Montage Resort

As simple as it might appear to the inexperienced, injuries due to the way we carry snow skis and poles, to and from ski resorts, can be avoided, here is how an American Ski Instructor in France teaches it in ski lessons.

The first thing to know is that travelling with skis, boots and poles is not an easy thing to accomplish even for the best of skiers. That in mind, we will keep safety and ease of transport as our goal along with trying to look like the real “ski pro” that you are!

Preparation phase:

- Place your skis with the ski tips up and the bottoms, the “base” that is, facing each other. You can obtain inexpensive “Velcro ski strips”, (you will need 2) from your ski hire shop, and you will place them on the top and on the bottom of both skis to strap them together, ski bindings to the outside. Take your ski poles at the straps (”loops” that go around your wrists) and place the loop on each respective ski then tie them together with a short piece of cord around the “waist” or middle of the ski. The following is very important for travel by car or plane. You will need to purchase a “ski bag” of good quality to protect the integrity of the binding mechanism. You want to avoid road dirt or salt entering and affecting the safety features of your bindings. It is always a good idea to have the ski shop adjust and verify your bindings before starting to ski on the first day of your ski holidays. Ski bags, along with protecting your equipment, will also be a place that you can put extra socks, hats, gloves and other unbreakable items as there is always room to do so. Last word of advice put your socks, gloves and hat in a plastic bag so they do not get wet, on the way to the ski area!

- Boots go into a boot bag along with other essentials, tooth paste, shaving cream, and ski goggles (so they don’t get squashed)because you will always want to take your boot bag with you on the plane. If your ski bag and luggage are lost, you can always hire skis, but your own boots are difficult to replace.

- Your clothes and kit will go into a “back pack” the size and shape is a personal thing but you need a good one with dorsal support and pockets on the side. This leaves your hands free and you will need them.

- Make sure that all bags and pack have the same identifying mark (like a flag or patch or even a badge of your old school) and all your contact info sewn in the material and in plain view around the handles or pick up straps!

At the Airport:

- Best bet is to get a caddy and wheel your stuff over to the ticket counter, take a “stretch tie-down strap with hooks on both ends” this will help keep things in place on the caddy and comes in handy for a lot of other things on a ski trip!

At the ski area:

- After you have taken all your ski gear out of the ski bag have it checked at the local ski shop and arrange to pick it up in the morning if work needs to be done on the skis. Don’t forget to take your boots as the ski technicians can’t adjust your bindings without them!

- The fun part is carrying your skis over your shoulder in a way that your girlfriend thinks you’re a real “ski pro”.and your friends get intimidated by your prowess.

Carrying skis:

- Place your skis standing ski tips straight up, (Velcro straps still on) and after looking behind you swing the tails of your skis behind you. Bring your skis to a somewhat horizontal position with the “toe piece” front part of your binding behind your shoulder. Let the skis rest on the shoulder with the tails at an angle that allows them to be over your head with the tips pointed down in front of you! You will carry your ski poles together in the other hand. Make sure that every time you turn around; be sure there is no one behind that could be hurt.

Now that you know how to do it, be very careful around others that may not.

Mike Beaudet also known as “Megeve Mike” and is the founder of Ski Pros Megeve. Megeve is located in French Alps, at the foot of Mt. Blanc, just a 1 hour drive from Geneva International Airport. Day ski tours, private and small group ski lessons for skiing enthusiasts of all levels and ages in the French Alps, Italian Alps and Europe.

Mike has an extensive background in skiing, teaching group and private ski lessons. Mikes credentials include Full Certification in Professional Ski Instructors of America-RM, the prestigious French Government “Ecole National de Ski et d’Alpinisme” in Chamonix as a Moniteur de Ski Diplome and also a member of the first PSIA National Academy, Mt. Hood, Timberline, Oregon. With 30 years of ski teaching and coaching experience in the US and France he has taught major ski areas in France and America. Visit his Websites, http://www.SkiProsMegeve.com Contact Mike personally at: http://www.geocities.com/MikeSkiFrance/

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Few can argue that the tiny island in central Philippines known as “Boracay” is nothing less than spectacular. With a 3 kilometer long sugar white beach, some of the lowest prices in the world and perhaps best of all plenty of good ole’ Filipino charm and hospitality, Boracay is truly a wonder to behold.

Anyone who has been there will tell you that Boracay, or “Bora” as the locals call it, is a wonderful place to spend a vacation. During the off season (from June to mid-October) this small resort town slows way down, making it a favorite for anyone looking to spend some quiet time on the beach. Backpackers love to visit Boracay beach during the off season where they can stay in lower class hostels and villas just behind the beachfront resorts, from rates as low as $15 a night!

Families love Boracay because it is a safe, affordable and offers plenty entertainment options for those on the go. Mom will love the vendors selling jewelry on the boardwalk, and growing number of fashionable gift shops, selling everything from low cost bathing suits to Filipino pasalubong. (or “gifts from your trip”) Dad will surely enjoy a $5 massage on the beach, plenty of cold drinks and over 100 great restaurants all within a short walk of the beach.

The kids and those more active will enjoy plenty of water sports in Boracay. Just a few years ago, all powered water sports were prohibited, but now there is a flourishing water spots industry that includes jet skis, water skis, wake boarding, knee boarding and parasailing. You can even rent your own speed boat to cruise around the island in style, or a more traditional “banca” boat, for a day of island hopping.

During peak season (from Mid-October to May) Boracay beach is absolutely bustling with activity. If you plan to visit during peak season, be sure to plan your trip at least 4-5 months in advance, as all of the best rooms and resorts fill up very quickly. During peak season, Boracay has a very festive atmosphere and is crawling with people, events and activities virtually every day.

For scuba divers, Boracay has a number of high quality dive resorts located right on the famous white beach. From there you can dive any one of 40+ dive spots located in the waters surrounding Boracay. Since the water is warm in the Philippines year round, wet suits are an option for many who enjoy taking it off, for an easy dive around Bora.

My personal favorite is to rent a motorcycle for about $25 a day and “explore” the island, completely on my own. There is so much to see and explore behind the beachfront resorts, including a completely different culture just steps away from the famous boardwalk. A short drive to the back of the island for example, and you can explore the famous bat caves, enjoy some local cuisine at any number of beach front cafes (for

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Snow-topped mountains look beautiful but they can be death-traps for the unprepared hiker or hill walker. Sadly, every year, people die and are badly injured whilst exploring these regions at this time of year.

Harsh weather conditions, bad visibility and shorter daylight hours can all conspire to catch-out the unwary. The consequences can be extremely serious.

Good preparation and a sensible attitude are essential for keeping yourself safe. Here are a few tips that could help save your life.

1) Check the weather report: Take time to listen to the radio or TV report for the area you are intending to visit. A number of websites and phone services also provide detailed information on wind speeds, temperatures and avalanche risk. Don’t be afraid to change your plans to suit your abilities.

2) Proper clothing and equipment: Make sure you have suitable clothing to keep you warm and dry. Plan for sudden changes in the weather. Conditions are likely to be very different as you climb to higher elevations. Always take a map and compass (and GPS if you have one) and know how to use these. Remember to check your GPS batteries and take a spare set. In snow and ice conditions you may need to take an ice axe and crampons with you. Make sure your crampons are compatible with your boots. You can get advice on this from any good outdoor shop. Know how to use an ice axe properly. Get tuition if necessary.

3) Route planning: Plan your route carefully beforehand. Taking into account the conditions and fitness and experience of you and your group. Avoid dangerous or high risk areas. Plan an ‘escape route’ if conditions deteriorate. Leave details of your intended route with a trusted person at home. Check-in with them when you have safely returned. Give them clear instructions of what to do if you do not contact them by a certain pre-arranged time. Don’t forget that your route will take longer to complete than it would in summer.

4) Food and drinks: Take plenty of food and high energy snacks with you. Take a flask for a warm drink. You are likely to be expending much more energy at this time of year. Eat snacks regularly and drink often. Just keeping warm takes energy! Make sure you are well hydrated before you set out and have a good breakfast. Take some emergency rations with you in case of problems.

5) Be aware: Be aware of any deterioration in the conditions. Take sensible precautions to avoid dangerous areas. Look out for slippery ground. Don’t take unnecessary risks. Watch for signs of hypothermia and exhaustion of group members.

6) First Aid: Take a good first aid kit with you and know how to use it. There are many excellent First Aid courses available. Having these skills can be a great asset.

7) Emergencies: Take an emergency blanket or shelter with you and an emergency whistle. Six blasts of the whistle is an internationally recognised distress signal! Don’t rely on your mobile phone to get help. There are many areas that you cannot get a signal.

Winter in the mountains can be a magical experience and one that can be enjoyed safely if you are properly prepared and equipped.

Take a little time to get prepared - it could save your life.

About The Author

M. Elliott is Director of the U.K. based outdoor company - Hill-Tribe Limited, PO Box 52, Cockermouth, Cumbria, CA13 0WF, U.K.

Website: http://www.hill-tribe.com

info@hill-tribe.com

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