Kristen

If cycling and mountain biking are part of your “get in shape for ski season” routine, you’ll interested in these new bike pedals from Fruita, Colorado-based Catalyst Pedals. Throughout the year about 50 percent of my riding is on a road bike, 30 percent on a gravel bike and 20 percent on the mid-fattie that I use as a both a rail trail and mountain bike. On the drive back to Jersey I made several bicycling stops, including Moab, Utah where I learned that what I consider mountain biking and what they consider mountain biking do not exist on the same planet. only had a chance to ride them a few times on gravel/dirt trails, but I’ve noticed that I’m using different leg muscles when I pedal with the arch of my foot centered on the pedals instead of the ball of my foot.

Some basic conditioning can make a big difference in how much fun you’ll have and how quickly you’ll improve. Lying flat on the ground, pull your knees up while keeping your lower back flat on the ground. You can also try single leg wall squats, balancing on one leg while extending the other straight in front of you. Here’s a 15 minute workout that builds on these exercise, adding some balance work and additional core and leg work.

Depending upon the deals negotiated by your local mountain, you may find you have free skiing at well-known, independent resorts like Whitefish, Montana or Grand Targhee, Wyoming. In addition, some resorts offer free skiing for kids when you book lodging directly with them. Examples include Keystone Resort’s Kids Ski Free program for kids ages 12 and under with a two night minimum stay and Cataloochee Ski Area in North Carolina, offering free skiing for kids 17 and under with a midweek stay at local hotels. package with lodging in Glenwood Springs, hot springs pool passes and skiing at Sunlight, a local mountain with 700 skiable acres and 2,000 vertical feet near Aspen.

Some states require children to attend school in the state, others, like the Colorado Ski Country USA 5th and 6th Grade Passport, are available in limited numbers to any and all 5th and 6th graders, regardless of their address. With no blackouts, pass holders ski free any day at Purgatory Resort (CO), Pajarito Mountain Ski Area (NM), Sipapu Ski & Summer Resort (NM), Snowbowl (AZ), Hesperus (CO) and Nordic Valley (UT) during the 2019/2020 season. Your local mountain season pass may offer free days at other resorts or discounts at local businesses. Take up to three lessons (including free rentals and free lift tickets) and then you can purchase a steeply discounted season pass.