings, especially WFR, are amazing resources to have, even if you never have to use them in a real emergency. Knowing how to remain calm and feel confident in your training is almost as valuable as the medical knowledge itself. Even if you're shredding the frontcountry, most ski patrol will be grateful to have someone with a little medical knowledge keeping the patient calm and managing any life threats in the time it takes them to reach the scene.

3) Get the forecast

Read the snow report for the last few days: CSCUSA's snow report page is a great resource for this! The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is a good spot to find the weather forecast, and the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC) gives avalanche reports for all areas of the state with new snow, as well as accident reports if there was an avalanche.

4) Get the picture

Make sure you know the route and research it thoroughly. CalTopo is a great resource for finding and creating personalized topographic maps of your planned route, as well as potential plan B, C, etc. Make a plan before you go of what terrain you aim to be on, what terrain you absolutely will avoid, as well as where you might need to make critical decisions once you get to the slopes.
This point also applies to the front country: know your group's skill level and comfort zones. Taking people out who are not prepared or comfortable in more advanced terrain is the first way that bad stories can happen. Keep everyone safe and happy both in-bounds and out-!

5) Get out of harm's way

This step mostly entails knowing the dangers and off-limits terrain and avoiding them. If you take any medical courses, one of the first things you will learn is to not create any more victims by putting yourself in danger to rescue someone else. This is good advice while skiing in-bounds as well: don't duck ropes. It's not worth potentially losing your pass and it's certainly not worth a life lost to carelessness. Just because it's still on the resort, doesn't mean it's maintained for avalanche safety. Stay in-bounds if you're in-bounds, and stay safe with as much training and know-how as possible if you're in the backcountry.

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More of a visual learner? Check out http://avtraining.org/be-avalanche-aware/ to watch these steps played out with real people and their real stories.
If you are interested in updating First Aid kits, frontcountry gear, or looking into backcountry safety gear, here are some ideas for places to purchase:

• Your local mountaineering shop/secondhand gear shop (Make sure anything from here is reliable and in good condition)
• Arc'teryx
• REI - check out https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/avalanche-basics.html
• Backcountry Access (BCA)
• Black Diamond
• Mountain Hub
• Pieps
• Ortovox
• Deuter
• Recco
• Mammut
• Arva
• SnoWander 
• Backcountry - take a peek at https://www.backcountry.com/sc/avalanche-safety-101

No matter where you find yourself on a mountain, whether you're skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, in-bounds, or out-of-bounds, make sure to set yourself up for success. Have the training, have the gear, and remember that ultimately, Mother Nature is in charge. These steps and pointers above will help you have a better, more amiable connection to Her in times of epic pow days. Snow, although it looks like glitter from the sky, isn't magic. If you know what to avoid and how best to stay safe, you can increase your chances of success and an incredible day by huge margins. Stay safe and have fun with all this new fun stuff falling from the sky!

Planning a Hut Trip?

Winter Information

This is serious backcountry skiing. The average route is 6-7 miles long and climbs 1500-2500 feet in elevation from a trailhead that is at 8,000 feet or higher. Ski touring at high altitude is physically demanding and each person responds to high altitude differently. Be sensitive to any symptoms related to altitude sicknesses among members of your party.
The U.S. Forest Service recognizes that the public trails that access the huts generally require use of intermediate backcountry skiing skills. However, some trail sections are more difficult and may require more advanced skiing skills. You don't have to be an expert but you should at least be strong and stable on your skis, and have the right equipment. Skis with metal edges, climbing skins, backcountry poles, and heavy leather or plastic boots are recommended.

Parts of the trails are marked, but you must navigate with map and compass because such markers may not be obvious or extant.

Someone in each group must have leadership, route finding, avalanche awareness, and first aid skills. Route finding may be the most important skill you need. A detailed topographic map, a compass, and the ability to use them are absolutely essential for a successful trip. Suggested routes are only intermittently marked with blue diamonds except in National Forest Wilderness Areas where only tree blazes are allowed. You cannot expect to find a broken trail, and from one trail marker the next one is usually not visible. Even shorter trips, with minimal elevation gains, can become very challenging in whiteout conditions or if you have to break trail in deep snow.
The Colorado backcountry is known for widespread and long lasting snowpack instabilities. Avalanche hazard is a real concern for all winter travelers. A number of the suggested routes to 10th Mountain Division Huts pass through or are next to terrain that may be prone to avalanches. Accordingly, pick the suggested route that most suits your group and its abilities, carry appropriate equipment, and always exercise prudent backcountry travel techniques when passing through avalanche prone terrain. Remember, avalanches can occur in forested areas and can run into forested areas from open slopes. Each group must continuously evaluate the danger and practice prudent travel procedures. Routes are not marked or maintained for the Braun huts. These huts are in areas of known avalanche terrain with recurring avalanche cycles. For more information we strongly suggest you visit the Colorado Avalanche Information Center Website. They have the most up to date avalanche information as well as a ton of excellent weather and snow science information.
U.S. Forest Service permitted guide services are available if your group lacks the skills necessary to complete a safe trip or is interested in a catered trip. Along with their knowledge of the backcountry, routes, and huts, guides provide transportation, food, gear rentals, and instruction. Please see the Guides section of this site for more information on guide services.
If you would like to improve your skills, 10th Mountain, Summit Huts, and many other organizations sponsor backcountry skills and avalanche awareness workshops each winter. Please see the Community section of this site for information on upcoming classes.

Summer Information

Hiking and mountain biking at high elevations are very physically demanding activities. The average suggested summer route to a hut is 8+ miles long and climbs 1500-2500 feet in elevation from a trailhead that is at 8,000 feet or higher. Suggested summer routes are not marked or maintained. A detailed topographic map, a compass, and the ability to use them are absolutely essential for a successful trip. Someone in each group must be proficient in route finding, map/compass reading, and first aid.
Weather in the mountains can change rapidly. A warm summer morning at a trailhead can turn into a cold storm with lightning at 11,000 feet. Snow and hail are not uncommon at high elevations in the summer and temperatures can drop below freezing. Other days can be very hot. Rain and snowstorms can leave backcountry roads in bad condition and make travel difficult or impossible. Hut users need to be adequately prepared and bring extra food and water.
Motor vehicles are strongly discouraged except as group support. Some routes may remain snow covered and impassable by vehicles well into August and sudden thunderstorms can render roads undrivable at any time. All vehicles must park at the closure gate that marks the non-motorized envelope that surrounds each hut (usually 1/8 to 1/2 mile). There is a cart at each gate that can be used to ferry gear from your vehicle to the hut. Motorized or mechanized vehicles (i.e. mountain bikes) are not allowed in Wilderness areas. 10th Mountain does not guarantee vehicle access to any hut at any time. Do not count on a vehicle to execute your chosen itinerary.
Once you've decided on an appropriate trip, and are certain you have the skills for backcountry travel to your chosen hut or huts, please check the How to Make a Reservation option on the menu at the top of this page.

Steps for Trip Planning

Step 1: Gather Information.

Read through all of the information available on this site, study the overview map and specifics about each hut. We recommend that you study topographic maps of the areas you are considering. Additionally, privately produced guidebooks are available that provide route descriptions, estimations of difficulty and travel time, and suggested itineraries. Maps and guidebooks can be purchased through 10th Mountain's online store and at many outdoor retailers. Using these resources, calculate route distances and elevation changes to determine which huts best suit your abilities. Keep in mind that you will be carrying a large pack uphill at altitude and, in the winter, possibly breaking trail in stormy conditions. You do not want to overestimate your abilities, since the consequences might be spending a night out.  We can't plan your trip for you, since only you can evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of your group, but we may be able to provide further details or compare new routes to trips you have done in the past to help you make a final decision. It is also helpful to remember these are communal-style huts that you may be sharing with other people. You can review our "Hut Etiquette" document for some helpful tips on how a little common-sense courtesy can make everyones hut trip a memorable experience.

Step 2: Check availability.

Hut availability is posted on this site and is updated every day. You can also call in for hut availability. To view availability online, click on the red button at the top of ech page that say "Check Hut Availability", or follow the link in the "Trip Planning" menu that says "Hut Availability".

Step 3: Designate a group organizer.

Decide who will be responsible for making the reservation and distributing all of the information to each member of the group. It is the responsibility of the group organizer to make sure that each person traveling to the hut returns a completed Waiver and Release form to 10th Mountain. Group Leaders: Due to an increase in members of groups not paying for hut nights or signing releases, additional responsibility and liability is being placed on the group leaders. In the Waiver and Release Agreement, group leaders will agree to indemnify 10th Mountain and other hut owners/operators for any liability for injuries, paralysis or death to any member of his/her group that does not sign a Waiver and Release Agreement. In addition, the group leader will be charged for the otherwise unpaid for hut nights. We trust this will encourage all hut users to pay for their nights and sign releases. Since the group organizer may not have the most experience in the backcountry, we suggest that your group discuss how decisions will be made in the field and who will be the leader, particularly if problems arise.

Step 4: Reserve your trip.

Now you are ready to book your trip. See How to Make a Reservation, on the menu above, for more details.

Step 5: Purchase topographic maps.

If you have not already purchased maps when planning your trip, make sure that you get the appropriate maps and study them with your group before you depart for your trip. The overview map, brochure map, and example maps included in this website are intended as an aid for trip planning only and are not to be used for navigation. People who have had to spend an unplanned night out, or who were unable to locate a hut, most often were using an inadequate map, lacked route-finding skills, or got a late start. Though useful in trip planning, please do not mistake our brochure for a topographic map or attempt to use it to navigate to a hut.

Step 6: Prepare If you are not experienced.

Take some backcountry ski day trips to get in shape and become familiar with the equipment. The first day of your hut trip is not the right day to try out new equipment! Study the maps. Decide which trailheads and routes you will use. Evaluate car shuttle requirements, if necessary. Discuss what your group will do if there is an emergency at the hut or on the trail. As part of your emergency preparation, we suggest that each member of your group purchase a Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search and Rescue (CORSAR) card, available from outdoor retailers and 10th Mountain. Refer to the packing list provided by 10th Mountain and assemble the gear you will need. Plan the menu and shop for food. Before departing, check weather and avalanche reports. Avalanche information numbers are provided in the Avalanche Information section of this site.

Step 7: Return one signed waiver per person to 10th Mountain before departure.

Step 8: Bring your your trip confirmation letter showing your door lock combination(s) with you to the hut.

Getting it in Gear for the Ski season 

Clothing and gear

For road trips especially, I prefer soft luggage I can squish into the nooks and crannies of my Prius. Thule isn’t just a master at helping you haul gear atop your car on a rack. Much to my surprise, they make incredibly smart and rugged luggage. Their Subterra 28” rolling duffel is my new favorite ski bag. It’s literally two bags in one, divided, and they can be separated. That’s optimal if I want to separate my stuff from my son’s. And for just our ski/board apparel, I love Thule’s duffel which also functions as a backpack. As luggage has a tendency expand when on the road, I always travel with an empty duffel like Dakine’s EQ Bag 74L which packs up flat into its end pocket. It’s also ideal for storing laundry on longer trips.

Boot bags

I prefer those with enough room to haul my boots, helmet, gloves, neck gaiter, goggles and everything else I need on the slopes—all in one place. Since my son’s foot is now bigger than mine, I can no longer shove both our stuff in one bag. Thule’s Roundtrip Boot backpack 60L is an ideal choice for him particularly with its backpack functionality and designated spot for boots, googles, helmet and the rest of the essentials. Dakine’s Boot Locker 69L is my pick for this year’s snowboarding boots/gear. SporTube’s Toaster Elite Heated Boot Bag holds two pairs of ski boots and makes getting into them SO much easier, especially with my high arches. The bag’s cord plugs into a wall or car outlet. Your warm piggies will thank you as you step out in the cold morning air. For our other ski boot/gear bag, we like SporTube’s Freerider Padded Gear and Boot Bag which comes in fun patterns and has hideaway backpack straps.

Don’t lose it

As you can see, there’s quite a bit of gear to keep track of, so after an unfortunate drop of a glove from a chairlift or lost neck gaiter on the ski shuttle, I’ve found labeling stuff more than pays for itself. I’ve long been a fan of Mabel’s Label’s which stick on and hold up in the wash on clothing. I put these on every single item we take on the road from socks to helmets, skis, poles—everything. Their Starter Pack is a nice option that offers a ski or snowboard design. All you need is a first name and your mobile number so someone can track you down if they find a trail of your stuff.  My phone has happily rung, reuniting me with a missing item.

A Beginner's Guide to Skiing Powder

The tally of accumulating snow at your favorite resort continues to raise. Snow totals go up and up and up and your heart goes down, down, down despite all your friends' enthusiasm and stoke for fresh tracks. Perhaps you grew up on a coast without much true, dry, fluffy powder (not going to call out which one), or maybe you never had the time, money, or youth to learn how to float through seas of white, as they say. They also say that skiing fields of powder on a bluebird day or while more snow slowly floats to the ground is closer to heaven than most people are lucky to experience.
But how, how can I possibly let loose and surrender to the feeling of suddenly being less proficient at something I thought I was good at? Here are a few tips and tricks for skiing in powder:

GEAR

Fat skis and powder baskets, though the baskets get more flack for not being essential, they really do help when the going gets deep. If you don't happen to have an arsenal of ski choices out in the garage (cause let's be honest, that's expensive!), consider renting some for the day. If the stash is really that epic, it'll be worth the $30-$60 dollars extra. When and if money is tight, your normal skis will do just fine, though it will be more challenging to float on top of the snow than if you had a waist width above 100mm or so. Don't let lacking mm deter you though, shred on!

RELAXATION

Before ever dropping into a run with deep, fresh powder, you're going to want to take a few breaths. Consciously relax your shoulders, because I know they're tensed and hunched up around your helmet's ear flaps. Remember that not everyone can be good at everything, and even if you do take a tumble, you're falling into a soft pillow of clouds. What could inspire more confidence? Although, don't think floppy here; you will still need to maintain a tight core and control in order to navigate the fluff.

PATIENCE

When you muster up the courage to slide into the blanket of snow, you might fall at the outset, and that's fine! Realize that you're fine, it was actually pretty fun to fall, be patient with yourself, and that the rest of the run is waiting for you to try, try again. Powder skiing is very different from the on-piste skiing that we're all used to, and you'll need to slowly test out and master new styles and movements.

SPEED, STANCE, and STYLE

Powder skiing is slower, more graceful, and requires more speed than you would think in order to get moving. Point your skis further downhill than you would think with your skis a little closer together, positioning their surface areas in proximity for maximum surf capacity. One ski one turn! Make sure to rotate your trunk with each turn so that your body and widely-placed hands are always facing down the fall line of the run. With your hands in this more forward, wider position, it's easier to plant your poles before each turn and gives you more lateral balance, all the while helping your weight not fall behind.
To turn, you'll need to amp up your spidey-slope-senses, feeling the natural bumps underneath the snow. These places will naturally push you up, making it easier to stand up and unweight your skis to initiate your next turn. Skiing in powder is more like a dance with the snow than you've ever experienced before, and it's a passive art. Think slower tempo (but fast enough to gain sufficient speed for the conditions), round and natural turns, unweighting when the hill forces you to, and using your body weight and thigh angles to turn rather than forcing a turn on your edges. If you have to take a breather after every turn, look around at the view, think about the incredible day you get to have, and then gear up to try again! Powder skiing isn't rushed, you're just there for the epic experience, so soak it all in.
Good luck out there folks, and we at CSCUSA hope that these tips give you some insight, inspiration, and a little confidence to tackle this long-awaited powder.

How to Wax Your Skis

The first measurable snow of the season made its way through Summit County this past week, dropping more than a foot of snow in some areas and prompting Arapahoe Basin to announce it will open for the first day of the season this Friday, Oct. 18! Get your pass for the first ski day of the season! And now that old man winter is knocking at the door, it’s time to tune up your skis and snowboards in preparation for the fast approaching opening day of Summit County’s ski resorts.
How to Tune Your Own Skis
Sure you could take your skis or snowboard to the local wax shop and have them put a fresh coat of wax on your sticks or plank for you. But why do that when you can do the same thing in the comfort of your own home? Like a fly fisherman who ties his own flies knows, there is a sense of pride that comes with utilizing your own skills to enhance the sports you pursue.
What You’ll Need
A few tools are needed to wax your own skis. These include base cleaner or rubbing alcohol, wax, an iron, and a plastic scraper. When choosing a wax, you can choose from temperature-specific waxes or a universal wax. If you are looking for top performance, pick a temperature-specific wax that will suite the outdoor temperature during the time you plan to ride. I usually use a universal wax as it performs just fine for my needs in nearly all conditions. When choosing an iron, you can buy a waxing iron designed specifically for waxing skis from most ski shops or you can use an old clothes iron. Just be sure to label the old clothes iron so you don’t inadvertently try to use it to iron your favorite shirt! The plastic scraper can again be purchased from most ski shops and they come in all shapes, sizes, and prices.
Getting Started
The first thing you will want to do secure your skis to your workbench. If you are using a ski vise, tighten the vise around the center of the ski or snowboard. If you don’t have a vise, a couple of stacks of books placed under your skis or snowboard at either end of the binding works just fine. When waxing downhill skis, retract the ski brake by depressing the pedal, causing the brake arms to pop up, parallel with the ski. Use a strong rubber band and hook one brake arm and then take the rubber band over the top of the heelpiece of the binding and hook the other arm. This will keep the brakes out of the way while you work.
Clean the Base
Now you’ll want to clean all the old wax as well as any dirt or debris from the base of the ski using a clean rag moistened with rubbing alcohol or base cleaner. Wipe off any visible debris and old wax and allow to dry for around 20 minutes before applying wax.
Apply the Wax
Allow your iron to heat up. The iron should be hot enough to easily melt wax but not so hot that it is smoking. Once the temperature of your iron has stabilized, you can begin to drip wax on your skis or snowboard. Hold the chunk of wax to the iron and allow the melted wax droplets to drip onto the base while holding the iron around 2 to 4 inches above the base. You want to drip enough wax to cover the base of the ski or board almost completely.
Once you have the wax dripped onto the base place the iron on the base of the ski or snowboard and spread the wax over the entire base until a layer of wax coats the entire surface. Just like ironing a shirt, don’t hold the iron in one place for too long as this could case the base to blister. Make sure the wax melts and covers the entire base from edge to edge and tip to tail. If an area is still dry, apply more wax and smooth again.
Once the base is covered in a thin layer of wax allow it to completely cool for about 30 minutes to an hour. Don’t set your skis or snowboard outside to cool as the cold temperatures will push the wax back out of the pores in the base.
Scraping and Buffing
Once the wax has cooled, it’s time to move onto the scraping. Using a plastic scraper, scrape the base from tip to tail, removing excess wax in overlapping and continuous strokes. Continue scrapping until the base is nearly free of visible wax. Wax will remain in the pores of the base of your skis or snowboard.
Make sure to remove all wax from the metal edges of the ski or snowboard completely. Some scrapers have a notch cut into them to help with this process.
Next, buff the bottom of your base by using either a nylon brush or a scouring pad like a Scotch Brite pad.
That’s it! Now you are ready to hit the slopes with your freshly waxed skis or snowboard! Make sure to wear a helmet as you’ll be going much faster now that you can wax your setup anytime you want. 

Holiday Gift Guide for Skiers and Riders

With the holiday season fast approaching, the pressure is on to find the perfect gift for every loved one on your list. If you’re shopping for a skier or snowboarder, you’re in luck. We’ve compiled a list of the best gifts to the give the snow sports enthusiast in your life.

Give the Gift of Skiing or Riding

If you’d like to give your lucky loved one the gift of skiing, there are several Ski Country options to get them on the slopes having the time of their life.

• A Season Ski Pass. With the holidays approaching, many die-hard skiers have already decided on a pass. But if your gift recipient doesn’t have a season pass yet, consider springing for their season lift tickets. Season passes vary in price, and some skiers prefer multi-mountain season passes with more flexibility while others stick to their favorite resort all season. Be sure to check with your skier or snowboarder before you pull the trigger on this gift.
• A Gems Card. This is a great option for any Colorado skier or rider, even if they’ve already purchased a ski pass. A Gems Card provides either two 2-for-1 lift tickets or two 30% off lift tickets at each of the ten Colorado Gems Resorts. Give your loved one the gift of discounted lift tickets at Colorado’s best hidden treasures. And at only $25, this holiday gift is a steal.
• A Skiing or Riding Lesson. Whether your loved one is a beginner or an expert, a child or an adult, professional instruction is the best way to improve your skiing or riding ability. The recipient of this gift will be thrilled for the opportunity to hone their skills and tweak their technique for even better days on the slopes.
• Colorado Ski Country Passport: If your skier or snowboarder is in 5th or 6th Grade, consider the Passport program. 5th graders can enjoy 3 days of skiing at 22 ski areas completely free! Your 6th grader can have 4 days at the same 22 resorts for only $125. You can register until January 31, 2018.

Gear Gifts for Your Skier or Rider

As any passionate skier or rider will tell you, it’s impossible to have too much gear. Ripping the wrapping paper off one of these ski gear choices will warm the heart of anyone ready to hit the slopes.

• Ski Tuning Kit or Ski Tune. Keeping your skis or snowboard in top shape is an essential part of the skiing process. Lakewood, Colorado-based Christy Sports sells the SKS Ski Tuning Kit for do-it-yourself gear maintenance, and offers a 24-hour turnaround policy on in-store ski and snowboard tunes, mounts and boot fittings.
• A Ski Bag or Duffel Bag. Skiers and snowboarders are often struggling to keep up with their all their gear, and leaving something behind can lead to a pricey last-minute purchase or a cold day on the slopes. A ski bag or duffel bag can help keep your snowboard, skis, poles, boots, helmet, gloves, pants, jacket and accessories all in one place.
• Ski Goggles. New ski goggles are a highly-appreciated gear gift that won’t break the bank.  May we recommend a new pair of goggles from Boulder, Colorado-based HEAD?
• Cold-Weather Accessories. While most skiers are stocked up on ski pants and jackets by the holidays, ski accessories can help your loved one stay warm and stylish on the slopes. Denver-based Phunkshun Wear sells headbands, scarves, neck tubes and Ballerclavas® featuring tech applications and USA-milled recycled fiber content.
• Wool Socks. You can never go wrong with a nice, thick pair of wool socks. You can opt for specially-designed ski socks or stick to traditional wool socks, as long as they’re thick enough to keep your Colorado skier’s toes warm in their boots.

Treat Your Loved One to Ski Luxury

Your gift recipient will love the opportunity to kick back and appreciate the finer things in life with these holiday gifts.

• A Weekend Getaway to a Colorado ski resort. While day-tripping, car-camping and “roughing it” can be fun for a ski bum, nothing compares to a weekend stay at a Colorado ski resort. Surprise your loved one with a reservation for a weekend of ski-in ski-out luxury at one of our member resorts.
• A Post-Skiing Massage. Nothing eases the body and mind, alleviates aches and pains and caps off a day of skiing quite like a massage. Watch your skier’s eyes light up when they open this ticket to a day of pampering and luxury. 
• Extreme Skiing in Style. While Colorado’s world-class lift-served terrain is enough to keep any skier or rider happy, there’s no adrenaline rush quite like backcountry snow cat and heli-skiing. Treat your holiday gift recipient to the rare opportunity to ski or ride terrain off the beaten path.

Don’t Let Ski Slang Get The Best of You This Winter

Ski season has long-ago begun for some, and they’re stoked about shredding gnarly fresh pow lines or stomping sick new tricks with their park rat bros when the light’s a little flat and the snow slushes like mashed potatoes. For others, ski season can take its slow time and give a little snow here for Thanksgiving and a little snow there for Christmas, and leave us with blue bird afternoon cruiser runs the rest of the season. Regardless of which camp you ski in, ski jargon is a language unto itself that has developed alongside the onslaught of seasoned ski bums, new technology, and visiting tourists alike. It would seem like a perfect time for a quick run-down of some of the terms you might hear out there this season.
Après-ski: (ä-ˌprā-ˈskē) noun
    Literally means after-ski. The much anticipated celebratory post-ski day party at any base resort, restaurant, or bar where thawing bodies find themselves shooting pool and reminiscing on the turns they made on the slopes that day.
Bombing/bomb: (freshiesbäm) verb/noun
    To bomb as a noun (apart from when ski patrol lobs avalanche/avy bombs to keep skiers safe) is to ski or snowboard at a very rapid pace down a run, usually without turning, and often done in order to catch a few more lifts before the day ends.
Bony: (bō-nē) adjective
    Usually refers to spring or early season skiing when rocks and tree stumps protrude from minimal snow cover, endangering your head, your bodily health, and above all, the base of your skis.
Brain bucket: (brān ˈbə-kət) noun
    This is your helmet: wear it.
Bumps: (bəmps) noun
    Moguls. Those pesky mounds of pushed-up snow that make you feel like you’re really making it out there for about three turns before the rogue one pushes you over too soon and you quickly lose balance and/or coordination and your form disintegrates into you looking more like a limp noodle. At least that’s my experience.
Chatter: (cha-tər) noun/verb
           This is when snow cookies, or those round hardened marbles of snow, ice, and knee pain roll under your skis as you turn and cause the boards to quite literally chatter, sending earth-quaking vibrations up through your shred-weary bones.
Dirtbag: (dərt-ˌbag) noun
    A person who typically loves skiing more than anything or anyone else in life and will put it on the highest pedestal, to the point of living on couches or out of renovated vans in order to best maximize ski time. Admit it, we’ve all considered it at one point, even if as a distinctly impossible yet dreamy option.
Face shot: (fās shät) noun
    When the new snow is so light, delicious, and fluffy that it sprays up into your face every time you make a turn. Frequently, this type of snow will make it the best ski day of your life.
Flat: (flat) adjective
    This typically refers to low quality of light on the slopes, when everything morphs into a similar shade of grey and all the bumps and divots in the snow mysteriously disappear. Slightly dangerous and highly annoying. Antonym: high light, much preferable.
Freshy: (ˈfreshē, -shi) noun
    Also used in the phrase: fresh tracks. This is the glorious time when you are the first to ski a run and your tracks are the first and only on the new dumping of powder. Many wake up at unimaginable times of the morning to obtain these medallions of glory. Frequently associated with face shots.
Gaper/Gaper gap: (gā-pər , sometimesˈga-pər) adjective/noun
    Commonly someone who is new to skiing and unknowingly makes it clear with wardrobe selections and various mannerisms at the base area. Gaper gap refers to the inch or two of exposed and chilly forehead between the bottom of the helmet and those ten-year old pair of Scott goggles (not brand-specific). To be remedied by pushing the two back into unison, for style and also for a significantly warmer face.
Gnar: (när) adjective/noun
    Short for gnarly. Usually in reference to a difficult, beautiful, powdery run. I.e.: ‘shred the gnar,’ or ‘that was gnarly.’ Synonyms: sick, rad, radical, sweet.
Jibber/park rat: (jib-bər) noun
    Someone who spends the majority of their resort time in the park, jibbing (riding) rails and sending (jumping) jumps. Often a rival of the lovers of backcountry or in-resort powder skiing.
Liftie: (lift-ē) noun
    The gloriously kind people who run the lifts from open till close and help with all the caught tips, stuck poles, and general disarray surrounding loading and unloading the lifts. Thank them when you get the chance.
Line: (līn) noun
    The route that a skier elects to take down a run. Usually in reference to a meticulously planned-out big mountain path that involves trees, cliffs, and freshies (see above) to have the gnarliest (see above) run of the day.
Mashed Potatoes: (mashd pə-ˈtā-(ˌ)tō) noun/adjective
    This is the snow that literally feels like what you would imagine skiing on mashed potatoes feels like: sticky, goopy, and throws you off balance every time you enter another patch of it. A speed demon’s nemesis.
Pow: (pau̇) noun
    Powder, the glorious white fluffy snow that cold, dry nights often bring. An overnight Christmas miracle met with cries of joy, early morning departures, and too much coffee.
Ripper (Antonym: gaper) (ri-pər) adjective/noun
    AKA shredder. A person who is a very skilled skier and bombs (see above) their lines (see above) flawlessly. Generally a beautiful sight to witness.
Sick: (sik) adjective
    See: gnar
Six Pack (siks pak) noun
    Another way to refer to a lift that holds six people.
Snow snake (snō-snāk) noun
    Those pesky, invisible snow monsters that grab your skis in the middle of a run and cause havoc for your previously beautiful line. Usually results in some sort of small crash or embarrassing, out-of-nowhere leg wobble. See: yard sale.
Stomp (stämp, stȯmp ) verb
    To stomp a line or a trick is to execute it without flaw and to have everything go to plan.
Switch (swich) verb
    To ski or ride backwards, typically used by park rats to describe how they begin or end a trick.
Yard Sale (yard-sāl) verb
    When a skier crashes and their gear scatters across the hill: poles, probably a glove, usually both skis, hopefully not a helmet. Please, stop and help this person out of their embarrassment and into either their gear or safety.

How to find mountain biking trails near me / MTB Project

For awhile now, I have been traveling with my mountain bike for work. While it can be an awesome experience that forces me to try out new trails, it is a little stressful trying to find where those trails are and which routes I should take. So how do I find mountain biking trails near me? Ironically enough, Google Trends even ranks “how to find mountain bike trails near me” as one of the most searched for terms in mountain biking. We aren’t alone in the search and there is an actual solution that is easy to use.

How to find mountain biking trails near me / MTB Project

I hit up MTB Project. MTB Project (part of the REI Co-Op) has a web and mobile app that will show you the trails near you, the trail map, suggested routes by other members and photos that will make it so that your first visit is like you have ridden there for years. One of the additional benefits is that it is updated constantly.
When I was in Tupelo, MS a couple of weeks ago, there was a trail that I was looking at trying and after hitting up MTB Project…I found out it was ruined by a tornado last year through the user reviews and there were even pictures included that verified the results.
How many times have you asked yourself this exact question? How do I find a mountain biking trail near me?
If you are anything like I am…it is a lot and we need resources like this to allow us to ride more trails and enjoy this sport. Download the app…check out your favorite mountain biking trails…leave a review or pictures…add to the cause. You never know when another mountain biker is going to need whatever content you share.

The Best Early Season Ski Runs

Skiing during the early season is great to help get you out on the slopes and to get your ski legs ready for the inevitable powder days to come. Finding the best runs this early in the season can be a daunting task, as most resorts only have a few runs open and they typically get skied off within minutes of opening. While we all wait for Old Man Winter to provide enough snow to open the rest of the terrain at the ski resorts, here are Summit Mountain Rentals' suggestions for getting some early season turns!
Get There Early
Just like on a powder day, the early bird gets the best turns! While nothing beats getting the first turns on a powder day, during the early ski season the best turns are had early in the morning while last night’s groom is still fresh on the run. If you can get to the lifts before the rest of the crowd, you can get first laps on the fresh groom track, which can be just as satisfying as getting first tracks on a powder day. Going early also allows you to get a good ski day in before afternoon when the runs typically get icy and scraped off.
Where to ski
While you won’t have a great selection of runs that will be open during the early season, every resort is open in Summit County thanks to a couple of early snow storms and the snowmaking crews at each resort. The hard decision will be which resort to ski at and not so much which run to ski.
Breckenridge
If you choose to ski Breckenridge, you can choose between three or four full runs currently. Check all of the runs that are currently open by clicking here. One of my favorite runs to ski early season at Breckenridge is Northstar. This run swings you to the north of the Rocky Mountain Superchair. The reason this run is a favorite is because it is a wide open blue run that allows you to make big sweeping turns to test out your ski legs. Another reason this run is a favorite is the view from the top of the run. You can look out over Breckenridge to get the view of one of Colorado’s most historic towns while checking out some of the massive peaks that surround the town.
Keystone
Keystone is a great place to ski early season as it offers a few great options for beginners and experienced skiers alike. While you won’t find many black runs open this time of year, you will find a few blue runs open at Keystone as well as a number of green runs. If you are just learning how to ski, early season at Keystone is one of the best options in Summit County. For the beginner I recommend Schoolmarm. The upper and lower sections of this famous run are mild and long, providing ample time on skis for beginners to learn and practice their turns. For the more experienced skier, Spring Dipper is a great early season blue run that is steep enough to gain a little speed and check out the edges of your skis. Stay up to date on everything that is open and groomed at Keystone by clicking here.
Arapahoe Basin
Arapahoe Basin is typically the first ski resort to open in the state, which allows them to open more terrain sooner than many of the surrounding ski resorts. While the bottom half of the mountain is short and sweet, the top and the bottom combined offer a long and open run perfect for practicing some early season turns. The earliest run to open from top to bottom is Lenawee Face to Dercum’s Gulch. These two runs allow you to get the high-alpine skiing experience that A-Basin is famous for while staying on groomed blue trails. A-Basin is planning to open new expert terrain this year called The Beavers and Steep Gullies. Check out the map of the resort to see where this new terrain will open! Find the status of all of the terrain currently open by following this link.
Copper Mountain
Copper Mountain is the last resort in Summit County with early season skiing options. Just past the Frisco exits, this resort is a locals’ favorite. If you’re looking to get some turns at Copper, I recommend checking out Main Vein. This blue is a great run to cut your teeth on if you are looking to get off the greens and on to some more difficult runs. Check the status of all of the open lifts and terrain at Copper Mountain by clicking here.
While the options you have for ski runs are limited this early in the season, it is never too early to get out there and start building your ski legs. The Colorado ski season will be in full swing soon enough and you will want to be ready for when the resorts start dropping ropes and opening up more terrain. Make sure to do your snow dances in hopes of bringing some great early season storms before the holidays.

Having Trouble With Altitude Sickness? Big Air O2 Has The Answer!

Having Trouble With Altitude Sickness? Big Air O2 Has The Answer!

Feeling dizzy? Lightheaded? Maybe a little nauseous? Out of breath after minimal physical exertion? You maybe be dealing with altitude sickness.Altitude sickness is a very real ailment and is nothing to be ashamed of. The Town of Breckenridge at 9,600 feet above sea level, meaning that when you get into town you are almost twice as high as Denver! Way up here in the Rocky Mountains our air is a bit thinner, and we have a bit less oxygen available to fuel our active bodies.   The effects of high altitude can vary somewhat between individuals and some may only notice minimal symptoms or even none at all! Regardless of your individual fitness level and age, altitude sickness can affect anyone and even seem random at times.The symptoms of altitude sickness are generally fairly mild. Individuals may experience shortness of breath, headache, loss of appetite, and possibly a bit of nausea. If you don’t feel any of those effects, you may find yourself a bit more out of breath after a flight of stairs or a brisk walk down the street. But don’t worry, these symptoms can be easily remedied with just a few helpful tips!

OxygenThe main cause of altitude sickness symptoms can usually be attributed to lack of oxygen. When you arrive in Breckenridge at 9,600 feet above sea level, your body is still trying to function with the same oxygen levels you are accustomed to at home. The quickest and most effective method for alleviating altitude sickness symptoms is to simply provide your body with the oxygen it’s craving! Even as little as a 15 minute oxygen treatment generally provides relief from any altitude sickness you may be experiencing.

This sounds fantastic! How do I get oxygen? Do I need a prescription?Nobody wants to put a damper on their vacation with a stop at the doctor, and guess what? You don’t have to! Big Air O2, the leading oxygen provider in Breckenridge, provides top-notch service while serving customers all throughout the Rocky Mountains. The best part? Big Air O2 delivers! How’s that for service!  Open from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM, 7 days a week, Big Air O2 offers portable Oxygen Canisters, Oxygen Concentrator Machines optimized for maximum performance even over 13,000 feet, and even Mobile Oxygen Bars for your next party or event. Because Big Air O2 is a non-medical company, you don’t even need a prescription to rent oxygen. While they do not accept insurance, many of Big Air O2’s clients submit their receipts to their insurance to receive reimbursement. Don’t forget to Save 10% with Big Air O2 just by mentioning you are a SkyRun guest! Call today to schedule your oxygen delivery!

Big Air O2 – Oxygen Delivery and Portable Oxygen
Phone~ 970.485.1930
Web~ BigAirO2.com 
Water, Lots of Water! Hydration is key when it comes to avoiding altitude sickness or alleviating your symptoms. At high altitude, your body will have a bit more difficulty retaining water and maintaining adequate hydration levels. Even being slightly dehydrated can exacerbate altitude sickness symptoms. Remember to drink water frequently throughout your visit in Breckenridge. Start your morning with a large glass of water followed by several more throughout the day. Not thirsty? Toss back an ice-cold glass of water anyways, your body will thank you!

Limit Your Booze, or You’re Guaranteed to LoseOf course you’re going to want to kick back, relax, and enjoy a few drinks. You’re on vacation, that’s what you’re supposed to do! We know it can be tempting to throw caution to the wind and party like its 1999, but don’t be afraid throw a glass of water in the mix. A bottle of Gatorade or other hydrating sports drink wouldn’t hurt either.   Trust us, it’s A LOT more fun to make it out on the slopes than to spend a day on the couch with a debilitating hangover!

Mountain Checklist: Get up, Get ready and get in the zone

How do you prepare yourself for an awesome day on the mountain?

I learned many years ago that the best days on the mountain starts with good preparation. Following the weather patterns, terrain status, dialing in all the details and getting in the zone before you hit the slopes will keep you happy and set you up to make the most out of any situation. With this in mind, I decided to create a mountain checklist with all my favorite tips to get ready and explore your favorite spots. Customize these essentials to create your own routine, maximize your ski time and make the most of any day on the mountain.

 Weather Check

Take a look at the weather and consider all the elements. Check the temperature, wind speed, visibility and snow conditions to fine-tune your layering system, choose the right google lenses and the right ski or board for the day. The weather is constantly changing in the mountains so keep close tabs on any shifts to adjust your gear accordingly. Remember that the temperature is often much colder as you gain elevation and if you plan on spending time above tree line add an extra layer and a face mask to protect yourself from the wind.

Mountain Cam & Snow Report

Check out the morning snow report and take a look at the live mountain cams too. This will give you a real time look at visibility and conditions. One of my favorite resources is the Snow Stake Cam with a 24 hour video feed. The time stamp makes it especially useful to figure out if most of the snow fell yesterday while the lifts were still turning or overnight. New snow is always good snow but understanding the report keeps you informed on what to expect when you show up to the mountain.

Gear Check

No one likes to start their day with a gear malfunction. Take a few minutes to set out your mountain essentials for the day with lots of layer options. I always do a head-to-toe scan to make sure I am not missing anything including my season pass! Take a good look at your skis, snowboard, bindings and boots to make su

re there are not any missing pieces or loose parts. Keep everything tuned up and tight to avoid adjustments once you hit the mountain.

Terrain Status

Each day is unique on the mountain. The lower elevation terrain always opens first and the upper mountain lifts will open once ski patrol has finished up snow safety checks and inspections. Many of the lifts on peak 8 have signs at the top and bottom to keep you informed on the status of the T-Bar, Chair 6 and the Imperial Super Chair. If you want to get on steeper terrain first thing in the morning, check out peak 10 or peak 6.

Morning Routine

Wake up early. Start the day with a healthy breakfast and lots of water to stay hydrated and energized all day long. Carve out 10-15 minutes for a short yoga practice or stretch session to improve mobility, reaction time and presence once you arrive at the mountain. Turn on your favorite song, or ski/snowboard movie to get in the zone and get excited to make the most of your time in the mountains. Run through your mountain checklist one more time before heading out the door for first chair and first tracks.

How to Wax Your Skis and Snowboard

The first measurable snow of the season made its way through Summit County this past week, dropping more than a foot of snow in some areas and prompting Arapahoe Basin to announce it will open for the first day of the season this Friday, Oct. 19! Get your pass for the first ski day of the season! And now that old man winter is knocking at the door, it’s time to tune up your skis and snowboards in preparation for the fast approaching opening day of Summit County’s ski resorts.
How to Tune Your Own Skis
Sure you could take your skis or snowboard to the local wax shop and have them put a fresh coat of wax on your sticks or plank for you. But why do that when you can do the same thing in the comfort of your own home? Like a fly fisherman who ties his own flies knows, there is a sense of pride that comes with utilizing your own skills to enhance the sports you pursue.
What You’ll Need
A few tools are needed to wax your own skis. These include base cleaner or rubbing alcohol, wax, an iron, and a plastic scraper. When choosing a wax, you can choose from temperature-specific waxes or a universal wax. If you are looking for top performance, pick a temperature-specific wax that will suite the outdoor temperature during the time you plan to ride. I usually use a universal wax as it performs just fine for my needs in nearly all conditions. When choosing an iron, you can buy a waxing iron designed specifically for waxing skis from most ski shops or you can use an old clothes iron. Just be sure to label the old clothes iron so you don’t inadvertently try to use it to iron your favorite shirt! The plastic scraper can again be purchased from most ski shops and they come in all shapes, sizes, and prices.
Getting Started
The first thing you will want to do secure your skis to your workbench. If you are using a ski vise, tighten the vise around the center of the ski or snowboard. If you don’t have a vise, a couple of stacks of books placed under your skis or snowboard at either end of the binding works just fine. When waxing downhill skis, retract the ski brake by depressing the pedal, causing the brake arms to pop up, parallel with the ski. Use a strong rubber band and hook one brake arm and then take the rubber band over the top of the heelpiece of the binding and hook the other arm. This will keep the brakes out of the way while you work.
Clean the Base
Now you’ll want to clean all the old wax as well as any dirt or debris from the base of the ski using a clean rag moistened with rubbing alcohol or base cleaner. Wipe off any visible debris and old wax and allow to dry for around 20 minutes before applying wax.
Apply the Wax
Allow your iron to heat up. The iron should be hot enough to easily melt wax but not so hot that it is smoking. Once the temperature of your iron has stabilized, you can begin to drip wax on your skis or snowboard. Hold the chunk of wax to the iron and allow the melted wax droplets to drip onto the base while holding the iron around 2 to 4 inches above the base. You want to drip enough wax to cover the base of the ski or board almost completely.
Once you have the wax dripped onto the base place the iron on the base of the ski or snowboard and spread the wax over the entire base until a layer of wax coats the entire surface. Just like ironing a shirt, don’t hold the iron in one place for too long as this could case the base to blister. Make sure the wax melts and covers the entire base from edge to edge and tip to tail. If an area is still dry, apply more wax and smooth again.
Once the base is covered in a thin layer of wax allow it to completely cool for about 30 minutes to an hour. Don’t set your skis or snowboard outside to cool as the cold temperatures will push the wax back out of the pores in the base.
Scraping and Buffing
Once the wax has cooled, it’s time to move onto the scraping. Using a plastic scraper, scrape the base from tip to tail, removing excess wax in overlapping and continuous strokes. Continue scrapping until the base is nearly free of visible wax. Wax will remain in the pores of the base of your skis or snowboard.
Make sure to remove all wax from the metal edges of the ski or snowboard completely. Some scrapers have a notch cut into them to help with this process.
Next, buff the bottom of your base by using either a nylon brush or a scouring pad like a Scotch Brite pad.
That’s it! Now you are ready to hit the slopes with your freshly waxed skis or snowboard! Make sure to wear a helmet as you’ll be going much faster now that you can wax your setup anytime you want. 

All About DIN 

It seems like there is nothing more humiliating than hearing, “Yard sale!” from the lift as you tumble down the mountain, skis and poles flying in every direction.  But, if you fail to release properly from your skis, the same fall could result in an even more humiliating trip via ski patrol sled. The difference comes down to the DIN setting of your binding.

That setting is the number a ski shop figures out after you lie about your weight, your height and your skier ability. But really, it’s two calculated numbers that signify how much forward falling force and twisting force will release you from your bindings. Besides weight, height and skiing ability, the number is based on your age and boot-sole length.
But besides being just a number you see on your bindings, what does it really mean and how does that translate to when you’re on the slopes?
DIN (Deutsches Institut für Normung) a German institute for standardization, originally set the standards, and, currently, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) publishes the information.
“It puts it into black and white, for all manufacturers, what the loads are and the tolerance of the loads at which the bindings have to release at to pass safety standards,” says Cameron Shute, G3’s senior product development engineer.
It’s that safety aspect that pushes most skiers to a qualified ski shop in order to have bindings set correctly.
“Ski shops have the equipment to test that your binding is working correctly,” says Geoff Curtis, Marker’s marketing vice president.
A chart matches your height and weight with a release code, a letter A through O. The code is then adjusted for skier type (a higher DIN for a more advanced skier) and age (a lower setting if the skier is younger than 9 or older than 50 to accommodate the higher risk of tibia fractures in these two age groups).
Ski shop employees and other trained ski-industry pros ensure that your bindings will release with the appropriate amount of torque. Erik Anderson, winter sports sales director for Atomic and Salomon, says you should buy bindings that correspond with your skill level and aggressiveness.
“Some bindings are designed primarily with release in mind, while others are designed more for retention,” he says.
But it’s not just a set-it-and-forget-it scenario.

“If anything about the parameters of height, weight, or boot length change, you will want to have [your bindings] re-evaluated,” Curtis says.
There is not much wiggle room—only 10 percent of the setting—which is equivalent to the average man twisting out of his binding .134 mph faster or slower.
“It’s very specific,” says Anderson. “Within a setting, we expect the boot sole to release within a certain torque range.”
The average beginner male will release from his bindings at a DIN setting of 6 or between 194 to 271 Nm of torque, while the average advanced male will release from his bindings at a setting of 8.5 between 271 and 380 Nm.
And though the majority of tech bindings aren’t DIN certified, there’s not much difference in when they release. Alpine and tech bindings should release at the same load if they have the same DIN (or DIN-equivalent) setting, but alpine bindings have a higher capacity to absorb energy, Shute says. They are built for hard snow at resorts, whereas tech bindings are built for light, backcountry powder.
“When the snow is soft, the binding helps absorb energy,” Shute says. “So you can get away with a lower release setting.”
But take into account: if you’re carrying a backpack, you may need a higher DIN setting. Those snacks, that shovel, probe, and beacon count as part of your weight.  
Overall, to save yourself from that toboggan ride or a fractured shinbone, make sure your bindings are set correctly.

Snacks on the Slopes

Kid-friendly bites are key to parents’ mountainside sanity

Any parent knows the trick to having a successful day with kids on the slopes means so much more than simply enjoying good snow conditions. It also means choosing the right gear and clothing so the children stay warm throughout the day. It means stashing sufficient tissues in pockets to avert the ever-present, cold-weather sniffles. It means keeping the entire family hydrated. And it most certainly means organizing a solid stockpile of snacks to keep the “hangries” at bay.
Well "duh," you may say. But unless you’ve actually skied with kids, you can’t appreciate how frustrating it is to bundle up a miniature, mulish human being for a day on the slopes, only to be thwarted by their cries for hunger after a couple of ski runs.
And it can’t just be any snack; it has to withstand the rigors of being shoved into a backpack or coat pocket throughout the day in freezing climes. In other words, slopeside snacks can’t be easily smooshed to oblivion—surely making it inedible to our tiny tyrants—or frozen by sub-zero temperatures, literally rendering it inedible.
So what DOESN’T work? Sandwiches get a thumbs down in my family because they often turn into mush halfway through the day, particularly peanut butter and jelly (my personal favorite). Same goes for chips and crackers. Also avoid super-chewy protein bars that can transform into ice cubes in cold-weather scenarios. Oh, and don’t forget to bring a variety of options, since there’s no guarantee the child will continue to like the same food he devoured only the day before.
My go-to ski snacks include string cheese, granola bars and soft protein bars—think Luna Bar and Clif Bar brands—and energy chews like my boys’ favorite, Honey Stinger Energy Chews (especially grapefruit). Other family favorites, according to a random social-media survey of local skiing and snowboarding moms, include beef or turkey jerky; trail mix, for kids who will or can eat nuts; and squeezable fruit pouches.
Here are some of the more unique responses from my (very unscientific) survey:
Katy Ferrero, Colorado
“We baggy up leftover Halloween candy and dole it out through the ski season. They kind of freeze, but that’s what makes them so good. Also chocolate-covered pretzels, applesauce pouches, crunchy granola bars and clementines. All small enough to fit inside pockets or in (my husband’s) backpack.”
Tracy Grooms, Nebraska
“Protein balls, made with peanut butter, oats, protein powder, chocolate chips and other goodies. They are great cold so they would keep well on the slopes.”
Erika Brandstatter, Colorado
“Quaker maple brown sugar instant-oatmeal packets. No water needed: Just rip the corner and pour in your mouth. Bottom is the best—where all the sugar settles.”
Sarah Welle, Colorado
“Bubba’s Fine Foods snack mix, banana chips and nuts but flavored exactly like Chex mix; Wilde bars, beef- and turkey-jerky type bars); and Soul Sprout bars, nuts and dried fruit, like healthy granola bars.”

Too tired to give ski snacks much thought? Then leave it to it to the snack-subscription professionals like Graze, a snack-box guru sending monthly installments of unique servings of dried fruit, protein bars and nut combinations. Or opt for Trailfoody, offering snacks for adventurers, from “The Wanderer,” perfect for one person who hits the trails once or twice per month to “The Family Pack,” enough for one family adventure per month. Customers also receive a reusable snack bag to stash their supply, ranging from protein bars to popcorn, trail mixes and protein sticks.

Ten People you Meet on the Chairlift

At its core, skiing is a solitary experience. Even if you're up there with friends or family, it's basically just you, your skills and the mountain until you reach the bottom.
The chairlift, however, is the great equalizer. You meet new people, have your few minutes of conversation and go on your way. It's where black diamond rippers meet newbies who barely know how to get off the lift.
At risk of over-generalizing, we've put together a list of the different types of skiers and snowboarders you meet on the chairlift at a Colorado Ski Country USA resort. For expediency, we've described them as "he" but of course you'll meet plenty of folks of both genders on the lift.

The retiree

He worked and saved for 40 years to live near his favorite ski area and makes the most of it. He's in the parking lot by 7 a.m. to get a close spot, getting dressed in the warmth of the lodge for an hour while sipping coffee and on the lift by 9:05. And he's on the way home by 1 because, as they say, "Old skiers don't die. They just go downhill really fast."
Telltale sign: Has way more days on the mountain than you.

The ski bum

Skiing and a full-time job are often at-odds with each other, and the ski bum embraces this. He works all summer to save money for winter, spends hours looking at weather forecasts and if his local resort doesn't have the good snow, he'll travel to one that does.  When the tourists are shelling out big bucks for lunch, the ski bum - if he stops for lunch at all - can usually be found in a corner of the lodge or warming hut scarfing down a pocket sandwich.
Telltale sign: A $1,500 set of skis attached to the top of a $500 car.

The ultra-local

This is his mountain and he wants you to know it. He knows the name of every run and the exact snowfall amount the resort has received in every storm. He also knows where the best powder stashes are, but if you think he's going to tell you, forget about it, bro.
Telltale sign: Has to be off the mountain by 2 for his shift as a waiter, bartender or dishwasher.

The ripper

He feels the need, the need for speed. He skis alone and waits for nobody in the quest to stack up vertical feet on his iPhone app. He may spend the entire lift ride scouting on his next line and telling you about it.
Telltale sign: Does two runs for every one you do.

The Texan

Everything may be bigger in Texas, but Colorado has the better skiing, so they flock here, especially around Christmas and spring break. They only ski a week a year and spend the first day shivering and remembering how to ski, the second day ripping groomers, the third day reminding themselves they don't know how to ski double-diamonds, the fourth day at the bar and the fifth day shredding like a pro. They have 360 days to forget it all before the next trip.
Telltale sign: Is at the bar by 11 because his blue jeans are soaked.

The Front Ranger

He woke up at 4 a.m. in Denver to beat the traffic and even if it's not a powder day, he's just glad to be out of the city and up in the beautiful mountains. He's in line for first chair and skis hard until lunch, when he's back on the road to again beat the traffic. When it's an epic powder day, he might not be able to make it to work because of snow but has no problem getting to Loveland, Arapahoe Basin or Winter Park.
Telltale sign: Talks wistfully about moving to the mountains from the city, if only he could find a well-paying job.

The little shredder

Many of us weren't lucky enough to be born near a ski area, but this kid has been on skis practically since birth. Muscle movements that may always seem awkward to the late-learner come natural to this kid, who may be competing in the Olympics by the time he's your age.
Telltale sign: No parents in sight. He's that good already.

The harried parent

Skiing can be a great way for families to spend time together, but you wouldn't know it by the look in this parent's eyes as he carries three pairs of skis, two backpacks and a massive cooler. The kids may be crying because it's cold but the parent urges them on mercilessly, often making two or three trips back to the car because someone forgot their gloves. But it'll be worth it someday when the kids are old enough to get their Colorado Ski Country USA Passport and can ski on their own, which means so can mom and dad.
Telltale sign: Can be overheard pleading with kids to hurry up "because we're going to miss the powder."

The newbie

We all had to learn to ski or ride sometime, and this ski school student who has finally been turned loose by the instructor may be full of questions. Where are the easiest runs? How do I get back to the base? What the heck are these poles for? Avoid the temptation to be snide or mock the newbie. After all, the future of our sport means attracting new skiers all the time.
Telltale sign: Asks which direction you're headed off the lift and gets scared if you're going the same way and takes you all down while getting off anyway.

The spring breaker

While college students in northern states are sick of winter by March and head south, the opposite is true for many at southern schools. And since Colorado is known for its great spring snow, many head here for a week of partying and maybe a little skiing. The spring breaker will often drink too much at high altitude and realize that skiing with a hangover is no fun. But he does it anyway because, well, "SPRING BREAK!!!!!!"
Telltale sign: His skin begins to turn blue on the lift because he's skiing in shorts and a t-shirt and didn't realize it's much colder on top of the mountain than at the base.

What You Need to Know About Opioids (Preferably, Before You’re In The Hospital)

• Victims of traumatic injury are at greater than normal risk for opioid addiction.
• Initiates of opioid misuse who progress to injection frequently cite prescription of an opioid for an injury as their first exposure to opioid, and the event that led to their eventual addiction.

If you’ve been in this sport for a while, you almost certainly know someone who ended up battling opioid addiction for precisely that reason. And, if you’re in a hospital bed with a ‘fun button’ under your thumb the first time you think about opioids, you might be in for a rough ride.
It was next to just such a hospital bed, after a very bad couple of days, that I first heard about the STOMP study. (“STOMP” stands for the Screening in Trauma for Opioid Misuse Prevention.) The three-year study, based at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, draws on expertise in Addiction Medicine, Trauma Surgery, Public Health, Systems Engineering, Social Work, Pain Medicine, and Primary Care. The goal: to improve medicine’s understanding of opioid misuse and the development of addiction specifically in the context of traumatic injury (Ding! Ding! Ding!) and pain management. Ultimately, its goal is to develop protocols which will intervene early in the process to prevent opioid misuse, addiction and related complications.
The STOMP program is hope on the horizon. I reached out to the program’s Principal Investigator, Randall Brown, MD, PhD, FASAM, to get a little wisdom for those of us tossing ourselves into harm’s way.
Annette: How’d you become interested in pain medicine?
Dr. Brown: I did my initial training in family medicine in California’s central valley, in a town called Modesto. At the time I was doing my training, the area was producing 90% of North America’s methamphetamines -- and consuming a fair chunk of it, as well.
In hospital, we saw a ton of complications resulting from injections, methamphetamine use, and the struggles in that population -- where, despite having a horrifically painful surgeries and hospital stays, would reliably leave the hospital and resume their use.
It made a deep impression on me. For someone to go through the pain these patients went through and return to the use so immediately, this addiction thing must be a pretty compelling state of affairs, and I don’t think the health care system, in general terms and settings, is adequately prepared to facilitate recovery from addiction. I found that troubling and fascinating, and so I pursued further training and gradually moved my focus from broader family medicine to substance use issues, prevention and treatment.
I came to Madison in 2001 to do a research fellowship. I have been here involved in that sort of work to some extent for 17 years now.
A: What changes have you seen in the field over that 17-year period?
Dr.: In brief, the opioid crisis the biggest thing that has emerged since I’ve been doing this. Opioids are a much bigger deal than they were when I started on this path. Substance use issues have always been a major problem -- and, currently, substance misuse is the most common root cause of preventable death and morbidity in the US. It shifts from time to time, but it is always there: whether it is alcohol, which is always there, or methamphetamines, or opioids, which picked up steam in the 90s. Opioids have really skyrocketed over the last 15 years.
A: How did opioids rise to power, would you say?
Dr.: The literature guiding pain treatment in the 90s evolved over a landscape of imperfect science. The message that experts in pain management were putting out there back then -- with fair frequency -- was that “we are not treating pain adequately.” They specifically meant chronic, non-cancer pain. The literature out there in the 90s insisted that we should be using opioids more liberally to alleviate that suffering. The literature insisted that addiction was rare; that complications were rare. Honestly, we didn’t really know otherwise. There really weren’t data out there to tell us that wasn’t the right thing to do, and it seemed like the right thing to do -- to alleviate pain and suffering.
The other thing that was put out there via the literature was that opioids don’t really cause any organ damage, so there wasn’t a clear ceiling to the daily dose. Again, we didn’t really have data in the literature to tell us otherwise.
Around 2009 and 2010, the state of science started changing a little bit. We did have studies appearing in the literature indicating that these higher doses were associated with greater risks, particularly for overdose and death. That’s where there really started to be a sea change around prescribing patterns; trying to rein in those daily doses; trying to bring them down to less risky levels.
On the flipside of that, from the public health standpoint, while it’s a smart move to reduce the absolute supply of opioids out there, the tricky piece is doing that in a reasonable and compassionate way, not cutting people off or assuming that these dosage recommendations are a hard ceiling for everybody. Opioids are still really important medications. They aren’t going to -- and they shouldn’t -- go away. We just need to be more mindful about monitoring their use, and educating patients about how to handle of them, to dispose of them appropriately if they aren’t using them.
A: Can you summarize the STOMP study for me?
Dr: STOMP recruits UW hospital patients who have been admitted for a traumatic injury. We collect information from them about their medical history, their personal history and their mental health. We then follow them forward for six months after discharge to collect further information that measures around mental health symptoms, anxiety, post-traumatic symptoms that may have developed as a result of the injury, information around their current opioid and other substance use patterns.
We are trying to tease the data apart to see if there is some way that, all the way back to the time of injury, we can identify some factors that are strongly predictive of someone developing difficulty controlling their use of opioids.
A: Let’s talk about my community: the “skyfamily” of airsports athletes. A lot of us are highly mobile, without an established healthcare provider, and a lot of us get injured when we’re traveling. Oftentimes, we’ll find ourselves inured far from home, where there the standards of medical care may be very different than we’re used to. Where would you suggest that folks go if they’re in that position and they need good information?
Dr: That’s a really great question. Honestly, when we were putting this study together, STOMP, Screening in Trauma for Opioid Misuse Prevention, I was not finding much of anything out there, to tell the truth, and this was only a couple years ago. The stuff that is out there in prominence and taken up widely really is more targeting chronic pain -- like long-term stuff.
The CDC has released a good set of guidelines regarding the reasonable taper rates for opioids and a patient information packet. The most common situation that folks struggle with after a more serious injury is that taper, and that information is good to have as soon as possible. These can certainly apply in situations with injuries which have resulted in severe pain that needs to be managed for a few or even several months.
The other information contained in those guidelines that I think is really important for folks to know regards the safe and responsible handling of opioids: storing them appropriately, not advertising to the world that you have them (because of the potential for being victimized) and the safe disposal of unused medication to protect public health.
In the setting of traumatic injury, I honestly have not been able to find a lot more out there. That’s why we’re doing this study.
A: Is there any additional wisdom you want to offer an athlete who suffers an injury and realizes that they may be facing the reality of a long-term course of opioid medication?
Dr: Recognize early that successfully navigating this process will take a collaborative effort with an established provider that can track your progress over time.
Even if you’re lucky enough to be living in a stable residence geographically, know that, in this clinical setting, you’re likely to be moving between specialists and other care providers. Sometimes, monitoring -- and appropriate care in coming off of higher-dose opioids -- can fall between the cracks. Establish a relationship with a provider and stick with it for a period of months. That’s a challenge anywhere, but particularly for folks who are highly mobile.
A: What are a couple questions that folks can ask of a potential provider to establish whether or not the provider they’re with has an appropriate functional understanding of opioids, so that we know that the experts we’re trusting really understand what they’re prescribing? Are there flags that can indicate if you are dealing with a savvy and empathic prescriber?
Dr: My instinct would be to ask that provider the fairly open-ended question around their philosophy regarding the use of opioids for managing pain after an injury.
Warning signs would be, for example, a provider who tells you that they “hate prescribing opioids, ever,” or, conversely, someone who says, “No problem! We’ll keep you on opioids as long and as much as you need them!” The provider should have a thorough, thoughtful answer to that question that incorporates a balance. That answer should involve informing you that there is some risk for physical dependence, but giving assurances that s/he will be here to work closely with you as you’re coming off of them when it becomes appropriate. You’re looking for a provider who demonstrates mindfulness of what physical dependence and opioid withdrawal is like, but isn’t someone who is just going to write the opioid prescription because it is the easy thing to do.
A: Tell me about what the future of pain management might look like.
Dr.: It’s pretty exciting, actually. We have been doing work here at UW to investigate the therapeutic potential of psychedelic substances, primarily Psilocybin, but also MDMA. We are going to be launching another study to see about the therapeutic potential of Psilocybin in the setting of opioid addiction or opioid use disorder. We are excited about that. Then we also have a study upcoming on therapeutic potential of MDMA for PTSD, which bears a relationship to substance use risk.
It’s important to differentiate between clinical and recreational use. One of the really important components of the studies on the therapeutic potential of Psilocybin and MDMA involves the pieces of the intervention referred to as “set and setting.” Set refers to a number of things, including a relationship that is built up with a guide, the development of trust, orientation to the experience, exploration of current symptoms of mental health issues or underlying issues and preparing the participants for the therapeutic session itself.
The setting can also be quite important. These supervised administrations tend to happen in an environment that is comfortable, homey, and not your typical clinical research, hospital-ish looking room, but the variables are still all under strict control, and the patient is being monitored by medical personnel. Both set and setting are understood to be really important to the potential therapeutic outcome. Recreational use takes all those controls away, so the extent to which those experiences can be therapeutic is a lot more unpredictable.
Luckily, we’re getting closer and closer. When these treatments will be approved is a little unpredictable, but both are moving toward FDA approval. We’re participating in the studies that will hopefully lead to that, but it’s probably a couple years down the road. It’s an optimistic future, for sure.

Five Steps to get your Kids Hooked on Skiing or Riding-the FIRST time.

It's only natural for skiing parents to want their progeny to love the sport as much as they do. But there's plenty we adults can do to derail fantasies of schusshing down the slopes in harmony with our mini-mes. To avoid that fate, follow some basic steps to ensure your littlest shredders will enjoy skiing into adulthood-or at least through the early learning stages.

1. Keep them warm.

Few things are more miserable for parents on the slopes than dealing with a child who's cold after the first couple of runs. Translation? Don't wing it with your kids' clothing. Make sure they have a comfortable, warm base layer, preferably one they've tried on and approve. Same goes for the socks, which should fit well so they don't bunch up in ski/board boots. (Anything to avoid potential whining!)
If you're not willing to invest in an official ski jacket, their daily winter coat will work just fine in the meantime. But do not, I repeat, do NOT skimp on a solid pair of ski gloves or mittens, which are critical to your kids' enjoyment on the slopes. Bonus if you include glove liners and hand warmers, which can make all the difference between a good and miserable day of skiing.
Pro tip: Lots of second-hand sports and consignment stores offer scores of used ski gear, which you can purchase at decent prices.

2. Make sure gear fits.

Ill-fitting, non-functioning gear is the perfect way for any child to talk himself out of trying to ski. In other words, don't borrow boots, poles or skis from friends; take the time to allow a professional to fit your kid for proper sizes and styles. Whether it's a weeklong or season rental, it's worth the time it takes to ensure your child's skis, boots and poles are the right size for his or her body.

3. Don't dismiss ski school.

I often see parents skiing pizza-style as they maneuver behind their child with the aid of learning harnesses and think to myself, "I'm so glad that's not me!" To be clear, there is absolutely nothing wrong with parents teaching a child to ski, with or without the aid of a harness. But if your kids are anything like my boys, they don't want to hear Mom's or Dad's tips on learning or improving technique; they prefer the age-old technique of defiance.
It's often worth it to leave it to professional ski or ride instructors, who are accustomed to handling even the most recalcitrant rookie skiers.

4. Pack enough snacks and water.

Every parent knows that kids are often hungry at the most inopportune times, and it practically guarantees it will stop them literally in their tracks midway through a ski run. To minimize hunger cravings, stockpile snacks in your own pack or your kids' pockets, whether it's a soft protein bar, an almond-butter packet or string cheese. Energy chews and fruits or nuts are also a good, quick energy option for ravenous skiers.

5. Keep the right attitude.

Take heart, parents. We all feel like we're failing our kids at some point, and the learning curve on the slopes can be steep for parents and kids alike. Give yourself and your kids a break now and then, accepting without question your offspring will test you as they learn to ski. (See bullet-point 3.) And remember: There's always next ski season.

Tandem Skydiving

What Is Tandem Skydiving?Tandem skydiving is an extremely popular form of skydiving and an excellent introduction into the sport, it allows one to experience the adrenalin and excitement without having to commit excessively to the activity at hand. While AFF training and static-line jumping consists of hours of training prior to the jump, going tandem only requires around 30 minutes of ground preparation prior. The reason for this is that while both AFF and static-line skydives require you to learn how to control your canopy and establish a deep knowledge of maintaining specific body positions in free fall, with tandem skydiving you only need to know the basics about how you should position your body relative to your tandem master. The fact that your tandem instructor will be responsible for your chute leaves you with the ability to spend more of your effort focusing on the sheer excitement of the jump, as opposed to what procedure who'll be doing next.
You, the tandem student, will be strapped to a tandem instructor by use of a secure harness system which makes use of a shoulder strap on either side, a chest strap which secures across your chest, as well as leg straps. You will be strapped onto the chest, or front side of the tandem master, so you can be sure that you'll have the best view in the house.
While tandem jumps are most common as once off introductions to skydiving, they are also sometimes used in conjunction with training courses, specifically in the early stages of a course. Using tandem jumping in training methods when you want to learn how to skydive can be extremely effective as it allows the student to experience both freefall and canopy flight without the feeling of being thrown into the deep end, so to speak. There are also students who look to perform several tandem skydives prior to their training course in order to familiarize themselves with the environment.
A tandem freefall generally lasts between 45 and 60 seconds, followed by a four minute canopy ride to the ground.

Where To Start?

For starters, you want to make sure that you are going to be skydiving at a drop zone that has a good reputation. There are over a thousand drop zones around the world and each offer a different experience, some good and some poor. Dropzone.com has been developed around helping you to find the best drop zone in the area of your choice, and providing you with user ratings and reviews to help you make your decision. Look for drop zones with large volumes of positive reviews, and take the time to read through them and see what issues other users may have experienced at any particular drop zone. Unlike static-line progression for example, tandem skydiving is done at almost every drop zone, so you should be fine in that area, but be sure to check and make sure.
When comparing drop zones it's vital to make sure you that you understand what you will be receiving with your jump. A tandem skydive can take place between altitudes of anywhere from 10 000 to 14 000ft, if free fall time is of importance to you it's certainly worth querying this topic with the drop zone. Another important question is, if you're paying a lot for your jump, are they offering you the best services for the amount you're paying? Does your jump include video footage or still photography, most have this as an extra cost - so be sure to check what the drop zone is charging for their video services. And if it does offer video services, is this filmed from a mounted camera attached to the tandem instructor or are they pulling out all the stops and having a separate photographer joining the jump solely to take some quality photographs of your jump. These are all aspects which should be examined and considered when you're scouting for the best drop zone in your area.
Once you've located a drop zone near to your destination, give them a call or send them an e-mail, they should be more than willing to address any questions you may have about your jump and guide you through the booking process, setting you up with a date to jump.

Some Advice To Consider Before Making Your Tandem Jump

While you're likely to be walked through the correct dos and don'ts during your pre-jump ground briefing, it doesn't hurt to prepare prior to the day for what you should be doing and what you shouldn't be doing for your jump.

• Remove jewelry and accessories prior to Tandem Skydiving. At 120mph, it begins very easy for loose jewelry or accessories to come loose during free fall and get lost. It's a good idea to leave the jewelry at home on the day of your jump.
• Remove piercings, specifically nipple rings. When the canopy is opened during flight, your chest strap will pull against you, and there have been cases where people have had nipple rings pulled when this occurs - learn from their mistakes. Remember that there are also harness straps around your legs, so be sure to remove all piercings that may be impacted. Removing all piercings leave less gambling for something getting snagged, but nipple and surface piercings are definitely best removed.
• Tie up your hair. Whether you're male or female, if you have long hair it is a wise idea to tie it up in a manner that makes it least likely to get caught in the harness at any stage - and also remain out of the TIs face. Tucking it into the helmet once tied is also not a bad idea.
• Stick close to your tandem instructor. Once you're leaving the manifest for your jump, be sure to remain close to your tandem instructor.
• Always listen to your tandem instructor. They are the ones that know best, despite what you think you know - as an inexperienced tandem skydiver, your tandem instructor should not be questioned when it comes to anything related to the procedure of, or the jump itself.
• Be respectful and polite. While you may be frustrated at things like weather holds, it's important to remain calm and realize that these events are often out of the control of the instructors and the manifest staff.

Tandem Instructors

The tandem instructors or tandem masters are going to be the ones in control of your skydive. The fact that the tandem instructor has control over the safety of the jump has prompted strict rules and regulations, especially within the United States, as to who can lead a tandem jump. The current requirements set in place go a long way in providing peace of mind that you're going to be in excellent hands when in the air. Before a skydiver is able to be the tandem instructor on a jump, he has to go through several procedures.
First he has to be an experienced skydiver with a minimum of 500 jumps and 3 years of skydiving experience to his name, secondly he must possess a 'master parachute license' which has to be issued by an FAA-recognized organization, such as the USPA (United States Parachute Association). Furthermore, they are required to undergo training and acquire a certification related to the canopy they are going to be flying. On top of these requirements, the USPA has a few more of their own. Up until late 2008 in the United States, one was able to either be a tandem master with a manufacturer's rating or a tandem instructor which required the USPA training, though this was changed and now requires all those leading tandem jumps in the United States to hold a tandem instructors rating. The details of the ratings systems and the requirements vary between countries.
One thing that separates the best drop zones from a bad drop zone for those doing a tandem jump, is the attitude and behavior of their tandem instructor. Luckily, if you've done your research and found yourself a good drop zone, this shouldn't be a worry and you may well end up making a new friend in the process. A good instructor is one that is able to answer any questions you have, while at the same time making you feel comfortable and relaxed. The best instructors find a perfect balance between safety and professionalism and humor, after all the jump is pointless if you don't enjoy yourself.

Should I Be Nervous About Tandem Skydiving?

It's completely normal to feel nervous about skydiving, even those of us who seek adrenalin constantly have some level of nervousness at times. Jumping out of a perfectly good plane, whether it is while experiencing a tandem jump or even the thrill of wing suiting, is not something natural to us as humans, and you can be sure that you're not alone in what you feel. With that said though, as with many areas where what you're facing is foreign and unknown, your fear often tends to turn to excitement once you're in it. I have seen a countless number of first time tandem skydivers being a bit unsure in the beginning but once their feet touch the ground their mind set changes completely. These are often people performing a bucket list jump with no intention of ever skydiving again, but after they've experience the feeling of free fall, they are hooked - and often end up booking their AFF courses to become a licensed skydiver just a few days later. Tandem skydiving has an excellent safety record for most parts of the world and you can take comfort in the fact that according to the United States Parachute Association, around half a million people each year choose to tandem skydive in the US alone.

How Much Does A Tandem Jump Cost?

The price of tandem skydives vary between drop zones, generally you're looking in the price range of about $70 to in excess of $300. This cost can either include or exclude the cost of things like a camera man and a DVD copy of your skydive. We highly recommend that you look into the prices and the specifications at each drop zone. For more information read below...

A typical run through of your average tandem skydive. As can be noted the drop zone in this video offer the option of a dedicated videographer.

Things To Know About Tandems

There are typically restrictions on age when it comes to performing a tandem jump, the exact age varies depending on country and drop zone. The typical requirement from most drop zones is 18, though some drop zones do allow for 16 to 18 year olds to perform a tandem jump as long as they have parental consent. It is best to speak to your local drop zone about their age policies.
When booking a tandem skydive it's important to know what to expect, often once off tandem jumpers go in without knowing what a skydive entails, how drop zones operate and what to expect.
Understand that skydiving hinges on the weather conditions, when the winds are too strong or it's too cloudy, or if there's fog - you may well find yourself on the end of a weather hold. This is an aspect of skydiving that no one is free from, and the experienced jumpers get just as disappointed when they don't get to head out. Weather holds can last anywhere from 5 minutes to 5 days, depending on the conditions.
Because of this it's best to plan your skydive around your local weather, if you're in an area with lots of summer tropical rainfall - it may be best to book in the autumn or winter months when rainfall is less likely, otherwise booking for an earlier time in the day before daytime heating causes the development of thunder showers.
In areas of winter rainfall, summer is obviously your best bet, though nothing can ever be guaranteed. There are areas where weather holds are rare, and if you're in one of these areas that sees little annual rainfall, you're likely to see your jump happen without any hassles.
It's highly recommended that you discuss deposits and payments with the drop zones prior to booking. While most DZs will gladly discuss openly and honestly with you their rules and restrictions in regards to deposits and refunds, many fail to bring up this topic prior to finalizing their booking and they end up upset when they find out that there is no refund issued for deposits on jumps that are postponed due to weather holds.

The Technical Side And Skydiving Gear

There are a few things you should remember when you are looking at the more technical side of your skydiving gear.
Skydiving canopies are designed specifically for certain disciplines of skydiving, for speed and immediate response smaller canopies are used - such as those designed for swooping, these smaller canopies are also more dangerous, allowing for less margin of error. For tandem skydiving, where safety takes priority, the canopies (parachutes) used are much larger than those that you find in swooping for example. This is both because the canopy is going to need to carry twice the regular skydiving weight and because of the desired gentle nature of the canopy flight.
The rig that is used by your tandem instructor is set up so that it will provide optimum safety for you on your jump. The rig contains an AAD (automatic activation device) which is a safety device that is designed to automatically fire the main chute after a skydiver descends past a certain altitude and has not yet fired the main canopy. There is also the special tandem canopy, which will be the parachute that is deployed during freefall, also known as the main. There is also a reserve canopy, this is a backup that exists in case of a failure on the main, an example would be, if a main canopy opens with a line twist and one is not able to recover from it - the main would be cut and the reserve deployed. These are packed into what is known as the container, the backpack looking item on the back of the tandem instructor. The instructor will also be carrying an altimeter on him, usually around the wrist, which can provide visual or audio information on the progression of the descent, so that he can release the main canopy at the correct time.
During free fall, you can expect to reach speeds of up to 120mph (180km/h).