June 2015

A great start!

It’s been an Epic season for New Zealand’s Southern Alps ski fields so far with weather forecasts seeming to be on track with El Niño.

All of the Ski fields in the Queenstown-Wanaka area are now officially open and they have managed to open all of the terrain thanks to Mother Nature’s snow generosity this year. Queenstown and Wanaka are vibrant ski resort towns in the South Island of New Zealand. Both towns experienced a great Antarctic-fed snow storm late May through to early June 2015. This huge snow fall and cold temperatures provided the perfect environment for the ski fields to get ready for the winter season, providing great all mountain base coverage and lots of snow making opportunities. Since Opening day for all 4 mountains, skiers and snowboarders have been provided with an abundance of clear skies, cold temperatures and lots of powder!

Face full of Powder Snow at Coronet Peak Ski Field NZ.

Coronet Peak and Cardrona Alpine Resort were the first ski resorts to open mid June followed by Treble Cone and then The Remarkables this weekend. Improvements and new features are noticeable at all the resorts; from cafe's to open terrain and the biggest being the new base building at The Remarkables.

Opening Day at Treble Cone Ski Field, NZ 2015 Photo Credit: Icebreaker NZ.

Cheeky Kea watching sunrise at the Opening day of The Remarkables Ski Field, NZ.

This week has seen some stunning bluebird days and the snow has held up well for opening days providing plenty of powder at both Treble Cone and The Remarkables. It’s not usual to see so much off piste terrain available to shred this early on in the season. Coronet peak and Cardrona Alpine Resort are still keeping up the grooming and the snow making with these cold temperatures making for epic piste and park skiing and riding.

Outside Sports Athlete Richie Johnston getting some POW at Treble Cone opening day. Photo Credit: 360Queenstown-Wanaka

First tracks in Mid station bowl at The Remarkables opening 2015, NZ.

New Zealand’s South Island is surrounded by stunning mountains and alpine lakes, famous for its hospitality- choose Queenstown and Wanaka for your ski holiday; guaranteed fun-filled ski and snowboard holiday at the premier ski areas of Coronet Peak, Cardrona Alpine Resort, The Remarkables and Treble Cone. Book Ski and Snowboard rentals with Outside Sports online today and save!

Outside Sports Staff at Cardrona Alpine Resort NZ.

Food for thought

Nutrition is a vital factor for skiers and snowboarders as the body adjust to the physical demands of the sport in a cold climate and higher altitude. Exercising at a higher altitude means the body needs to adapt to the reduced amount of oxygen by increasing respiratory, Heart rate and red blood cell production. Exercising in cold temperatures can cause dehydration as the body works harder to maintain its core temperature.

“The average skier burns 300-600 calories per hour. Racers, or intermediate to advanced skiers tackling difficult terrain at a fast pace, can burn up to 1,000 calories per hour”. Reference: Kristen Gravani, MS, RD- Nutrition for Skiing

Maximise performance on the slopes by eating nutritious food that will fuel your body ready for a day of skiing or snowboarding and significantly aid recovery so you won’t “burn out” this season:

Fuel up!

1. Eat breakfast - to help jump start your metabolism and energize your brain and muscles, go for a bowl of whole-grain cereal with low-fat milk. Whole grains offer carbohydrates for energy and milk contains protein, which offers energy and aids in muscle recovery.

2. Snack- studies show that consuming some carbohydrates and a small amount of protein during skiing or snowboarding can help minimize muscle damage from the day, compared to not snacking throughout a day on the mountain. Try some pocket friendly snacks such as Cliff energy bars, muesli bars and trail mix.

3. Lunch- give your body a physical and nutritional break at lunch with a sandwich that combines lean meat, low-fat cheese and whole-grain bread. This will provide a good mix of carbohydrates, fat and protein, which optimizes your energy levels and gives you plenty of glycogen for a day of skiing. Finish off with some fruit.

4. Apres-ski snack & dinner- your body uses food most efficiently directly after exercising so grab carbohydrates and protein such as some cheese and crackers whilst you kick back and relax-it will significantly improve recovery, decrease soreness, and improve performance. For dinner re-fuel and stock up for day 2 with carbohydrates, protein, vegetables and some healthy fats such as avocado.

5. Hydration-important not only in sport but in everyday life. Studies show that drinking water throughout the day minimizes muscular damage, in comparison to not hydrating throughout the day. Try a Camelbak hydration pack for easy access to water whilst skiing and snowboarding. Avoid the consumption of alcohol whilst exercising in the cold, as alcohol is a diuretic that tends to dehydrate the body- save it for moderation in après ski.

Performance in Merino

Looking for functional and durable layers to keep warm in your winter adventures? Look no further; wear Icebreaker RealFLEECE as part of your layering system for functional performance.

Ease of movement in these garments allow for perfect wear whilst hiking and skiing. Made with merino fibre wrapped around a nylon core for strength, then brushed to maximise warmth and softness, Icebreaker RealFLEECE is warmer and lighter than ever. Naturally odour resistant and breathable- RealFLEECE is the ideal garment for the seeking adventurer always on the go, including features like a front centre zipper for easy on/off without the need to take off your helmet. Secure zippered front hand and welded chest pocket to keep belongings safe and the safety feature of reflectivity for night visibility.

The Icebreaker RealFLEECE clothing collection is available for men, women and kids'. Including full zip jackets, hoodies and vests.

So grab the style that suits you and get out there. #WhereAdventuresBegin

Shop Icebreaker RealFLEECE collection for men, women and kids online and in store at Outside Sports.

Enter before June 30th 2015 for your chance to WIN an Icebreaker RealFLEECE Atom Jacket.

Cardrona Alpine Resort and Coronet Peak open this weekend, Saturday June 13^{th 2015.}

We have had an amazing few weeks of early snowfall in the Southern Alps of New Zealand, making an excellent base for the Ski resorts and allowing for plenty of Snowmaking. Coronet Peak, Queenstown were making snow for 6 consecutive days last week and Cardrona Alpine resort, Cardrona, have been busy preparing more terrain for opening early this season. Both mountains could see all lifts operational in record time this ski season if Mother Nature allows.

Snowmaking in progress. Photo Credit: Coronet Peak

Cardrona Alpine resort have a new learner conveyor this season to help decrease lift lines and allow more time on the slopes for beginners, there’s also another intermediate trail along the ridge line connecting Valley View and Tail Race trails.

Sunrise at Cardrona. Photo Credit: Cardrona Alpine Resort.

The forecast for opening weekend sees cloud building with a risk of sleety showers in the afternoon, so get up there early and grab some opening day champagne at the lift line for first chair.

Here’s to an awesome season. Enjoy.

Need to get your skis/snowboard tuned? It's the final week of 50% off tuning at Outside Sports Ski Workshop, Gorge Road Queenstown.

Need Ski rentals, transport and a lift pass? Outside Sports have you covered. Get your ski and snowboard packages all in one place at Outside Sports, 9 Shotover Street Queenstown.

Ski hire at Outside Sports Wanaka.

Treat yourself this winter with new in 2015 Skis and Snowboards at Outside Sports #WhereAdventuresBegin

How Often Should I tune my Skis/Snowboard?

Winter is officially here in the Southern Alps of New Zealand. You may be in the market for a new snowboard or skis,  maybe you’re just dusting of the cobwebs from your last year’s gear. But before you head up the mountain when was the last time you had your skis or snowboard tuned?  Ask yourself what has been done to your new skis or snowboard fresh out of the wrapper?

Maintaining your skis or snowboard will prolong the life of your gear and is vital to the performance of your equipment. If you notice your skis or snowboard aren't gripping as well, initiating a turn as easily, sliding on the snow as fast, you've waited too long for a tune. A general rule of thumb is to wait no more than 6-8 days for a tune. Drop your skis and snowboards into our Ski workshops in Queenstown and Wanaka, and talk to the experts.

Waxing

By waxing your skis or snowboard they become hydrophobic, meaning that they will repel water. The more hydrophobic your skis or snowboard the faster they will be and easier to turn. Wax reduces friction, drag and the build up of snow particles on the base which can cause a sticky feeling in warmer snow conditions. You can never wax your equipment to much, but it is important to have them waxed properly in relation to the snow temperatures and match them to the correct wax temperature ranges to provide efficient performance. Colder wax has a higher melting temperature and is more resistant to coarser snow.

Montana Wax Future, state of the art infrared hot waxer. Outside Sports NZ.

5 steps to Maintaining your Skis and Snowboard

Get into the routine of checking your gear at the end of each day;

1. Separate your skis and dry then off to avoid rusty edges.
2. Check your bindings, din setting and brakes.
3. Check the bases of your Skis or Snowboard for scratches and core shots. If you see white in spots on the base then they need waxing. If you notice parts of the base that still have wax on them, usually circular spots, this means that your bases aren't flat anymore.
4. Run you finger (be careful) along the edges of your skis or snowboard, if you can feel burrs it’s time to get your edges sharpened.
5. Take your finger nail to the edge and try to shave the top of your nail off, if nothing happens this means that the edges are dull and need sharpening.

Outside Sports offers the most precise ski and snowboard tuning and repairs. Our qualified team of international technicians use their tuning skills to ensure that your equipment gives you the ultimate performance.

Looking after your equipment on a regular basis will help keep the repair bills down, give it a longer life and ensure that it is always at peak performance.

Whether your skis or snowboard are in need of a wax, edge, sharpening or precision tune, head to Outside Sports. Overnight service, repeat-service discounts and special deals through the season. 

Opening Hours:

Queenstown Ski Workshop

Open June 2nd - October 30th*

Everyday from 9.00am - 8.00pm

*Ski mounting and waxing is available all year round

Wanaka Ski Workshop

Open June 1st- October 30th

Everyday from 8.30am - 6.00pm

Can we Fix it?- Yes we can. Check out our Ski Technicians blog- step by step core shot repair.