mountain
December, 2003
Mountain Adventure Seminars (MAS) has created a newsletter for the greater MAS community. Our mission is to provide information that is both informative and enjoyable. Please note that your email address will never be sold or shared. If you would prefer not to receive this newsletter please go to the bottom of this email to unsubscribe. Otherwise sit back, relax, and let yourself dream and inspire.
 


MAS News:
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(Saturday: Dec. 6, 2003): It is snowing hard in Bear Valley with about 2 feet of new snow expected overnight! Weather forecasts are calling for continued unsettled conditions with numerous snow showers starting Tuesday night. It looks as if the 2003/04 winter snowsports season has "kicked-off" with a bang!
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Now is a great time to get some good early season skiing, snowboarding or snowshoeing in the Central Sierra. What are you waiting for? The Bear Valley Cross Country Center has been open for weeks with good coverage and the downhill ski area, Bear Valley Mountain Resort, is scheduled for opening this upcoming Friday Dec. 12th, 2003. With all the new snow, this is turning out to be good start to the 2003/04 winter sports season.
 

The new MAS office hours are 9 AM - 5 PM, 7 days a week. Mountain Adventure Seminars (MAS) has a full menu of programs this winter. Upcoming courses that still have space include: Avalanche Awareness Lecture (Dec. 9 - Berkeley); Level 1 Avalanche Field Seminar (Dec 13-14 - Bear Valley); and the MAS Telemark Ski School.
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MAS / BaseCamp Lodge Specials:
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Give the Gift of Adventure: Do you know someone special who wants a telemark lesson or deserves an adventure? Purchase an MAS/BaseCamp Gift Certificate before December 24th, 2003 and receive a 10% savings. Contact MAS and the BaseCamp Lodge soon to explore options and find the perfect gift.

2 for 1 Tuesdays & More: Visit Bear Valley mid-week and find big savings on lift tickets, xc trail passes, lessons, meals and lodging.

lift tickets - 2 for 1 on Tues. & Wed. at the Bear Valley Mountain Resort.
xc trail passes - Stay at BaseCamp on Tuesday night and receive a 2 for 1 voucher for Bear Valley Cross Country Center trail passes which is valid for either that Tues. or Wed..
telemark lessons - bring a friend on Tuesdays since all private and group MAS Telemark Ski School lessons are 2 for 1.
  lodging - 2 people can stay for the price of 1 on Tuesday nights in all private and bunkrooms at BaseCamp.
  meals - Even if your not staying the night, stop by BaseCamp in the Bear Valley Village and order 2 pot pie dinners for the price of 1. Full menu also available.
  ski & snowboard packages - Wed. & Thurs. at the Bear Valley Mountain Resort purchase a regular price Beginner Ski/Board package ($60) or an All-Mountain Ski/Board Package ($80), and receive a second package of comparable value for a companion absolutely free. The packages include a lift ticket, 1.75 hour group lesson and equipment rental.
3-pack bargains - 3 tickets, 3 rentals and 3 lessons at the Bear Valley Mountain Resort. Valid any 3 days this season starting at $99!

MAS Guide Tip:
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There is nothing worse than an early season injury. Starting slow and being mindful of your body will increase the odds of a successful season. The anticipation of favorable conditions is an emotional and physical rollercoaster ride. Then when the conditions are finally right, many of us rush out the door as if we have been doing this activity all year long.

By nature, seasonal sports are prone to long recesses from specific body movements. Coupled with the fact that we tend to remember the levels of fitness and competence of last season, we too quickly try and regain our previous form. Too much, too fast is the quickest path to an injury.


Tips on how to avoid early season injuries:
• make sure your equipment is in good working order
• take a moment to stretch before, during and after an activity (obviously the earlier you start, the better. Most smart athletes stretch all year long)
• cross-train throughout the year. Use other activities to prepare for an upcoming sport (e.g. cycling strengthens the knees and quadriceps for skiing)
• downgrade a skill level for your first runs and build back up gradually (very important!)
• positive visualization will prepare your mind so your body can follow
• listen to your body (ignoring your body is considered rude and should be reserved for special occasions)
• consider professional instruction - injuries are most common
in beginners and bad habits are difficult to resolve later

Some Related Articles :
• Telemark Skiing Injury Website by Michael Tuggy M.D. - Seattle
• Ski-Injury.com - good overall site for skiers and snowboarders
• An Australian website about sports injury research - from lawn bowling to rugby
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