7 IDEAS...

Having no control over Mother Nature, we are often victims of mood swings as the temperatures vary.  One day it’s snowing, the next we are experiencing sub zero temperatures while the next day we may be getting rain.  While we are avid lovers of skiing and boarding, we are at Mother Nature’s mercy.  Here are 7 suggestions to make each changing day a fun experience.

First:
Let your artistic side come to life – On those days when it is simply to cold to brave the outdoors, stay in the comfort of your chalet and put pencil to paper.  Sketch your dream snow park or draw the artwork you’d like to see on you snowboard.  Let your imagination run wild, the sky is the limit! 

Second:
Follow the leader -  This game of do what I do is a lot of fun.  The game will allow you to improve on your JIB technique. The words PIG or HORSE can be used in this game.  The leader will ask you to perform a manoeuvre, example: Do a FS 180and tail tap the rock.  If you fail to complete the manoeuvre a letter from the chosen word will be added to your score.  If you end up spelling the word you will be disqualified.

Third:
The Mogul Run – One of the advantages of a rainy day is softening of the skiable surfaces.  This is the perfect opportunity to challenge your friends to a friendly mogul run.  This object of this game is to turn as little as possible and to hit as many of the moguls head-on without being ejected from the trajectory.  The skier with the longest on trajectory run will win.

Fourth:
Switch Stance– You have mastered tricks and jumps and now you could certainly benefit from learning how to switch stance.  Today is the day!  Take your time, think how you can execute the same jump or trick while switching the side from which you normally execute your manoeuvres.  Approaching a jump or landing from the opposite side your are use to is called a Stance Switch.  Switching will soon become a kid’s game and will be a valuable asset to your boarding know-how.

Fifth:
Smallest Air Jump world record -  No need to break your neck to break a world record.  The smallest “air jump” consists of the largest spin off the smallest jump ramp.  How many people have you seen pull off a 720 from a 30 cm ramp?  Very few can do it, can you?

Sixth:
The One Foot is what’s in – You have watched the pros accomplish Cliff Jumps, Air Jumps and go down the Half-Pipe on one foot.  It’s time for you to give it a try!  Start with a run down the mountain with only one foot attached to your board to get the feel of things.  Your next runs should be a piece of cake.  Go ahead, try it!

Finally:
The Long Ollie – It is spring time and you are a little depressed because the season is coming to an end.  Here’s something you can do:  Try long jumps over the bare spots on the mountain.  You can even attempt these long jumps on One Foot if you like playing in the mud!