West Virginia Outdoors....

MOUNTAIN STATE SHREDDIN'

My name is Lynn S and I love wild and wonderful winters in West Virginia. There's nothing I like better than a Mountain State resort with some fresh snowfall. Quite simply, I'm addicted to the West Virginia white stuff in a big way.

But sometimes you need a new fix to meet a craving and I found it last year with snowboarding. Now, before you picture me as some teenager with a need for speed, you should know I'm a middle-aged balding guy with a bit of a beer belly (have you tried West Virginia's microbrews?). But my age, hairline, or physique didn't keep me from learning to snowboard at Snowshoe Mountain Resort last winter. And it shouldn't stop you.

I've always been fascinated with snowboarding and, like many others, decided to try it last season. If I can do it, almost anyone can.

My first lesson at Snowshoe was with Mark Rotellini, the training center director there. He said I'd be amazed at how easy the sport was to pick up and I replied that he'd soon be amazed at how hard I was to pick up when I fell. However, he assured me that the demographics of the sport were changing and 'old folks' like me were turning to snowboarding in record numbers. The simplicity movement has even hit the slopes--two less poles and one less board mean it's simpler than ever!

We covered the basics of equipment, theory, and foot positioning. Within ten minutes, he had me sliding around Snowshoe's appropriately named Skidder slope like a skateboarder on a slippery sidewalk. Within another ten minutes, I was skidding along and combining small curves and turns--with plenty of laughs when I fell more than a few times. That's when I decided that the primary piece of equipment you need for learning to snowboard is some sort of huge padded diaper (maybe a small pillow).

Within the hour, Mark had me skidding and tumbling my way down Skidder, where we took well-deserved brakes at the lift. For me, the hardest part was actually getting on and off the lift. It provided some comical relief for everyone, but I've found the more you can laugh at yourself, the more you're willing to try new things.

After my morning lesson, I regrouped over a huge bowl of soup in Skidder Restaurant overlooking the slopes and then headed out for an afternoon lesson with one of Snowshoe's many snowboarding experts, Tom McKay. In some ways, he looked like your stereotypical snowboarder--young, tan, and talented--until I found out he was my age. I attacked my second lesson with vigor, thinking I had discovered the fountain of youth and would look like him by the end of the day.

Tom and I laughed our way through the afternoon lesson, but real progress was being made. I wasn't exactly ready to hit Snowshoe's fabled Cupp Run, but I was truly having fun on my first day of snowboarding.

However, the falling and pushing myself back up did get a bit draining, so I retired to Skidder Pub for a well-deserved happy hour with my new snowboarding buddies. But when I was ready to get up from the bar, my legs and arms didn't seem to cooperate. I was as stiff and sore as a boxer without a left hook.

I immediately called the Whistlepunk Spa and made an appointment for a 90-minute massage. I was in need of some serious kneading. My masseuse, Mary Magnason, worked out all the kinks and even gave me some snowboarding tips (her husband owns a shop at the base of the mountain). She got me ready to snowboard another day (though I did pass on heading back out that night under the lights, instead opting for some hot tub time).

The next day and other outings last season saw similar improvement. Though I haven't sold my skis yet, I can't wait for the snow to fall this year so I can check out snowboarding at all of West Virginia's resorts. But, also this year, my new fix is going to be snowshoeing. I figure you're never too old (or bald or beer-bellied) for a new Mountain State sport. Stay tuned.

THE SNOWBOARDING BOOM

Snowboarding is big business in the U.S. Whereas it used to be hard to find a resort that embraced snowboarders, there are now less than ten resorts in the nation that don't allow it.

"More than 4 million people went snowboarding last year," says Ali Zacaroli, spokesperson for SnowSports Industries America (SIA). "The general growth is huge, but the biggest news is that the demographics are evolving. There are now many snowboarders in the 30s and 40s and there are also lots more women."

Well, I don't qualify on the female front, but I certainly fit the booming age category. Ali says that the uniqueness of snowboarding, along with simplicity of equipment and ease of learning, make it ideal for older folks like me.

This demographic shift has also changed winter vacationing in general. Snowboarding has reunited families on the mountain, as more parents try it with their kids. Of course, youngsters still love the 'rad'ical nature of the sport and the fashion statements they can make with special clothing, but snowboarding has definitely become more mainstream.

The national growth in snowboarding has been mirrored in West Virginia. "Snowboarding has given the industry a much needed lift," Snowshoe's Joe Stevens told me as I recovered from my first day (he learned to snowboard at 40). "At first, the majority of snowboarders were in their teens or early-20s, but that trend has changed the last couple of years. Snowboarding has given skiers a new way of enjoying the snow. We estimate that 20 percent of our visits are snowboarders." Of course, West Virginia resorts have accommodated with more terrain, special parks for snowboarders, more rentals, and more lessons.

With this snowboard boom, each West Virginia resort has lots to offer this year. Whether you're a shreddin' dude with dreadlocks or just dread trying it, West Virginia snowboarding is for you. Trust me.

CANAAN VALLEY RESORT

As the first ski resort in West Virginia, Canaan Valley Resort has a long history of welcoming winter guests. That welcome definitely includes snowboarders.

"We are 100% open to snowboarders," says Steve Drumheller, their director of sales and marketing. "In addition to some great expert terrain, we are also very popular with beginning and intermediate boarders in search of lots of varied terrain."

The Meadows 1 area is one of the top spots for boarders. Some steep sections and several wide open areas make cruising and some seriously fun arcs easy. Some interesting terrain also typically develops by January. Of course, lessons, rentals, and night boarding are among the highlights of this beginner-friendly resort.

SNOWSHOE MOUNTAIN RESORT

Snowshoe provides a double-dose for those in need of a snowboarding fix. Both the Snowshoe and Silver Creek are completely open to snowboarders and both facilities offer rental shops and all services.

Snowshoe's parent company, Intrawest, invested more than $36 million in the resort this summer and it shows. That brings the total invested to more than $100 million, so Snowshoe is set to become one of the premier mountain resorts in the east.

It's certainly a premier snowboarding spot. Along with all of Snowshoe's incredible terrain (including legendary Cupp Run and its new sister, Shay's Revenge), Silver Creek's runs and the Ruckus Ridge Terrain Park make for a great combination. The park was an incredible success in its first year last season, with the region's largest halfpipe (the only groomed one in the region), more than a dozen features, and night boarding. This is a serious fix for any snowboarding junkie.

TIMBERLINE RESORT

Also located in Canaan Valley, Timberline Four Seasons Resort is definitely popular with the snowboarding set. From special runs to special events, snowboarders love Timberline.

"With all 35 trails open to snowboarding, a popular 200-foot halfpipe, berms, tabletops, backcountry trails, and lots of 'learn-to-snowboard' and other lesson and rental packages, Timberline is truly a rider's paradise," says Barbara Harman, their marketing representative. For starting snowboarders like me, the two-mile Salamander run (one of the longest in the south) is ideal. In addition, Timberline also offers the unique opportunity to enjoy snowboarding on more than ten miles of mapped and marked backcountry trails (along with like-minded telemarkers, cross-country skiers, and snowshoers, who take advantage of single-ride lift tickets).

Timberline also shines when it comes to special events. Their Appalachian Boarder Cross USASA Series is a huge hit throughout the region. There are also special race categories for boarders and several other events at this snowboard-happy resort.

WINTERPLACE RESORT

Conveniently located just off I-77, Winterplace continues to enhance all aspects of the resort and snowboarding is a major emphasis. "Winterplace is taking an extra interest in providing the snowboarding experience that boarders demand," says president Terry Pfeiffer.

That extra interest include a terrain part dedicated to snowboarders, which includes its own lift and contoured tabletops, hips, rails, and gaps. They have even added a halfpipe for the 98-99 season. A new state-of-the-art snowmaking system covers 100% of the snowboard park and it's lit until 10pm every night for nigh boarding.

Snowboard lessons are available to first-timers, experts, and everyone in between. They feature top-of-the-line Rossignol boards and step-in bindings. 'Learn-to-snowboard' packages are extremely popular.

December

12 Snowshoe Demo Days

January

3 Timberline Appalachian Boarder Cross USASA Series--Race I

17 Timberline Appalachian Boarder Cross USASA Series--Race II

23 Snowshoe Giant Slalom

February

14 Timberline Appalachian Boarder Cross USASA Series--Race III

20 Snowshoe Halfpipe Invasion

March

13 Snowshoe Boardercross Brawl

13 Timberline Appalachian Boarder Cross USASA Series--Race IV

14 Timberline 5th Annual Snowboard Shop Jam

20 Timberline Freestyle Snowboard Competition

21 Timberline Big Island Boarder Cross (Appalachian Boarder Cross

USASA Series--Race V)

Both Winterplace and Canaan Valley Resort may offer 'Demo Days' this season--call for dates.

SIDEBAR

"One of the beauties of snowboarding is the simplicity of the equipment needed. Essentially, skiers get to drop two poles and one board from their roof rack," says Gil Willis, owner of Elk River Snowboards and Elk River Touring Center, both at the base of Snowshoe Mountain.

Elk River Snowboards opened in 1988, long before the virtual explosion of the sport in West Virginia and elsewhere. Their full-service shop features everything needed on a rental and purchase basis. "We can provide everything for everyone, from first-timers to veterans, including lots of demos for them to try," says Gil. "I highly recommend rental equipment to start and think lessons are essential, as is advice from other snowboarders like us. Boot fit, lessons, and other proper and comfortable equipment, like slightly shorter boards are the keys. Given the proper start, the learning curve can be extremely quick."

Gil recommends equipment from veteran manufacturers like Burton, Morrow, Nitro, Rossignol, Solomon, RED Corp., and many other companies whose equipment is carried in his shop and at most mountain resorts. As the fastest-growing segment of the winter sports industry, snowboarders have a plethora of picks when it comes to their equipment of choice. "National Sport Goods Association figures show continued double-digit growth for snowboarding," says Jennifer Rowan, co-publisher of SAM--Ski Area Management magazine, the top industry publication.

As with many other sports these days, light is right when it comes to equipment for boarding. From boards to bindings to boots, the trend is toward lighter gear (and clothing).

According to Burton Snowboards' southeastern sales representative, Rik Beitel, all-around riding equipment is more popular these days--that means generally longer boards that can handles more speed and provide more stable landings. Along with being lighter, many new boards are also being designed with a distinct nose and tail, rather than being the same on either end, for better overall performance.

Founded in 1977 (probably before anyone had brought a board across the West Virginia state line), Burton is the major player in the industry when it comes to both sales and leading-edge technology. "We design and sell practically everything for the boarder, ranging from a wide variety of boards to special snowboarding socks with a forward lean," says Beitel. "With snowboarding equipment, we're always looking years ahead and the future looks great." Industry officials expect snowboarders to make up 50% of ski mountain visits by 2010--that's lots of Burton (and other) boards on the way to the Mountain State.

The definite trend with bindings is toward 'step-ins' (away from the traditional strap setup)--in fact, Burton is releasing their first 'step-in' bindings this year and they're sure to be a big hit with leading-edge boarders. Combining a line of soft step-in boots with a binding featuring anatomical baseplates and high performance hibacks, the Burton SI is sure to be the benchmark for how step-in systems should perform. Beitel says, "They definitely offer more comfort and flexibility, while the ride is also more responsive." With boots, lighter shells and bladders that can be conformed to feet are the hot foot topics. Of course, each year companies like Burton bring out a phenomenal number of new and improved equipment, including new boards, boots (including those just for women), bindings, technical clothing, and helmets (one of the hottest--and safest--items on the slopes today).

Once you have the basics (either by rental or purchase), there are three things every snowboarder should take to the mountain: a lock; a small screwdriver for minor adjustments; and rub-on all temperature wax (to be used during the day). This wax is like 'fix a flat' for snowboarders, as conditions change during the day. This product, however, doesn't replace a shop tune or wax.

Light is also right when it comes to clothes. Snowboarders generally tend to work harder than skiers, so light and breathable clothing is best. Experienced boarders and the younger set are also more into more technical clothes, with weight, padding, heavy-stitching, and ability to repel water all coming into play. But that doesn't mean that many snowboarders can't make a colorful and unusual fashion statement in the halfpipe.