So what are sno-parks?

State sno-parks are state maintained parking areas which have been set aside for recreation purposes. They are open only during the winter season - usually beginning in November and running until April. Most sno-parks will be marked with signs stating they are WINTER RECREATION AREAS. You can find sno-parks in most mountain passes, and also at lots of ski and snow play areas.

Most Pacific Northwest state sno-parks are open for multiple use activities. Which means that sledding, cross country skiing, inner tubing, snowshoeing, dog sledding, snow play, and sometimes even snowmobiling are allowed. Roughly half of the state sno-parks in the Pacific Northwest are reserved for un-motorized sporting. And even the parks allowing snowmobiles, or any other motorized vehicles, will still have plenty of open, under exploited areas to explore.

Rules about snowmobiles and snowmobile sno-parks are different than non-motorized parks, so be sure to check out the different regulations.

Permits are necessary to park and use the sno-parks. There is a fine for parking in a sno-park area without a permit, so be sure you grab one. The permits pay to help keep the areas clean, well groomed, and maintained, and also help keep up signs, patrol the parks, and to upgrade education and maps.

You can usually get permits for one day, a few days, or for the entire season. You can get permits at U.S. Forest Service ranger stations, some DMV offices, various resort permit agents, outdoor recreation retailers, a few other retail outlets, or online at Washington or Oregon State Park’s websites.

http://www.oregonstateparks.org
http://egov.oregon.gov/OPRD/
http://www.parks.wa.gov/

Some permit agents can charge a service fee for permits they sell.

Idaho’s state park program is called the Idaho Park-n-Ski permit. And even California sno-park passes are honored in some Pacific Northwest states. Check your state’s rules to be sure.

One final point to keep in mind…

Chains or tires with traction devices might be required (by local authorities) to get to sno-parks during the winter months. Driving a vehicle without them, during these times, will be a traffic infraction. So come prepared.

And now that you are armed with basic sno-park information, it is time to hit your favorite Pacific Northwest powder for some fun and festivities.

The easiest way to find a snowboarding vacation package is through your local travel agency. Typically they will be able to make your travel arrangements plus reserve any snowboarding gear that you may need. The convenient thing about a snowboarding vacation is you do not have to pay up front for a bunch of expensive gear. All the items that you need for snowboarding such as the board, boots and helmet are available to rent.

Other alternatives include finding snowboarding vacation packages from the on line travel agencies. You may get a better deal price-wise by shopping on the Internet, but for first-time snow riders, they may want a more personal experience that only an in-person agent can provide.

Transportation during your snowboarding vacation is generally not that much of a concern. Some resorts will actually pick you up from the airport and transport you to the slopes. Shuttle buses operate in most resort town to transport you from your room, to the slopes, back to your room, and to any shopping or needs you may have. If you choose to rent a vehicle or drive your own, most resorts have plenty of parking and for those areas where parking is quite a distance from the slopes, free shuttle buses will take you to the base of the slopes.

First time snowboarders should make things easier for themselves and take at least a day lesson. Nothing could be worse than getting hurt on your snowboarding vacation because you decided you could pick up the sport by teaching yourself. Like most things, it looks a lot easier than it is. A half or full days lesson is not that expensive and you will be able to get proper instruction so the rest of your snowboarding vacation is enjoyable.

Snowboard vacations that include children do not have to be a burden on the parents. Most ski resorts have family friendly programs for the kids, which allows them to learn how to snowboard, let the parents enjoy their own snow riding and keep them entertained for the day. Daycare is available at most ski resorts for those toddlers and babies too young to learn this great sport.

A snowboarding vacation can be an adventure that everyone young and old can enjoy. There are plenty of family fun things to do, teenagers get to participate in a cool activity and even adults will find the vacation to be plenty exciting. Snowboarding is no longer a rebel sport. The resort industry is now catering to the sport and has created magnificent snowboarding vacations to enjoy.

Most ski resorts now completely cater to the snowboard enthusiast. Not long ago ski resorts were not very welcoming to snowboarders, but as skiing popularity began decreasing during the 90’s they discovered that snowboarders spent as much or more money as their skiing counterparts and began welcoming them in droves.

Snowboarding clothing is very similar to what you would normally wear skiing. You always want to dress in layers. Marketing and design departments everywhere has created snowboarding specific clothing. The reality is it is the same warm clothing you would wear skiing that just looks more hip for the kids. Adults can certainly wear their ski pants and jackets if they want and have the same amount of fun. Snowboarding companies say that the snowboarding clothing has more room and is more comfortable which is just a fancy way of saying the clothing is baggy. Bottom line: whatever keeps you warm and dry is what you need to snowboard.

Safety is important to consider if you are traveling down the snow slope at a high rate of speed. Many people are using helmets to protect from cranial impact when you inevitably take a spill. Numerous snowboarders have found themselves hurt or even killed when losing control and smashing into a tree or other obstacle. Head trauma is generally the reason for the fatality.

Goggles or sunglasses are important to have when snowboarding. The sun can be blinding and make the glare off the snow very difficult to tolerate, making sunglasses almost necessary. However, if a snowstorm materializes on top of the mountain you will wish that you had a pair of goggles. Sunglasses will not be much help and if you have nothing to protect your eyes, making your way down the mountain will be very difficult, if next to impossible.

Most experts would recommend beginners invest some time and money in some lessons. Snowboarding looks extremely easy but the truth is it is very difficult to master. Snowboard lessons will help you become a safer rider, teach you how to mount and dismount the chairlift properly and show you the proper way to control your snowboard.

Snowboarding is an exciting sport to participate in. With the proper gear, a lesson or two and a ton of practice you will understand why it is the fastest growing winter sport these days and why it is so much fun.

Shop at the Right Time and Place

You might think that the Christmas week starting with Boxing Day would be a good time to pick up a bargain on a new pair of skis or boots. Think again! It’s true that during this time of the year, you can find big discounts on items like clothes and electronics. But ski equipment and accessories are different. Why?

Because this is not the end, but the beginning of the ski season, and most retailers will not put their ski gear on sale this early. That being said, you might find some bargains if you venture over to your local Sporting Goods store.

However, most of these places do not have a complete range of skis nor do they have experienced boot fitters on staff. It’s best to visit the Ski Shops that specialize in ski gear and accessories in the winter. They also have trained boot fitters so you can get a customized fit if you need ski boots.

You can always get a deal in the spring at most Ski Shops providing they still have the type of skis or boots that you are after in stock. However, begin your search in mid-February, since most of the shops begin dropping their prices around this time of the year, which is closer to the end of the ski season. In addition, you are more likely to find the skis or boots that you had your eye on earlier in the season.

Take Care of your Boots

Ski boots are very durable, but they are also expensive, so you want to extend their life, especially if you have custom-fitted boots that fit comfortably and perform well. Avoid walking through parking lots after the snow has melted away. Rough surfaces will eventually wear the plastic soles to the point that they will no longer fit in your bindings properly, which brings us to the next tip.

Many boots now come with removable pads on the toe and heel, which can be replaced before they wear down beyond the safe limits. If you are in the market for a new pair of ski boots, make sure you buy boots that have replaceable pads, especially on the heels. Replacing a pair of worn, heel pads will save you a ton of cash versus buying new, ski boots.

Get a Lock for your Skis

When you buy new skis and if you do not already own a lock or your old lock will not fit your new skis, buy one before you leave the shop. Why?

Because, you may forget to get one before you lay the first tracks with your new boards. You will definitely be putting your skis in jeopardy of being stolen when you prop them up in a ski rack and head into the lodge for lunch. New skis are an easy prey. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

Spend a few extra bucks up front for a ski lock to protect your initial investment for skis and bindings. It would be very painful to head back to the shop to replace a pair of skis that have been pilfered. Ouch!

Book a Bed and Breakfast

Many skiers do not spend a lot of time at the place where they are staying during a ski trip. So, why book expensive accommodations? A better approach is to phone ahead and book a Bed and Breakfast. Most ski destinations these days have local B&Bs. They are relatively cheap and you usually get a good breakfast, which means you also save time by not having to drive to another location in the morning.

So, if you don’t mind sharing a bunk bed with a friend and washroom facilities with the rest of the skiers on the floor, then a B&B is definitely the way to go. You will save a lot of your hard-earned dollars, which means you can ski more often during the season.

Share a House with Friends

An alternative to a B&B is to rent a house close to the ski resort for the weekend. A lot of locals in the towns and villages near the resorts rent homes to skiers. They could be second homes that they have invested in or cottages that they only use in the summer. These places are usually a bargain especially if you avoid holidays like Christmas and New Years.

You need to get a group of up to six friends together to make it worthwhile. Another benefit is that you can cook your own breakfast and dinner at the house, as well as prepare a lunch that you can bring with you to the ski hill. This means you can make your skiing dollars stretch even further.

Stay Further Away from the Resort

If you want something a little more upscale than a B&B, or you don’t want to be tasked with getting a group of skiers together, there is another option. You can stay at an inn, hotel, or chalet further way from the ski resort and commute each morning. Accommodations at or near ski resorts can be expensive, but the rates for rooms drop appreciably the further away you get from the ski hill. How do you find such places?

One of the best ways is to go online and search for accommodations in the region where you will be skiing. You can locate places to stay within a certain radius of the ski resort, say 20 miles. Check the room rates for a few inns or hotels at that distance, and then narrow or widen the radius, as appropriate, until you find a place that suits your budget and has the amenities you want. This can make your trip very economical when compared to staying at an inn or hotel near the ski hill.

Carry Your Own Water

When you downhill ski for an extended period of time, you have a tendency to sweat a lot. Not necessarily out of fear, but because you are working hard. Sometimes, you can drop up to a quart of water per hour. The key is to hydrate before you get thirsty, and drink regularly throughout the day.

The best way is to carry at least two quarts of water with you. There is almost no cost associated with tap water that you bring from home, or that you get from the ski resort. Water is the best fluid to drink since our bodies are made up of 70% water.

On the other hand, bottled water gets very expensive since you need to hydrate a lot throughout the day. Fruit juice and soda pop are not only costly, but are also diuretics that can make you even thirstier after you consume them, so you want to avoid these fluids.

So, it is wise for skiers to carry plenty of water with them when they are out skiing to avoid dehydration, and because there is no expense involved with tap water. How do you carry two quarts of water with you?

Bring a Backpack

When you are skiing in the mountains, it is best to wear a backpack. You can put the water you need in two X 1-quart plastic containers, along with your spare clothing and accessories. After you get off the chair lift or when you stop for a break on the slopes remove your backpack and pull out one of the water bottles.

However, if you consider removing a back pack two or three times per hour to be a hassle or you find that the extra weight on your back adversely effects your skiing, it might be better to invest in a camel pack.

Get a Camel Pack

A camel pack is actually a vest that fits around your chest and is zipped or clipped in the front. The pack contains a reservoir that holds between one and three quarts of water or energy drink, as well as a tube that transports the fluid from the reservoir to your mouth on demand. The pouch runs from the upper to the lower back and distributes the load evenly over your backside.

Some hydration packs in the marketplace come equipped with a system that prevents the delivery tube from freezing up in the winter months, but more often than not it is an accessory that needs to be purchased separately. However, if you tuck the end of the tube inside your ski jacket you should be able to keep it from freezing up on most winter days.

There is an initial investment for the pack, but you will recover this cost in one ski season by not buying bottled water, pop, and juice. In addition, you can use the camel pack for other sports like inline skating, hiking, and cycling to keep yourself hydrated during these summer activities.

For instance, when you do any other type of fishing you use bait. When you are fly-fishing you use a “fly”. Here is a list to help you with the basic terms that you will encounter in the sport.

Action

In other types of fishing when you ask about the action you are asking if the fish are biting. In fly-fishing “action” is the term used to describe the pace on a cast line of a particular rod.

Affluent

If someone is referring to affluent they are not talking about someone’s wealth. They are talking about a stream of water that eventually leads to a larger body of water.

Frankenfly

This is the term usually doled out to the first fly you try to tie by yourself. It’s really a play on words, but not a real good one, Frankenstein, frankenfly, get it?

Riffle

This refers to a good fishing spot that has very rapid moving water over something solid, usually rocks.

Dead water

This term refers to a body of water that has little or no current. This is a useless spot for a fly fisherman to try to catch a fish.

Bobbin

The word was taken from sewing terminology. The bobbin holds the tying thread.

Tinsel

This is just like Christmas decoration. It is a thin piece of silver, gold, or brass colored ribbon. It is used to make your fly shinier so, hopefully, you will attract more fish.

When referring to flies, there are five main categories: nymph, dry fly, wet fly, terrestrial, and stream fly, so make sure you refer to them correctly.

Here is what they are.

Nymph

This lure is made to look like an insect larva.

Dry fly

This fly mimics an insect floating on top of the water.

Wet fly

This fly swims just under the surface of the water.

Terrestrial

Here you want to imitate a flying insect that has fallen into the water and has drowned.

Stream fly

This fly is an attempt to mimic a hurt bait fish that would normally be in the stream you are fishing in.

Now that you can at least understand what fly fishermen are talking about you should take the next step and get yourself set up with a great fly-fishing rod and reel and all of the other gear you’ll need.

The selection is huge with many different options to choose from. A good recommendation is that you get some help from someone that knows the sport and the requirements for the area that you plan to fish.

There you are, you have the language down. You’ve bought your gear, now get out there and enjoy the fly-fishing experience with out being singled out as the rookie.

Related products you might also be interested in:

Tires

Check the pressure of your tires to make sure they are inflated to proper specifications. Consult the manual or the tire’s sidewall for information on the range of acceptable pressures for your tire. Note any splits or fatigue marks in the sidewall or tread. Inspect the rim for dents, twists or kinks. Spin each wheel to make sure it is true and centered in the stays. If the wheel wobbles from side to side when spun, then it needs truing. Check if some spokes need to be replaced or tightened. If your bike is equipped with quick-release mechanisms, make sure they are securely fastened.

Steering

The handlebars, saddle and pedals must be securely attached. Check the height of the handlebar stem. Make sure that the handlebar stem and seatpost are fastened such that their minimum insertion marks are not exposed. Handlebars should be tight and in line with the front wheel. Check if handlebars and front fork are properly stabilized. You should be able to rotate the handlebar post freely in the front fork. Tighten the bolts that attach the pedal crank-arms to the front bearing. Pedals should be tight, with no binding. Check for looseness in front and headset bearings.

Brakes

Squeeze both brake levers and try to roll the bike to check if the brakes are operating properly. If the bike moves while the brave levers are squeezed or if the brake levers touch the handlebar, then your brakes are too loose and need some adjusting. Make sure brake cables are taut. Check the brake cable for breaks or frayed ends; replace any worn or frayed brake cable. When brakes are applied, the brake pads (shoes) should contact squarely with the rim and should not touch the tire or the spokes.

Chain

Keep your bike’s chain clean and properly lubricated. Use a rag soaked in de-greaser to remove dirt and grease buildup. Lubricate the chain after cleaning. Bike maintenance experts recommend using a web lube in wet environments and a dry lube in dry environments. Make sure that the chain moves smoothly without sticking or jumping.

Tools for basic bicycle maintenance

Proper inspection and maintenance of your bike requires a few basic tools. The following are the tools you will need to keep your bike running smoothly and efficiently.

• Screwdrivers
• Allen wrenches
• Spoke wrenches
• Cone wrenches
• Puncture repair kit
• Tire pump with a built-in gauge
• Tire irons
• Chain tool
• Multi-tools
• Cleaning rags
• Degreaser
• Lubricants

Many people dread going into the rental shop to get their skis. But, if you follow these seven guidelines, you might even come to find the entire process to be something that you look forward to on your next ski vacation.

1. Avoid the rush! Most rental shops are busiest between 8:00-10:30 AM and 3:00-6:00 PM. Don’t come to rent during these peak hours. If possible, rent during the off hours. You’ll find a much less crowded shop during this time, which offers you several benefits. You go through the entire rental process much more quickly when fewer customers are in the shop. You will also receive far better service. When the shop is packed with people, the rental tech’s main goal is to get everyone out as quickly as possible. But when the shop is emptier, he or she can spend much more time with you, answering all your questions, and making sure you receive the best possible fit.

2. Make advance reservations. Many ski shops will take advance reservations online. This speeds up your rental process. When you walk into the shop, they will already have all of your information on file and will have set aside equipment for you. This is especially important if you are renting during a peak time of the year, such as Christmas, or other major holiday weekend.

3. Make sure you know all of your family’s personal information before you arrive at the shop. You will need to know the height, weight, and shoe size of everyone in your family. If you have to figure out this information at the shop, it will slow down the whole process a great deal.

4. Understand that ski gear is not supposed to be comfortable. You are not renting slippers. Ski boots are supposed to fit extremely tight, and they may not be very comfortable. If your boots feel too comfortable, they are probably too big. Many customers get bogged down trying on 7 or 8 different pairs of boots looking for the “perfect fit” (i.e. a comfortable boot). Understanding that the right fit will be very tight and probably not very comfortable will save a lot of time and the needless trying on of lots of boots. However, ski boots aren’t supposed to hurt, either. If they do, you’ll want to try on a different pair.

5. If possible, buy boots and only rent skis. It is easy to rent a pair of brand new, top-of-the-line skis that will make your time on the mountain a lot of fun. In fact, even if you can afford skis this might be the most important reason to keep renting them. You don’t have to maintain or store the skis and it’s like being able to upgrade your skis every season. However, it is much harder to find a rental boots that fit your feet well. Most rental boots have been on hundreds of people’s feet before you wear them. This doesn’t make for much of a custom fit. If you buy your boots, you can get a pair that is custom fitted to your foot. As you wear your boots they will continually be moulding themselves to your foot - just like your favorite old sneakers that are so comfortable you can’t bear to throw them out. This will make your ski experience much more enjoyable. It will also cut down on a lot of time in the rental shop, since it’s the boot fitting process takes the most time.

6. Keep everything except your sock out of your boot. Many people try to shove all of their layers (ski underwear, ski pants, etc.) into their ski boots. This actually makes it harder for your boot to fit properly. You only want your sock in your boot. Everything else should go outside of your boot. Also, stick to one pair of socks. Wearing two pairs actually makes your feet colder, and your boot will not fit as well.

7. Don’t be afraid to talk with the rental techs. Most people who work in a ski shop are passionate and knowledgeable about the sport, and love to talk about it. Ask them questions about gear, snow conditions, the best places to ski on the mountain, and the best places to go in town when you get off the mountain. They will most likely give you some good advice that will make your vacation much more enjoyable.

As you can see, it doesn’t take much effort to drastically improve your ski rental experience. It no longer has to be the hellish nightmare you’ve always remembered. Prepare to look forward to your time in the rental shop. It can help make your ski trip a vacation to remember.

At its simplest level, one can be a bird watcher — also known as a birder — simply by looking out a window and observing the various winged creatures that may be passing by or hopping past. On the opposite end of the scale, one may purchase the most costly, high-powered telescope and portable tripod and traipse across the globe in search of some of nature’s most marvelous and colorful creatures.

Although, for most bird watchers, the purpose for their hobby is to gain knowledge about nature, some people have used the observation of avian creatures as the starting point for very serious scientific research. Probably the most famous example of this is Charles Darwin. He was a naturalist aboard a sailing ship, traveling to such far-away locations as Ecuador’s Galapagos Island. It was Darwin’s observation of different variety of finches that led to the development of his theory of natural selection.

It is likely that the two most important tools for a would-be bird watcher are an identification reference guides and visual aids. A trip to a local public library is a good way to borrow a reference guide. Some of the most popular and widely used books for birders are those published by the Audubon Society. Binoculars and telescopes are the two choices for making it easier to see far-away birds. Binoculars offer the advantages of being less costly, more portable and more compact in size, but a telescope is the first choice for the very serious bird watcher, as their magnification is usually superior, and, when mounted on a secure tripod, the image is less shaky and easier to see.

One excellent way to learn about birds is to go on an outing with an experienced naturalist. At a Migratory Bird Sanctuary in Delta, British Columbia, Canada, where over 280 different bird species have been sighted, such an opportunity is offered every Sunday morning. For no extra charge other than the basic admission fee, people can walk along the paths with a veteran birder. He will point out the various resident and migratory birds that he observes, often pointing his telescope at an owl, snow goose, chickadee, or whatever feathered feature catches his fancy.

Although birds are easiest to see in the winter and early spring when there are no leaves on the trees, birding is usually more pleasant during warmer months. For this reason, it is equally important to be able to identify birds by sound as it is by sight.

Like any hobby, the more one learns about a topic, the more interesting and fascinating it becomes. After a few walks through nearby parks and other birding areas, one may be motivated to purchase or construct a feeding station and bring the birds to you. That is the easiest kind of birding, when the birds come to you, rather than you having to go out and look for them.