2013年10月29日星期二

Stunt Junkies: Jimmy Pouchert: Reverse Bungee BASE Jump

Stunt Junkies
Reverse Bungee BASE Jump
Jimmy Pouchert

TMBA is the New York animation studio that created the "physics behind the stunts" animations for Discovery Channels "Stunt Junkies" TV show. In this episode bungee jumper Jimmy Pouchert performs a 1000 ft reverse bungee jump into a BASE jump at the highest suspension bridge in the United States.

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Jimmy Pouchert
Reverse Bungee Base Jump
Stunt Junkies

The only thing that I can say about Jeremy Pouchert's stunt is that it was amazing. Personally, it was one of the most stressful shows that I have ever been on.

The team that Jimmy had put together to do this reverse-bungee BASE jump was remarkable. They had definitely done their homework, and from preparation to testing to execution of the stunt, they were flawless. But this was a very dangerous stunt with no room for error, and every day we showed up on set was a day that somebody could get seriously hurt or killed.

As the week went on with the weather constantly threatening, Jimmy and his crew persevered. And on stunt day, with rain coming down and the temperature dropping, Jimmy accomplished the stunt successfully.

Jimmy has been a friend of mine for over 10 years, so I was especially excited to see him and to watch the stunt he had put together: a reverse bungee mixed in with BASE jumping at the highest suspension bridge in the states. We first met at the Auburn Bridge in Northern California, along with Jimmy's stunt coordinator Marty Tilley.

We went to the bridge to do a couple of jumps and to test the reverse bungee system. Jimmy had brought in professional bungee expert Doug Frutose, who has logged over 3,000 bungee jumps off nearly everything you can imagine. I was quickly impressed by the complexity of the system and how the crew worked seamlessly together.

The amount of gear and hardware was hard to believe, but in no time we were watching the crew hook up the bungees to the bridge and lower them to the ground. They strapped in a set of tires weighing around 200 pounds to the system and tested the line with a pressure gauge, as well as hooked up a dual three-ring cutaway system crafted by Marty.

When everything was set, they cut the tires away and off they went. They would add and subtract bungee cables to either increase or decrease the pressure. By the end of the day, they got the pressure correct and Doug agreed to get strapped in.

When he cut the system away, up, up and away he went! You could tell by watching his body fling through the air that it would be easy to break your neck if things weren't just right. Once the tests were out of the way, it was off to Colorado to the Royal Gorge Bridge.

The guys wasted no time getting the impressive bridge equipped with the bungee system. Jimmy and a couple "test" jumpers got over the rail and BASE jumped off the bridge. Everything looked fantastic until one of the jumpers made some bad decisions and had an extremely bad landing. Broken but OK, we got the injured jumper to safety.

Everyone kept their cool and continued with the job at hand, and by the end of the day, the stunt was ready. The only trouble was weather was also on the way. In the morning, the weather wasn't looking too good. With rain on the way, we did one last test with Doug on the bungee.

Everything went well and as the rain started to fall Jimmy made the call to go for it. He got set and before we knew it, he was being shot straight up into the sky! He cut away from the bungee, got his position, made a cool "wooosh," and deployed his chute.

Perfect opening and excellent landing! The stunt was probably the coolest one I've seen â€" truly exciting and one for the books.

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BASE jumping, also sometimes written as B.A.S.E jumping, is an activity that employs an initially packed parachute to jump from fixed objects, as with paragliding. "B.A.S.E." is an acronym that stands for four categories of fixed objects from which one can jump: buildings, antennae, spans (bridge), and earth (cliff).

BASE jumping grew out of skydiving. BASE jumps are generally made from much lower altitudes than skydives, and a BASE jump takes place close to the object serving as the jump platform. Because BASE jumps generally entail slower airspeeds than typical skydives (due to the limited altitude), a BASE jumper rarely achieves terminal velocity. Because higher airspeeds enable jumpers more aerodynamic control of their bodies, as well as more positive and quick parachute openings, the longer the delay, the better.

Skydivers use the air flow to stabilize their position, allowing the parachute to deploy cleanly. BASE jumpers, falling at lower speeds, have less aerodynamic control, and may tumble. The attitude of the body at the moment of jumping determines the stability of flight in the first few seconds, before sufficient airspeed has built up to enable aerodynamic stability.

On low BASE jumps, parachute deployment takes place during this early phase of flight, so if a poor "launch" leads into a tumble, the jumper may not be able to correct this before the opening. If the parachute is deployed while the jumper is tumbling, there is a high risk of entanglement or malfunction. The jumper may also not be facing the right direction. Such an off-heading opening is not as problematic in skydiving, but an off-heading opening that results in object strike has caused many serious injuries and deaths in BASE jumping (wiki/BASE_jumping)

2013年10月22日星期二

Interested In Take Golf Lessons?

Should you are interested in improving your game or you're just thinking starting to play golf, you have heard of golf lessons. So the question behind the mind is, golf lessons incredibly necessary?

Taking golf lessons is really a excellent opportunity for folks to not just discover how to play the game, but how to become great at it. We provide the opportunity to discover without the frustration of stumbling during the skills they need to become a good golfer.

They are different alternatives for you personally should you plan to eat golf lessons. You may take personal golf lessons, go towards team of education provided by some of golf clubs or you may go to a golf school.

Private golf courses are extremely good, if you prefer one-on-one coaching. You'll receive instruction tailored for the individual needs. You'll not have to worry about other individuals to determine your mistakes, it is going to be among you and your golf instructor. There will also be time to focus on you and your needs. The instructor goes out of his way to make certain you improve your game for his success, your learning and mastery with the game The principal disadvantage of taking individual lessons, the price may be incredibly expensive.

The teaching staff to help you do items at an affordable price. Learning with a group will help you master your game and there is going to be a form of competition from the group. It's people, people will usually try to outdo every other after they have a thing in common. This could be for ones advantage that you just will strive to be the best. The biggest problem with taking group lessons in learning golf is that there's adequate time for an instructor to attend for the requirements of every individual to succeed during the film are measured by the percentage people don't progress in person progress.

The choice to eat golf lessons is to you. But the truth is that they will probably be of excellent support to manage the game, you will have the opportunity to meet and interact with other golfers to share advice and tips on how to increase your game.

One issue that ought to very help you decide regardless of whether golf lessons are a necessity for you or not, is to identify why you would like to play golf in the very first case. A new hobby? You need to play occasionally in his spare time. factors of economic work? To find out in order to much better deal with customers. We all know that a lot of deals get sealed on golf games in people days. Professional reasons? To be a professional golfer.

If you have very urgent reasons, for example business, to take in golf lessons will assist you to master the basics easily and easily so you possibly can begin playing with your customers. If it is just for recreation, you possibly can desire to yourself, but if a professional, you want all of the help we can get. Golf lessons should be useful, but it is yours!

2013年10月16日星期三

Investing in quality snorkelling equipment

You will find that having your own snorkelling equipment will come in very handy especially if you are someone who vacations a lot by the seaside. Snorkelling is an activity that does not require any expertise and therefore can be enjoyed by just about anyone.

Unlike Scuba diving or other water sports snorkelling does not require a lot of equipment. If you invest in the basic snorkelling equipment needed you will find that you are quite capable of having a wonderful underwater experience.

For any snorkeler there are a few necessities that need to be purchased. Of course, you could always rent out snorkelling equipment however when it comes to rentals you are not always guaranteed to get the correct size or fit or the best quality equipment. It is always best to have your own snorkelling equipment so that you are ensured that you will have the right size and quality equipment.

If you are keen to purchase you own snorkelling equipment there are three sets of gear that you will need; a snorkelling mask, snorkelling fins and of course a snorkel.

A snorkel is essential for snorkelling and you will find that there are varieties of snorkels from which you can choose. Snorkels vary in design, purpose and price so you should chose one that suits your needs as well as your price range. Whether you chose a basic snorkel or go for a complex one, which has purge valves, make sure you buy a quality product.

Choose a snorkelling mask that fits your face snugly but not one that is uncomfortable or restrictive. The mask should have adjustable straps so that you can loosen or tighten it when needed. Silicone skirtings are used for snorkelling masks these types of masks are not only comfortable to wear but also fit better. A proper fit is very important to avoid water leaking in to the mask and to avoid discomfort while underwater. Always try to buy snorkelling masks from a reputed manufacture. Some stores will even have prescription or custom-made snorkelling masks made on request.

Fins help you move easily through the water and help you swim with ease. Fit is the most important aspect of choosing a pair of fins. They should always fit comfortably and not be too loose fitting or too tight. You can choose from two styles of fins the ‘full foot’ fins and the ‘open heel’ fins. Depending on your preference and the type of snorkelling, you are planning on doing you can decide which type of fin you prefer. Fins vary in size and fit depending on the brand so it is always advisable to try the pair you wish to purchase out to make sure you have the best fit.

With just these three sets of snorkelling equipment, you will be well on your way to explore the spectacle that lies beneath the seas.

2013年10月14日星期一

The Proper Way in Handling Obesity in Horses

The job of owning and caring for horses comes with a great deal of responsibilities. You need to make sure it gets the correct amount of exercise, is fed well, and stays disease free. Another vital function you contribute to the horse’s well-being is by helping it to maintain the proper weight. Managing an equine’s health and weight is dependent on nutrition management, a regular exercise regiment and proper veterinary care. These are all keys towards keeping your horse fit and healthy while also preventing obesity from setting it.

While these three keys sound easy enough, it couldn’t be further from the truth. The fact is helping a horse maintain its ideal weight is not always easy. When beginning a veterinarian approved weight loss program for an obese horse, there are a few guidelines to follow. As always, make sure they are done gradually and under the supervision of an equine veterinarian. Here are a few:

First, you must be patient. Nothing happens overnight, especially weight loss. It is a slow and steady process just like it is in humans. Losing weight too rapidly can stress the horse and upsets its metabolic system. Begin by gradually implementing changes in both the type of feed and the amount it is fed every day. Many experts recommend reducing its feed by no more than 10% over a seven to ten day period. I like to use a weight tape and a spreadsheet to track the horse's progress. It can help you by recognizing when the horse's weight plateaus so you further cut back on its ration once more.

Make sure the horse is eating a good balance of feed. This is dependent on the horse's age and activity level. Vets often recommend providing horse supplements to guarantee its vitamin, mineral and protein requirements are properly met.

There is nothing more important to a horse’s health than water. Make sure it has access to plenty of clean, fresh water. It allows the animal’s digestive system to function as efficiently as possible. Water also rids the body of metabolic and other wastes.

Buy feeds containing plenty of high quality fiber yet are low in total energy. Don’t make the mistake of buying feed based on volume instead of weight. This is a common cause of horse owners feeding their animals the incorrect amount of rations. Choose lower in fat feeds since they are an energy-dense nutrient source.

By continuing to follow these tips, your horse should easily reach its ideal body condition.

Learn Golf in Thailand - How to Find Golfing Lessons

Typically, when people think of the best golf courses in the world, they don't think of Asia. However, if you are trying to learn golf in Thailand, there are many great options for you to choose from. Whether you are a beginner or just someone who needs a little more practice, indoor golf centers are a great option. You can get all of the technology that is used by the pros to improve your golf game and learn the sport, which is one of the biggest benefits of indoor golfing facilities in Thailand.

Before you go out and learn golf in Thailand, you have to find the right place to take lessons. Typically, there are going to be many options to choose from. However, your best bet is to find an indoor performance golf center where you can get access to the best trainers and technology in the entire continent of Asia. By doing this, you will give yourself the best advantage when it comes to improving your golf game. You shouldn't settle for second best when you can get the absolute best, after all.

It isn't expensive to learn golf in Thailand with indoor golfing centers, either. Too many people don't even consider these venues in their search for golfing assistance because they assume that they are for the professionals or just too expensive for their basic needs. However, there are indoor golf centers that have very affordable training sessions and golfing programs that you can utilize to help you learn or improve on your golf game. It doesn't matter whether you are just starting out or if you are a seasoned golfer trying to learn better skills because these facilities can give everyone the assistance that they need.

The reason that these indoor golf performance training centers are ideal to learn golf in Thailand is that they are controlled environments and they have access to all the latest and greatest technology. Golf is a game of skill and a game of mathematics. What better way to learn golf or improve your game than to take advantage of the technology that can calculate the angles, speeds, and other details to help you become better? If you take a little time to look around, you should have no trouble at all finding indoor golf facilities so that you can learn to play the game or improve yours, no matter what you might be looking for.

2013年10月13日星期日

Paintball Gains Popularity

The sport of paintball continues to see an increase in popularity. In the sport, players compete in teams or individually to illuminate their opponents by shooting a colored capsule. These capsules are made from mineral oils and are non-toxic and biodegradable.

Typically players are equipped with similar items. In an organized setting, players are required to wear protective masks. These paintball masks are required to be worn at all times in the field. Although the paintballs are made from biodegradable oils, the balls are somewhat hard and can cause injury to the eyes or face. A regulation mask must completely cover the eyes, nose and mouth. The paintball gun, which is also known as a paintball marker, is the main equipment. Each marker may have an attached hopper in which the ammunition is fed. The marker uses a blast of compressed air to propel the projectile, which means an air bottle is also attached. Other paintball accessories include specialized clothing and pads.

Enthusiasts play the sport in a variety of places. In some cases the game is played on private property where individual players track each other. But most commonly, the game is played in an organized course. These are either indoors or outdoors. In these settings, a variety of different paintball games can be incorporated.

The rules must be specified before each game begins. Under the most basic scenario, one team of players will try to accomplish a mission without being hit by paintballs fired from the other team. If a player is hit by a paintball, the player is removed from the game in most cases. In some cases, teams may exchange players that have been shot to extend the game. The game strategy can also include capturing prisoners of the other team. The game usually ends when one team surrenders, all of its players have been captured or eliminated, or the opposing team has reached its objective such as capturing a flag.

In organized games, a referee is chosen to enforce the rules. However, because the nature of the game, players operate under an honor system. These rules often include limits on the number of shots taken at a particular player, where on an opposing player's body those shots can land, and the minimum distance between a player firing upon another. Players who are hit by a paintball are expected not to wipe the paint away in an attempt to stay in the game.

In many areas, the sports popularity has created leagues. Multiple teams compete in a round robin competition. Eventually, the top two teams will compete in a final paintball battle. Teams sometimes also earn points by competing in side competitions such as marksmanship.

Paintball Safety Makes the Game More Fun

Paintball is growing sport not only in North America, but also the world. In North America alone, it is not uncommon to see organizations sponsoring a paintball competition or event. The beauty of the game is that people can play it casually or take it seriously. It’s all up to the player.

Although paintball guns are designed to shoot only paintballs, it is no means free from all danger. When everyone follows the rules and wears basic protective gear, the fun aspect of the game is maintained. It is vital that players remember and maintain safety practices at all times, especially during the times of a heated battle, where people are more prone to get carried away. This could be from the paintball guns being used, to the equipment being worn. Ethics and good sportsmanship are also a must to keep the games clean and fun.

If a player is in the playing field, it is important that he or she has protective gear on at all times. A facemask is required to protect the head and face, and for body protection, pads on the knees, chest and elbows. Rubber sole shoes are the best option for feet, and rubber gloves on the hands is also preferable.

Make sure paintball guns fire within the bounds of maximum velocity, inspection before every match is the way to do it. Participants can be seriously injured if the balls travel more than 300 feet per second, be sure that every gun does not exceed that.

Accidents can happen in the staging area simply because participants were tinkering with their guns, and accidentally misfired. A simple barrel plug can prevent such accidents. It is advisable that barrel plugs should be inserted before and at the end of every match to keep the paintball marker from firing when the game is not being played.

During a battle, dirt, paint or sweat could obstruct the facemask vision. Players should not take off the mask without the referee being called. This is to make sure that no shooting can be done while the mask is being cleaned. After it is clean and mounted back on the player’s face, the battle can resume. On cases where a facemask is accidentally taken off, the same rules apply.

In the battle zone, the only valid activity that one competitor can do to another player is shooting paint to eliminate them. Even then, a competitor can opt to surrender for a situation where being eliminated is inevitable. If so, no shooting is necessary. This game is intended to be fun for all participants; this means that striking or aggressive body contact between players is not allowed. Cursing on the playing field is ill-advised, unless all players agree that cursing is allowable.

2013年10月10日星期四

Enjoying Yourself While You Are Wearing The Tory Burch Shoes.

Have you thought about the most welcomed shoes when you go to a ball? The Tory Burch shoes will help you because it is a wonderful kind of shoes. People are likely to have one like the Tory Burch shoes because of its charming appearance.

What’s your opinion about the Tory Burch shoes? }As we know, Tory Burch is welcomed by many young ladies and girls. The founder of the brand is Tory Burch and she developed this brand. The products of the Tory Burch are the women’s dress, the handbags, and the accessories and of course, the shoes.Do you know the star product of the Tory Burch Shoes? It is the double T logo of the flat ballet shoe.

The channels to know the brand Tory Burch are various and its most famous performance is by Blake Lively who wears the golden shining dress from the fashionable TV series—Gossip Girl.People are amazed at its beautiful appearance and high-grade quality since then. And it is no doubt that Gossip Girl choose the Tory Burch dress because of its attractive skill in making clothes. The Hollywood IT Girl—Paris Hilton, is also one of its fans.
In Feb.2nd, 2004, Ms. Burch opened her first shop in New York and this began her foundation of her latter brand—Tory Burch.} The recent report said that the flat ballet shoes with the logo of double T has its sales volume of more than 250,000 since it first put into production.|As we can see the beautiful doubt T flat ballet shoes, it sell very well and it has a steady customer base, people would like to have a pair of it.} The aim of the Tory Burch is that you can buy the beautiful Tory Burch shoes with high quality with less money and you do not need to worry about its higher price.

If you see the Tory Burch shoes, you may find that it is classic and maybe in some ways—modern and she devoted her whole life doing it.}The style of the designs of the Tory Burch is from the 60s and 70s. Ms. Burch put the factors in her childhood and other things from her parents’ belongings into her designs.}
Do you know the products of the Tory Burch shoes? For example, the heels, the sandals, the flats, and the boots. You can buy the Tory Burch shoes from the specialty shops, the official websites. Here are some introductions about the heels. The Drea is an effortless wardrobe option that easily transitions from summer to fall. Wearing the Drea Wedge and add tights when temperatures drop for a bohemian chic look.

Here are some reasons why the double T flat ballet shoes have so many customers and are so popular among the young ladies and girls. The price is a very great reason because people always worry about its high price when they want to buy a pair of beautiful shoes and this flat ballet shoes help them do not worry about the price. Another, people is fascinated at its classic logo—the double T.}
There are some feedbacks about the Tory Burch shoes. The classic Tory Burch shoes are popular among the young ladies and they like its design which can make them feel comfortable. The characteristics of the flats are easy wearing and it is also easy to match with the cloth. For example, you can dress it up or dress it down easily and the leg-elongating wardrobe staple adds easy polish to dresses, pants or jeans.

Try Different Styles of Paintball Guns for Different Effects

If a person is looking to get into the sport of paintball, they must first take the time to learn about the different styles of paintball guns that exist. There are three main styles, and they all have very different uses. Being able to use the guns for what they are specifically intended to do will give a person a lot more success when it comes to playing against the other elite paintballers. The three guns are broken down below so that they can all be considered before the next game.

The Pistol A small weapon with a limited amount of shots, this is generally carried in large games, because a player is worried that he or she will run out of ammunition with a larger gun. It can be worn as a sidearm. If a person does run out of shots and he or she is in no position to go get more, and is not carrying any extras, having a pistol along is the only way to continue to survive the fight.

The Assault Rifle This is the main gun that people tend to use when they play paintball. It is about two feet long and has a barrel that protrudes less than a foot from the body. It has a hopper than can be mounted on the top where the supply of ammunition is stored. If people have never played before, they are best off with this gun. It can be shot rapidly, carried easily, and it is fairly accurate. It excels in most of the common situations that will arise within a game.

The Sniper Rifle This is a dangerous weapon to carry. Many people buy new barrels and put them onto their rifles in order to turn them into sniper rifles. The barrels are much longer, giving the gun a bit more accuracy for long-distance shots. The person might increase the amount of power in the gun. A paintballer may want to carry a pistol as well for close-range encounters.

Conclusion Noting the different capabilities is not saying that guns cannot be used for things that they were not intended to be used for when they were designed. An assault rifle might be able to make a shot that most people would want to use a sniper rifle to take. A pistol might be able to win a firefight if the person shooting is able to reload quickly and aim accurately. Using the right guns for the right situations, however, will give a person a much better chance of winning.

2013年10月8日星期二

Enhance Your Basketball Shooting Skills

Shooting the ball is the easiest and also the most difficult aspect of basketball. You have to have the ability to shoot from every angle while defensive players are doing everything to stop you. You also have to know when it's time to shoot and when it's best to pass the ball to a teammate. The following are a few suggestions for improving your shooting skills.

If you want to get better at shooting, you have to practice as much as possible, both on your own and in team drills. Practicing the same shots repeatedly is the only way to improve your skills, although it can be tedious. Practice taking shots when standing close to the basket and slowly move further away. When you do this drill, you learn how much force is needed for making shots at different distances and how to keep your balance.

You will gain confidence as well, as you learn to make shots from further away. When shooting the ball, you should not forget to place an arc on the ball. This is more than making your shots look pretty. This has to do with geometry. The straighter your shot, the less chance of your making a mistake when shooting the ball. This means than you reduce your chances for missing the hoop. There is a higher chance of the ball going in if you throw it higher and it bounces on the rim. A straighter ball can go in the basket, but it has t be thrown with a huge amount of accuracy. But if your toss a high arch, there is a greater chance that it will bounce off of the rim or backboard and end up in the hoop. As you work on your practice shots, attempt to get a good arc.

Your ability to concentrate on the ball will have a great affect on your chances of making the shot. This is something you can work on during practice. However, this is harder to do while you are in a game. In the heat of a game, players are often tense and hyper-focused, but not always in the right way. The key thing is to pay attention to the main thing that is important and forget about the rest. But at the same time, you must pay attention to your environment. But ultimately, the only thing that you should concentrate on is taking your best shot. When you are setting up for your basketball shot, you cannot think about anything else, even if you are worried about getting it in. Shooting, as we've seen in this article, involves a variety of factors, both physical and mental. As you get more experience, you will get a feel for what shots should be taken. When you are in the playing mode, think about your current shots and not the messed up ones that you did not make in the past. These principles will do you some good while you are practicing your shooting abilities.

There's no question that there are lots of things which will help you to boost your game abilities in almost any sport, such as basketball,soccer and volleyball, and probably one of the most important of them is your vertical jump skill.

In case you want to improve your jump skill, then check out the sites at the bottom for a couple of suggestions.

From your Scottsdale private golf club President

To My Fellow Member at our Scottsdale Golf Club, The Country Club at DC Ranch ,I cannot believe that we are already into October with the course closed for over‐seeding as we prepare for the rapidly approaching winter season at our Scottsdale private golf Club.

As I look back on this very quick year. I want to mention just a few items of interest and things on my mind about our great Scottsdale Golf Club: First, our staff and what we have been able to accomplish with great leaders —The Country Club at DC Ranch a Scottsdale golf club, is becoming well known because of the steps that we’ve taken, the changes that we have made, and the results that we have achieved. IT ALL STARTS WITH GREAT LEADERSHIP. We have that now throughout our Scottsdale private golf Club and they are moving to surround themselves with more competent and professional staff. Thank you to all of our staff at the Scottsdale golf club, those that have been part of our Scottsdale private golf club family for years, as well as the newest members of the team. This Club would not be what it is without you. We are proud of all your hard work and all your efforts in making DC Ranch the best Scottsdale private golf Club in the city!

A huge thank you to all of our Scottsdale golf club volunteers, from our Board to all of our Committee Members, that help make this Scottsdale private golf Club work better. This is a working Club with many working Club Members! Many thanks for all you do. Please know that your efforts do not go without being noticed ‐ you are the very best. THANK YOU!! This has been a year none of us will ever forget with a record number of new members becoming part of our great Scottsdale private golf Club. I want to wish all those I have not yet met a very warm welcome. As we continue to listen to all of you, we hope that we are making a difference in your Scottsdale golf Club experiences. If, however, any Member is unhappy for any reason, please let me or anyone from our Board know about it. What makes DC Ranch special and different is the total experience ‐ the whole package so to speak. If we are not exceeding your expectations, we want to know.

Lastly, as a fellow member of our Scottsdale private golf Club, I ask that you please support your Club the best that you can. Always remind yourself that, by using the Club first, it helps all of us in the long run. So when you are thinking about where to go on that Saturday night for dinner, think about trying the Scottsdale golf Club and see what our new Chef might have to offer. Or, when you need a new set of clubs or a dozen golf balls, buy them at your own Golf Shop! I guess what I am saying is buy where you are not just a Member, but an owner – a partner with each of us. That’s DC Ranch. It is a bargain in the end. Be proud of your Club. Thanks for being a part of the experience. See you next time, Jon C. Flora.

Australia’s Ski and Snow Board Experience

People don’t normally think of snow, skiing and snowboarding when they think of Australia. Usually it's images of Uluru, Bondi Beach, red sands and the Great Barrier Reef, along with plenty of sunshine and friendly people. Even when I was travelling around Australia, plenty of the Aussies didn’t know about their winter sport destinations. Fair enough, as I’m sure there’s plenty about Canada that I don’t know.

Due to the climate and the location, no Australian resort is 100% natural snow. Snowmaking is a fact of life down here and the resorts are quick become masters. With the snow season only months long, they make sure not a moment is lost.

Snowy Mountains
Located between Melbourne and Sydney (a 5-6 hour drive from either) is some of the best snow in the southern hemisphere. Whether you’re a skier, a snowboarder or a snow-shoer, there’s something to satisfy your desires.

The largest ski resort in Australia and New Zealand is Perisher. Located 30 minutes from Jindabyne in New South Wales, Perisher is an amalgamation of four separate but interconnected ski areas: Blue Cow, Guthega, Smiggins Holes and Perisher. The resort is so large in fact, you can ski/board all day and not ride the same lift twice! With the interconnections, you can switch ski areas and not have to leave the hill although it does require some familiarization.

Because of the vast size of the resort, Perisher offers skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing, snow shoeing and snow tubing. There is definitely something for everyone’s tastes.

Perisher has a base elevation of 1640 metres, a top elevation of 2054 metres and covers 1245 hectares with 49 lifts. There are 126 runs with the difficulties graded 22% beginner, 60% intermediate and 18% advanced.

The second largest ski resort and the best rated resort is Thredbo, located a short drive from Jindabyne and Perisher in New South Wales. It has over 600 metres of vertical (the most in Australia) and the largest snow making of any of the resorts, ensuring that there’s always snow.

In addition to normal lessons Thredbo offers some more intensive training programs that run over a few days, including the High Intensity Program (HIP) and Women’s High Intensity Program (WHIP).
Thredbo has a base elevation of 1365 metres, a top elevation of 2037 metres and covers 480 hectares with 14 lifts. There are 20 runs with difficulties graded 16% beginner, 67% intermediate and 17% advanced.

Hothamis Australia’s only ski resort above the tree line. Located 350 km north east of Melbourne, Hotham is on the Great Alpine Road and offers a range of snowsports including dogsledding, snowmobiling and snowshoeing. The resort also boasts a variety of black diamond runs including Mary’s Slide – Australia’s most difficult run.

Hotham has a base elevation of 1450 metres, a top elevation of 1861 metres and covers 245 hectares with 13 lifts. There are 66 runs with difficulties graded 20% beginner, 40% intermediate and 40% advanced.

Mt Buller is one of the three major ski resorts in Victoria, located only 230 km from Melbourne.
In addition to skiing and snowboarding, Mt Buller also offers tobogganing and ice skating. The mountain boasts 3 slopes (north, east and south) which offer users the option of outrunning bad weather.

Although it has the dubious title of the most expensive season pass in Australia, Mt Buller also owns the title of the most vibrant night life of any ski resort in Australia.

Mt Buller has a base elevation of 1375 metres, a top elevation of 1780 metres and covers 300 hectares with 25 lifts. There are 19 runs with difficulties graded 25% beginner, 45% intermediate and 30% advanced.

The ski resorts of the Snowy Mountains have the best skiing and snowboarding in Australia, and offer locals and international visitors alike the opportunity to ski among the snow gums and eucalyptus. The season is short and intense, lasting only 4 months from June until October. With opposite seasons, the ski resorts of Australia offers northerners the chance to ski through their summer and practice for the upcoming northern winter.