John LaPlante

If your snowboarding gets a little stale (that’s never going to happen, right?), you might consider spending some time on skis.

According to the National Sporting Goods Association, 20 percent of snowboarders are skiers, and 18 percent of skiers are snowboarders, so there’s some healthy cross-training activity going on. Trying out (or going back to) skiing can give you the opportunity to overcome a new challenge, which is what sends many people into snowboarding in the first place.

I started snowboarding eight years ago because skiing on my a little bump of 300 vertical feet lost its appeal pretty quickly. I thought that taking up snowboarding would make the hill a challenge once again. And you know what? I was right.

For several years after that, I only went snowboarding, and kept the skis in the closet. Then one year I took the skis out for a day, and decided I didn’t want to lose the ability to ski. So every season since then, I’ve taken my skis out a few times. Last week, I spent two different days (a total of 10 hours) on skis at my local bump hill. It wasn’t like learning to ski as a never-ever, but it did take me back to the days of being an advanced beginner.

I spent the first couple of hours on two of the easiest slopes, concentrating on making big, sweeping turns. Then I mixed in a slightly steeper slope, and with that came a new level of challenge. (Did I mention that you have to like challenges and not be afraid of being a beginner to switch up equipment?) Left-hand turns were easy; right-hand turns were not. In fact, I was in the grip of fear. What if I couldn’t complete the turn and started sliding downhill, out of control at an advancing rate of speed? Would I crash and injure my knee in the process?

Memories of the way we were. I briefly thought that a lesson might be required.

But I kept going, using my part-turn, part-snowplow maneuver to get to the next lift, which then took me to some slopes with long, fairly flat runs that finished off with lips that were not too steep. Or so I thought. Once confronted with making a right-hand-turn on the lip for the first time, I hesitated. I slide slipped, started a turn, slide slipped, and stopped again. Then I dismounted, turned my skis around, and skied off without having made a proper turn. Foiled by a left foot that had grown to 160cm, and a  leg that was immobilized as far as lateral movements go. So I went back to the novice slopes and started again.

Eventually the right-hand turns started coming back. They weren’t ideal, but they were coming back. New snow started falling, and the lights came on for night skiing. Both factors seemed to put me in a zone.  I was very briefly transported back, at least in my mind, to Elk Camp, a fine set of intermediate slopes at Snowmass. And then a little bubble of joy went off inside: “Yes. This is why I liked skiing!” My legs, skis, the slope, and gravity were working together to give an adrenaline rush for doing something that is at once dangerous and perfectly safe, irrational and logical.

Two days later I returned, and spent the morning on my snowboard. It was good to be back in my element, but it didn’t take long to cover all the interesting terrain on the board. Variety is something that’s important to me, so it was time to exchange the board for skis. Being on skis made the hill new again. Next up: running the NASTAR course on a snowboard, and then on skis.

What’s your approach to winter? Do you seek to survive it, or thrive in it?

Due to illness, family issues and other factors, I recently spent more time than usual between snowboarding outings. The experience was not enjoyable but it was informative. It reminded me of my pre-skiing and pre-riding days, when my chief concern about winter was how to survive it. You know all the negatives that are associated with winter: short days, cold temperatures, icy roads, lots of snow to shovel from the driveway and sidewalks, plenty of overcast days, and lost opportunities to undertake warm-weather activities such as grilling out or playing a round of golf.

You’re probably also aware of the typical responses to these negatives: Find create ways to survive indoors. Take some good books and sit by a fireplace. Amp up the subscription to Netflix and spend more time in front of the TV. Go to a local gym or recreation center for some basketball or indoor swimming. Bake cookies. When all else fails, escape to Florida, Texas, or Arizona. And of course, complain about how much you hate winter and can’t wait for it to end. In this mindset, winter is like a virus, an alien that invades “normal” life. When spring finally repels it, celebrations ensue.

That’s not an entirely unreasonable approach. Statistically speaking, winter is only 25 percent of the calendar, and the most severe part of winter takes up even less than that. But holing-up-for-winter has negatives of its own. The most obvious is cabin fever. A less obvious one is the fact that holing up means losing opportunities for personal growth and enjoyment that come from braving the elements.

Friedrich Nietzsche is supposed to have said, “That which does not kill me makes me stronger!” I don’t buy his philosophy in general, and even this maxim has its limitations. But there’s a kernel of truth in there. There can be something exhilarating about facing a tough situation and coming out of it. Now add not just coming out of it, but finding enjoyment IN it. That’s a life-affirming experience. It’s not just turning lemons into lemonade, but turning lemons into the most enjoyable beverage you could ever imagine.

There’s so much to enjoy about getting out in the winter for snowboarding, skiing, or other snow-based activities: the natural beauty of trees covered in snow; the sparkle of the sun reflecting off the snow; the contrast between the blue sky and the white snow; the appearance of exhaled breath appearing as smoke, affirming that yes, you are alive. And all that’s before you enjoy the delights of making turns down the mountain or hill using your snowboard or skis.

So dress in layers, take some water with you for hydration, and go thrive outdoors in winter!

Of the making of sociological statements about the significance of snowboarding, there seems to be no end. The rise and development of snowboarding both reflects and helps contribute to social change. Matt Harrison offers an interpretation of snowboarding in his book The American Revolution.

The evolutionary power of choice is even apparent in the world of sports. The history of the sport of snowboarding offers a surprising example of how freedom of choice and the right to dissent from the orthodoxy can create unforeseen benefits for everyone.

Snowboarding is an American invention, first appearing on our ski slopes in the 1980s, as baggy-pant-clad delinquent kids began sliding down mountains on makeshift surfboards, smoking joints on chairlifts, and mostly lying prostrate in the middle of runs due to an unnecessarily high proportion of wipeouts.

At the beginning of the sport, few thought this self-parodying stoner diversion had a future. Some ski patrols often kicked out individual snowboarders, and many resorts banned them entirely. After all, who would want to be a snowboarder?

As it turns out, being different was only part of the appeal of snowboarding. As an avid snowboarder myself, I’ll help explain the appeal. Snowboarding enables one to easily jump, spin and stylize tricks in a variety of different terrain conditions. While this feature is understandably appealing to the risk-inclined, I believe it has universal appeal. Few experiences are more exhilarating than floating through the air, suspended in the blissful transcendence of gravity. Moreover, the act of snowboarding is a more fluid and passive activity than skiing, making the act of carving down hills a serene and enlightening experience.

Today, snowboarding is the world’s fastest growing winter sport. As millions of kids and adults choose to give the new sport a try, it rapidly gained popularity and mainstream success. New choices created a new community, and now “professional snowboarder” is a legitimate career choice. The sport is constantly televised on ESPN, and hundreds of snowboard companies offer high-tech equipment and fashionable gear for riders of any age, gender and style. Resorts have embraced snowboarding too, providing “terrain features,” jumps, rails and other tricks for snowboarders.

The enhanced diversity of clientele–thanks to snowboarding–helped the resort industry avoid a recession. As skiing has declined in popularity, snowboarding has exploded, keeping uncomfortable layoffs at bay. “If it wasn’t for snowboarding, the industry would have suffered a major contraction,” said Michael Perry, president of the National Ski Areas Association.

Recognizing the economic value of this new market, ski resorts now embrace snowboarders with open arms. Most of all, they realize that social differentiation is in their own interest. “Basically, snowboarding has brought more people to the mountains and introduced more people to snow sports,” said Kurt Hoy, editor in chief of TransWorld Snowboarding.

Thanks to snowboarding, America has won eight Olympic medals. Each proided classic moments of Olympic heroism that graced the covers of Wheaties boxes and inspired little kids at the breakfast table. Snowboarding has also created billions of dollars in economic growth, and those involved continue to hold numerous events to support charity work around the world.

Imagine–all that from a few hellions who chose to buck tradition on the mountain.

I certainly appreciate some traditions. But sometimes, change is good, too.

Sports can make you a multimillionaire. Witness A-Rod, Tom Brady, and Kevin Garnet, of baseball, football, and basketball, respectively. Even snowboarding can, for one or two individuals, be a ticket to very lucrative endorsement deals (Shaun White).

But the initial lure of any sport is that it’s enjoyable, a challenge, or both. An ongoing scandal involving college football is a good reminder of that fact. It also reminded me that snowboarding is not only enjoyable, it has been a source of personal growth.

A little background, first. While college football programs effectively act as minor-league feeders for the NFL, the players don’t get paid. Not only would that violate NCAA rules, it would also violate the “spirit of amateurism” that supposedly permeates college athletics. (Note the irony:  TV analysts and college colleges get good incomes from college sports, but the actual athletes aren’t supposed to take a dime in payment.)

Cam Newton is a football player for Auburn University. He was recently awarded the  Heisman Trophy, which is given to the best football player. There’s been a little controversy, though, which is that Newton’s father tried to auction off his services to various colleges–in effect, make him a professional college football player.

Writing on ESPN.com, Carl Erlich contrasts Newton with Zar Zavala, one of his college friends. Zavala finished out his football career at Harvard, which unlike Auburn, is not a place known for developing NFL prospects.  Erlich says that if amateurism is really your ideal of college athletics, look at Zavala, who, unlike Newton, never had any chance of being a professional football player.

So why did Zavala, who wants to be a brain surgeon, put up with the practices and other hard work of college sports? It certainly wasn’t for the money. The answer is found in the conclusion that is offered up by Erlich, who was a teammate of Zavala:

“Newton will deservingly win the Heisman on Saturday night. He will be remembered for the impact he made on college football.

Zar (and all of the patients his neurological research and work will affect) will remember the impact that college football made on him. And isn’t that the point?”

Here’s one part of Zavala’s answer: “the challenges I faced with football have given me intangible skills that show up in my other work.” Many snowboarders, especially people who take up riding as adults, may be able to relate. I know I did. The pushing yourself to the limit, taking on a new challenge, getting over a mental obstacle, and so forth. In short, personal growth.

The first day of the snowboarding season brought me the following observations:

– If there’s a been a big snowstorm overnight and you’re driving the next day? Please. Clear all the snow off the roof of your car. Though the storm had long passed this morning, I had to deal with snow blowing off the car in front of me and onto my windshield.

– Midwest snowboarding and skiing depends on snowmaking and grooming. Without the first there wouldn’t be enough snow (or the season would be much shorter). Without the second, we would ride on frozen crud.

– More ski areas ought to have outdoor fire pits. There’s something very pleasant about coming to the bottom of the hill and being able to sit in front of a fire.

– I met a guy who is staying in the area for a few weeks on a work project. He came to our little local hill for some skiing opportunities. When he’s back home, he can drive to Wolf Creek, Colo. on a regular basis. Should I be jealous of him or pity him?

– Ski area chalets are places of chaos, but I love seeing the activity. Being out and active in the winter is an affirmation of life, and is much better for body and spirit than hunkering down in front of the TV.

One of my golfer friends says that when he can’t sleep at night, he replays a round of golf in his mind. I think I’ve found an analog.

I should say that it’s a run on my snowboard, using the various ways to play on the slope: easing my way through a glade; riding up and down the  sides of the gully that serves as a natural halfpipe;  gaining speed down new corduroy; smashing through the mashed potatoes, or if I’m really lucky, getting face shots from powder snow.

Unfortunately, I don’t get many opportunities at home to accumulate such pleasant memories. It’s 5 minutes on the lift and 40 seconds down. OK, a minute down if I really push it. So building the memory bank to drips outside the Midwest is important.

While I’m now waiting for the local slopes to open, I’ve been working on my newbie status as a mountain biker. The trail I’ve been riding the most also provides opportunities to accumulate pleasant memories. It has rocks to pick your way through, stair steps (built with wood or relying on tree roots) to descend, bridges to traverse, pine trees to ride through, ascends to conquer, and descents that prompt me to say “whee!” (or perhaps “must maintain control!”).

Sometimes I think I’d like to live in Denver, so close to the resorts of Summit County, and not that far from Vail. And then the joy of the thought is interrupted by the realization that traffic to the mountains can be a bit uncomfortable.

There’s been talk in Colorado of creating a high-speed rail line to go from Golden (on the west side of the Denver metro) to Eagle County airport (which serves Vail), some 120 miles away. Fewer cars on the road and fewer exhausted skiers and snowboarders driving on that road. What’s not to like?

To start with, the $20 billion price tag, says John M. W. Aldridge, a traffic operations engineer, writing an op-ed in the Denver Post. Aldridge points out various limits of the project, and concludes, “The plan has two major problems. First, it’s going to take 20 years or more to implement, and second, it will do nothing meaningful to relieve the worst area of congestion from east of Idaho Springs to west of Georgetown.”

Should Colorado — can Colorado — build a train to address the problems imposed by ski traffic? What do you think?

Winter brings snow, which is great, but it also brings many more hour of darkness, which isn’t necessarily great. For one thing,  seasonal affective disorder, a form of depression, is associated with a decreasing number of daylight hours. Plus, you might simply want to have a little extra time for walking about town after you put your snowboard away for the day.

If you want to maximize your daylight hours on your winter vacation, you can travel further south. Just to illustrate the point, consider two cities not usually thought of as ski destinations: Fargo, North Dakota and Port Isabel, which is in Texas, near San Padre Island. They are roughly the same longitude, so the major difference between the two is how close they are to the equator. Port Isabel is much further south: it is 26 degrees north of the equator versus Fargo’s 46. As a result, on February 15, 2011, it receives an additional 98 minute of sunlight. You can’t go snowboarding in Port Isabel (at any time of year!), but again, the point is to illustrate the principle. To see a more reasonable example, on January 15, you’ll get another 51 minutes of daylight by choosing Taos, New Mexico over Big Sky, Montana.

A second way to extend the number of daylight hours on your vacation is to schedule it later in the year. For example, if you go to Big Sky, Montana on March 15 rather than January 15, you’ll get an extra 1 hour and 49 minutes of daylight. Alyeska, Alaska, offers an even more extreme contrast. On January 15, you’ll have but 6 hours and 25 minute of sunlight. By March 15, that window expands to 11 hour, 44 minutes, a gain of 4 hours, 52 minutes.

Unfortunately, inserting images is beyond my WordPress ability, so you’ll have to click Hour of daylight at selected resorts to see a one-page table with more information.

Opting for more daylight has tradeoffs. Go later in the season and you may risk having less favorable snow conditions. But you might want to consider adding some light to your vacation.

Some of the best places for snowboarding are located on land owned by the U.S. government and managed by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS). Rumors on Capitol Hill suggest that there may be some changes coming for how the USFS manage the land under its control.

According to a story picked up by CBS4 Denver, the lame-duck session of Congress might pass legislation updating the list of summertime activities allowed on USFS land.

The Ski Area Recreational Opportunity Act of 2009 is sponsored by one Democratic Senator (Sen. Mark Udall–Colorado) and two Republicans (Sen. John Barrasso and Sen. Mike Enzi, both of Wyoming).

Here’s how the story describes the legislation:

Activities that would be allowed under the bill include zip lines, mountain bike trails, parks, hiking trails, Frisbee golf courses and rope courses. Forbidden activities include tennis courts, swimming pools, golf courses, amusement parks, water slides and water parks.

The bill was proposed by the National Ski Area Association to provide consistency across Forest Service lands, said Jerry Blann, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort president. Blann sits on the association’s public lands committee

You can find information about the proposal at Thomas.Loc.Gov. Click here for the text of the bill, as reported in the Senate.

Here’s what the Congressional Budget Office has to say about the legislation:

S. 607 would clarify the authority of the Forest Service to allow ski concessioners to offer additional recreational services on public lands. Based on information provided by the agency, CBO estimates that enacting the legislation would have no significant effect on the federal budget. The Forest Service already has authority to allow its concessioners to provide off-season and other recreational services at ski resorts. Clarifying that authoritycould facilitate the agency’s collection of fees from ski concessioners (currently yielding offsetting receipts to the Treasury of about $30 million a year).

Because enacting the legislation could result in additional offsetting receipts (a credit against direct spending), pay-as-you-go procedures apply, but CBO estimates that any increase would total less than $500,000 a year.

The legislation contains no intergovernmental or private-sector mandates as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act and would impose no costs on state, local, or tribal governments.

On February 1, 2010, CBO transmitted a cost estimate for H.R. 2476, the Ski Area Recreational Opportunity Enhancement Act of 2010, as ordered reported by the House Committee on Natural Resources on December 16, 2009. On July 8, 2010, CBO transmitted a cost estimate for H.R. 2476 as ordered reported by the House Committee on Agriculture on June 30, 2010. S. 607 and the two versions of H.R. 2476 are similar, as is CBO’s estimate of their costs.

What do you think of this legislation? Should Congress set one national standard, or should those decisions be made by local managers? Is the fact that the ski area association proposed the legislation good or bad?

One measure of how much your skills have advanced as a snowboarder is how tightly you can draw your lines down the mountain. Must you always take wide, sweeping turns that consume the width of a bowl, or can you make tightly controlled turns down more narrow trails? How about darting between the trees?

One way to sharpen your skills in making tighter turns on the snow is to make them on a mountain bike. At least that’s my conclusion after stepping up my game on the bike today, when I ventured onto a trail with rocks and logs deliberately placed on the downhill slopes.

There are lots of techniques you can consider when riding on such a trail (do a Google search on the terms “rock garden mountain bike” or something like that). Here are three points that seem relevant not only for biking but for snowboarding (or skiing) in technical terrain: Pick your line and stick with it; trust your equipment; and consider wearing protective gear.

The larger point, though, is that confidence builds confidence. If you can overcome fear in one area (riding through rocks while riding downhill on a bike) you might be able to overcome fear in another area (riding your snowboard through the trees, on ice, or whatever). In riding my bike, I’ve drawn on my memories as a snowboarder (“you’re scared of this? Remember what you did at X.”). This season, I’m looking forward to drawing on mountain-bike memories as I seek challenges on the slope.