Are you physically ready for Ski season?  

The winter season is fast approaching. Starting a conditioning program during the preseason can help you tremendously when it comes to skiing or snowboarding. Your legs will be in great shape and you’ll even be able to reduce injury. A strong workout regimen can keep you going all year, not only allowing you to have more fun on the slopes, but spend more time out of the ski patrol hut.

Planks:
Planks are one of the best ways to elevate core strength and they are easy enough to do anywhere. Simply get into a push up position, yet rather than resting on your hands, bend elbows at 90 degrees and rest on your forearms. Make sure your elbows are directly under your shoulders, and that your back is flat. Hold a plank for at least a minute. If you want more intensity, extend your arms out in front of your body.

40 X 10 X 10 Sprints:
This is one of my new favorite sprint workouts that I just added to my conditioning regimen, and it’s a real burner. Place cones 40 yards apart. Begin at one cone and do 10 standing squats, then sprint to the other cone. Once you reach the other cone, do 10 sit ups, then sprint back to the beginning cone. Complete this style of circuit 8 more times, incorporating push ups, burpees, jumping jacks, mountain climbers, butt kicks, high knees, and oblique crunches.

Medicine Ball Throws:
This exercise will hit your explosivity. Grab a medicine ball, whatever size feels most comfortable, and begin with it raised above your head. Keep your feet should-width apart, then drop into a squat and bring the ball in-between your legs (as if you were using a kettle-ball). From here, explode upwards, releasing the ball at the maximum height of your jump. Do 3 sets of 10 reps.

Cycling:
I’ve recently gotten more and more into cycling, and it has been great for my endurance. Begin with a 5 minute warmup, using little to no resistance. Then increase your resistance to a moderate level and peddle for 3 more minutes. When the timer hits 8 minutes, add a lot more resistance and peddle hard for 30 seconds, then lower the resistance back to a comfortable level and rest for the next 1.5 minutes. Keep using this method, as many times as you need (of course modify this routine to your specific needs, including rest time and intensity level). Make sure to do a cool down with light pedaling for 5 minutes before you finish!
If a work-out schedule doesn’t appeal to you, then just get out there and ride! There are tons of amazing biking trails in Breck that will work your muscles, and provide amazing scenery as you ride. Boreas pass, Baldy are great places to bike up and down. Try biking around town as well – there is always something to see and do on Mainstreet.

Check out Elevation Ski and Bike.  They have FAT Bikes and a variety of other bikes to meet your needs....  

Shop/Rent locally...

There is no better place than a ski shop to feel the buzz of a mountain town. They’re the focal point of every ski town because it’s where locals go to catch up on insider mountain news and visitors go to get equipment and establish ties with the community. Plus, you never know who you’ll bump into. It could be anyone from the old guard; the ones that founded the ski area and scoped the runs in the pioneer days of skiing before grooming and chairlifts. Or you could meet one of the new schoolers; the young kids who are throwing themselves in the park or ripping up the racecourse, basically the ones you’ll likely see in the next Olympics. These people go in and out of ski shops on a regular basis for a couple basic reasons: to keep their gear maintained and get the pulse of the community. To immerse yourself in the culture of skiing and to really get stoked on your trip this year, there’s no better way to kick off your visit than by talking snow at a shop. It’s a part of the culture that you won’t want to miss out on.

There are a few reasons that people tend to miss this great opportunity to tap into the local knowledge base, but believe me; none of these excuses are worth it.
I get it. It’s been a long drive. Perhaps even a stuffy flight before that. You just want to jump to

the ski scene – before you’ve even skied – by relaxing in the hot tub with a cold beverage. Instead, when you roll into town, the first thing you need to do is get the scoop. What’s the snow like? Where’s it thin and where’s it loaded? When’s the new terrain going to open? Where can you get some grub that is delicious but not overpriced?  Where are the cheapest parking lots? And, most importantly, where can you find the best breakfast burrito? These are all crucial pieces of information, and without each piece, your first day on the hill may not meet its true potential.

By stopping in at a local ski and snowboard shop, you give yourself a chance to understand the culture and get the insider info on where to go, both on the mountain and off. The folks at a true local shop will let you know where to fuel up in the morning, where to replenish midday, and the areas to check out around the mountain that will be right for you. The number of interactions you make with people in a ski shop will surprise you, and probably lead to some quality lasting relationships.

There’s no better way to get the local down low. You don’t even have to stress about finding the best shop, because Elevation Ski and Bike is your first stop in Breckenridge. We've been around since 2009 and the employees are genuinely happy about sharing their passions with others. So, whether you’re a ski town local, weekend warrior, or vacationer; get to know the guys at the local ski shop. It’ll certainly pay off.

Don't let the big high priced so called "local (shops with multiple locations/states) shops" suck you in.  You will definitely get much better service at the real local shops to the point we will all remember each others names.

Kids = Ski

Getting kids involved in winter sports benefits the whole family in ways that may surprise you. Read on to learn why it’s a good idea to get your kids out this season. 

1. Skiing and riding are great outdoor activity options in winter.
With the rise of video games and childhood obesity, getting kids off the couch is a hot issue. This can be a tough challenge in winter depending on where you live.
Getting kids involved in snow sports gives them active options in winter months. While this post focuses on skiing and riding, winter sports can include skating, snowshoeing and more. The key is to keep children active year-round. 

2. Kids are the perfect age to learn new skills.
Let’s face it… young dogs, and kids, learn new tricks faster. This holds true for everything from learning languages, to physical skills such as dance, biking, and skiing. Most ski schools offer lessons beginning at age three, some even younger.  The smaller they are, the shorter distance they fall.

3. Active kids keep you young.
I want to do a face palm every time I hear a parent say, “I used to do that before having kids, but that’s over now…” as they look sadly off in the distance for paradise lost. I’m sorry, but having kids means your life has changed, not ended. I have two kids of my own and raised four (two step-sons). I can speak from a place of experience.
You can stay active with children – the key is adaptation and balance. Look for ways to include kids in your day, such as skiing easy runs, but also keep some “me” time in the mix. Options include: enrolling them in lessons, slipping away without them occasionally (while they are in school, at a friend’s, or with a sitter), or partnering with friends who will step in to ski with the little ones for a few runs, then switch.
If you haven’t learned to ski or ride yet you could even learn together. Raise your kids living an active lifestyle, and the next thing you know, they’ll be pulling you off the couch to go outside and play! 

4. Family bonding
Adopting a sport as a family not only increases the recreational time you spend together, but also gives you something to share between adventures. For example, a fun ski film watched together with cocoa in hand is an inexpensive way to spend an evening.
If you’re all learning together, you’ll get to share the frustration, giggles, and excitement of your experiences. Trust me, there’s nothing quite like a kid saying, “and dad had this epic yard-sale on the run today and I had to help him get his skis back on.” It’s moments like that, along with more stellar runs, which build memories. 

5. More couple (or “me”) time
Riding on the Colorado Super Chair at Breck, the couple next to me looked over and said, “excuse us while we make out…” Initially I laughed until I realized they weren’t kidding. Later they explained that the only couple-time they get is while their kids take ski lessons, so they make the most of every minute.
Ski resorts know parents occasionally want a break. In response they’ve worked hard to meet the need. Logically this benefits their bottom line, but why not take advantage? Day care and ski-school programs are designed to free-up parents to spend time alone and worry less about drop-offs, pick-ups, or the dreaded, “please return to retrieve your child,” call. 

6. Discounts on lessons and tickets
The snow sport industry is aware that kids are the future of the sport. Collectively they promote programs to introduce people to the sport, especially the next generation. By offering discounted family packages, lessons, and rentals, they can encourage parents to visit and cultivate new customers at the same time.
Resorts across the nation offer special packages for adults and children to learn the sport during Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month in January. Additionally most have packages available throughout the season.

Whether it’s skiing, snowboarding, or another winter sport, get your kids outside this season. Not only will they benefit from staying active, but they will also get to socialize with other kids in the sport. The big plus for you…quality family time, perhaps some free time, and staying more active yourself.

Expert Skiing at Breck - 2908 acres of fun

You’re standing on the top of a mountain. The air is crisp, with a subtle breeze that embraces your face. All you see is blue and white: bluebird skies above you and pristine white, silky snow below you. A bird soars through the skies, circling to see your next move. You look around at the beauty and serenity of being above tree line, as you inch towards the edge of the cornice, testing the snow beneath you. It’s perfect – not too firm, not too soft. You flex your knees as you contemplate the moment you will launch down the mountain and you anticipate the soft, supple landing as the phone on your desk rings. WAIT. REWIND. The phone on your desk rings???

Uhm, you’re not on the top of the mountain, you’re at work? Bummer. Your office isn’t in Summit Breckenridge Ski Resort, and you have vacation days that are calling, dare I say shouting, your name. And is that a slight sniffle I hear that could warrant the use of your sick days?
County? Major Bummer. But you’re daydreaming of this, aren’t you? Luck must be with you, as there are still five more weeks of ski season at

Located to the skier’s right of Horseshoe Bowl, Contest Bowl offers a few quick turns in steep terrain.

While you contemplate, here are 5 trails for expert skiing and riding that will make your dreams turn into reality:

• Horseshoe Bowl – Peak 8: When friends ask if you’re skiing “the Bowl”, typically they mean Horseshoe Bowl, which remains a timeless favorite. Horseshoe can be accessed via the T-Bar or a traverse in from the top of 6 Chair. With wide-open expanses of snow, there is a line for everyone.
• Imperial Bowl – Peak 8: Imperial Bowl provides some of the finest terrain and views for both expert and extreme skiing and riding. Those that like traditional bowl skiing will enjoy coming down the middle of the bowl. Those looking for more adventure can take the hike from the top of the Imperial Express Chair and try their skills down one of the Lake Chutes.
• Whale’s Tail – Peak 8: Whales Tail offers stunning views of, well, just about everywhere. Also accessed from the Imperial Express Chair, the highest lift in North America. Simply take approximately 10 steps uphill to your left and traverse through the gate. At the top, take a moment to enjoy the views before dropping in over the cornice.
• Inferno – Peak 9: A favorite of locals, Inferno is just plain fun for bump skiing. Accessed via E-Chair, follow the signs past Tom’s Baby to the entrance of Inferno. Pick your line and light the snow on fire!
• Beyond Bowl & Serenity Bowl – Peak 6: Those that like adventure have multiple hike-to terrain choices with the opening of Peak 6. Exit the chair and hike up to your left for Serenity or to your right for Beyond. Or have the best of it and do both! You can also take the lazy hike and step just above the Patrol Hut to drop into Beyond Bowl with less than 20 steps of hiking.

Need equipment, rent from Elevation Ski & Bike.  They have a variety of skis to choose from.  They will meet your ability.  And great, no outstanding prices.

Skiing with a GoPro - The Essentials

Such a small box with a ton of capabilities.

Let me break it down a little bit.

Mounts

Chest Mount: The chest mount is especially great for skiers because it is stable, points directly downhill and shows the skis and hands, which is a very immersive perspective.

Handlebar Mount: If you’re a skier, you’ve already got a great extension arm on which to mount your camera. Just attach the handlebar mount to the basket-end of your ski pole and aim the camera back at the center of your body before you drop in.

Helmet Mount: The helmet mount provides the most classic POV of them all. There’s no substitute for the helmet mount when you want to show people exactly what you experienced during your moments of glory on the hill. Use the GoPro app to check the camera angle on your smartphone before you start recording.
More on that later.

3-Way Handle: If you’re snowboarding, you don’t have a pole already handy so you’ve gotta come up with a different solution. The 3-Way handle is your best option. Not only does it provide a great extension arm, it can also be used as a bombproof handle or even a tripod.

Video Settings

It’s easy to get overwhelmed by all of the video settings, but once you know a couple of the basic guidelines, the decisions get a lot easier.
There are two important numbers in each camera setting; the resolution and the frame rate.

Resolution is how many pixels you’re capturing. We used the following resolutions.

• 720p = 720 x 1280 pixels: The lowest resolution that is still considered HD.
• 1080p = 1920 x 1080 pixels: The most recorded and shared HD resolution.
• 1440p = 1920 x 1440 pixels: Basically a taller version of 1080 resolution.
• 2.7K = 2704 x 1520 pixels: Very high quality HD.
• 4K = 3840 x 2160 pixels: Extremely high quality HD. The highest widely available standard.

Frame rate is how many images your camera is capturing per second. Here’s what we used.

• 24 Frames per second = Standard playback for conventional film and video.
• 48 Frames per second = Twice the capture speed of standard.
• 120 Frames per second = Five times the capture speed of standard.

And now the rule of thumb: The higher the resolution you choose, the lower the frame rate options you’ll have available. Why does the frame rate matter? If you want to play everything in your video in real-time, it doesn’t. Shoot all day at 24fps. But if you want to use the impressive slow-motion capabilities of the GoPro, you’ll want to shoot faster frame rates so that you can slow the footage down during editing and playback.

Here are the settings that we used in the video, and the reasons why.

• 720 at 120fps: All of the super slow-mo scenes were filmed with this setting. This setting gives you amazing slow motion while still maintaining HD resolution.
• 1440 at 48fps: This might be the best all around setting for action. You can slow the footage to 1/2 speed and you also get some vertical crop room in post-production.
• 2.7K Superview at 24fps: Gorgeous high-res footage for real-time playback. When filming at this resolution you can either edit and share the video at 2.7k, or you can create a video at 1080 and use the extra resolution for cropping or to stabilize the footage.
• 4K Superview at 24fps: In the future, this will become the standard HD resolution for recording and playback. Right now, you should consider whether you need this much resolution, as 4k video takes up a lot of space on your card and may slow your computer significantly when editing.

Still Photo Settings

Resolution: You are able to choose a number of resolution settings for still
photos, but I recommend always shooting at 12MP Wide. It’s the highest resolution, and all of the photo capture options are available at this resolution.

Capture Modes

Burst: 30 photos in 3 seconds. Use this setting to take action sequences of your friends or aim the camera at yourself and trigger this setting just before hitting the air, dropping the cliff or ripping the pow. Best for moments of peak action.
Interval: 1 photo every 0.5 second. If you want photos of yourself getting rad, the half-second interval is your best friend. It keeps shooting twice a second until you’re done with your run, park lap or yard sale.
Time lapse: 1 photo every 5 seconds. If you’re interested in creating a time-lapse video of the sunset, billowing clouds, snow stacking up during a storm or a bowl getting tracked out, this is for you. Attach the camera to a static object and let ’er run.

Tech Tips

Batteries: If you’re planning on a busy day of shooting on the hill, one battery won’t do the trick. I recommend having 2 batteries, and making sure they’re all topped-off before you get out in the weather. Also, keep your spare batteries close to your body to keep them warm.
Micro SD memory cards: While one battery won’t do the trick, one card often will. If you pick up a 32 or 64 GB card, you likely won’t have to make any card changes while out shredding. If you do have to change your card in the middle of the day, I recommend stepping inside so there’s no chance of dropping the tiny card with all of your footage in the snow.
Anti-fog inserts: I ruined a lot of footage before I discovered these little beauties. Moisture builds up inside your camera housing, and if it’s left unattended, it will create fog over the lens. Be careful about keeping moisture out of the body and let these inserts do the rest. Less fogged footage = more likes on the Internet.

Other Tips

GoPro app: The amazing GoPro app is the best thing to happen to GoPro shooting since the Hero2. Connect your GoPro to your smartphone over WiFi and you can control all of the camera settings, preview your camera’s view, start and stop recording, and even transfer files to your phone for immediate sharing.

Mobile sharing: You’re having the best day of your season and you just captured the clip to prove it. Don’t wait till you get home to your computer. Share it on the lift. Use the GoPro app to get the footage on your device, then share directly to Facebook, Instagram, Vine or wherever you post things to make your Internet friends jealous. Real-time bragging rights trump after-the-fact bragging rights every time.

I hope this gives you everything you need to hit the hills and hit record with confidence this winter.

The Aspens are turning

There is something really special about being in the aspens in the fall when the leaves turn. The light in there is hard to describe, but nothing feels and looks quite like that. I took these shots along Peak trail. The trees on the trail are mostly green, with a few Aspens along the way. The elevation at the ski area is just a little high to have many aspens.

After a couple hours of work this morning, I rode my bike down to Frisco. The colors around Frisco and along the bike path were especially pretty. It was a warm, bluebird, special kind of fall day. Outstanding.

Need Gear? - Elevation is the place to go....

First thing, first. If you’re flying into Breckenridge for a ski vacation, considering the steep fees for checking bags, not to mention the pain of lugging bulky, heavy gear around, it might be better to leave your skis or boards behind and just rent. Or, if you have dinosaur equipment and faded outerwear, it might be time to
replace it.


As you may notice, there are about as many ski and snowboard shops around Breck as there are casinos in Reno or Vegas. Much like navigating through flashing lights on slot machines, trying to decide where to rent your gear can be dizzying.

If you are renting, of course you want to make sure you’re getting a good deal – but in so doing, not getting a pair of beat up skis that date back to the Clinton administration.

Elevation Ski and Bike is the ultimate one-stop-shop for renting and has a the best location in Breck.  We are located on Main St, right near the gondola. 

Renting:

Whether you’re a first-timer and have never so much as seen a binding in your life or are a hardcore powder hound wanting to demo a specific pair of brand new killer sticks, there are a variety of rental packages from junior and all-mountain skis and boards to performance skis and top-line demo skis and boards. New Salomon, Burton, K2, Rossignol and Fischer skis and boards are arriving daily.  Rental packages include boots and poles and if you make a reservation early, you can get up to a 20 percent discount on your rental. Oh yes, and this is huge … if you’re staying anywhere in Breckenridge, Elevation will deliver your rentals to your door and equipment can be returned at any location. FREE...  BEWARE, most of the other shops will deliver, but charge a fee.  Does your helmet take up too much space in your suitcase and have to stay home? Elevation rents every size of adult and children’s helmet for $10 a day.

BTW, if a jacket or pants are needed, they can be rented also. No problem.

Essentials:
 
We also have your essentials which include gloves, hats, base layers, chap stick,..... for sale.  Do not worry, we will take care of you.

To make a rental reservation or learn more, visit Elevation Ski and Bike online today!