"Skiier v.s. Snowboarder Battle"

The other day when I was skiing at Arapahoe Basin, I was on the chair lift with a man that was hating on snowboarders. The skier vs. snowboarder battle has been going on for as long as I can remember. I snowboarded for several years before I picked up skiing for the second time. When I started snowboarding, the sport was relatively new.

I remember feeling like I was such a nuisance to the skiers on the mountain. As a skier now, I definitely don’t have anything against snowboarders. I think it’s silly that so many skiers only look at snowboarders as punk, stoner kids whose main goal is to ruin the skiers day.

Many of my friends that I ski with are snowboarders; however, there is something to be said about skiing with another awesome skier that has similar taste.

"A Possible Plan for Burying Interstate-70 at Vail"

The town for Vail feels that it is possible to bury Interstate-70 through Vail. The question now is how they will get the money to fund such a project. Officials believe that a solution could possibly be found within the next 20 years. One option includes lowering the interstate and putting a lid on it is certain locations. Although this may solve the noise problem, I think it would take away from the Vail’s natural beauty.

There are other options including using quiet pavement on the interstate or advising residents to make improvements in their homes to reduce noise. Officials feel there needs to be a serious event to get the ball rolling on the tunnel plans. We may see Colorado bid for the Winter Olympics in the future.

"Glenwood Canyon Bike Path to Open This Saturday"

Just because the ski season has ended doesn't mean that your trips to the mountains have to stop. There are many opportunities for other activities up in the mountains this spring and summer. Mountain biking has kept many skiers and riders busy during the spring and summer months.

Glenwood Canyon bike path which streached 25 miles will open this Saturday for riders that don't mind the cold. bikers might want to get their rides in early because the Colorado River rises and the path may close in a couple of months. The path is only open during the spring and summer months due to maintenance on interstate-70.

Get your rides in early before the path closes again.

"Ride the Limo Rail"

This weekend marks the final weekend fro Loveland and Echo Ski Resorts. The Smith Limo Rail Jam has become a closing day tradition at Loveland. I have never seen anything like the Smith Limo Rail, but skiers and riders can actually go on jumps and slide on a rail on top of a stretch limo!

Local artist Arnie Green will play on the patio to close out another successful season at Loveland. Echo will close out the season as well. Echo Mountain Park is the closest mountain to Denver, however does not ofter much more than a couple runs and a terrain park.

"Two More Months of Skiing in Summit County"

As all the mountains close down for the season; don’t fret, because Arapahoe Basin plans on staying open for as long as the conditions are safe for skiing. As of today, A-Basin is still 100 percent open and skiers are still enjoying fresh powder from time to time. With what seems to be the never ending ski season, the Basin has had 63 inches of snow in February, which is 20 inches more than last season. The solid base will give spring skiing lovers a month or two more of days in the sun.

Although conditions may not be the best, riders find other ways to stay entertained while at A-Basin. "The Beach” has become one of the greatest parts about visiting summit county. Right between the parking lot and the bottom of the lifts, locals set up grills, lawn chairs, and tons of food for an all day party on the mountain.

A-Basin is expected to stay open till at least mid-June. So if you’re not ready to put your ski gear away for the season, hit up the Basin for one more day of fun in the sun.

"The Ski Industry to Go Green"

Most ski areas have been going green over the past few years. Resorts are using wind power to run the ski lifts. The problem is that skis that are not bought up or handed down become a part of the waste stream, which is the case in Summit County, CO. The ski industry is trying to go green and make its ski equipment easier to recycle.

Ski equipment can be re-used for materials such as flooring, but the problem is that there are so many layers and materials on skis and snowboards that it is difficult to separate the parts. One possibility is bringing old skis to shredding facilities and adding an environmental fee to the price of skis and boots to help with the cost.

The main challenge is that most ski equipment is made in China, which makes it hard to regulate environmental performance standards. Snowsports Industries of America has partnered with the natural Resources Defense Council to help set measurable goals for retailers.

To find out how you can recycle your skis visit recycling database-world.org

"Imperial Challenge...That's an Understatement"

This Sunday marks the end of Breckenridge Ski Resort’s 2007-2008 ski season. With over 350 inches of snow fall this year, the season has been extremely successful. Want one last day of spring skiing? Check out Ridge Street Massive Music and the Imperial Challenge.

On April 18 check out Grace Potter and the Nocturnals with opening bands. The show starts right after the mountain closes. Robert Randolph will begin playing at 3 p.m.on April 19. All skiers and boarders cannot deny the pleasure found in a long day of skiing followed by an afternoon of sweet sounds.

The twelfth annual Imperial Challenge sounds like a little too much action for me. Bikers will begin with a 6.2 mile ride from the Breckenridge town across peak 7 to Peak 8. If you don’t think that will get your legs burning, you will them be hauling to the top of the Imperial Bowl and zooming back down to the base. Bikers will need all the support they can get to make it through the challenging ride.