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BY BOB WILLIAMS
NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM
SKIING AND SNOWBOARDING
The 2009-10 ski and snowboard season is off to a schussing start. But before you literally go head over heals for the downhill sport, perhaps the best way you can guarantee smooth sailing through moguls and halfpipes is to begin a pre-season exercise program right now.
Here's how.
According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, skiing is at the top of the list for sports-related injuries, totaling more than $5.57 billion in annual costs. Because skiing and snowboarding are high-activity sports, they can lead to injury without proper "off-snow" conditioning.
Enter the Aspen Skiing Company with its popular Bumps for Boomers Ski and Ride Exercise Series.
Originally designed as a pre-ski conditioning program for Baby Boomers, the Bumps for Boomers series was adopted by the ski company as the official ski conditioning program for Aspen's 2,000 ski and snowboard instructors, ski patrollers and lift operators. Aspen Skiing Company operates the award-winning ski and snowboard schools of Aspen/Snowmass out in Colorado.The Bumps for Boomers Ski and Ride Exercise Series was developed by Bill Fabrocini, a world-class Aspen, Co., physical therapist and personal trainer. It is designed to strengthen the body and build physical stamina in preparation for hitting the slopes. Initially created for the unique needs of aging Baby Boomers, the exercise series was expanded to the three-phase conditioning program encompassing the needs of professional and recreational skiers and snowboarders.
"Regardless of ability level, people too often make the mistake of assuming they can ski or snowboard themselves into shape," Fabrocini says. "Skiing and snowboarding are demanding activities, so off-snow conditioning should be done to reduce physical fatigue and minimize injury."
And now's the perfect time to get into shape – before the season shifts into high gear.
The free online Ski and Ride Exercise Series includes a self-screening test so you can evaluate your physical condition, a daily warm-up regimen, and a sequence of videos focused on exercises demonstrated by Fabrocini that target upper body, core and lower body. A booklet accompanying the video series illustrates each exercise and provides guidelines for how to properly perform movements.
Interested? Here's more good news. You can download both the Ski and Ride Exercise videos and booklet for free at bumpsforboomers.com.
"Many older skiers face physical challenges as they age, so skiing can become an intimidating activity," says Joe Nevin, who founded the Bumps for Boomers program. "This exercise series teaches Boomer skiers the conditioning and skills needed to confidently ski powder and mogul runs."
Adds Fabrocini: "Many Boomer skiers who incorporate the Ski and Ride Exercise Series into their conditioning regimen actually increase their athletic endurance, which enables them to achieve peak performance when skiing or snowboarding."
DYNAMIC DISCOUNTS: Now's the time to take advantage of this season's ski bargains. Mountain Creek here in New Jersey offers a Triple Play – three days of skiing or riding for only $75. For about the same price as a one-day lift ticket, you'll get three full days of use anytime you want. Plus, you'll skip the ticket line and head right to the slopes. Available at all Sports Authority stores, at mountaincreek.com, or by calling 866-889-5049. But hurry. The deal ends Dec. 24. ... Nearby Camelback Ski Area in the Poconos calls its discount deal the Triple Ticket Card. You get three days of skiing or riding for only $99. Camelback says you'll save about 40 percent over retail lift ticket prices. Sort of like getting a third ticket free. This deal ends this Sunday, Dec. 20. Order online at skicamelback.com/TripleTicket, or call 570-629-1661 ... January is Learn-A-Snow-Sport Month in Vermont, so, to celebrate, Ski Vermont (which is the Vermont Ski Areas Association) offers first-timers a free beginner lift and trail pass, group lesson and rental equipment package. Can't beat this deal with a stick! It runs from Jan. 4-10 at many Vermont alpine ski resorts and select Nordic areas. In its third year, the program has helped thousands of curious snowsporters get on the slopes and to the trails. Open to adults and children; go to skivermont.com, or call 802-223-2439 for the full story about how to sign up. All three deals sound like great Christmas stocking stuffers.
TELEMARK AND CRANMORE: Long known as the place to learn to ski, North Conway, N.H.'s Cranmore Mountain has partnered with Eastern Mountain Sports to bring telemark ski instruction to the slopes this winter. Telemark skiing, also known as "free-heel" skiing, is growing in popularity throughout the skiing community. Unlike alpine, or downhill, skiing equipment, the telemark binding only connects the boot to the ski at the toe – which allows comfortable striding.
The telemark turn was developed around the mid 1800s in the telemark region of Norway as a means of steering and controlling speed on the downhill run. Modern telemark equipment provides enough support to make parallel turns possible. The telemark turn provides more stability and control throughout the turn.
All programs will meet at the EMS North Conway store where you can purchase a Cranmore lift ticket and be fitted for rental equipment. Reservations must be made at least 24 hours in advance by calling 800-310-4504. Dates and times run from January through March. $75 includes lesson and ski rental. Lift ticket extra.
SHORT SCHUSSES: Hunter Mountain in the Catskills unveils its first Customer Appreciation Day this Friday, Dec. 18. A $25 voucher is yours for the taking. Visit HunterMtn.com for the full story ... Belleayre Mt. in Highmount, N.Y., began its Twelve Days of Christmas countdown earlier this week, offering zany discounts and free ski goodies each day. For instance, the first five people to spot Belleayre Superintendent Tony Lanza on the slopes this Friday, Dec. 18, receive a free ski hat ... Several of the world's best Nordic combined and skeleton athletes, as well as bobsled teams, will compete for Olympic team spots this weekend, Dec. 18-20, in Lake Placid, N.Y. The road to the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver in a few months continues to make its way through the two-time Olympic Village at Lake Placid when 90 athletes from 13 countries compete in the FIS Intercontinental Cup Nordic combined event and more than 170 athletes from 18 nations race in the FIBT America's Cup bobsled and skeleton competitions. whitefacelakeplacid.com has more info ...
Jiminy Peak Mt. Resort, Hancock, Mass., the largest ski and snowboard resort in southern New England's Berkshire Mountains, is offering a special for hybrid car owners this Friday, Dec. 18. If you own a hybrid car, arrive at the resort before 10:30 a.m. and you'll receive a free lift ticket – just for driving a hybrid! ... Killington Ski Resort in Vermont received nearly two feet of snow this week. ... Attention snowboarders! – The Vermont Ski Areas Association has launched a new blog dedicated to the state's snowboarding scene. Visit RideVermont.com for reports on Vermont's snowboarding events, news and weather, and interviews with insiders, resort reps and visitors ... And, finally, this social note from our friends up in the great state of Maine: Sunday River Ski Area in Newry, Me., celebrates its 50th birthday with a kick-off party this Saturday, Dec. 19, that'll last all season long!
