4B • THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
JAYPLAY
THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2002
KANSAS UNION
we couldn't possibly have more goin' on...
Skiing offers unique opportunity
By Brad Weiner Jayplay writer
When school resumes after spring break, University of Kansas students will play the popular game of "name that tan." The game consists of guessing where people spent their week off based on their carefully browned, or accidentally burned skin. The obvious sandal straps and bikini marks always are present, but the most distinguishable tan is that of the raccoon-faced ski goggle.
Skiing is a popular spring break option because the normally expensive resorts offer enormous discounts in their declining season. Skiing also is attractive to students who prefer the white gold of mountain snow to that of sandy beaches.
The most popular ski destinations are Colorado resorts such as Keystone, Breckenridge, Winter Park and Vail, because of their proximity to Lawrence, amazing ski terrain and nighttime party options.
Before hitting the slopes, people should know a few things.
Alpine skiing (and snowboarding for all of those knucklewalkers out there) involves snow. It can ruin a perfectly expensive lift ticket if there is nothing to slide down on. A good way to avoid bad snow is to make an offering to Uler, the ancient Norwegian Snow God. Uler has recently been co-opted by ski bums everywhere as a way to increase the amount of fresh powder on any given mountain. In order to make an offer, it is important to get rid of something old, preferably by burning it.
Ski town night life is an important part of any ski vacation. After all, what else is there to do between the times when the lifts close at night and open again in the morning?
we couldn't possibly have more goin' on...
Live music is a great way to alleviate the sore legs left by a day on the moguls. Frequently, highly regarded, nationally touring acts play several nights in the major Colorado ski towns. These musicians hit the slopes too and often
Each year ski resorts hold massive snow parties with a large bonfire. Skiers usually throw their old ski equipment into the fire as a sacrifice to Uler. The nicer the gear, the better the snow. For those who aren't the sacrificial type, check out snow.yahoo.com for updates on the conditions.
Although most college students go on prepackaged Spring Break ski trips that are relatively inexpensive, precious dollars can be saved for the important things in life: namely, beer. Rent skis and purchase lift tickets and food in Denver, because prices go up with the elevation in the mountains. By the time Vail rolls around even New York City can seem like a bargain. This credo will keep the pocketbook healthy in the birthplace of the rip-off.
accommodate their skiing by gigging around at the bottom of the mountain. Sometimes the best chance to see great bands is in intimate settings. Don't forget to try the local microbrews.
Speaking of beer, it's easy to spot the tourist implants by those who can read a Kansan through their thin beer. Stouts, porters and ales, mixed with a few cold shots of Jagermeister, are guaranteed to keep any powder hound warm throughout the night, and sometimes into the next day.
Those who travel to a snowy destination should always be careful on the mountain. Every year thousands of people are injured skiing. The injuries can include altitude sickness, exhaustion, nausea, dehydration, snow blindness, torn ACLs (the most common ski injury), broken bones and death. Never ski in overly difficult terrain and take precautions like drinking tons of non-alcoholic water, sleeping well and partying moderately.
These measures will guarantee the best chances at getting to carve some freshies in the sick pow-pow, rally the whammy, go big, rock a few slices of Beau Jo's and translate the final sentence of this article.
Contact Weiner at
Contact Weiner at bweiner@kansan.com. This story was edited by Jeremy Clarkson.
KANSAS UNION