Action Snowboarding

Nationals were held at Northstar at Tahoe again this year, both racers and course officials had to battle the weather. The last snow that fell on the course came on March 26th and the temps had been in the 60’s for weeks. Racers were not allowed their practice days and officials had to remove a table near the finish because parts of the course began to show dirt. Reports from pharmphresh’s own Darrin Kolka, a Midwestern hopeful and good friend from Sun Prairie, WI, say that the course was more technical than last year. “It was very turny and big this year with a lot of rollers.”

In the time trial Kolka qualified in 5th, one second behind the leader. The quarter finals held four heats of five with Kolka finishing 2nd. With six racers in his semifinal heat Kolka got the hole shot and lead through the first five turns to the middle of the course when making a toeside turn at the gates the second place rider tried to make an unmanageable pass. Both racers locked bindings and were ejected off the course. Kolka hobbled back to the gate and rode to a 4th place finish before getting an ambulance ride to the ER.

After racing open class for a number of years seeking the better competition in the Midwest, Kolka competed this year in the masters division with his eyes on a national title. Even though his season ended in an unfortunate crash, Kolka was happy overall with his season and had this to say, “I couldn’t have done anything different.”

Kolka says that he won’t be racing next year and would like to coach other racers and also hold his own BoarderX race event with cash prizes next season at one of the Madison area ski resorts. Thank you, Darrin and best of luck in the future. To find more results from 2007 nationals click www.usasa.org/Northstar07/index.lasso

Just because the winter is over, it doesn’t mean the winter sports have to end. Most ski resorts remain open till mid-April, and with longer hours, sunny slopes, plus discounted lift passes and accommodation, spring is an ideal time to head for the slopes for some skiing and snowboarding.

In spring you’ll find the slopes less crowded than during the winter months, and the snow is typically soft and sugary. Other advantages of spring skiing are commonly found with the onset of warmer weather, which sees restaurant and café terraces opening for BBQs and beer sessions, where skiers and snowboarders can sit in the sun and soak up some rays whilst enjoying the mountain scenery.

Spring skiing and snowboarding typically offers a relaxed atmosphere on the slopes, and many resorts hold festivals, parties and carnivals to celebrate the end of another winter. These come in the form of live music performances and fun events such as a “Slush Cup” – where skiers and snowboarders ski down a hill and then try to make it over a big slushy puddle, often in fancy dress. The winners enjoy the glory and applause from the onlookers, the losers end up rather wet!

When skiing in spring, be sure to bring plenty of high factor sun cream, as the intense rays and highly reflective surface of the snow will quickly burn your skin. For the same reason, a good pair of sunglasses is essential to protect your eyes, as you may find wearing goggles gets a little hot. In spring it’s often possible to ski or snowboard in a t-shirt, although it’s wise to carry extra layers too, as it’s not unknown for spring storms to deposit a dump of snow, and you might even get lucky with some spring powder!

Spring is also an ideal time to buy new ski and snowboard gear, as prices are normally heavily discounted at the end of the season as shops seek to clear their stock and get ready for the summer trade.

The best places to head for spring skiing are ski resorts situated above 2500m. Ski area with glaciers such as Whistler will stay open even longer, with lifts running until June.

If you are considering a spring skiing trip, you’ll be able to find a range of options for ski resort accommodation whether you’re heading to resorts in Colorado, Wyoming or British Columbia. So, when the winter’s over, don’t let the skiing stop - spring is one of the best times to head to the slopes for low prices, sugar soft snow and fun in the sun!

The Sierra Nevada Mountain Range serves as a beautiful backdrop to a spectacular region known for its natural beauty and year round activities. Lake Tahoe is 22 miles long and 12 miles wide. Lake Tahoe has 72 miles of shoreline, making it the largest alpine lake in North America. The sun shines for three quarters of the year and the water in the lake is so pure that it is 99.7 percent clear! The 72 mile drive along the shores of Lake Tahoe is spectacular. It is listed as one of the most beautiful drives in the USA. In the winter months, the Lake Tahoe region becomes the largest concentration of ski resorts in North America. There are 19 ski resorts including terrain to challenge at all levels, and other winter pursuits such as sledding and snowmobiling. Yosemite has become one of the 'must sees' for visitors to California. The rarefied mountain atmosphere of California's Western Sierra is enhanced by the stunning scenic vistas of this truly unique part of the world. Yosemite is famous for its granite monoliths such as El Capitan, spectacular waterfalls and vast wilderness. Its scenic features include alpine wilderness, giant sequoia tree groves and the Yosemite Valley itself. The discovery of one tiny gold nugget set off the great California Gold Rush of 1849. You can still pan for gold. Experience what it was like to travel in the old days on a paddle steamer cruise, a steam train, or a Wells Fargo stagecoach. Discover quaint museums, tour a mine, explore caverns, taste your way through farm trails, or try white water rafting on some of the best rivers in the west. The Squaw Valley is one of the top ski resorts in North America, and is world renowned. Squaw Valley resort hosted the Olympic Winter Games in 1960. There is a large choice of activities to do here, including skiing and snowboarding. The Napa Valley is less than one hour's drive north of San Francisco. The rolling hills and sun drenched valleys of Northern California's wine country have welcomed visitors since before the Gold Rush. The Napa Valley produces some of the finest wines enjoyed world over. Even if it did not, it would still be considered the jewel in the crown of North California. Kissed with bay fog at the valley's southern tip which borders the San Pablo Bay and continuing 30 miles north to the base of Mt St Helena, the valley ranges from 1 to 5 miles wide, and is protected by low mountains on the east and west. It is surrounded with acre after acre of world renowned vineyards!

From quiet towns steeped in history, to the tallest dunes on the East Coast, North Carolina offers a vast array of attractions for those who love culture, history and the great outdoors. Situated on the South Eastern Atlantic Seaboard, North Carolina is a geographically diverse state with mountains up to 6000 feet in the west, 4000 miles of rugged coastline in the east, and the beautiful rolling hills of the Piedmont region in between.

Winter sport fans will find ample opportunities for skiing and snowboarding in any one of the eight ski resorts in North Carolina’s Appalachian Mountains, which offer the highest peaks east of the Mississippi and harbor some of the lowest winter temperatures in the region. Come summer, the same mountains offer fantastic hiking opportunities through lush forests, with cascading waterfalls and stunning vistas to enjoy. Keen fishermen can take advantage of North Carolina’s many lakes, rivers and streams in which three species of trout can be found; and the 4000 miles of coastline also offer sea fishing for king mackerel, striped bass and trigger fish. For adrenaline junkies, North Carolina offers white water rafting, caving, mountain biking, surfing and scuba-diving amongst sunken shipwrecks. Motor bikers will also enjoy the long, quiet winding roads, with their sweeping curves and mountain top views.

Nature enthusiasts can look forward to the vast amounts of untouched scenery found in the state's various national parks, which offer hiking and horse riding trails of varying lengths and difficulties, from short, flat woodland strolls to challenging mountain hikes. Be on the look out for North Carolina’s wildlife which includes a number of rare and endangered species such as the Finback Whale, Red Wolf, Eastern Cougar and West Indian Manatee. And if you're visiting one of the bigger cities in North Carolina, such as Charlotte, you'll find various botanical parks and gardens to visit.

Anyone who's interested in exploring the state's culinary offerings will find miles of wine growing regions to visit, hundreds of small farms producing organically grown foods and many restaurants specializing in local dishes made with regional produce.

Art and culture are also alive and well in North Carolina, with plenty of opportunities to watch live theatre, dance, music and visual art. The city of Charlotte, for example, is well known for its array of museums, galleries and arts venues. The Charlotte Museum of History, the Carolinas Aviation Museum and the Levine Museum of the New South are just a few of the countless sites of cultural interest in the city. You'll also find annual festivals which celebrate this diverse culture, which is heavily influenced by the Native American Cherokees, Bluegrass music and African American history - and there are even defined trails that allow you to absorb North Carolina’s heritage at your own pace.

If you’re planning a trip to North Carolina, there are plenty of options for accommodation in Charlotte and throughout the state. With its unusual terrain, unscripted landscape and stunning cities, North Carolina makes a great vacation destination for anyone who loves culture and the great outdoors.

While visions of Hawaii and New York City may dance in your head for your next vacation, why not take the time to enjoy the natural wonder and beauty that comes from a trip to Lake Annecy? Situated in Haute-Savoie in France, the lake is the second largest of its kind within the country. Throughout Europe, the lake has earned the reputation as being one of the cleanest in the entire continent. Strict environmental regulations (set in the 1960s) has contributed to the pleasant and sparkling surroundings, which has become quite the perfect place to settle into a vacation filled with soothing swims and a wealth of water sports. Brief History Lake Annecy has a history that can be traced back approximately 18,000 years when the location was formed with the help of large, alpine glaciers in the vicinity. Many small rivers in the area feed the lake its water supply, which is surrounded by the breathtaking sights of majestic mountains, such as Ire and Laudon. Surrounding towns that offer great chances to explore the nearby terrain and culture include Annecy-le-Vieux, Lathuile, Doussard, Talloires, and Satint-Jorioz. Spring and Summer Activities When planning a trip to Lake Annecy, you will find a wide-range of activities to satisfy your needs and interest of the locality. The nearby mountains provide the perfect backdrop and arena to participate in an array of leisure pursuits and outdoor exploration, such as climbing, mountaineering, mountain backing, sightseeing, and paragliding. The wooded areas about the lake offer great trails for walking, cycling, and hiking. The lake opens up the possibilities for rafting, diving, swimming, and water-skiing. For many, the lure of catching the "big one" is also a thrill as fishermen take to boats and the edge of the water for fun. Winter Fun As the winter season settles in, snow sports become quite the popular thing to do in the Lake Annecy area. A variety of top-notch ski resorts are situated close to the lake where countless tourists engage in taking to the slopes, snowboarding, and other grand activities that freeze the toes and nose. Some of the resorts to be on the lookout for includes Megeve (42 lifts), Chamonix (80 lifts); and Val D'Isere (103 lifts), which is the furthest resort located from the lake. Cozy Accommodations While enjoying the natural scenery that Lake Annecy offers, there is also a wide-range of chalet-style houses and other welcoming accommodation selections available for rental. Depending on where you choose to stay, you could have access to beautiful views of the lake and mountains; private gardens; cycling paths; outdoor terraces; and sleeping quarters that fit up to 10 people at once.