Skiing vs. Snowboarding: Which is More Dangerous? Facts & Stats

 Skiing and snowboarding continue to increase in popularity annually. As the numbers increase, so do the injuries. More and more focus is being placed on ski safety and snowboard safety.

Within the span of one year, the number of skiers and snowboarders in the United States alone who hit the slopes at least once is about 11 million and 4 million, respectively. The visits to the slopes are 60 million on average. For every 1000 visits by skiers, there are on average 2.5 serious medical injuries. This is an average of an injury for every 430 days of skiing and snowboarding.

The fatality rate of snowboarders is 40 percent lower than that of alpine skiers, and snowboarders are more apt to be hit by out-of-control skiers than the other way around.

Skiers slide a great deal when they fall, and this makes them 3 or 4 times more likely to hit something or somebody. A snowboard, however, is somewhat of a seat anchor and does not permit sliding. Death is usually the result of hitting something.

The most common injury for skiers is anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) sprains. Skiers who were injured skied more years but fewer days per year, were more likely to be female, are older, and fell less often.

Before you go snowboarding or skiing take a few lessons from a qualified instructor. Also make sure you have proper equipment. Lastly you are in charge of your own safety. The safer you are the more fun you will have on the slopes.

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Winter Park Colorado Fishing: A Rocky Mountain Trout Adventure

Fishing has never been simpler than it is here in the Fraser Valley. You can wade creeks for 1,000 miles, range 1,000 acres of high mountain lakes, or troll 11,000 acres of reservoirs.

Whatever you use, whether you are fly-fishing or sporting a night crawler on the end of your rod, you will be able to catch all sorts of differing species of fish in Grand County. Rainbow, cutthroat, brown & brook trout are found in most of the rivers, and mackinaw and kokanee salmon guard the depths of the larger lakes.

The Colorado River has gold medal trout fishing and the state's largest browns and rainbows. The Fraser River flows through Winter Park town and resort and is supplied by numerous other fine little hidden creeks with secluded pools of trout. St. Louis Creek and Willow Creek have brookies, bows and browns with scattered creek-side campgrounds.

The region's four biggest lakes are located in the Granby area, and offer sufficient ramps & marinas for boating recreation. With 40 miles of shoreline and 7,250 surface acres, Lake Granby is world famous for its big mackinaws. Grand Lake, Colorado's largest natural lake, and nearby Shadow Mountain Lake can also produce 20 pounds macks. The region's lakes are also known for excellent ice fishing during winter months.

You just never know what the snowmelt will bring up in the high country, but one thing for sure, it will provide you with an overabundance of lakes and streams to choose from. The isolation and surrounding wilderness will have you feeling like an early American explorer discovering your own trout heaven.

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Family Friendly to Extreme: Your Guide to Whitewater Rafting Vacations

Whitewater rafting is a wonderful way of combining an appreciation of the outdoors and the raw thrill of defying natures power. There is nothing quite like hurtling down a whirl of turbulent water, having it splash against your face, careening up and down in your seat believing that you are seconds away from doom. Best of all, whitewater rafting is among the safest adventure sports in the world, with national safety standards followed by all large North American outfitters.

Numerous whitewater rafting possibilities exist in nearly every state and province of North America, on numerous different river routes. Beginners can try the small rapids, Class I-III, and adventure seekers can try rapids IV and V. If you're an ultra-adventure addict, though, you might be out of luck. North America does have a few of the most dangerous Class VI rapids, but they're not tried by even the most experienced rafting enthusiasts and no outfitters offer tours on them. If you truly desire to defy death, then there are other locations on the planet that do offer very perilous raft rides. Africa, for example, boasts several Class VI river excursions, where the thrill-seeker not only has to contend with deadly rapids but wildlife threats such as crocodiles and hippopotami even in the less treacherous sections.

For those who want to have a safe, home-based rafting experience, numerous options of rafting trip length and cost exist. The well-established and highly used whitewater rafting outfitters all have highly trained guides and the best equipment, both personal protective equipment and raft equipment. The guides, however, know their routes and rapids like the back of their hands, and can be trusted to take you along your tour in safety and are trustworthy in case of an emergency, should that arise.

There are few things that the person who decides to try a whitewater rafting experience must not overlook, however. They must wear suitable footwear to the site. These shoes must be comfortable and dry and become wet easily. Whitewater rafters need to pay attention to the destructive power of ultraviolet light as well, and include sun glasses and sun screen. These can usually be obtained in the outfitters store if you forget, but they will set you back a considerable amount more than if you had not forgotten to bring them along.

Whitewater rafting is a great way to get your inner adrenaline junkie and expose you to areas of nature that you might not otherwise see. If you're on vacation with your family, however, make sure to call ahead to the outfitter and find out what the recommended age range is for their trips. Whitewater rafting is not really an activity for children under eight years of age.

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Hiking for Bonding: Unforgettable Family Trips and Romantic Getaways

Feel like taking a trip?  Whether you desire to take a traditional trip with your family or a couples' trip, have you ever thought about taking a hiking trip?  Hiking trips are enjoyable because they are suitable for nearly anyone, as well as nearly any type of occasion.

One of the reasons why hiking is so wonderful for romantic vacations as well as family vacations is because hiking trials are in a variety of formats.  In the United States, you will be able to find beginner hiking trails, expert hiking trails, and even the intermediate level of hiking trails. This is great if you are actually going hiking with your children because you should be able to see a lot of hiking trails that would be easy for them to hike.

For romantic getaways, one of the many reasons that hiking is perfect for a romantic getaway is because of the scenery. The scenery is one of the many reasons why hiking is such an excellent activity. No matter which hiking path you choose to trek, there is a possibility that you will get a good mix of landscape.  The majority of the hiking paths go along rivers; therefore, there is a chance that you will be able to enjoy some waterfalls. These waterfalls and other types of landscape that you will find are perfect for couples holiday.

In accordance with romantic getaways, hiking excursions can be as short as a couple of hours or as long as a full week.  Most individuals who hike like to stay onsite, generally at an onsite campground.  This is nice, as when you camp you are in harmony with nature.  The kind of setting that works for privacy, as well as romance. And for family vacation, an overnight camp at a hiking park is also nice, as it offers a different activity that you and your family can share.  If you are planning a hike with your children, chances are they would love the camping experience as much as the hike.

Mention of activities, and when you are hiking, you will likely find yourself at a hiking park. Hiking parks typically have many different types of hiking trails. In addition to being where there is many different types of hiking trails, as well as a campsite, you will likely also have a variety of other things that you and your family or you and your significant other can do. For instance, it is not rare for a hiking park to have a swimming pool or a playground. This is so that you and whoever you happen to be with can indulge in some fun playing a couple of outdoor games or going for a swim. Nowadays, hiking is no longer solely about hiking.

As you may observe, from what is explained above, hiking is the ideal way to spend your next family vacation or even your next weekend of love.  If you're interested in having a hiking adventure, you can possibly consider pre-booking your reservations. While you do not always need a reservation just to go hiking, you may need one if you plan on camping overnight.  Reserving your places ahead of time will make your next camping and hiking excursion as comfortable as possible.

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Essential Outdoor Survival Skills: A Guide to Thriving in the Wild

 

 

You enjoy outdoors but you lack the fundamental skills that you require in order to make your adventurous outdoor event outstanding. You want this outdoor event to be perfect for a certain reason but you are unaware of how to go about learning skills that you require to become an expert in outdoor events. Going on an outdoor adventure without the basic skills is disastrous, but that must not discourage you since below are on ways to develop your outdoor skills.

Equipment preparation

In outdoor activity, the use of equipment is always unavoidable and for that reason, expertise in their preparation. In order to learn outdoors skills, you have to first let go of some comforts and do it the ancient way. This may be in tent making where you will utilize tree branches and leaves in preparing shelter that can weather strong wind and at times rain.

Equipment like compasses and maps always come in handy while traveling and expertise is required in interpreting them to avoid mishaps like getting lost. The ability to understand direction and interpret the same on the map is the required expertise.

Fire making

No outdoor activity can pass by so easily without the mention of the word fire .These activities sometimes leave you in a situation where you may be required to utilize not just imagination but expertise in the field.

Expertise like how to make fire can be learned and mastered with time but their necessity before an outdoor activity is absent.

Matchboxes are never in sight and you may be compelled to use alternatives like rubbing dry wood together to create fire which is an ancient skill but useful in outdoor adventures.

Water purification-

Water is the most basic commodities to you, and being clean not only gives you health advantages but keeps your life going.

Even though water is easily available in areas where outdoor events are taking place, cleaning it is what requires the skill of purification.

The need for purified water can make you into practicing skills like boiling water that are hardly practiced in modern society.

Pottery

This is a skill whereby you make utensils out of clay for your consumption. You may wonder, why all the trouble when one can just buy utensils? The reason would be the desire for you to remember your outdoor adventure. The element of you being primitive makes it adventurous thereby promoting perfect outdoor adventure.

Fishing and hunting

Fishing is an outdoor activity that can be adventurous if one possesses the fishing skill. With fishing, one's food supply is guaranteed and the skill is therefore a necessity.

Hunting as opposed to fishing is an important skill; despite having food as the target, it can help protect you from harmful creatures by learning a trick or two about them.

Learning simple first aid skills

Eventuallyities can always take place and, with the knowledge of first aid like preventing excessive bleeding and elevating a hurt person, these can be quite beneficial.

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Why Hiking is the Perfect Recreational Activity for Everyone

Do you want to do something fun and entertaining on a day that you have off from work or a Saturday that you don't have anything to do?  If you do and if you are one of many other Americans, there is a good chance that you may be interested in doing something related to leisure.  If you are, you have a number of different options.  One of them involves taking a hike. 

One of the most favorite recreational activities in the United States is hiking. Although people have various reasons why they enjoy hiking, it is simple to appreciate that many adore hiking. Almost all cities and towns in the United States have at least a hiking park or a hiking trail and several have more than one. What does that imply for you? Which is to say that whether you're looking to hike for a few hours or whether you're looking to hike for a few days, it should be fully and perfectly possible for you to do it.

One of the many reasons that hiking is so popular of a recreational activity is that it is a challenge. Yes, winning at a game of basketball or a game of baseball might be thrilling and enjoyable, but there is little comparing to hiking.  Even if you hike the same hiking trail a few times each year, you will likely still be able to find surprises and alterations.  That is what is enjoyable about nature; nothing stays the same forever. Every time you go hiking, it will be as if it is a new and exciting adventure.

Hiking is also liked because you can hike in various ways.  For instance, hiking is a sport or recreational activity that can be hiked by you alone or even with some of your friends or even your family members.  Most hikers prefer hiking in the presence of someone familiar to them. If you would prefer to hike alone, that is fine, but you may want to take a few precautions for your own safety. These precautions are letting someone know where you are going to be hiking and when you should return home, dressing appropriately, and taking your cell phone with you.

Another reason that hiking is such a popular activity is that hiking is an exercise. There are many people who enjoy hiking, just because, but there are others who hike for exercise. The challenges of hiking are well-known for their wide range of landscaping. You might hike up stairs when hiking, hike up little rocks, hike down rolling hills, and about a million other things. The varying landscape is perfect for exercising because it really puts your body and its capabilities to work.  If you would like to make hiking a staple exercise routine, you may want to check out local parks that offer membership plans or reduced fees to frequent hikers.

As stated earlier, there are people who go for a hike because.  Although hiking is a leisure activity, there are many people who use hiking as a way of unwinding or escaping their ordinary life. That is what is so amazing about hiking; this leisure activity can provide for you and give you so much, like a great and exhilarating time.

If you are interested in hiking, then you should definitely give it a try. Just to remind you, every town and city in America has hiking trails or parks; therefore, you should not have any difficulty in looking for a hiking trail to start with.

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Hiking Safety 101: The Ultimate Guide for a Safe Adventure

Are you, your group of friends, your significant other, or your loved ones planning on taking a hiking adventure in the near future?  As you likely already know, hiking can be enjoyed and fun, but also potentially hazardous.  Of course, there are numerous different things that you can do in order to take care of yourself on your next hike and some of those are mentioned below.

If you have not yet chosen your hiking trail, you will need to do so in a short while.  The earlier that you choose your hiking trail, the easier it will be for you to get used to where you will be hiking. In choosing a hiking trail, you are advised to take note of the difficulty level. For instance, you are able to find hiking trails in the United States that are for beginners, as well as more advanced hiking experience.  After you have determined the hiking trial that you will be hiking, you will need to take the time to get thoroughly familiar with the trail.

If you are able to get a map of the hiking trial that you will be taking, you will have to read it thoroughly.  You will have to have a clear idea of where you are at all times, and how to get out, in the event of an emergency. If you do get a map of the trail that you will be hiking, please make sure to bring a copy of the map with you.  This will also be a help to you in the event of an emergency. You will want to take into consideration getting to know the security of the hiking trial or park at issue; obtain their details such that you can contact them if there is an emergency.

Discussing contacting security guards, you will want to make sure you take a cell phone with you. A cell phone will allow you to call for help if you or a member of your hiking party gets hurt or lost off the trail. If you do not have a cell phone, get an inexpensive prepaid one or borrow the cell phone of someone that you know. Although it is important that you carry a cell phone with you on your next hike, a cell phone is not all you will want to carry with you.

Even for a one- or two-day hike, you will want to make sure that you carry enough food and drink, in case something went wrong. Most backpackers are advised to prepare for the worse, just in case.  That is why you may want to think about packing a variety of extra snacks and drinks.  Another great way in which you can defend yourself on your next backpacking trip is by making sure that you have all of the right hiking equipment or backpacking equipment.

To this end, you will want to make sure that you are dressing properly for the hike.  Sneakers will be included at the very least, but you may want to pick up a pair of hiking boots.  You will also want to look at the weather before leaving. Even when it is supposed to be bright and sunny, you may still want to pack a light jacket along with you, in the event that it rains or if you are left stranded on the trails overnight. Perhaps the best thing that you can do in order to remain safe on your next hike is to let your friends and family know where you are going, when you will leave, and when you will return.

If you do not come back at the given time, the people you know should know where to find you, or at least know an approximate location of where you are. You may also want to put the same information down and leave it at a secure place at home.  All of the above mentioned hiking safety tips are just a few of the many that you may want to practice. To remember, hiking can be fun and exciting, but it can also be dangerous.

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Never Lose Your Way: Why the Garmin inReach Mini 2 is the Ultimate Safety Net for Outdoor Adventures

Garmin inReach Mini 2

Heading off the grid? Don't leave home without the Garmin inReach Mini 2. Explore its lifesaving SOS, global texting, and tracking features that keep you connected and safe on any adventure.

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of being deep in the backcountry, surrounded by nothing but nature. The peace, the quiet, the disconnect... it’s pure magic. But let's be honest, that disconnect can also be a source of anxiety—for you and for your loved ones waiting at home.

What if you take a wrong turn? What if an unexpected storm rolls in? What if there’s an emergency?

For years, these "what ifs" were a calculated risk of adventure. But not anymore. Technology has finally bridged the gap between exploration and safety, and it all fits in the palm of your hand. Meet the **Garmin inReach Mini 2**, the tiny device that delivers a gigantic amount of peace of mind.

Adventure is Calling. Answer Safely.

The inReach Mini 2 is a compact, lightweight satellite communicator designed to keep you connected anywhere on Earth. It’s your lifeline when there’s no cell service, ensuring that no matter how far you roam, home is always closer than you think.

Why the Garmin inReach Mini 2 is a Game-Changer

This isn't just another gadget for your pack; it's an essential piece of safety equipment. Here’s what makes it indispensable:

1. Global Two-Way Messaging & Interactive SOS

Leave the "what ifs" behind. With an active satellite subscription (required), you can send and receive text messages directly from the device, even from the most remote locations. In a critical emergency, the **interactive SOS feature** connects you to a 24/7 global emergency response coordination center. You can text back and forth with them to provide details, ensuring the right help is sent to the right place. *(Some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit the use of satellite communication devices; it's always best to check local laws before you travel.)*

2. Share Your Journey in Real-Time

Your family and friends don’t have to worry. Using the **MapShare™ page**, you can let them follow your progress in near real-time. You can also embed your coordinates directly in the messages you send. They’ll see exactly where you are, giving everyone peace of mind.

3. Never Get Lost with TracBack® Routing

Wandered off the beaten path and need to get back? The **TracBack** feature navigates you back to your starting point by retracing your steps exactly, right on your device. It’s the ultimate digital breadcrumb trail that guarantees you can always find your way back to camp.

4. Pair with Your Smartphone for Enhanced Navigation

For a superior mapping experience, pair the Mini 2 with the **Garmin Explore™ app** on your compatible smartphone. This powerful combo allows you to plan trips on detailed topographic maps, create waypoints and courses, and seamlessly sync everything to your device.

5. Incredible Battery Life

Adventures shouldn't be cut short by a dead battery. The inReach Mini 2 boasts an impressive **up to 14 days of battery life in 10-minute tracking mode**, so you can stay out longer without worrying about constant recharging.

6. Compact, Lightweight, and Tough

Weighing in at just 100 grams, it adds crucial safety to your kit without adding noticeable weight or bulk to your pack. It’s built to the rugged standards you expect from Garmin, ready to handle the elements.

Who Needs the Garmin inReach Mini 2?

If your passion takes you beyond cell service, this device is for you:

*   **Hikers & Backpackers** exploring remote trails

*   **Campers** venturing into dispersed camping sites

*   **Climbers** tackling big walls and alpine routes

*   **Boaters & Kayakers** on open water or remote rivers

*   **Pilots** flying over wilderness areas

*   **International Travelers** visiting regions with unreliable cellular networks

*   **Any solo adventurer** who wants a safety backup

Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?

You can replace a lost piece of gear, but you can't replace your safety. The Garmin inReach Mini 2 is more than a product; it's an investment in confidence. It empowers you to push your boundaries and explore further, knowing you have a reliable lifeline in your pocket.

It’s the one piece of gear you hope you’ll never have to use for an emergency, but you’ll be eternally grateful you have if the need arises.

Ready to add peace of mind to your next adventure?

*Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This does not affect the price you pay and helps support our blog in bringing you more great content. Remember, an active satellite subscription is required for messaging and SOS services. Always adventure responsibly and inform yourself of local regulations.*

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