Ski Beech is home to the Youth Learning Center, an all day program devoted to the development of young skiers or snowboarders. The day is spent with kid and teen friendly snow sports’ professionals in appropriately sized classes. Emphasis is placed on learning, improving and having fun through skill based activities, exercises and guided instruction.
Programs include slope pass, lessons equipment and hot lunch from $70 to $85 for the day based on age and sport.
Visit www.skibeech.com for any additional information.
Another popular destination to add to your list is Appalachian Ski Mountain. Originated in 1962, Appalachian Ski Mountain was the first ski resort in the North Carolina high country, and has been offering skiing in a clean, family oriented atmosphere in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains ever since.
Appalachian Ski Mountain has long been considered the place to learn to ski and with more than one million taught, the French Swiss Ski College is the region’s leader in ski instruction. Located on the slopes at Appalachian Ski Mountain, lessons are available on an individual or group basis.
Since 1969 the French Swiss Ski College has developed accredited programs for more than 100 colleges as well as distinguished programs for the Special Olympics. From ages six and up lessons are taught in a fun and friendly environment to skiers grouped by similar abilities. These dedicated instructors will have you skiing with more confidence and skill than you dreamed possible.
Another great reason to head to Appalachian Ski Mountain this season is the annual Meltdown Games. This is a great weekend with one goal: to have a ton of fun celebrating a great ski season. All of the events are fun, laid back, relaxed, and the winners receive prize packs with tons of merchandise, ski and snowboard equipment.
One of the most popular events is the Pond Skim, where the staff constructs a 70-80 ft long pond at the bottom of the main slope. Skiers and snowboarders are invited to see if they can skim through the entire pond to the other side. Some make it… some don’t… but it always makes for a fun show.
Some New Twists
Since first introducing a freestyle ski terrain to their resort seven years ago, Appalachian Ski Mountain has been an industry leader in creating quality terrain features catering to today’s freestyle skiers and snowboarders.
This summer crews worked diligently to add a new terrain park including ten new features. The new park lies on gentle intermediate terrain, making it well suited for features that allow beginner and intermediate riders to progress their skills, while also offering unique features to challenge more advanced riders. Terrain Park features include various jumps, rails, and boxes which skiers and snowboarders ride as part of the downhill experience.
Check out their website (www.appterrainpark.com) to learn more about the App Terrain Park and their contest series, as well as USASA (United States of America Snowboard Association) qualifying events, and a Forum Youngblood contest (the only one in the southeast).
Extreme Ice
Maybe all that blustering cold isn’t quite your thing, but you sure would like to embrace the “winter” feel and try something new. If so, the Charlotte Checkers would like to introduce you to their new practice and training facility.
Simply put, Extreme Ice Center isn’t just your everyday ice skating facility. It is a state of the art training facility for athletes that participate in all sports. The facility includes two NHL regulation sheets of ice, and a smaller training sheet called the Puddle. Several on-ice programs are currently being offered: learn to skate, learn to play hockey, youth and adult recreational hockey leagues designed that accommodate all playing levels, and figure skating classes and specialty training.
The XI center is home to Charlotte Youth Hockey (a travel league for higher level youth players), and, as mentioned earlier, will serve as the official training facility of the Charlotte Checkers.
The second floor features a study area, restaurant, multipurpose rooms and a wellness center. The wellness center offers several programs including general membership, metabolic testing, personal training one-on-one and small group, corporate memberships and wellness programs, sports performance academy for all sports, massage therapy and post and pre-habilitation programs for low back, knee and shoulder health.
Call 704-882-1830 for more info or visit www.xicenter.com.
Enjoying the Brrrrrr…. Safely!
Many people will continue their usual workouts during the winter months, whether it be running, cycling, or walking. Bob Nixon, manager of the new Inside Out Sports, a multisport shop opening in December, said the key to staying active in the winter is paying attention to proper clothing and gear, and keeping your options open. He talked about shortening your regular workouts, or planning routes that include loops, easy to alter if changing weather conditions arise. And to be sure to layer your clothing.
Drew Stanley, Marketing Director and Terrain Park Director for Appalachian
Ski Mountain sent us this list of reminders
for winter activity.
• Dress in layers. An outer shell of wind-
proof, waterproof, or weather-resistant
material over other insulating layers is
suggested.
• Add layers to add warmth, or remove
layers to cool off.
• Use sunscreen, lip balm and eye protection for the UV and UVB rays.
• Goggles help during rain, snow and
snowmaking.
• Always wear gloves. Good gloves provide
the best protection against the elements.
• Wear a hat. You lose 75% of your body
heat through the top of your head.
• Cover exposed skin to protect against
frostbite during extreme cold.
• Remember not to overdo it. Take a break
to refuel and to rest.
• Wear a smile.
One thing that is abundantly clear is Charlotteans continue to stay active regardless of the changing seasons. And while the verdict is still out as to whether or not we’ll be building snowmen in our own front yards this year, cold temperatures will definitely alter our daily routine and marvelous winter wonderland escapes are just a few short hours away.
Enjoy! |
