Archive for February, 2010

A Slope-Virgin Shopping List

Living in Newfoundland means that we’ve all seen lots of snow. But not everyone has had the opportunity to visit the slopes. And being a beginner – especially an adult beginner – can be a challenge. We thought we’d help out with a few tips on what you need to get started (other than a positive attitude!).

If it’s your very first time on the hill, it may be better to borrow what you can when it comes to clothing. A $400 ski jacket is a poor investment if it turns out that you don’t like skiing. If you do purchase, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Build a base layer
To stay warm without being so bulky that you can’t lower your arms, think underwear – of the long sort. Today’s “long johns” are built to wick moisture from your skin to the material’s outer surface where it can evaporate. Even if you never ski/board again, these make great cold-weather basics, and even comfy PJs!

Optimize your outer layer
Cold-weather clothing and ski clothing are not created equal. General use outdoor jackets and pants are designed to keep you warm and dry. Ski clothing considers those two things, but also allows for ease of movement. From a bells and whistles standpoint, there are no hard and fast rules for what features you need. Just try and think classic when it comes to colour and style – your gear will stay “in style” a lot longer if you do.

Socks
Having comfortable, warm feet is important. You may want to look for socks made with moisture wicking fabric. One pair of socks is usually enough if your boots fit properly, but it’s a good idea to bring an extra pair to change into part way through your day.

Gloves or Mitts
Here’s one place that spending a few extra bucks can make or break your day on the slopes. Regular mittens are a serious no-no. Go for specially designed gloves or mitts with multiple layers to wick moisture and allow your skin to breathe. Be sure you can move your fingers easily, and grip a pole. If you’re especially prone to cold hands, grab a pair with a built-in pocket for a heat pack.

Goggles
You can make do with regular sunglasses, it’s true. But goggles are ever so much better. They won’t fall off, they have vents to prevent fogging, they help keep your face from getting cold and most provide lots of UV protection. Look for a second-hand or lower-priced pair if you really don’t want to invest too much when you’re new to the sport.

Gear
If you’re a beginner, we recommend renting all the needed hardware. Just come into the rental shop and our experienced staff will hook you up with all you need: boots; board; skis; helmet; poles; you name it.

Odds and sods
A few other things you never want to be without on the slopes? Sunscreen, lip balm, energy bars, water, and heat packs.

Marble Mountain In a Winter Wonderland

Today is the kind of day when we really love our jobs here at Marble Mountain Resort! We woke up to an unexpected 10cm snowfall, it’s still snowing and it’s a picture perfect day on the mountain. Alli Johnston (the resort’s marketing manager) took a walk with her camera just before first run today and took these shots of today’s winter wonderland.

If you’re on the mountain with a camera today (or any day!) send us your photos. Everyone sees the mountain from a different angle and we’d love to see your point of view! Just post them to our Facebook Fan Page or email them to info@skimarble.com.

2010 Olympic Connection

Marble Mountain has always been supporting athletes and has been host to numerous freestyle skiers from the four corners of the globe.

We’ve been having a blast watching the Olympic skiing and snowboarding events and wish all of the competitors good luck in Vancouver!

Check out the 2010 Olympic athletes who competed at the 2003 FIS Freestyle Junior World Championships at Marble Mountain Resort:

Athlete	Country	Vancouver 2010 Event	Scheduled Event Time
Renato Ulrich	SUI	Men’s Aerials	Feb. 22, 6:00 PM PST
Thomas Lambert	SUI	Men’s Aerials	Feb. 22, 6:00 PM PST
Hannah Kearney	USA	Ladies’ Moguls – GOLD!	N/A
Deborah Scanzio	ITA	Ladies’ Moguls – finished 14th	N/A
Sarka Sudova	CZE	Ladies’ Moguls – finished 25th	N/A
Nobuyuki Nishi	JPN	Mens’ Moguls – finished 15th	N/A
Pierre Ochs	FRA	Mens’ Moguls – finished 17th	N/A
Jesper Bjoernlund	SWE	Mens’ Moguls – finished 5th	N/A
Per Spett	SWE	Mens’ Moguls – finished 23rd	N/A
Olga Volkova	UKR	Ladies’ Aerials	Feb. 20, 10:00 AM PST

These 2010 Olympic athletes competed at the 2002 Canadian Freestyle Ski Championships at Marble Mountain Resort:

Athlete	Country	Vancouver 2010 Event	Scheduled Event Time
Veronika Bauer	CAN	Ladies’ Aerials	Feb. 20, 10:00 AM PST
Kyle Nissen	CAN	Men’s Aerials	Feb. 22, 6:00 PM PST
Steve Omischl	CAN	Men’s Aerials	Feb. 22, 6:00 PM PST
Jennifer Heil	CAN	Ladies’ Moguls – SILVER!	N/A
Pierre-Alexandre Rousseau	CAN	Mens’ Moguls – finished 7th	N/A

Veronica Brenner also competed at Marble Mountain during the 2002 Canadian Freestyle Ski Championships and before retiring she won Silver at the 2002 Olympic Winter Games in Salt Lake City. She will be providing commentary for CTV for freestyle skiing competitions at the 2010 Vancouver Games.