It was a cold evening in Vail Colorado for the 2008 Vail Snow Daze Rail Jam, With activities beginning shortly after 4 pm there was a great deal to see at this contest. The field was split into Amateur and Pro with the winners of the am division getting a shot to shread with the hot shots. The beginning of the event was a great show the amateur guys and gals killed it out there. As seen below Beaver Creek local Ben “Bennie” Hernreich cleans the dub-kink down flat down to catch the judges eyes.

and after doing so was very stoked (also referred to as excited)

The Skiers were also destroying the features at this years contest seen below locals “Coop Dawg” and “Johnny Blaze”show their skills on the down flat down rail, sooo much steeze!!!

After an hour of the amateurs killing it it came to be that The Rodriquez Brothers stood atop the amateur podium and moved into the finals. Ricky Rodriquez was standing a lil’ taller than his little brother today as the box for 1st was about 4 inches higher than 2nd.

above are the before victory shots of Billy and Ricky Rodriquez the looked just as stoked after they killed it out there.

The pro division was dominated by local pro Andrew “Droid” Steward, who was flipping off the Y-Rail at the bottom of the course and pressing his board in to all sorts of crazy contortions before spinning like a top back down to the snow. It really was a sight to see last Wednesday night as a variety of really incredible riders went at it for the number one spot. these riders included John Spriggs, Pat Milbury, Dave Lesh, James McCotter, Rob Bak, and many many others.

Seen below Billy Rodriquez is “handing the key to the city” to Andrew Steward

Andrew steward ended up winning the contest and his share of the 3000 dollars up for grabs. The Vail Valley local says he is looking forward to the rest of the season – “I don’t care what happens as long as I get to shread” – Andrew “Droid” Steward

As a skier, snowboarder, telemarker, figgler, or snowshoer in Colorado or any other sate in the U.S., one must abide by certain rules and regulations to keep oneself and others safe; knowing the code may also hep legally protect oneself in the case of a collision.

If you follow these simple steps and use common sense to help you make the best decision while on the slopes you can have endless enjoyment on your alpine adventure.

1. Always stay in control.
2. People ahead of you have the right of way.
3. Stop in a safe place for you and others.
4. Whenever starting downhill or merging, look uphill and yield.
5. Use devices to help prevent runaway equipment.
6. Observe signs and warnings, and keep off closed trails.
7. Know how to use the lifts safely.

In addition to the National Ski Areas Association’s list above here are some other helpful tips to keep you and your friends and family safe out there:

1. Ski within your ability – do not attempt trails that you are unfamiliar with the conditions or difficulty. IF IT LOOKS TO HARD… DON’T GO!

2. Stay conscious of your surroundings, It is not just the up hill skiers fault; if you are using the whole open slope to turn and control your speed, then YOU need to make sure that you are doing it in a safe manner, if there are people moving at twice your pace on the other side of the run stay away, WHY RISK GETTING HIT?

3. Realize that there are areas for going fast and slow – The slow zone areas will be marked by big orange banners that say “SLOW ZONE” or something to that effect. When in these areas, kids and adults alike should feel safe and secure because these areas of the mountain are maintained and designed to keep beginners out of harms way.(Harms Way = 1. On a slope, that is too difficult. 2. On a run, where other skiers are going much faster than you. 3. On a slope, where you may not remain in control an endanger the enjoyment of other winter sport enthusiasts.)

4. Terrain Parks are not for BEGINNERS – It is commonplace for ski resorts to have freestyle terrain parks placed on runs around the resort; this does not mean that anyone and everyone should be in the terrain park; one should read the warning signs and carefully determine if they are willing to RISK injury in the terrain park, because after passing the sign the rider assumes all RISKS associated with the features in the park. Park etiquette is outlined below.

THINGS TO THINK ABOUT:

Know your Limits and ability level and select the appropriate Freestyle Terrain for you.

Your condition, speed, balance, body movements, alignment, trajectory and maneuver difficulty will DIRECTLY AFFECT YOUR DESIRED OUTCOME.

Know the intended use of the Freestyle Terrain you have chosen.
For example, some features are intended to be used in a series with no stopping and some individually with stopping areas; jump takeoffs are for jumping and rail takeoffs are for entering onto rails.

Your actions can take you out of balance and cause serious injury or death, no matter how the feature is designed or where you land. Land on your feet!

Transitions are changes in the shape and pitch of the snow or feature, or changes from one type of sliding surface to another. Transitions can be gentle or abrupt, and demand that users be alert and respond to them with accurate movements.

Know where to Land. The SWEET SPOT is between the “knuckle” and center of the landing zone. Even if you land on or near the sweet spot, you can still be seriously injured or die if your landing posture is not correct.

INVERTED MANEUVERS ARE NOT RECOMMENDED.

BE AWARE that features change constantly due to snow conditions, weather, usage, grooming and time of day.

Read and obey all posted signs, instructions and warnings before usinG Freestyle Terrain.

Some resorts designate features as small, medium and large. Be aware these ratings are determined by size, not degree of difficuLty, and are relative only to that resort.

FREESTYLE TERRAIN INCLUDES:

Jumps, hits, ramps, banks, fun boxes, jibs, rails, half pipes, quarter pipes, snowcross, bump terrain and other constructed or natural terrain features.

SMART STYLE:

Four main points of Smart Style

• • MAKE A PLAN
  • • Every time you use Freestyle Terrain, make a plan for each feature you want to use.
    • Your speed, approach and takeoff will directly affect your maneuver and landing.
  • LOOK BEFORE YOU LEAP
  • • Before getting into freestyle terrain observe all signage and warnings
    • Scope around the jumps first not over them
    • Use your first run as a warm up run and to familiarize yourself with the terrain
    • Be aware that the features change constantly due to weather, usage, grooming and time of day
    • Do not jump blindly and use a spotter when necessary
  • EASY STYLE IT
  • • Know your limits and ski/ride within your ability level
    • Look for small progression parks or features to begin with and work your way up
    • Freestyle skills require maintaining control on the ground and in the air
    • Do not attempt any features unless you have sufficient ability and experience to do so safely
    • Inverted aerials increase your risk of injury and are not recommended
  • RESPECT GETS RESPECT
  • • Respect the terrain and others
    • One person on a feature at a time
    • Wait your turn and call your start
    • Always clear the landing area quickly
    • Respect all signs and stay off closed terrain and features

KNOW YOUR FEATURE:

Each feature can be broken down into 4 zones. Identify these zones and have a plan before using any Freestyle Terrain.

Approach zone is the space for setting your speed and stance to use the feature.

Takeoff zone is for making moves that start your trick.

Maneuver zone is for controlling your body in the air and setting up for landing.

Landing zone is the prepared slope between the knuckle and the runout beyond it.

BE SAFE OUT THERE FOR OUR SAKE AND OTHERS.

REMEMBER:

1. Slow is not always safe

2. You can prevent an accident

3. If you get hit, and are not injured make certain that the other parties involved are OK.

4. If you ride fast do so where it is safe for you and others

5. Stay where you are comfortable Beginners=Green Circle, Intermediate = Blue Square, Advanced/Expert = Black Diamond and Double Black Diamond.

Skier Responsibility Code:

• Always stay in control and be able to stop or avoid other people or objects.
• People ahead of you have the right of way. It is your responsibility to avoid them.
• Do not stop where you obstruct a trail or are not visible from above.
• Whenever starting downhill or merging onto a trail, look uphill and yield to others.
• Always use devices to help prevent runaway equipment.
• Observe all posted signs and warnings. Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas.
• Before using any lift, you must have the knowledge and ability to load, ride and unload safely.

Remember, you are sharing the slopes with others. Always use caution. Certain areas, indicated on the trail map with a orange grid, are designated as slow skiing zone areas. Please ski or snowboard slowly in the areas that may experience higher traffic.

High Altitude Awareness

Above 8,000 feet, altitude illness affects 20 percent to 30 percent of visitors from low elevations to some degree. The first thing most people notice is a shortness of breath, especially when exercising. In addition, the heart is likely to beat faster and one may develop nausea, unusual tiredness, headache, or have difficulty sleeping. Those with one or more of these symptoms may have Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). If the symptoms do not subside shortly, a doctor should be called. Upon arrival in this area, take it easy for the first day or two. Drink two or three times more water or fluid than usual. Limit alcohol consumption for two or three days and minimize caffeine intake. Limit salty foods and increase carbohydrate consumption. Most importantly, listen to your body. Do not push the limits of your physical capabilities.

The Vail Valley Challenge Cup will be held in the Vail Valley August 4th & 5th, 2008. The 2008 tournament will be the eighth consecutive year for the event. All USYSA non-premier teams (U11 through U14) and all U10 boys and girls teams are encouraged to compete in this Colorado event. All teams will play a minimum of three games. All teams have been given permission by CYS and WSSL to rearrange their league games to attend this Tournament.

Lodging for this event is open this year with teams being allowed to book directly at the condominium property or hotel of their choice. Properties such as Beaver Creek West in Avon (adjacent to the Avon fields) is one such option.

For additional information see http://www.vailsoccer.com

Provided by Jake Mihalek, Concierge at Beaver Creek West:

Top 14 Things that are FREE

See more vacation tips at Beaver Creek West’s website.

1. FREE ski or snowboard tips are offered for intermediate and advanced skiers from Mid Vail at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. Snowboarders looking for free tips depart from the base of Golden Peak at 11 a.m. Offered November 28 – December 16, 2005 & January 9 – February 4, 2006.

2. Never been to Beaver Creek or Vail? Join a knowledgeable guide for the FREE Mountain Welcome & Blue Sky Basin Tours designed to introduce you to the vast terrain and amenities of both Beaver Creek and Vail Mountains. The Beaver Creek Mountain Welcome Tour meets daily at 10:00 am at the “Information” sign at the top of the Centennial Express Lift #6. The Vail Mountain welcome Tour meets at 9:30 am at LionsHead and Vail Village, Blue Sky Basin tour meets at the Blue Sky Basin Information sign at the top of lifts #4, #5, & #11 and are available to intermediate and advanced skiers and riders.

3.The Gondola is FREE after 2:00 p.m. in the winter and in the summer after 5:00 pm Thursday thru Saturday – take a FREE scenic ride up to the top of the mountain to enjoy the views and activities at Adventure Ridge.

4. In the winter, on Wednesday nights, don’t miss the FREE concert series in the streets of Vail Village. Each week features a different act and provides family entertainment for all! Concert series dates: November 30 – December 14, 2005 and March 8 – April 19, 2006; 6pm – 7:30pm

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At 8 a.m., students up and down the Vail Valley in Colorado are entering the doors of the local high school.

But not freshman Abby Ghent. She is standing on the snow at Vail Ski Resort and using a heavy, metal wrench to screw a racing gate into the snow. The gates — the bright poles that skiers race around at the Winter Olympics — have to be screwed in tight so they don’t rip out when the girls come racing down the mountain.

If they want to attend the Vail Ski and Snowboard Academy, these girls have to be willing to do dirty work like this, carry a lot of gear and stay ahead in school.

Read about it here or listen to it at NPR.org