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By lineupexplorers, 26.04.2011 12:49

I look outside my window and stare at the green hills… GREEN hills! That’s right, winter seems to be over here in the Alps. Spring has granted us the occasional day of new snow. I guess we’ll have to wait until next season for more fresh powder runs out here. But, there is no need to be sad. Nope. Eventhough the summersun is heating up the Northern Hemisphere, in the Southern Hemisphere the summer is slowly coming to an end.

Last year I spend the season down under in New Zealand. As we speak, my fellow Kiwi’s are probably having a BBQ and some beers. As it is always “Beer O’Clock” down there. So unless it is 8 am and you are a recovering alcoholic, I suggest you do the same, and start day dreaming as I tell you more about Aotearoa, the Land of the Long White Cloud…

The Remarkables, Mount Hut, Cardrona, Treble Cone … Only a few names of the ski resorts on the South Islands. In August the Burton Open NZ took place at Cardrona. Kelly Clark, Iouri Podladtchikov and many others amazed me with mad skills in the half pipe and the park. For those who were there, you’ll have to admit it was a world class day under a blue bird sky. And although most of the resorts have an epic snow park, the resorts itself tend to be smaller than most European.

But the real thrill of snowboarding/Skiing here, is the backcountry and the  great expertise in Heli boarding/Ski. So what you really want to do is hike  up into the backcountry in New Zealand for some sweet as uncrowded  powder. Drop in for the ride and you’ll find some nice cliffs and rocks to  play around.

Of course, it’s a lot easier to just fly and find some practically unexplored  descents. Heliskiing in New Zealand is very popular, so you can expect  to find a great offer, not only in and around Q-Town and Wanaka, but  even better on Mount Aspiring or Mount Cook.

I lived in a place called Fox Glacier, in the middle of freaking nowhere. This is on the West Coast of Mount Cook (3754 m), the highest peak of NZ. An incredible place surrounded by the Southern Alps on one hand, and the Tasman Sea on the other -btw, if you ever consider doing a skydive, this is thé place-. There’s plenty of helicopter companies around to fly you in for a Heliski.

So last season we flew in for an epic time on the glacier. Up in the Névé we found our playground. This is an exciting and challenging terrain. Although it was near the end of the season and the snow was a bit more wet and heavier, we still had a blast. If you ever come here, don’t forget to open your eyes. Because this is a remarkably unique place, as the glacier comes down all the way into the rainforest. After an amazing day in the snow, we skied down to Chancellor hut, one of the few places to spend the night on the mountain. This place looks like a post card, even the toilet comes with a view. Relax and go over the day again… Conclusion in one word: Awesome!

The next morning, we hiked back down to the valley, which takes you about 4 hours and is pretty exhausting, but so worth it. When you get back to Fox, it is time for a reward… So go to the Cooks Saddle and enjoy a nice cool beer. You never know where the night might take you.

Also, if you happen to be there in the beginning of August, make sure to check out the World Heli Challenge in Wanaka. Some of the best riders in the world all gathered in one rad event.

For those who know Flight of the conchords (those who don’t, it’s about time you get to know them), I’ll conclude with their very wise words:

“New Zealand, better than Old Zealand”

So if I have inspired you to spend this summer in the Southern Hemisphere for some off-piste skiing in NZ or perhaps even for a freestyle summer camp, go and have a look at www.lineupexplorers.com for some more information on backcountry and heliskiing in New Zealand. Or get in touch with us, and I’m sure we can fix you up with the perfect trip.

Have a great summer!

Cheers,

Karen & the Lineupexplorers team

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By lineupexplorers, 07.01.2011 13:58

New Year, new tricks like they say in Finland (oh, yes, we know this kind of things too!). We decided to go trough a bit of a trick glossary of snowboarding and freestyle skiing…Just to make sure people know what they’re talking about, you know. Nobody wants to be a kook who doesn’t know the right jargon!

First some obstacles in the snowparks:

Kicker: It’s the thing out of snow you jump! Different sizes and shapes exist, always take the one you can make and check the speed from others!

Box: Obstacle from metal/plastic/wood that you can slide on. Most basic looks like a long box, but shapes vary as much as the imagination! It can be kinked, wave, rainbow, everything!

Kink box: Box with an angle at one point, for example first the box goes straight and then turns a bit down.

Rail: Metal pipe (round or square) which you can slide on. Usually the next step from the boxes. Handrails in the cities are new favourites of the pros!

Wall-ride: Big plywood wall that you can ride up and do tricks on.

Half-pipe: Long half-round shaped tube you can go down and do multiple tricks on one run!

Off we go with basic snowboarding trick definitions:

Straight air: This is the most basic jump, where everybody starts. Like the name indicates, you just jump straight!

Frontside: Frontside of your board is the side where your toes are at. Any frontside turn or spin is then one where you start the turn face first. Got it? Well, to put it simple, frontside turn for regulars is to the left and for goofies to the right!

Backside: Well, if you read trough above, backside is the opposite..meaning back facing forwards and so.

With rail tricks front- and backside appear the other way around. Don’t get too confused now! It all comes from the side that faces the rail when you approach it, when your board is still parallel to the rail. With boxes this does not make sense, since often you jump on the from the start of the box, but often with rails the riders jump on them from the side. So when you approach the rail with you back facing it, youre about to make a (backside) boardslide, since from that side you have to turn your face facing forwards. Go it? Don’t worry, it makes more sense when you see it or do it yourself!

50-50: The most basic trick one can perform on a rail or a box. Just slide trough parallel to the rail!

50-50 on a kinked box (Rider Kristiina Nyman)

(Backside) boardslide: The second most basic (In our opinion!) where you slide on a box or a rail your board perpendicular to the direction of the box/rail.

Boardslide on a kinked box

Frontside boardslide: The same as above, but your back/heel edge is facing forwards to the direction you are going (pretty opposite from the spinning fronside/backside definition)
Nose: the front end of your board

Switch: All boarders go either right or left leg forwards normally. Riding switch means riding the “wrong” leg first! Fakie is another term for switch riding, but nearly only used when describing landing a trick. Like frontside boardslide to fakie.

Caballerial (Cab): Any trick performed swicth and combined to a frontside spin or turn. For example Cab 360 is a frontside 360 spin which you take of switch!

Half-cab: Caballerial a.k.a switch frontside 180, the only one that has different name than all the rest of the cab spins!

Spinning: Pretty obvious; jumps where you rotate around, and the degrees tell how much! 180 = half circle, 360 = full circle and so on!

Grab: This one is pretty obvious too, it means grabbing the board while performing a jump! There are tens of different grabs, but the most basic ones are Indy, where you grab you board on the toe-edge with your rear-hand in between your legs. Melon is the opposite, you grab with your front hand in between your legs, on the heel egde. The list of grabs is endless, but those are the two most basic ones!

And then something for the skiers too!

Spinning: The jumps whit rotation are the same as with snowboarding, it all comes down to the degrees. 180, 360 and so on!

Switch/Fakie: Also quite similar to snowboarding. Normally you ride you face forward, and when switch, your back is facing forward!

Grabs in freestyle skiing are tricks where you grab your ski(s) when jumping. Here are some of the basic ones:

Mute: When airborne, grab you ski with the opposite side hand.
Rocket Air: Turn your legs forwards when airborne and grab both skis with both hands
Tail grab: Grab the tail of one of your skis while airborne
Nose grab: The opposite of tail grab, you grab the nose of your ski!

Rail slide: Sliding sideways on a rail or a box

Iron Cross: When airborne, cross your skis in front of you.

Daffy: While in the air, make a split = one leg back, one front!

Backscratcher: Move your skis backwards so that they touch your back while you are airborne.

These all tricks are from the basics and good for beginners in the snow parks. Go out, push your limits and stomp some new tricks! If you feel like you can’t get these on your own, we at Lineupexplorers Snow Travel offer some nice freestyle courses! Check them out!

Stay safe and enjoy the new year of snow!

-Lineupexplorers Travel Team

Lineupexplorers – Ski Trips and Snow Travel Packages

Find your perfect ski trip! Lineupexplorers offers a huge selection of ski trips to destinations all around the world for the best possible price. Alaska, Russia, Austria, France, Canada, India and many more. Let’s go shred pow!

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By lineupexplorers, 19.12.2010 21:47

Since the snow-season is running, and people are super stoked, like here at Lineupexplorers, we decided to remind you all from few things about safety. Because often when super stoked, people tend to get bit reckless! It might sound boring and same the jargon your mom always tells you before going, but these few tips might save your or your mates life…Or at least some minutes of suffering in case of an accident.  Better safe than sorry, believe us!

• Always have a phone with you! Also to call your buddies how stoked you are after the first ride!
• Save the rescue services/emergency number to your phone. This should be available at the lift stations. This saves so much time if something happens, you can call for help immediately!
• European emergency number is 112; it works in every EU-country and they can connect you to the local rescue services. But always check the local rescue number too!
• In United States the emergency number is 911; the same for this as above, always check the local mountain rescue number too!
• Grab a map of the ski resort and make sure you know where you’re heading (especially when going off-piste!) so if you need to call for help you can quickly tell where the help’s needed!  If there’s no pocket map available, remember the names of the lifts and numbers of the slopes where you’re close to.
• First time riding somewhere, take it easy and if planning to go off-piste, check as good as possible the terrain for any cliffs, drops and such, so there would be as less surprises as possible! The feeling of the ground disappearing underneath you isn’t that cool…
• If going ski-touring/off-piste, always have the essential 3: Avalanche beacon (transceiver), shovel and probe and the know-how for using them. Also take something to drink and eat with you, and you’ll enjoy the ride more for sure.  Well-fuelled people are also more alert! With off-piste it’s also crucial to check the avalanche risk status and not take un-necessary risks!!
• Make sure your equipment is in shape, especially now that the season is still fresh! Check your bindings and boots after the summer storage that they’re not the ones to let you down! Even if it wouldn’t mean accident, who’d want the great bluebird day to go to waist when a strap breaks? Not me!
• lso check your insurance. Boooring, yeah, might be. But I don’t think you want to find out how much it costs to fly you to the hospital from the ski resort  by getting the bill…(One hint, it’s expensive!!)
• Don’t go riding wasted or high. That won’t be fun for anyone.  And anyway if you’re drunk, you’ll have to pay the heli-bill yourself.  Yeah, that was the expensive thing, remember?

If still after all precautions and preparations something happens, here are few tips how to act:

• Do not panic. That won’t help you or the injured person!
• Call for help. Especially in ski resorts the patrollers are close and know first aid, and can estimate the need of further medical care. Don’t be afraid of calling for nothing!
• When calling try to explain your location as clearly as possible
• If you are with more than 2 people, at the same time when another is calling the others should find out how serious the situation is and calm the victim down. If somebody has first aid skills, now is the time to use them! But make sure you seriously know what you are doing, would be a bummer to make the situation worse!
• Mark the area above the injured person so that no other riders will hit him/her. E.g. put skis/poles/board on to the slope as a sign.
• Do not move victim’s skis/board if the injury is in the legs or back, that might make it worse. If it is absolutely necessary to remove them, do it extremely carefully!
• In case of an avalanche it is crucial to know how to locate the victim as soon as possible (less than 3 minutes) and how to use the probe and how to dig. Sounds super simple, but think again. How about having some practise with your buddies? Might save YOUR life if you make sure they also know how to find you! We will tell more about freeriding safety and avalanches and stuff later on…

These are just few basic things that sound boring, how to prevent unwanted things from happening and how to react if something happens. Often people take these things for granted but no body wants to be sh*tting their pants when action is needed! And acting is ten times easier if you’ve thought about how to act even for a few minutes in advance. Mind is a mysterious thing, you might think you won’t remember this all, but when the situation is there, it’ll all come back and you’ll be the hero saving precious time!

So small recap of the basic 5:
1.    Charged phone and the emergency number!
2.    Slope map in your pocket or in your mind!
3.    Your location on the map!
4.    Check the avalanche report and risk! If it’s too dangerous rather go park or party!
5.    The backcountry safety equipment and the know-how of using them!

And if you got really interested and want to be the hero, check out the snow-safety courses on offer at Lineupexplorers!

Ride safe and have a blast!

-Lineupexplorers team

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By lineupexplorers, 08.12.2010 14:32

The Northern hemisphere snow season of 2010-2011 is knocking on our doors…Some lucky ones of you have already started it weeks ago in the glacier resorts of Europe (and we’re not jealous, not at all!). And as the white gold is starting to fall down in more and more places around the world and we are planning and dreaming about THE snow trip of this season, we tought it would be a good time to take small sneak peak into the season; what’s going on at the moment and what is to be expected (so we know where to book the ticket to ride!).

Last week it was dumping in Vorarlberg, Austria!

Main season kickstart time is from the end of November to the beginning of December, so it is ON! Many resorts have already opened their first slopes and lifts in Europe and US, and first big contests have been held, thanks to the nice snowfalls already this winter. The last week it has been dumping in many places around Europe and US and more is expected in the near future. So it has been nice for the early birds with their season tickets!

But what the forecast for this whole winter? Are we treated with superb snowfall of meters and meters of powder or do we have to suffer from icy artificial slopes when the natural snow is not to be found? Or the worst case scenario of super-warm weather? Winter weather is according to experts very depending on the natural phenomenons called El Niño and La Niña that storm thousands of miles away from where the effects actually take place…

Do not ask me how they work in detail, but apparently (and again according to experts) this year the major player is the La Niña, which means that sea surface temperatures across the equatorial central and eastern Pacific are lower than normal. So in the weather this means that the northern parts are getting a break from extreme winter when around the European Alps is expected lots of snow and cooler temperatures…And thats good news for us all!

For the US and Canada La Niña is pretty good news too, specially in the Whistler area. The first of many La Niña storms have already dumped  feet of freshies to large parts of the US, stretching from the coastal Cascades to North Dakota. Anyway for the whole continent the phenomenom has already showed good signs, many resorts have now good base layer for the coming season. So lets all cross our fingers that these patterns will work out for the rest of the season too!

So yeah, seems to be a good winter ahead of us in most of the places (atleast at the moment in Austria it has been already EPIC!), and that means guys and girls that it’s time to wax your boards and skis and book your ticket to ride for the winter holidays!

It was pretty nice 1st day of the season...(Gargellen, Vorarlberg, Austria)

Enjoy the first rides!

-Lineupexplorers Team

ps. check out the abundance of snow trips we at Lineupexplorers have to offer, anything from beginner freestyle camps to experts freeride tours all over the world! Ride on!

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By lineupexplorers, 07.12.2010 09:36

WIN A SKI OR SNOWBOARD TRIP TO JAPAN!

Go shred Japan! Win the ultimate freeriding road trip across Japan’s snow spoiled north island – Hokkaido: With no set itinerary, we follow the snow to the best of the best over seven days. Equipped with a full set of backcountry touring equipment, 2 vehicles and 2 certified backcountry guides the options are almost unlimited. Fortunately, our comfortable 4WD vans come with a decent sound system to keep you entertained and an ice box to keep the drinks cold.

Travel Dates: 22. – 29.th January 2011
Trip Value: approx. EUR 1.300
Final Call: 19th December 2010

Powered by Lineupexplorers and Black Diamond Lodge!

HOW DO I TAKE PART?

Prove that you deserve it. Are you a real powder addict? Then show us your LIKE & LOVE with attesting passion, karma and creativity:

1) Passion: Become a fan of our brand new facebook page, because only this way you will stay up-to-date with news from the winter wonder land.
2) Karma: Spread the word by posting “Win a Free Trip” with the link to this raffle on your wall! This is the link:
http://www.facebook.com/Lineupexplorer?v=app_10442206389. Just copy&paste, as simple as that!
3) Creativity: Upload a snow photo on our facebook page. Yep – this is a open foto contest – no matter out of which segment: Powder, park, couch, party, nonsense, professional or handyshoot. No worries, everything is good, just make as many people like it as you can!

So this is as easy as winnning a trip can be! But if you want or need more details visit our facebook page! (Fun to visit anyway)

The Chase for the powpow is ON!!

-Lineupexplorers Team

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By lineupexplorers, 10.02.2010 17:32

Hey Surf Freaks!! Do you know all about surfing? Sure? We’ll exemplify some basics in surf theory: today some stuff about wave types. So watch out!!

Wave types

Waves begin way out in the ocean, strong winds blowing on the surface of the water creating ocean swells. These swells then travel great distances until they hit the shallow coastline becoming strong powerful breaking waves.  A breaking wave generally takes a surging, spilling or plunging form.

Waves types:

Surging waves:  this type of wave comes in out of rather deep water onto steep beaches. If this wave breaks it will surge up the beach.

Spilling waves: are the most common waves. They are produced by a gently sloping sea floor, which causes the wave to peak gradually. These waves have a relatively slow release of energy –so that the crest spills down the wave face

Plunging waves: the best types of waves for surfing! These waves occur where the swell moves out of deep water into very shallow water (such as on a reef) – The plunging waves can brake in tubes!

  Continue reading 'Waves Types'»

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By lineupexplorers, 28.01.2010 11:50

Internationally renowned amongst travellers and surfers for its laid back pace, easygoing atmosphere and world class waves, Taghazout is a unique gem on Morocco’s Atlantic coast. Conveniently located 40 min from Agadir international airport it’s a short hop (2-3 hrs) from most central European cities. It’s the closest place for any European surfer to get year round warm water, perfect waves and a unique cultural experience.

 
Taghazout surf spots:

Killers – Epic sand and rock right point break. A regional standout bowly peak, big barrels, long racy  walls, more barrel sections. Long, long rides possible.

Feel free to look for an accommodation here!

La Source – Sand and Rock bottom reef. Fun right and left peak offering up punchy maneuver friendly waves.

Continue reading 'Best surf spots in Taghazout / Morocco'»

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By lineupexplorers, 18.01.2010 11:37

Indonesia is without a doubt the surfers’ mecca. The roaring fourties produce solid swells all year around. Bali has literally so many breaks for all levels of surfing. All parts have the consistency in common but otherwise its own characteristic:

BATU BOLONG
The left- and right-handers are ideal for perfecting your take-offs and riding! One of Bali’s longest waves over a mixture of sand, stone and lava. Best place for beginners and intermediates on big or small days.
  Continue reading 'Best surf spots in Bali'»

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By lineupexplorers, 28.12.2009 15:34

Taghazout ist berühmt  für seine lockere, unbeschwerte Atmosphäre wie für seine weltklasse Wellen!

Taghazout ist der optimale Ort um dem kalten Winter in Europa zu entkommen – das ganze Jahr warmes Wasser, perfekte Wellen und  einzigartige kulturelle Eindrücke warten auf dich. Erlebe einen luxuriösen Aufenthalt in exklusiven Apartments an Marokkos Surf-Küste!

Continue reading 'Surfurlaub deluxe in Marokko – surfe die perfekten Wellen!'»