This is a webpage designed for a group of snowboarders and skiers in the state of Vermont who tell their stories on each of the mountains. I will have links to pages for Stowe Mountain Resort, Bolton Resort, Smugglers Notch, Jay Peak, Sugar Bush, Mad River Glen, Okemo, and lastly Killington. Additionally, I will have a link to a about us page. I will have images and links to external videos, as well as javascript where it welcomes the viewer to the page.
This webpage was created by Jocalyn Popke
Different Vermont Locations
Advice and Tips from the Professionals
Snowboarding Tips:
Find Your Stance- Stance Width: Your feet should be about shoulder-width apart. Experiment to find a comfortable stance that offers balance and control. Stance Angles: A common setup is a 15° front and 0° back stance, but this can vary depending on personal preference and riding style.
Stay Low and Centered: Maintain a low stance to keep your center of gravity over your board. This helps with balance and control, especially on turns and uneven terrain.
Learn to Carve Properly: Carving involves engaging the edges of your board. Practice making smooth, controlled turns by leaning into your edges and using your whole body to guide the board.
Use Your Hips: Initiate turns by rotating your hips, not just your upper body. This will help you steer more effectively and keep your movements fluid.
Work on Your Jumps: When jumping, keep your knees slightly bent and your weight centered. As you approach the jump, compress your legs and then extend them to get air.
Keep Your Eyes Forward: Look where you want to go, not where you are. Your body naturally follows your gaze, which helps with smoother turns and better control.
Practice Falling Safely: If you’re going to fall, try to fall to the side rather than straight forward or backward. Tuck in your arms to avoid injuries.
Skiing Tips:
Perfect Your Carving: Focus on rolling your knees and ankles to engage your edges. Proper carving reduces friction and improves speed and control.
Balance and Posture: Maintain a balanced posture with your weight slightly forward, over the balls of your feet. This helps with control and responsiveness.
Use Your Poles Effectively: Poles help with balance and rhythm. Plant them slightly ahead of you as you turn to aid in maintaining stability and timing.
Keep Your Hands Forward: Keep your hands in front of you and your elbows slightly bent. This posture helps with balance and improves your skiing efficiency.
Focus on Smooth Turns: Practice making smooth, gradual turns rather than sharp, abrupt ones. This technique will improve your control and make for a more enjoyable ride.
Work on Your Edging: Proper edging is crucial for control and speed. Practice shifting your weight to engage your edges and make precise turns.
Stay Relaxed: Avoid tensing up. A relaxed body is more agile and responsive, allowing for better absorption of bumps and smoother transitions.
General Tips for Both Snowboarders and Skiers:
Wear Proper Gear: Invest in well-fitting boots, helmets, and appropriate clothing. Proper gear enhances safety and comfort on the slopes.
Warm-Up and Stretch: Warm up before hitting the slopes and stretch regularly to prevent injuries and improve flexibility.
Know Your Limits: Start on easier runs and progressively challenge yourself as you gain confidence and skill. Pushing too hard can lead to accidents.
Take Lessons: Even experienced riders can benefit from professional instruction. Lessons can help refine techniques and improve overall performance.
Stay Hydrated and Eat Well: Proper nutrition and hydration can significantly impact your performance and energy levels on the slopes.
Respect the Mountain: Follow trail signs, be aware of other skiers and snowboarders, and always respect the mountain environment.
Have Fun: Remember that the primary goal is to enjoy yourself. Stay positive and embrace the learning process!
Beginners Guide
Snowboarders
Snowboarding is an exhilarating winter sport that’s perfect for beginners eager to embrace adventure. To get started, choose gear that’s beginner-friendly: a softer snowboard for better control, well-fitting boots, and adjustable bindings for comfort. Dress in layers to stay warm and dry, and ensure you have waterproof clothing, gloves, a helmet, and goggles for protection. Begin by determining your stance—regular or goofy—and practice balancing on flat ground. Learn how to fall safely, aiming to fall sideways and using your arms to protect your head. Start on a gentle slope to practice gliding, stopping, and making basic turns by shifting your weight and using your edges. Always wear a helmet, stay within your skill level, and follow slope rules. Consider taking a lesson for professional guidance. Most importantly, enjoy the ride, celebrate small victories, and have fun as you embrace the thrill of snowboarding!
Skiers
Skiing is a thrilling winter sport that’s accessible to beginners ready to hit the slopes. Start by selecting the right gear: choose skis that are forgiving and suitable for beginners, well-fitting boots for support, and adjustable bindings for comfort. Dress in layers to stay warm and dry, and ensure you have waterproof clothing, gloves, a helmet, and goggles for visibility and protection. Begin by mastering the basics—learn to balance on your skis on flat ground, practice how to fall safely by keeping your limbs relaxed, and focus on gentle slopes to get comfortable with gliding, stopping, and making turns. Use the snowplow technique to control your speed and direction as you build confidence. Always wear a helmet, stay within your skill level, and adhere to slope rules. Consider taking a lesson to gain professional tips and ensure proper technique. Embrace the learning process, enjoy every moment on the slopes, and have fun as you discover the excitement of skiing!
Do you have what you need for your first adventure on the slopes?
Snowboarding Essentials
Essential Snowboarding Gear
Snowboard: The primary piece of equipment. Ensure it’s the right size and type for your riding style.
Snowboard Bindings: Attach your boots to the board. Ensure they are compatible with your snowboard and properly adjusted.
Snowboard Boots: Comfort and support are key. Choose boots that fit well and provide adequate support.
Clothing and Outerwear
Snowboard Jacket: Waterproof and insulated to keep you warm and dry.
Snowboard Pants: Waterproof and insulated, often with reinforced knees and seat.
Base Layers: Moisture-wicking, thermal layers to keep you warm and dry. Includes top and bottom.
Mid Layers: Additional warmth, such as fleece or down jackets.
Snowboard Socks: Moisture-wicking, warm, and ideally knee-high.
Gloves or Mittens: Waterproof and insulated to keep your hands warm.
Neck Gaiter or Balaclava: Protects your neck and face from wind and cold.
Protective Gear
Helmet: Essential for safety; should fit well and be comfortable.
Goggles: Protect your eyes from UV rays and wind; choose lenses suitable for varying light conditions.
Wrist Guards: Optional but can help prevent wrist injuries.
Knee and Elbow Pads: Optional but useful for beginners or those prone to falls.
Impact Shorts: Padding for hips and tailbone can provide extra protection.
Accessories
Snowboard Leash: Keeps your board from sliding away when you’re not on it.
Snowboard Tools: For adjusting bindings and other quick fixes.
Backpack: To carry essentials like water, snacks, and extra layers.
Hydration Pack or Water Bottle: Stay hydrated throughout the day.
Sunscreen and Lip Balm: Protect your skin from sunburn and windburn.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Edge Tuner: To maintain sharp edges on your snowboard.
Wax Kit: To keep your board’s base smooth and fast.
Brushes and Scrapers: For cleaning and maintaining your snowboard’s base.
Optional Gear
Avalanche Beacon, Probe, and Shovel: Essential if you plan to venture into backcountry areas.
Camera or GoPro: To capture your rides and adventures.
Hand Warmers and Toe Warmers: For extra warmth on particularly cold days.
For Beginners
Snowboarding Lessons: Consider booking a lesson if you're new to the sport to get started safely and effectively.
Personal Items
ID and Lift Ticket: Ensure you have your lift pass or ticket and any necessary identification.
Skiing Essentials
Essential Skiing Gear
Skis: The primary piece of equipment. Ensure they are the right size and type for your skiing style.
Ski Bindings: Attach your boots to the skis. Ensure they are properly adjusted and compatible with your skis.
Ski Boots: Comfort and support are crucial. Choose boots that fit well and offer adequate support.
Clothing and Outerwear
Ski Jacket: Waterproof and insulated to keep you warm and dry.
Ski Pants: Waterproof and insulated, with features like reinforced knees and seat for durability.
Base Layers: Moisture-wicking, thermal layers to keep you warm and dry. Includes top and bottom.
Mid Layers: Additional warmth, such as fleece or down jackets.
Ski Socks: Moisture-wicking, warm, and ideally knee-high.
Gloves or Mittens: Waterproof and insulated to keep your hands warm.
Neck Gaiter or Balaclava: Protects your neck and face from wind and cold.
Protective Gear
Helmet: Essential for safety; should fit well and be comfortable.
Goggles: Protect your eyes from UV rays and wind; choose lenses suitable for varying light conditions.
Wrist Guards: Optional but can help prevent wrist injuries.
Knee and Elbow Pads: Optional but useful for beginners or those prone to falls.
Impact Shorts: Padding for hips and tailbone can provide extra protection.
Accessories
Ski Leash: Keeps your skis from sliding away when you’re not on them.
Ski Tools: For adjusting bindings and other quick fixes.
Backpack: To carry essentials like water, snacks, and extra layers.
Hydration Pack or Water Bottle: Stay hydrated throughout the day.
Sunscreen and Lip Balm: Protect your skin from sunburn and windburn.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Edge Tuner: To maintain sharp edges on your skis.
Wax Kit: To keep your skis’ bases smooth and fast.
Brushes and Scrapers: For cleaning and maintaining your skis’ bases.
Optional Gear
Avalanche Beacon, Probe, and Shovel: Essential if you plan to venture into backcountry areas.
Camera or GoPro: To capture your runs and adventures.
Hand Warmers and Toe Warmers: For extra warmth on particularly cold days.
For Beginners
Skiing Lessons: Consider booking a lesson if you're new to the sport to get started safely and effectively.
Personal Items
ID and Lift Ticket: Ensure you have your lift pass or ticket and any necessary identification.
Want to learn more about snowboarding or skiing? Click the links below to learn more!