You can also watch a live band in The Morris Pub each evening while you can benefit from a Happy Hour where they sell the drinks at a discounted price. If you are looking for cheaper drinks, then you can also go for the Café face which is also the right option. You can visit the Pacific bar which is the best one for the sports event and they have a longer happy hour which is from 6 to 8 pm.

If you have gone to ski in La Daille, then the right place that you have to visit is the Folie Douce. It is the simplest place to be after you are still on the slopes and when the weather is sweet. You’ll relish live music, food station with snacks, waffles and sandwiches in conjunction with the skin bar. The band plays in the snow and there are large crowds of the people who dance on the tables and in the snow. You can also try the Tov Bar and the Rosee Blanche depending on where you went to ski.

When you drive in the Chamonix valley, you will be already anticipating what to experience when you reach there. This is the place which even excites the professional. In the morning, you will find that there are many skiers who are already getting ready to try the first lift. You will find that they have the waist full of the carabeeners, transceivers and the ropes when they go for the snowboarding. The Chamonix had become a town before someone even think about making it a ski resort and this is the place which you can visit all year around contrary to other resorts in French. This is because when the snow melts, then the climbers will also come to this area. Here you will be able to visit all kinds of shops, cheap eats and many bars. The best part about going to the Chamonix for your snowboarding is that the area is not polished and the infrastructure is rough.

You can always find where to snowboard in Andorra, regardless if you are an
intermediate, a professional or even a beginner. The best pistes for the snowboarding
are the Grand Valira and the Vallnord. The Grand Valira covers at least 193 km over
the areas such as the Encamp, Canillo, Grau Roig, El Tarter, Soldeu and Pas de la Casa
resorts. The Vallnord covers at least 89km pistes which are over the Arcalis, Ordino,
Arinsal and Pal resorts.

When you are a beginner or an intermediate rider, you will always find something to
keep you smiling when you go to Andorra. However for an expert rider, he may find that
there are few challenging terrains and he can get bored if he had planned to stay in this
area too long. The area is found in short distance from Spain or France. However, you
have to remember that the city has no airport which means that you can use the airport
of Toulouse or Barcelona. You can get the bus from any of the above airports and it can
talk at least 4 hours. You can also use some arrangements to reach there from the small
airports such as the Perpignan, Pau and Zaragoza. Before you make the arrangement to
go to Andorra, you have to remember that the language that you will need to speak is
the Catalan, French or Spanish. The currency to have is the euro and the capital city is
Andorra La Vella.

Granted, the majority of us may never snowboard in Antarctica, but SSX on PS3 or Xbox 360 is a chance to do just that. Obviously, it’s not very realistic, but at the end of the day jumping off a cliff and doing seven rotations to land without breaking your knees is pretty thrilling anyway. And if that’s not enough adrenaline for you, there are helicopter drops, avalanches and wingsuit flying that land players in wide spaces stacked with hills, slalom courses and grinding rails.

A variety of modes means players can become members of the SSX team in story mode, pick up medals in event mode or compete in multiplayer events where the thin air of Mount Everest or the cavernous tunnels of Antarctica are deadly pitfalls, not to mention you’ll need to use life-saving gadgets like oxygen tanks, solar panels, ice-picks and armour to protect against rocks and trees. Instead of a traditional leaderboard-type setting, ghosts of rival runs indicate how others perform on the slopes and can help you push your way to the top.

A bonus feature in SSX 2012 is the soundtrack, which is customisable and remixes when players perform tricks. Another particular improvement over previous releases is the fact that players can connect moves together and enjoy the thrill of doing a string of ridiculous tricks before the finish line.

Over-the-top but fun, fast and sociable (players can compete online in global events and against friends) SSX is an unrestricted playground that’s great for snowboarders who might just be pining for the slopes…

1. St. Anton, Austria

Part of the Arlberg ski area, this Austrian gem is one of Europe’s most popular resorts, and it’s easy to see why. St. Anton offers nearly endless options for snowboarders, especially those want to go off the well-beaten path. The town is also home to some of the most hedonistic nightlife of any ski resort in the world.

2. Verbier, Switzerland

Often regarded as one of the top ten ski resorts in the world, Verbier is an excellent place for snowboarding. The town itself has a variety of good options for nightlife and dining.

3. Ruka, Finland

This Finnish resort has a very long snowmaking season, from mid-October to mid-May, and is a great place to go snowboarding. It offers riders a FIS standard super pipe, a boardercross course, and two fantastic snowboard streets, including BatteryPark, the best snowboard street in Finland.

4. Zermatt, Switzerland

This legendary resort is one of the best places in the world to go snowboarding. From those just starting out to the very experienced, Zermatt has something for everyone.

5. Zillertal, Austria

Zillertal offers great snowboarding at some of the lowest rates in the Austrian Alps.

6. Chamonix, France

Chamonix is the perfect place for serious snowboarders. Situated on Mont Blanc, this picturesque town is a great choice for more advanced snowboarders, though beginners can certainly get in on the fun as well. Off the slopes, Chamonix knows how to party. The town has an excellent nightlife scene, buoyed by the constant stream of international visitors. A visit to Chamonix can easily be combined with Paris holidays.

7. Livigno, Italy

Italy’s best resort is an excellent choice for snowboarding. With its lively snowboarding scene, relatively few crowds, and delicious coffee and Italian food, Livigno makes sense for a fun and exciting snowboarding holiday.

8. Davos, Switzerland

Davos is one of the best places in the world for snowboarders. They offer four fun parks, three snowboarding schools, and five snowboarding-specific hotels. Davos also offers a boardercross course and two monster pipes. The town has a variety of nightlife to cater to all ages and preferences.

9. Les Arcs, France

A very snowboarding friendly resort, Les Arcs is a fun place for snowboarders and can easily be visited in conjunction with Paris holidays. They offer interesting and diverse terrain to suit all tastes and skill levels, and the slopes are easy to explore, as Les Arcs has as many chairs and gondolas as they do surface lifts, which is a rarity in France.

10. Bansko, Bulgaria

For something a little different, a trip to this Eastern European wonderland is in order. Snowboarders will enjoy this modern ski resort, the newest in Bulgaria and site of many snowboarding competitions.

The capital of the UK can easily seem to be a jigsaw puzzle of interlocking greys, particularly if you pass through with little time and an itinerary packed with demanding plans.

However, London contains many small havens and alternatives to the grey grinding grid. It is in fact one of the greenest cities in the world with its hundreds of acres of royal parks, as well as riverside clearings and canals.

If you’re staying in luxury, such as at the fabulous Millennium Gloucester Hotel in Kensington, it can be tempting to look no further than the taxi outside your Kensington hotel. London in fact offers a myriad of options for walking and self-navigating rather than relying on vehicles or public transport. Walking can be an excellent way to see a city, and to get to know its people, its history and its way of life.

Weekdays

Regent’s Canal

Probably the most satisfying and interesting canal walk in the city, the Regent’s Canal is a bit of a locals’ secret. Stretching for nine miles from west to east, across the northern stretch of central London, it makes for illuminating walking.

The canal begins at the chi-chi Little Venice in Westbourne Grove, near Notting Hill, and winds its way east all the way to Limehouse Basin, now a hub for city commuters and Canary Wharf-ers. It’s a good one for a weekday as it’s less busy and will allow you stop off as and when you please. You’ll pass the London Zoo and the gorgeous Primrose Hill – with an option to take a detour around Regent’s Park, then on to Camden and its famous Lock Market.

After that you’ll encounter the newly regenerated Kings Cross area, followed by beautiful residential Angel with its long boats and delightful pubs. Pressing on from the pub (!) the canal  then passes through the warehouse and swanky lofts of Shoreditch and Dalston (rapidly changing from artist’s haven to yuppie stronghold), to trendy Broadway Market (pick up gourmet coffee here) and Victoria Park, before tracing Mile End and landing in Limehouse.

Weekends

Victorian London walk

Starting in the London Bridge area, this walk will in fact give you a taste of Renaissance London at the same time. Starting near Borough High Street, have a gander in The George, reputed drinking hole of Shakespeare back in the day, then loop around the streets stretching off the main strip, including Dickensian-named Little Dorrit street. Sweeping up and over London Bridge for an excellent view, you’ll dip into the city and get a chance to sniff out the remains of old London before the plexiglass and bankers moved in. Head up towards Shoreditch and Commercial Road for a bit of Jack the Ripper history, and finish in the Ten Bells pub (pictured) opposite Spitalfields Market.

• As you go higher, the temperature will become colder.  The sun may be out however that can be deceptive.  Additionally, the wind will become stronger as you ascend the mountain. The wind chill factor will lower temperatures even further.  It is advisable to find out what the actual temperature will be high up in the mountains as it will impact on whether you want to take the lifts to the top of the mountain.
• Dress appropriately and wear layers.  Ensure that you wear suitable skiing or snowboarding attire for the purpose of keeping you warm. The appropriate clothing will keep your body warm by trapping air.  Dressing in layers will also trap air and keep the body warm inside.  Wearing layers will allow you to adjust to the changing temperature of your body.   For example, you can take off layers if you feel too warm.
• Keeping active by constantly moving on your snowboard or skis will generate more body heat than just staying stationary.  The body can produce heat of up to six times more than just sitting.   Prior to going out on the mountains, do warm up exercises and stretches.   Whilst going up on a chairlift, wiggle your toes, and do some leg stretches to warm up your thighs.
• Food can assist as a coping mechanism with the cold.  Energy generated by fats and protein can boost the level of energy that you require for a day of snowboarding or skiing.  Food that is high in carbohydrates and foods with sugar will also give you energy as well.  It is advisable to keep away from smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol whilst at the snow. Smoking can restrict the circulation of blood by constricting the capillaries, and alcohol can give you the chills quickly even though it may temporarily make you warm at first by dilating your blood vessels.

If you have issues with keeping warm and are worried about the cold, follow the above steps and it will make your experience at the snow much more fun and enjoyable.

• Gloves or Mittens

Certain differences exist between gloves and mittens.  Mittens are made to cover your whole hand with a separate space for your thumb while gloves have separate openings for all five fingers to fit into.

In terms of water resistance, mittens are probably a better choice as they have fewer seams which will reduce the possibilities for water to penetrate.  In terms of warmth, mittens would keep the hands warmer with the fingers being in contact with each other.  For mobility, gloves are preferred as you can move your individual fingers for grasping your snowboard, clothing and accessories.

It all comes down to personal preference and what suits you.

• Waterproofing and Durability

Paying a decent amount of money on a good pair of gloves that provides a high level of waterproofing and durability is a good idea rather than buying cheap gloves that will fall apart less than a season of use.   It is advisable to purchase snowboard gloves that are made of highly waterproof fabric such as Gortex with double, triple-stitched or taped seams and palms and fingers that are reinforced.  Ensure that the cuffs of the gloves have been designed properly so that they cover the sleeves of the jacket keeping the snow out.

• Inner Liner

An inner liner that is removable can provide better insulation and prevent moisture building up inside gloves or mittens.  Taking them off when you are finished with snowboarding or even during extended breaks will ensure your mittens or gloves dry faster.  On warmer days, the liners can be taken off as well.

Generally, the snowboard gloves that you end up purchasing depend on personal preference.  Certain people prefer mittens as they provide more warmth at lower temperatures whereas gloves provide better mobility. Beginner snowboarders may favour mittens over gloves, whilst more advanced snowboarders may favour gloves as it is easier to grasp objects such as personal belongings.  When it all comes down to it, there is no right or wrong answer if one chooses to buy mittens or gloves.  Snowboarders should experiment with both mittens and gloves so they find the best fit and protection.

• Pay

The pay can be pretty low so many instructors tend to have a couple of other jobs to make up for the lack of pay.  They may choose to do night jobs such as bar tending so it does not conflict with their day job.  Extra money can also be earnt from tips if you do a great job.

Due to the low level of pay, many resorts will provide benefits and perks to make up for the low wage.  These perks include free lift passes, discounts on food and accommodation, free training clinics and free ski and snowboard lessons.

• Why be an instructor

Snowboard instructing is fun and rewarding.  The lifestyle can be pretty good as well with invites to parties by student and being able to snowboard on a regular basis.  It’s great to be paid to do something that you love!

It can also be rewarding as you can see your students master the art of snowboarding even if it takes days of practice.  You will also becoming a more experienced snowboarder and have the opportunity to meet many advance snowboard instructor who can provide free advice and help hone your snowboarding technique.

• Characteristics needed to be a snowboard instructor

It is good to have at least six to ten weeks of riding experience before going out and getting a training certificate.  The emphasis however is more on your ability to teach than snowboard.  Being patient, outgoing and positive will go a long way.  You should like a challenge, not be afraid of talking to people and enjoy helping people.

• Developing certain skills

A variety of skills will be developed whilst you are a snowboard instructor.  These include people skills, conversational skills, presentation skills, leadership, confidence and patience.  The more skills you are equipped with, the more employable you are in any profession that you choose to follow.

Becoming a snowboard instructor is a fun job to have if you are looking to travel, make new friends and have a sense of adventure.  If you want to earn a good living out of being a snowboard instructor then this is probably not the job for you.  What it doesn’t make up in income makes up for good experience and enjoyment.

• Learning to snowboard on dry slopes

It can be a steep learning curve for those looking to learn snowboarding on dry slopes. Dry slopes tend to have shorter runs with most of your time spent going up on lifts.

Dry slopes are harder to snowboard on as the artificial nature of the snow is not comparable to real snow.  The terrain is vastly different than being on real mountains.  If the surface is extremely dry without much lubrication, it can be difficult to ride on and unpleasant to fall on.

The benefit of learning to snowboard on dry slopes is that they are a good platform to learn the basics and work on your snowboarding technique.  Once you master snowboarding on dry slopes then it will make it all that much easier riding on actual snow.

• Sustaining injuries

Injuries can be pretty nasty on dry slopes with all too many reports of dislocated fingers, thumbs and cuts and bruises sustained whilst snowboarding.  The injuries can be worse on dry slopes than on actual snow itself.  Dry slopes can lend themselves to you catching your fingers or limbs in the gaps on the metal base of the slope.

Wearing wrist guards, helmets and padding will reduce the chance of being injured seriously as well as ensuring your equipment is fitted and appropriately adjusted.

• Board damage

Board damage can occur easily due to the material that the dry slope is made of.  As the dry slopes are made of plastic, it can lend your board to gathering dirt and grease.  Additionally, the base of the board can produce marks and scratches frequently if you often board on dry slopes.  Consequently, if the snowboard is used regularly on dry slopes, it can make boarding on real snow slower and harder.  It is advisable to use a cheap board or even hire a board if you plan to snowboard on dry slopes.

If heading to the mountains is too far and expensive for you to travel to, dry slopes are an alternative for those who would like to hone their snowboarding abilities.  However, it is best to be aware that learning on dry slopes can be a little bit more difficult, that injuries can occur easily and it is advisable to rent snowboards if learning on dry slopes.