The December edition of   Smile For the Camera is all about Gifts. “It is the holiday season and a time for giving. So give Smile readers the gift of sharing, sharing a family photograph. It can be a gift given or received, it can be the gift of talent, it can be the gift of having the photograph itself”.

My family had a special Christmas tradition when I was growing up. In the 1950s my parents didn’t have a lot of disposable income so in addition to the small gifts they bought for each of their 3 little girls, they would also choose one “big family present”. These were usually board games like Monopoly, Clues or Sorry, but one year we got a really big surprise for Christmas. It was a toboggan!

This vintage Canadian Sport Series postcard is from my private collection. It’s not a great quality card but it appeals to me because it really captures the feeling – and even the clothing – of my own 1950s childhood. I’m always on the lookout for images like these because I have so few family photographs to share.

The toboggan

“…..was perfected by Aboriginal North Americans for use in soft snow. The Anishinabe (Chippewa, Ojibwa or Saulteaux) called it nobûgidaban, from which the English word toboggan is derived. This type of carrier was made of thin hardwood boards, which were curved up at one end using heat or steam. Cleats of wood were attached across the boards to hold them together.”

  from – Snow Travel in Ancient Canada at the Canadian Museum of Civilization

 

Related Posts:

The Montreal Winter Carnival, Ice Palace in the 1880s

Outdoor Ice Rink now offers family fun in the Village, Big Bear Lake, CA. Sunday – Thursday 12;00 – 6:00 pm and Friday & Saturday 12:00 – 8:00pm. We will be having 2 fer Tuesdays/ buy one skate rental get the 2nd one free. Family Thursdays / family of 4 for $36.00 skate rentals included. Friday School I.D Nights/ bring in your school ID after 6pm  and get $2 off admission. Sunday Locals Night/ Free skate rentals after 4:00 pm. Also Santa will be coming to the Ice Garden on Sunday Dec. 20th from 5:00 – 8:00 pm/ free skate rentals during that session also.

Pine Knot Ave. at Village Dr. Big Bear Lake, CA

xc at the farm 4 by carole wade, 12 x12 acrylic on cradled masonite, $375 unframed

Hey everyone! So it’s 27 days ’til Christmas from today(28th November, 2009), and some other stuff going on which you’re probably exited about. Comment and say what you’re exited about! Anyways, the new things:

1. New Snow Maze game at the Ski Village. I think it’s just for members though.
2. Totally new free item…. THE BLUE POMPOM TOQUE HAT! Go to the Ski Mountain, and near the “chair ride”, there will be a box of blue hats, walk over to it, then click yes, then you’ll have the Blue Pompom Toque Hat!
3. New Winter Sports(Snow and Sports) catalogue! Cheats for that below:

…Winter Snow And Sports November 2009 – March 2010 Cheats…

Please note that I cannot remember the page numbers, so you will have to flick through the pages.

I think the page numbers are just 1, 2, 3, ’cause I usually go from page 1, all the way to the last page finding cheats.

1. I think on page 1 there is a green penguin on the left, watching the “game”. Click the green penguin watching through the window for the Green Hockey Jersey.
2. I think on page 2, there is a lime penguin in the background. Click him for the Green Goalie Gear.
3. I think on page 3, there is a title saying: “ICE SKATING”. Click the word “ICE” for the White Pom-Poms(that is  my FAVOURITE thing)!!!

That’s it! Comment anything you’re doing special whether it’s before Christmas day, after christmas day, or on Christmas day. I’ll try and find some news for Animal Crossing Wild World on DS, or some more gossip about Taylor Swift!

Pinky200011/Sophie/Crystal                 XXX

xc at the farm 3 by carole wade, 12 x 12 acrylic on cradled masonite, $375 unframed

I awoke panicked at 03.00. Then at 03.30, and again at 04.00. My dreams were plagued with the thought of missing the train; of failing to get out of Greg’s bed in time to run to the train station with all my ski gear. When my iPod finally decided to play Kobojsarna’s “Saang om ingenting” as a wake-up call at 05.05, I lurched out of bed to the frantic pace of the Swedish techno and checked the weather report. Andermatt, Switzerland, opening day: High of 46 degrees Fahrenheit, low of 33. Good enough.

Finally, the chance to wear my beloved winter clothing had presented itself. I layered on my favorite articles of Craft and Patagonia winter wear while Kyle made eggs for breakfast. Sleepily, we fastened our helmets to our packs and departed into the wet Sorengo morning, ski boots slung around our necks and skis balanced precariously on our shoulders. As we passed the penthouses rented by the wealthier of the student population, drunken classmates called obnoxiously to us from open windows. What a waste of time, I thought. Our day was about to be infinitely more enjoyable than their hangovers.

We met up with 4 other guys at the train station and hovered hesitantly at the platform, debating purchasing a group ticket. At 06.40, with the ticket office closed, I saw this as impossible anyway, and tried not to panic as I watched the clock tick closer and closer to departure time. My fears were confirmed when the train came speeding into view as the guys were in the chaotic process of pushing individual coins into the ticket machine. Our collective entry into the train car was a violent one, involving much tossing about of ski gear, yelling, and sprinting to the doors seconds before they closed. Note to self while traveling with men: keep an eye on the clock. I collapsed in my seat and was asleep within minutes, Switzerland rolling by outside my window.

Another note to self while traveling with men: Reinforce the concept of “preparation time”. This is to say that I awoke to shouts of “HURRY! WE HAVE TO GET OFF!” and the train slowing to a stop. Upon opening my eyes, I discovered that every square inch of space in our train car was now entirely packed with members of the Swiss military, babbling away in Swiss German. My travel companions had failed to take any preparative measures whatsoever, and our skis still lay scattered among various luggage racks, our bags unpacked all over the floor. A mad scramble ensued, during which we truly discovered our collective inability to speak any German whatsoever while whacking Swiss army guys in the head with various articles of ski gear. Falling haphazardly onto the platform, we shuffled hurriedly through the labyrinth of the transfer station and jumped on a local train to Andermatt. I made sure to stay awake this time, bags packed and ready for spontaneous departure.

Mountains rolled by, semi-covered in a light dusting of snow. Jagged rocks and green grass were more prevalent than the snow itself. I pondered the wisdom of skiing the current conditions with rented skis. We disembarked in Andermatt into a pile of slush and made our way through town to the tram.

Andermatt is unique in its quaintness. It lacks the super-modern, corporate resort-town feel of many other popular ski mountains. The town lays relatively untouched, small, and quiet, still very traditional in its Swiss ways. Skiers are carried up the slopes by slow, simple lifts and dine in tiny restaurants with a limited menu, yet the entire experience maintains an air of classic nostalgia often forgotten in the whirlwind of monster ski resorts. Only one slope was skiable on opening day, and as uneven, inconsistent and downright bizarre as it was, remained absolutely packed with people. Swiss teenagers crowded the hill in gigantic neon jackets, smoking cigarettes on every lift ride. The Alps loomed in every direction.

We skied all day, pausing only once for a picnic of bread and cheese. We had brought water in Kyle’s CamelBak, but it had gone bad, and tasted exactly like the days-old dishwater in his sink. The sickening flavor, in combination with our lunch, is impossible to erase from my memory. Besides that, it was delicious. We skied the same run time and time again, trying off-piste only a handful of times, which resulted in deep scratches in the bottoms of everyone’s skis. One of our companions, another Alaskan, managed to break one ski tip, both his tails, a binding, and a pole basket – on rental gear. By some miracle, the people in the rental shop seemed more astounded than anything, and didn’t ask him to pay for it.
No better place or time to experience firsthand what apres-ski really means! Hot soup, fresh bread, and Swiss beer were waiting for us at a cozy pub in town, at a table with a handful of other college students. We rode the trian home in the dark, thoroughly satisfied with opening day in the Alps.

Due to copyright at each site I work for, I am limited to a description and link. No link farming or bad SEO. Copyright is the reason why I share my article in this manner

Description

Winter activities that are healthy and green.

Please click on the link below to green up your winter fun and health.

Green Up Your Winter Activities | Gomestic.

Why not share this posting?

I’ve never Skied or Snowboarded in my life.  You see, I’m from Israel.  It’s really hot most of the year…

I know it’s no excuse since Europe is very close, but I just didn’t get the chance.  Now that I’m living in Seattle, I’m eager to try it out. But what should I choose? Skiing or Snowboarding?

I’ve heard different opinions and recommendations from people.  Skiing is more elegant, easy to start and harder to master, while snowboarding is “younger”, harder to start but easier to master.  Skiers don’t like snowboarders. Not sure why, but that’s what people told me. So skiers are more stuck up.mmSnowboarding falls are harder and more painful. Really?

I think I’ll go for Skiing since personally I tend to be drawn to more classy sports.

See you on the mountains!

Ziv Ctrl-Alt-Shift-Kill Gonen

S. Business Manager – Comparison Shopping

It’s Friday, which means, outside of three Hanover area football teams vying for postseason supremacy, it’s the start of the winter sports calendar.

Boys and Girls’ basketball practice begins tonight. As does wrestling and swimming.

Quick storylines:

* How good will the Delone Cathlic boys’ basketball team be this year? The Squires were impailed by Trinity in the semifinals of districts and reached states, but they lost Chris Hartmann — last season’s Evening Sun Player of the Year — Cody Smith, Noah Landi and Corey Kauffman. Austin Brady is really the only big-minute player returning for the club — and he’s on hiatus until the Squires are eliminated from double-A football.

* Can Hanover repeat last year’s success? The Hawks (15-9) qualified for districts last season in double-A, where they beat Annville-Cleona dramatically to secure their first postseason win in over a decade. Gone from that team are 6-foot-4 Grant Mummert — now playing at McDaniel — and guards Jordan Martz and Nate Trish. But there’s a good amount of experience returning, including Pete Yingst,Shea Staub, Matt Bossalina, Brandon Wentz and John Perdue. Yingst, Bossalina and Wentz all started last year. Staub could be ready for a breakout role. Perdue, depending on how his summer went, could step in where Mummert left on.

* Boys’ teams that could be surprisingly good: Littlestown, South Western, and never discount New Oxford.

* As for the girls, you always have to be aware of Delone Catholic, who has third team All-State Sierra Moore back for her sophomore campaign. Yet, she’s the easy target. I’d be more interested to see how varsity newbies like Sierra Schmizzi (I believe that’s how you spell it) and Stormy Hibshman (I’m certain that’s NOT how you spell it) do in their first run of significant minutes. History lesson: The Squirettes were ousted in the semifinals of districts to York Catholic (43-32), but reached states, where they fell early as well.

* New Oxford should go through a down year, but South Western could pick up the scraps. The Lady Mustangs have an experienced crop returning, featuring Natalie Greenholt, Kera Hill and a couple others. They could be one of the Division I favorites.

* Section 2 Spring Grove went 18-10 last year and could expect a similar return to success in 09-10.

Wrestling:

* The biggest story here is how Hanover will respond off the turbulent offseason, when head coach Tyke Conover resigned. The Hawks will compete for the first time without a Conover (Tyke or Terry) leading the way.

* Team that should win Division 2: Delone Catholic. Close second and third? Bermudian Springs and Biglerville.

by Abby Ferguson
Staff

The Transylvania men’s basketball team is 1-1 after games against the Red Men of Carthage College and the Mountaineers of Berea College. Both of these games proved to be tough contests for the Pioneers.

Head Coach Brian Lane said, “We had an extremely tough time scoring, and a lot of that had to do with the physical nature of the game.”

The Pioneers dropped their opener to Carthage College 76-54. Transy ended up shooting 29 percent from the field (17 of 59), 29 percent from beyond the arc, while the Red Men in the first half shot 54.5 percent.

“I knew that such a tough road trip for our first game of the year was going to be difficult, but I thought it would give us a good idea, very quickly, of where we were compared to some other top ranked teams in the region” commented Coach Lane.

First year Barrett Meyer led the Pioneers with 11 points, while senior Tim Tierney contributed 10 points and four assists. Senior Blake McCowan pitched in with eight points and six rebounds, which helped out the Pioneers finish with a 39-35 advantage.

After a loss to the Red Men, they were ready to play against Berea.

First year Brandon Rash contributed to the team’s win with 10 points and nine rebounds, while Meyer added another 13 points.

Coach Lane explained, “The win at Berea was a nice one because of how quick and aggressive Berea is. Going to their home court and winning by double figures gives us something to build on.”

With a combined effort from seniors Tierney and Matthew Parton of 34 points, the Pioneers came out on top 77-66.

The Pioneers will be playing Centre College at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday in their home opener.

The women’s basketball team is 1-0 after a tough battle against the Spalding University Golden Eagles. Junior Holly Milburn led the team with 22 points and five rebounds; senior Brittany Hinderlight contributed 15 points and a team-high nine rebounds.

The women will travel to Hanover College this weekend to play in the Sodexho Classic. They will play Ohio Northern University at 8 p.m. on Saturday and Kalamazoo College at 1 p.m. on Sunday.

The men and women’s swimming teams will be in action on Friday and Saturday. Friday’s meet will be held at 6 p.m. at Union College (Ky.). Having won against the Bulldogs last year, the Pioneers will be looking to come out on top again.

The teams will also be swimming at home against Franklin College on Saturday at 1 p.m. The women will face Butler University on Saturday. Both teams are looking to capture their first win this weekend.

Head Coach George Villarreal said,” The team’s have been training exceptionally well, and the results from our first meets are very positive,” he continued, “Many swimmers have attained personal records, and a very positive signal for the rest of the year and for when we rest them for championships.”

With the DePauw University Invitational coming up soon, these two meets will help them prepare for the schools they will swim against on December 4 and 5.

Keeping your hands warm during winter hiking is essential to enjoying the day and night. (Compass Points Media / flickr) http://www.flickr.com/photos/compasspointsmedia/ / CC BY-ND 2.0

Few aspects of winter hiking contribute more to the enjoyment of the day or night than keeping your hands warm. If your fingers or palms are numb, chances are the numbness affects your entire body and mindset. Are you really having fun if your hands feel as if they’ve plunged into a bucket of ice for four hours? Probably not.

Gonna try here to help you keep those hands toasty for the 2009-10 winter season with a few tips. These tips would be for hiking in conditions from 40 degrees to 0 degrees fahrenheit:

1.) During a hike, I want my hands to have full movement as well as warmth so I can grip trekker poles and operate my camera or GPS. I don’t want cumbersome gloves at this moment.

As long as my arms pump to help my body walk along a ridgeline or ascend a steep slope, blood is flowing to my hands, so I don’t usually need thick mittens or gloves insulated with down … unless the temperatures have plummeted so far and/or precipitation is falling. That warrants the need for more insulation or a waterproof covering.

Generally, though, I hike with a glove made of a flexible material called Polartec, which is a blend of polyester and spandex. It’s lightweight and conforms to my hand so I can easily grip the handles on my trekker poles, zip up the softshell or use my GPS. If I start to notice the glove does not provide enough warmth, I’ll add a small liner.

2.) Five backpackers including myself stopped along the Red X Trail in Wyoming State Forest, PA, during a frigid February 2005 trip, and I noticed one of my companions immediately begin swinging his arms like a great eagle methodically flapping its wings.

I tried it. Looked strange, but I could feel blood pouring into my hands. And I didn’t get cold.

The idea here is to get warm blood into your hands to keep them from becoming numb with coldness. Do this motion slowly, and don’t over exert yourself. You don’t want to sweat and open up the chances for hypothermia. Try this to get warmth to your hands.

3.) When I’m in camp, then I turn to thicker gloves. I’m not moving as much compared to hiking, so I get colder faster.

I keep on the layers I mentioned in item No. 1 while covering over with a mitten. Why a mitten? I learned from experience that gloves with fingers keep those fingers isolated from one another. Why do this when bunching them up does a better job of keeping your fingers warm? A mitten puts four fingers together, and each builds upon the others warmth. If each individual finger resides in its own compartment, the finger won’t retain its warmth as well.

4.) Yeah, these are necessary.

5.) As strange as this sounds, should you find yourself unable to warm up your hands, fold them into your crotch. Your crotch is one of the warmest parts of your body, and keeping your hands there will help warm them up.

hats.com is proud to offer items exclusive to our fine site.  The Ignite d3o™  Collection is a new, high-tech line of winter hats that are temperature-controlled, flexible, and shock-absorbing upon impact to help protect one’s head while stylishly enjoying outdoor board sports or other extreme activities.  Ignite is known for its vast lineup of beanies and pull ons and has made the leap to d3o-filled panels on select styles.

It’s Almost Rocket Science

d3o™  sounds cool, but what is it exactly? physics.org comments, “Invented by engineer turned entrepreneur Richard Palmer, d3o™ belongs to a family of oddball materials known as non-Newtonian fluids, which includes famous relatives such as cornflour suspensions, ketchup and shampoo. What these liquids have in common is that their viscosity varies depending on the forces they are subjected to.”

Essentially, d3o™  in its natural state is an orange goo-like substance that stiffens upon impact.  “A keen snowboarder, Palmer was quick to spot the material’s potential, but first needed to find a way of integrating it into clothing… His solution was to transform the d3o™ goo into a foam-like structure which is flexible, retains its shape and offers top notch shock absorbency” (physics.org).

Look Cool, Act Smart

Interested? hats.com offers a number of styles which incorporate the d3o™  technology.  The Ignite d3o™  Goliath hails from the d3o™  range – A firm but stable knit array should keep you both warm and comfortable, many winters from now. And a metal Ignite Rocket medallion and sharp coloration of the acrylic material guarantee fashionable superiority as well.

Ignite Goliath d3o Pull On Hat

Like all d3o™ products, the Ignite No1 Peru d3o™  rocks an expressly engineered material made with “intelligent” particles. This beanie has a hugely warm acrylic knit and an inner fleece band with extended flaps that have your ears feeling toasty no matter how frosty. There’s even stylish dangling braided rope chin-ties and a huge matching pompom on top.

Ignite No1 Peru d3o Trapper Hat

Lastly, the Ignite Peak 3 d3o™  Pull On Hat ensures years of fashionable, reliable winter headwear, which is always the best season with which to flaunt your accessorizing conventions. This is an ideal selection for which to build a snow man. And feel free to top off your new white friend with clever peaked pull on!

Ignite Peak 3 d3o Pull On Hat

Not So Fine Print: We like to keep our customers safe, as well as warm and protected. Please note that  d3o™ provides no guaranteed level of protection. If you’re interested in learning more about d3o™ to impress your friends with how smart you are, check out these links:

Physics.org – The fun science behind d3o™.

Official d3o™ Website – It’s official.

i miss snowboarding and skateboarding…

スケボとかスノボとかやってねぇーなぁー…

xc at the farm 2 by carole wade, 12 x 12 acrylic on cradled masonite, $375 unframed

Gran Paradiso National Park. Photo by Max Franceschini on Flickr

Winter sports are not only about Alpine skiing and I know that there are lots of nordic ski fans. I tried only once, and had a lot of fun by trying not to lose balance having only my foot tip hooked up to that tiny ski. Besides, you can enjoy a lot more the nature and scenery surrounding you.

Ghiacciaio della Tribolazione. Photo by Grivola05 on Flickr

In Aosta Valley,  Cogne offers a 80 km circuit for every cross-country skier level and gorgeous views on the Gran Paradiso massif.  Besides, if you’re looking for a total immersion in the nature, trying to spot foxes, chamois and ibex best thing is having a long walk with snow rackets with a local guide. And if you want to treat yourself of something special, what about sled dog? This is something I never did and should definitely try…

Cogne is perfect for romantic ambience and great food. Accommodations range from luxury hotels with spa to simpler but cosy chalets.

Valnontey. Photo by Vin60 on Flickr

• Luxury: Hotel Bellevue is the most famous luxury accommodation in Cogne. Opened in 1925, it has 28 elegant rooms in alpine style, 7 suites with jacuzzi and fireplace and three chalets with fireplace that seem to have directly come out from a fairy tale. Hotel Bellevue Wellness Oasis has been awarded with 2006 Relais & Chateaux Trophy and you can choose among one of the three restaurants.
• Cheaper but cosy: in the charming Valnontey, just 3 km from Cogne, you can find more affordable options for you stay. My favourite ones are the 2 stars Petit Dahu and La Barme, both in traditional stone-built chalet and full of charme.

Gnocchi di polenta

To enjoy great traditional cuisine a couple ofgood addresses are Lou Resignon, where a must is tasting “soupetta“, a risotto with fontina (the Aosta Valley local cheese) and whole-wheat bread croutons, and Brasserie du Bon Bec, for a great romantic dinner tasting traditional cuisine in a warm ambience.

___________

You might also like:

• Skiing in La Thuile: Great snow until Spring

• Monterosa ski. 180 km of slopes spread over 3 valleys

It’s always fun to find someone who’s essentially done your work for you, and here at Toepick! we’ve been lucky enough to find such a person. YouTube’s TheWaveceptor has kindly assembled several compilations of skaters from around the world doing TV commercials for your entertainment and enjoyment. Some of the ads are funny, some are weird, some are downright spacey.

Here, you can see Carolina Kostner gliding and spinning through a magical land in which everything is made of crackers and breadsticks; Kiira Korpi skating amidst raspberries and blackberries big enough to crush her; Evgeni Plushenko peddling lollipops; Michelle Kwan making a salad in bunny slippers; Yu-Na Kim washing a dog; Daisuke Takahashi showing a salarywoman how to find a real energy drink; Kimmie Meissner arguing “More Meat” vs. “Less Fat” with Jared from Subway; Miki Ando in a really cool personal mobility vehicle from Toyota; the doomed “Kwan vs. Cohen” NBC ad promoting the 2006 Winter Olympics; Jeff Buttle practicing his Canadian schoolboy French; and much more, including the pièce de résistance, Brian Joubert showing off his underwear. How can you lose?

I do want to make one comment here. I think Michelle Kwan makes putting together a great salad from things you find in your refrigerator way, way too easy. If this commercial were being made in my kitchen, with me as the star, it would consist of scenes of me pulling something out of the fridge that looks promising, taking the lid off, making a face of utter revulsion at the smell, staring in horror at the green fuzz all over the contents, then dumping the whole thing in the trash. The conclusion would show me sighing and reaching for a bag of chips. Point? Some people can “Kraft a salad” out of whatever they happen to have sitting around; other people have refrigerator contents more suited to curing strep throat than salad making. Hmm…maybe that’s why Michelle’s a skater and I’m not.

Anyway. There’s really only one appropriate way to end this salute to skaters in ads, and that’s with this oldie-but-goodie from Delta Lloyd Insurance (thanks, margaretttka) that we think sums up our feelings about figure skating vs. hockey very nicely. Sir, you skate for us all.

     If you’re trying to decide whether or not to go ice fishing I have the answer for you. GO. Even if you don’t like fishing you should be able to have a great experience well worth your time.
   

    Satisfy your love of the great outdoors, walking on cold frozen lakes and your love of fishing all in one trip. If you like outsmart lower species, hunting for your own food, or just need a new place to drink this is the hobby for you. If you know someone who enjoys the sport, bake them a pie and invite yourself. If you find yourself desperate stand in front of a Walmart at five o’clock in the morning some snowy weekend and wait for someone with a beard and a truck to show up.
The best reasons to go ice fishing: (in descending order)
#5 It is better than whatever your in-laws are doing(birthdays excluded)
#4 A great way to compete against friends because let’s face it, by then your fantasy football team is done. Bet who’s going to catch the first fish ect.
#3 It’s a great way to get your kids away from the TV, unless of course your bring one (for sports only, seek help if you need one for some show).
#2 It’s a great way to pick up chicks. Okay maybe not actually meeting them but a girl is definitely impressed by a man who can provide dinner with his two hands. And girls you can be well on your way to being the perfect woman if you want to join (or at least support our obsession). And the number one reason is…
#1  Because YOU CAN (and hopefully will) don’t leave it to your bucket list.
     So at least plan on going at least once this year, take a photo and put it on your facebook page. For those of you who refuse to go because you don’t like being outside in the beautiful outdoors whilst in winter, grab a jacket and tough it out, the rewards are worth it.
For those of you who are novices in the sport I recommend you check out our Ice Fishing Prep article for a great guide to get started. It has what you need to get started and a few tips on having successful trip.
Needs some ideas and hints on what lures and baits to use, visit the links for our recommendations. Also check out what gadgets are worth using.

I’ve always been a fan of trying out new experiences and, since it’s been getting colder and colder outside, my imagination’s been off on the ski slopes around the world, wondering what it’d be like to take lessons and get gliding down stunning vistas of beautiful snow.

The first – and last – time I ever tried anything that resembled skiing was at Hillend in Edinburgh a couple of years ago. My partner thought it’d be a nice, romantic idea to hit the dry slope in Scotland’s capital before heading out for drinks and to nurse our wounds. Well, in the end, I had so many wounds my partner didn’t get a chance to even think about anyone’s other than mine, and I vowed never to go skiing again.

But you know what it’s like – you see those pristine slopes of the Alps and imagine what it’d be like to go speeding down in the cold, crisp air, throwing up sheets of snow as you make a turn, almost feeling as though you’re flying – and you have to admit that it sounds pretty amazing.

Winter sports have always been something that are popular year round because, no matter what time of year it is, it’s always snowing somewhere. So I’ve been doing a little research on some of the hot ski locations, though I already know that if the opportunity arose, I don’t think I could accept – Edinburgh was traumatic enough for me! But while I’m dreaming, I can at least pretend I’m a good skier – one that gets to hit the slopes in America on an amazing winter break stateside, that is! It looks like there are plenty of places in the US that are great for skiers, like mountains in Montana (who’d have thought?) or stunning slopes in Colorado.

Of course, staying close to home is a more tempting option for many ski fans, especially during the tough economic climate. France looks to be one of the best places for supreme ski opportunities, spreading out towards Germany and Switzerland, meaning there’s a great deal of choice if you’re stuck for where to go. And if you fancy hitting the piste in summer, New Zealand’s always an option…

As for me, I think I’ll stick with the après fun – skiers are known for being great partiers once the day on the powder’s up, right? Well, that’s where you’ll probably catch me – sitting in front of the fire with a mug of hot chocolate, resting up for a big night out

What can I say? No time to post here recently because Toepick! was so busy watching Skate America…oops, make that the 2009 Cancer.net Skate America (winner of the World’s Most Unappetizing Sponsor Award) and marveling over some of the bad costumage that the weekend slipped away. But take heart — just in case you missed any of the action, we have video of that bad costumage (even when it’s from other competitions) so you can enjoy it in all its glory, rather than having to rely on mere descriptions.

The first award definitely has to go to Russia’s Andrei Lutai, for Complete Costume Incomprehensibility in the Short Program, Men’s Division. For reasons unknown to anyone but himself and his costumer, he took what started out as a rather average (if with some odd colors in the belt) costume of dark trousers, white short-sleeved shirt and narrow black tie, and…put a construction of wide dark-pink elastic strappage over it that looked like nothing so much as the boning of a woman’s bustier from which the fabric has been removed. And to top all that off, he added gloves that looked like they should be worn by a skateboarder, in shades of white, the same pink, neon green and black. The music that went with this costume? Why, Carmina Burana, of course!:

Lutai came close to also taking the prize for Complete Costume Incomprehensibility in the Long Program, Men’s Division (apparently, the vest he wore for it had photographs appliquéd to the pockets), but he was edged out by this concoction from Sweden’s Adrian Schultheiss, who took the prize for becoming the first skater in memory to compete wearing a simulated straitjacket. Yes, it would be funnier if he didn’t mean it to look like a straitjacket, but he obviously does, and we do have to give him credit, because at least the theme of his program appears to go with it. Whether or not the hip-hop music and video-game sound effects circa 1982 that appeared in his program go with it, however, is another guess. Oh, and the end consists of a piece of music that older Americans (at least) tend to associate with TV commercials for weekend network sports programs in the ’70s. Yeah, it all hangs together for me, how about you?

Here he is, performing it at Rostelecom Cup:

Normally, the competition for bad costuming in the ladies’ division is stiff, but there was one clear winner here in both short and long program, and her name is Elena Glebova, the Estonian entry. For her short, she skated to East of Eden in an empire-waisted neon-green, slightly ruffly-skirted dress whose bodice would have looked like a picnic tablecloth IF picnic tablecloths came in neon green checked with robin’s-egg blue:

AND it had a BOW on it. A bow that kinda looked like a yarn tie.

For the long program, which she skated to Spanish paso doble music, she wore a dress that I gather was supposed to resemble a bullfighter’s suit of lights — at least the plethora of dangling black gewgaws on the shoulders and skirt in the form of elaborate twisted braiding, large pailette sequins and tassels would seem to indicate that. However, someone needs to tell her that bullfighters’ suits of lights, beneath all the decorations, are all one solid color: they are not red bleeding into orange bleeding into purple bleeding into back in some sort of psychedelic ’60s tie-dye nightmare fashion. Honest.

Skaters, we love ya, but sometimes, we wonder. That’s all.

Alpine skiing and cross-country skiing are among the standards at all winter sports villages, but many also offer far more. From high-class cultural  events to breakneck extreme sports to strolls in lofty heights for the whole family – join us on a little journey through the wintry central Europe.

Romantik Hotel Die Krone von Lech in Lech, Austria

Just in time for the beginning of the winter season on December 5th, 2009 the renovation of the rooms and suites at the Romantik Hotel Die Krone von Lech in the same-named village at the foot of the Arlberg is finished. The rooms made of stone pine manage the balancing act between alpine style of living and contemporary lifestyle. Due to their straight-lined construction with silver applications the top-quality, massive furniture appears comfortably light. Exclusive chandeliers and floor lamps with silver and glass finish send a warm light. By the way stone pine assists a healthy and recreative sleep – a relaxing holiday is guaranteed.

And if you want to have some action however, we have a cultural tip for you: During the winter break for the lake stage of the Bregenz Festival, the festival comes for the seventh time to Lech/Arlberg for the winter. Let yourself be treated to a fascinating show of light, fire and passion with the motto “Giuseppe Verdi in the snow” on a unique stage sculpture made of hundreds of cubic metres of snow and pure ice.

Romantik Hotel Gasthof zum Roessle in Galtuer, Austria

Todays Romantik Hotel Gasthof zum Roessle in Galtuer looks back on a long and interesting history, because it is the oldest inn of the village. After a long day in the fresh mountain air take a seat in front of the fireplace, read a good book and let yourself be treated to culinary delights. Or you warm up in the 200 sqm sauna world and refuel your energies.

Here a special tip for activities in Galtuer: Passionate golf fans will not be stooped by ice and snow. For the so-called “ice golf” there is no “green” but “white”, the sports men and women wear thermo-suits and moonboots, the balls are brightly coloured to make it easier to find them after the hit. Otherwise the rules are the same, the “inventor” of the sports is the British writer Rudyard Kipling.

Romantik Hotel Schoenegg in Wengen, Switzerland

“Winter” and “Romantik” bring quickly to mind the Romantik Hotel Schoenegg in Wengen. No surprise, because host Rene Berthod was a member of the Swiss national skiing team between 1972 and 1978. You will enjoy a breath-taking and impressive panoramic view from the balcony of your room. In front of the fire-place in the lounge you might talk to other guests about the most interesting activities on offer and you might enjoy a fantastic dinner by candle-light in the middle of precious antics.

During each stay at Wengen there is simply a “must”: The Jungfraujoch, also called “Top of Europe”, is covered by ice and snow all year round and therefore offers pure winter. You will never forget a day trip by Europe’s highest railway into the magical high alpine world 3,454 metres above sea level. Visit the ice palace 20 metres deep under the viewing platform. Delicate sculptures help to create a true fairytale world.

Romantik Hotel Julen in Zermatt, Switzerland

It is up to you: At the Romantik Hotel Julen it is you who has to decide: Do you definitely want to see the Matterhorn waking up in the morning or is any beautiful mountain scenery fine with you? Do you prefer a little balcony or a cosy lounge? Do you put a higher value on your own whirlpool or is the electronically heated fire-place more important to you? All guest rooms and suites are united by bright colours, plain old wood and unusual details.
 
And if you want to have some contrast after so much cosiness at the Romantik Hotel… Frozen waterfalls are not only beautiful to look at, but are also an athletic challenge. The extreme sport ice climbing requires all the knowledge of alpine climbing, added by a head for heights and an exceptional physical fitness. In return you will discover – under the guidance of a pro – winter wonder worlds that not everybody will be able to see.

Spa with a view in the Romantik Hotel Gut Schmelmerhof

Winter time is wellness time and therefore the Romantik Hotel Gut Schmelmerhof in the Bavarian Forest is a worthwhile destination. Besides the patented holistic programme “Aeropolis” guests can make use of various pools and a variety of saunas. Let yourself be pampered with a honey purification massage or an aroma massage or get (even more) beautiful with various cosmetic treatments. Well-being is also a question of the right food and therefore you will be treated to excellent menus.
 
The Bavarian Forest is the ideal holiday spot for the whole family as you can see from our unusual walking tip: You always wanted to take a stroll up to 30 metres above the ground between tree tops covered deeply in snow? Discover the “lebensraum woods” from a totally new perspective by walking along the 370 metres long treetops path. The comfortable, 2.5 metres wide path was made of home-grown larch wood and is ideal as well for families with pram or people in a wheel-chair.

Romantik Hotel Villa Novecento in Courmayeur, Italy

Due to the location in the border triangle Italy-France-Switzerland Courmayeur is one of the oldest and most famous holiday destinations in the Alps and is often called “the secret capital for the alpinists”. An alpine villa originating from the first years of the last century houses the Romantik Hotel Villa Novecento. Numerous lovingly chosen details, the inclusion of historical furniture and the warm-hearted service make you feel at home immediately.
 
Here at the foot of the Mont Blanc mountain the possibilities for winter sports activities are nearly limitless. Let yourself be carried high up by helicopter to enjoy the once-in-a-lifetime feeling of loneliness on a “slope”. Or you make use of the highly professional ice skating arena to bring your skating skills to perfection. Fast-paced are also the races of the sleighing dogs where you can absolutely trust the abilities and knowledge of the clever animals.

Romantik Hotel Jolanda Sport in Gressoney, Italy

Gressoney is to be found in the heart of the Monterosa skiing area. Here the Romantik Hotel Jolanda Sport welcomes its guests. Many of the rooms have a wood panelling which creates a very special atmosphere reminding of a traditional “Walder-Stadel”. Once in the week the kitchen crew of the hotel concentrates fully on the topic of sweets and dessert creating a unique pastry buffet which nobody can resist. Thankfully Gressoney offers enough activities as well to get rid off the added pounds.
 
The Monterosa skiing area is especially loved by those who prefer to ski off the prepared slopes. Untouched ski-runs, extreme slopes and breath-taking views let the heart of adrenalin junkies rejoice. But the great number of prepared slopes is interesting as well: whether you are a pro on skis or try the snowboard for the first time – in the spacious area with 180 kilometres of slopes everybody will find his or her challenge.
 
In case we woke your appetite for winter activities – the season in the skiing and winter sports regions has not really started yet. And if you have not been a fan of winter holidays in the cold so far, let the Romantik hosts give some tips how beautiful this season of the year can be. They have some very special ideas for you…