Adventure Sports Online
Quarterly Newsletter,
January 2005
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Dear
Subscribers,
Happy New Year from
Adventure Sports Online!
Now that Winter has set in, skiing, snowboarding, ice climbing and snowshoeing
are excellent activities to help you escape the cabin fever. Before heading
out, take a few minutes to read the winter safety tips in this issue, as well
as our featured outfitters from across the globe. Remember: don't eat
yellow snow, and go enjoy the Great White
Outdoors.
See you on the slopes,
Adventure Sports Online
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Avalanche Primer and Winter Safety |
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AVALANCHE FACTS
- Most avalanches occur on slopes of 30 to 45
degrees, but large ones can occur on slopes as little as 25
degrees.
- Snow is most unstable after and during
snowfalls or prolonged heating by the sun, especially on steep inclines.
- Sunballs and cartwheels on the surface
during a warming period could indicate instability in deeper layers.
- The most dangerous avalanches usually occur
on convex slopes.
- Avalanches can take place on short slopes
as well as long ones.
- Leeward slopes are dangerous because
wind-blown snow adds depth, creating hard, hollow sounding wind slabs.
- South-facing slopes are most dangerous in
the spring.
- Smooth grassy slopes are the most dangerous
spots, but avalanches can start among trees under conditions of stress.
- Following an old track does not necessarily
mean a slope is safe.
- Down-slanting trees and brush indicates
previous avalanche launches.
- Sun crust on old snow can cause new snow to
slide off.
- Rough surfaces generally favor stability of
new snow cover.
- Recent avalanches indicate dangerous
conditions.
- Snow falling at the rate of an inch or more
per hour increases avalanche danger.
- Snow crystals in the shape of needles and
pellets result in more unstable snow conditions than the typical star-shaped
snowflakes.
- Snow saturated with water can avalanche,
especially on south facing slopes and beneath exposed rock.
- Rapid changes in wind, temperature and
snowfall cause changes in the snowpack and may affect stability.
- If the snow cracks and the crack runs as
you step, the danger of slab avalanche, the most serious type of winter hazard,
is high.
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WINTER SAFETY
HYPOTHERMIA is called exposure by the news media. It
is a lowering of the inner body core temperature beyond where you cannot
produce enough heat to stay alive. Dress with adequate clothing when going
skiing that will insulate you from the cold. Use materials that will keep you
warm even if you get wet.
FROSTBITE, or freezing of the tissues, usually
affects the toes, fingers, and face. It occurs when your extremities lose heat
faster than it can be replaced by circulating blood. It may occur from direct
exposure to cold or high wind. Damp feet may freeze because moisture conducts
heat rapidly away from the skin. Without activity the blood circulation to the
extremities is reduced, accelerating the freezing process. With adequate
equipment and clothing frostbite is not likely to occur. Prepare for extreme
conditions when planning backcountry ski trips. Take a first aid class to
prepare yourself for emergencies.
SNOW
BLINDNESS is caused by failure to use adequate eye protection during
bright sunshine on snow or light colored rock. The eyes are bloodshot, feel
irritated and full of sand. Apply a cool wet compress to the eyes. Then wear
two pairs of sunglasses. Aspirin helps the pain. Recovery may take two or three
days. Snow blindness is not a permanent condition.
SUNBURN
can be prevented by using sunscreen. When you are at high altitude and on snow,
cover yourself for protection from the sun's rays. Lips are vulnerable; use
special caution to protect them. Reflection from the snow can burn under the
chin, around the eyes, inside the nostrils and ears, and even the roof of the
mouth. Wear a hat to prevent scalp burns. Aspirin may be taken for pain, and
drink liquids to replenish body fluids.
ACUTE MOUNTAIN
SICKNESS can occur when a person ascends rapidly to an altitude
higher than he/she is accustomed. Their body does not adjust to the new
conditions. Breathing becomes more rapid to obtain more oxygen from the thinner
air. Symptoms are loss of appetite, headache, weakness, apathetic, nauseated,
dizzy and sleepy. Try to acclimatize, by spending time at altitude before
exercising or exerting yourself. Rest with forced deep breathing to obtain more
oxygen will help. Consume simple sugars such as candy, oranges, or fruit juice.
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WINTER DRIVING
Chains are mandatory (make sure they fit
your tires), as is the knowledge of how to put them on. Instructions should be
in the box the chains come with, or you can pay the chain installers to put
them on. Note that chains have a proper starting end. Remember to attach the
rubber tighteners. Do not drive more than 30 m.p.h. with chains on. Accelerate
slowly and give yourself plenty of room between you and the car in front of
you. Always have the car anti-freeze (and windshield washer anti-freeze)
checked before going into freezing temperatures. Other items to carry are
jumper cables, flares, small shovel, flashlight, and a tow chain. Extra food
and blankets are a good idea also.
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Feel free to read the entire
Avalanche Primer and Winter Safety article on Adventure
Sports Online!
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Outfitter Spotlight: Austria Beckons with an Active
Adventure |
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 Euro-Bike
& Walking Tours has come up with a new Austrian Adventure Active
Assortment to join our 2005 lineup of more than 25 European tours.
Austrian Adventure offers travelers the choice of walking or cycling each day.
Other options include ice cave exploration, swimming, glacier skiing and more
along this nine-day action-packed vacation.
Embrace the regions of
Salzburg and Tyrol in the heart of Mozart country and the home of "The Sound of
Music."
Hike the trail along the breathtaking Krimml waterfalls or bike
along serene lakes. Ride a chair lift into the hills and be amazed at nature's
bounty as you saunter down. Or, opt for some shopping, sightseeing or pampering
at our hotel spa.
Enjoy relaxing boat rides on beautiful lakes, the
perfect topper to a lovely day before a fabulous multi-course gourmet
dinner.
Euro-Bike & Walking Tours has been leading active
vacations in Europe since 1974. The company offers a full line of cycling and
walking vacations in 13 European countries, with additional choices for private
groups of eight or more.
For a free catalog or more information on
Euro-Bike & Walking Tours visit our website at
www.eurobike.com, call
(800) 321-6060 or e-mail info@eurobike.com.
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Outfitter Spotlight: Hiking and Multisport Vacations Around
the Western U.S. |
 For thirteen
years, Tahoe Trips & Trails has guided guests through breathtaking
scenery by day and arranged for sumptuous dining and fine accommodations by
night. TTT takes care of all details on their lodge-based hiking and multisport
vacations around the western U.S.: from airport shuttles to linen napkins for
the gourmet trailside lunches to friendly, professional guides who make sure
all guests' needs are met.
This season TTT is showcasing their home
turf, Lake Tahoe (see incentive below)! Do it all in three or five days of
endless fun with the multisport trip! Lake kayak, river raft, mountain bike,
hike, and horseback ride through the beauty of Tahoe. Hiking more your style?
TTT will guide you for five days on their favorite trails around the Tahoe
area. Group sizes are kept small to ensure that guests of all ages and all
levels of athletic experience can be accommodated. TTT guides round out the
experience by sharing their vast knowledge of the local flora fauna, history,
and geology.
Mention this article when you book a 2005 trip in Lake
Tahoe and receive $100 off 5-day tours, $50 off 3-day tours!
For
details, contact Tahoe Trips & Trails at
www.tahoetrips.com,
phone 800-581-HIKE (4453), or e-mail
info@tahoetrips.com.
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Outfitter Spotlight: Grand Canyon River
Rafting |
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Explore hidden canyons, plunge into roaring
rapids, savor delicious Dutch-oven dinners on quiet beaches, and fall asleep
under constellations you've never seen before. Escape to breathtaking
Grand
Canyon, relax on a
River
Ranch Retreat, or experience a
3-Day
multi-sport vacation for only $495. When you travel with Western River
Expeditions you can expect:
- The best
guides and leaders
- All-inclusive, fully-catered carefree
adventure
- Organized
& easy - Over 44 years experience
- Deluxe
camping (all equipment provided)
- Delicious
riverside dining
- Family
friendly service
- Newest
equipment and rafts
- Unforgettable memories
Request a complimentary DVD & Catalog at
www.westernriver.com
or call 800-453-7450.
Plan your summer escape soon!
Trips are quickly filling up for the 2005 season.
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Upcoming Events and Festivals: Washington,
DC |
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ADVENTURES IN TRAVEL EXPO
Washington, DC - January 28-30, 2005
If You're in Washington this
January, Why Just Sit There...
Get Up & Capture the Adventure!
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Experience the world. Plan the Vacation
of a lifetime at the
Adventures in Travel Expo.
Come to the show and find out why the
Adventures in Travel Expo is the one place where you can find travel
destinations that best suits your lifestyle and enthusiasm. Whether it be
adventure, luxury or just plain fun that you're looking for... you'll find it
here!
What's Hot at the Show:
- 200+
exhibitors representing the best in adventure, cultural and active
travel
- Thousands
of amazing trips and destinations
- 30+
seminars by well-known adventurers and explorers
- National
Geographic Adventure Wild Angle Photo Contest
- Practical
demonstrations by outfitters and leading photographers
- Show Floor
activities including rock climbing walls, zip lines, scuba pool
This is one show that is both an
unforgettable experience and an indispensable resource for booking the vacation
of your dreams! For more information visit
www.adventureexpo.com or call 203-878-2577
x100.
For More Events
Check Out Our Regularly
Updated
Adventure Sports
Online Events Calendar |
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