Search Of Snowboarding

[Tina Larzelere]

Aword search is a puzzle where there are rows of letters placed in the shape of a square, and there are words written forwards, backwards, horizontal, vertical or diagonal. There will be a list of words for the player to look for and the goal of the player is to find those words hidden in the word search puzzle, and highlight them.

Word search games are an excellent tool for teachers, and an excellent resource for students. They help to encourage wider vocabulary, as well as testing cognitive abilities and pattern-finding skills.

Word searches can use any word you like, big or small, so there are literally countless combinations that you can create for templates. It is easy to customise the template to the age or learning level of your students.

Every trip into the backcountry is an adventure into the splendors of nature. Treks take you through evergreen forests, past flowing creeks and frozen lakes. The smell of pine wafts through the air. Looking up, you can see jagged peaks that look like sculptures shaped by the divine. The blowing wind can sound as if it's playing the mountains and trees like instruments in a symphony.

Typically, you hike using a splitboard, or a snowboard that splits into two skis. You put climbing skins on the skis, which give the skis traction on the snow. The motion of moving forward with skis and poles is a bit like using an elliptical. When it gets too steep to ascend in ski mode, you strap the board to your back and "bootpack" up the mountain, kicking your boots into the snow and climbing a mountain's face as if walking up steep stairs. In icy conditions, you may need to use crampons, which are spikes that lock onto the bottom of your boots to give you extra traction.

At the start of each journey, the peak beckons from a distance. It can be a slog to reach it, but the climb offers the opportunity to unplug and reflect. You're often alone with your thoughts for hours at a time, taking in the scenery.

I've had spine-tingling experiences out there; experiences I'll remember for the rest of my life. Like traveling through the majestic, snow-capped peaks of Grand Teton National Park, or finding myself deep in rural Hokkaido, standing with my friend Jake on a mountain with a spectacular view of the Sea of Japan.

As I drop, I feel pure euphoria as gravity begins to propel me. The endorphins are still pumping from the climb, and now the mountain is delivering a dose of adrenaline and dopamine. It's a natural cocktail that beats any man-made drug.

The mountain's face becomes a canvas for arching turns. Snow-covered boulders, fallen trees, and cliffs become launching pads for flight. Conceptions of the past and future leave my mind, and I'm just purely experiencing what's in front of me.

The descent is made all the more special by all the work you had to put in. The work is about more than just climbing. There's also all the mental preparation it takes to do this sport safely and responsibly. Since I wholeheartedly embraced this sport several years ago, I've put hundreds of hours into taking avalanche courses, reading books on snow science, and poring over topographical maps, weather forecasts, and daily reports about the snowpack from local avalanche centers.

Riding a steep slope without doing your homework can literally cost you your life. Mindless adrenaline junkies do not last long in this sport. It must be done with diligence, humility, and a willingness to always turn back if the conditions aren't right.

Backcountry snowboarding has proven to be my portal to fully immersing myself in the outdoors. For years I have lived in major cities, and for a long time I didn't really camp or backpack. I didn't even like the idea of leaving civilization and going days without creature comforts.

I find snowboarding to be a bit like inline skating, too. Those who inline skate regularly are fairly fanatic about the sport because it is fun and a good workout. Most importantly, I think, is that inline skating is a fluid, aesthetic motion that is pleasing to us humans. Snowboarding, with its wide arcing turns, is the same. It is a great sport and one I believe many people would enjoy, given the opportunity to learn.

That is one reason we at Zephyr Adventures have created Zephyr Camp Snowboard. Following in the footsteps of Camp Rollerblade, our snowboard camps are two-day weekends, designed for adults, and created for beginners.

We have joined forces with seven resorts across America in 2007 to offer these weekend camps in February and March. While kids are welcome if accompanied by a participating adult, the focus of Zephyr Camp Snowboard is on adults themselves. We want you to feel comfortable learning in a safe environment with other adult beginners.

(By the way, the top photo is not of me. It is provided by one of our participating resorts, Hunter Mountain near NYC. The bottom photo is of Erin, who participated in our Winter Camp a few years ago and learned to snowboard.)

On-site lodging is available for nearly every budget, and even the simple, no-frills hotel rooms found in the Hamlet still offer a near ski in, ski out experience. If you forgot something or need some snacks for your stay, check out the new Mountain Market for grocery items.

A go-to spot that has it all: sledding, ice skating, hockey, skiing and snowboarding. The park also features a warming house complete with a fireplace, concession stand and board games available to checkout.

Established in 1984 as a non-profit organization, Challenge Mountain was the first independent adaptive skiing program in northern Michigan. Today, Challenge Mountain offers a wide variety of opportunities that continue to enrich lives and empower individuals living with disabilities through year-round adaptive recreation.

Boyne Mountain Resort has a variety of activities. Come winter, guests can take advantage of more than 60 downhill trails, enjoy cross country skiing, fat tire biking, horseback riding, ice skating, ziplining, snowshoeing and tubing.

With over 432 acres, 53 runs, three terrain parks and eight lifts, The Highlands at Harbor Springs has trails for all levels of ski enthusiasts. The resort also offers a range of lodging from deluxe rooms and condos to cottages. The resort is also home to a tubing park, zip line adventures, horseback riding and more.

A quick hop off of I-75 east of Gaylord brings you to Otsego Club, a ski and golf resort that remained private for nearly 80 years but is now open for all to enjoy. Otsego Club is a gem of a resort in northern Michigan and is a must-see for even the most seasons skier or snowboarder. In 2010 Otsego Club played host to winter Olympians training for the Vancouver Winter Olympic Games.

With around 400 vertical feet and 136 skiable acres, and 5 lifts spinning, Otsego Club has a great variety of terrain for all ages and skill levels. A full rental fleet is available for both skiers and snowboarders too. You owe it to yourself to stay overnight or for an entire weekend. Amenities are top-notch including plenty of on-site accommodations from hotel rooms to condos. Prices are on-par with other resorts in northern Michigan and it's recommended you book early but keep an eye on last-minute deals for a spur-of-the-moment getaway.

Enjoy 18 runs, one at 1,800 feet, two terrain parks and racing programs when you ski at Cannonsburg. Guests can also enjoy tubing and a special program for girls age 3-5 called Mountain Minnies, which encourages young girls to try snow sports.

Just northwest of Kalamazoo in Otsego, you will find Bittersweet Resort. Just off U.S. 131 and just 1 hour, 40 minutes from South Bend makes Bittersweet an easy choice for many. With 20 runs and 350 vertical feet, the terrain at Bittersweet is far from flat. A great mix of terrain welcomes skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels. In fact, Bittersweet has one of the more competitive ski race leagues in the state.

Located off of M-59 just west of Waterford Township is Alpine Valley. Home hill of 2018 Team U.S.A. Snowboarder, Kyle Mack, Alpine Valley has some of the most scenic views in the area. With 25 runs and 4 terrain parks, Alpine Valley is one of the largest ski areas in southern Michigan. Rentals are available for skiers and snowboarders, making Alpine a perfect spot for those in the area not looking to own a bunch of equipment. Lift ticket options range from full-day passes to evening only, making this a perfect spot for after work.

Renovated by Vail Resorts for the 2013/2014 season, Mt. Brighton is a great choice for skiers and snowboarders in southeast Michigan. Vail Resorts are known for their skier services and positive experiences both on and off the slopes, and Mt. Brighton follows suit.

Marquette is best known as the home of Northern Michigan University, but the local ski hill, Marquette Mountain delivers great views of Lake Superior. Smaller in scale with only 18 runs, Marquette Mountain brings the feeling of a community ski area vs. a destination resort. While no lodging is available on-site, check out the nearby lodging options noted on the Marquette Mountain website.

Ranked one of the top 5 Midwest ski resorts, a stop off at Big Powderhorn should be in order while visiting Bessemer. With 45 runs, multiple terrain parks and an average of 17 feet of snow each year, Powderhorn is a destination on its own in the western U.P. All ages and skill levels can appreciate the terrain at Powderhorn, with an even mix of beginner, intermediate and advanced. Bessemer is Big Snow Country and it is certainly worth the trek through the western U.P. to explore all there is.

Skiing, snowboarding, and tubing for Michigan Technological University and the public. As the oldest ski area in Michigan in the snowiest city in the Midwest, Mont Ripley is a true alpine town experience: twenty-two trails, a terrain park, tubing park and a scenic overlook of the Keweenaw Waterway.

The Porkies is truly a family resort that provides a winter sports experience fitting every family member: first-timers, aspiring intermediates, thrill-seeking advanced athletes and park rats that want a taste of natural features. Snowboarders, alpine and telemark skiers can experience an unparalleled variety of terrain from well-groomed runs to powder stashes. From green comfortable runs to thrilling black diamonds and open runs to nicely shaped glades.

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