Hotham Ride Day with Mint Tours and Lib Technologies

Whilst on a snow trip to Mt Hotham this past weekend, we were delighted to find that there was an exhibition and demonstration by a number of different ski and snowbard gear companies. Lib Technologies was one of them and I was fortunate enough to get to Demo  a board. This was the Hotham Ride Day, an event partnered with Mint Tours.

Trav from Lib Tech setting up the boards

The guys were super helpful and open to anyone trying out the gear. Just handover your baby board, my gorgeous Solomon Lush, and they removed my Burton bindings and placed them on the board of choice. Leave your I.D. as well, as if your board wasn’t enough security, and away you go. I took the Roxy, Banana Smoothie out for a spin for about an hour and came back with a huge grin on my face.

Setting up my Burton Bindings on the Roxy Banana Smoothie

The Roxy Banana Smoothie Banana Smoothie EC2:

XOXO AUD $699 NZ $799,  BANANA SMOOTHIE AUD $699 NZ $799

 

Check out more from Roxy at: http://www.roxyaustralia.com.au/  

https://www.facebook.com/roxy 

 

Review from Transworld Business and some questions answered about the production of the board.

2013 Roxy Banana Smoothie Snowboard Review

 From Evo and Megan:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jILZK7LQ1Bo 

This board was 146cm, 3cm shorter than what I usually ride, and prime for free riding. Not so much a park board, this is good for thoise who wanna play around in the snow and have good manouverabilty in a variety of conditions. I’ve started to open my eyes to a new board and it was awesome to get the opportunity to test one out for a solid amount of time, without having to hire a board that’s been used over and over.

For more information on Lib Technologies:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/libtech

http://www.lib-tech.com/

Check out the website and contact the guys to learn more about their range.

Trav having a great day and setting up my board

Thanks again for the great experience.

Learn more about Mint Tours:

Mint Tours is a specialist snowboarding holidays and snow travel agency with a difference. We aim to offer a true locals perspective for snowboarders and skiers visiting the Southern Alps of New Zealand’s South Island and the powder regions of Japan, Canada and beyond.

Tamie is frothin over the olly pop she tried and loving the Hotham Ride Day from Mint Tours

Photo: Tamie from Now Rip This

See more at Explorer Girls

Skiing in Kashmir – Videos and Blogs

Skiing the Himalayas; Gulmarg

Explore the World

06/06/2012

 

Skiing in India is not a well known activity and when I announced to people I would be doing this it was met by surprise. The largest mountain range in the world, the Himalayas towers above North India and thus there is skiing.

 

Gulmarg, Mt Apphawat, is a “ski resort” that has been established for more than 10 years, with a gondola for the past 6 years. This area is not well known as it is actually not a ski resort as we know it to be. It’s a back country heaven! If you come here expecting easy ski in/ ski out slopes, you are kidding yourself. And even with a large amount of reading and research, it’s difficult to prepare yourself for a mountain of this size and terrain variety.

 

 

Never have I seen snow so fresh, mountains so wide, and so much ski-able terrain. Above tree line in the alpine region on the sharp peaks and deep bowls or below tree line amongst the grand pine trees, you will be kept busy with many runs. Not for the beginner this area, however there are areas in the lower grounds with smaller slopes and T-bars for those ready to dabble in skiing. As an international skier, I would not fly all this way if I were not intermediate to highly experienced.

 

Information is difficult to find and often vague. You really have to be specific in your search terms and trying to put a package or trip together yourself can be difficult. You need to think about transfers, hotels, guides (this is avalanche country and it’s strongly recommended), equipment transfer, avalanche packs and beacon training, food, lift passes and navigating the terrain. I went with a Ski tour company and I am so happy with the decision!

Ski Himalaya (www.skihimalaya.com) is a full tour operational company specifically for Gulmarg. Australia Peter Robinson has been running this business since 2002 and has a lot of experience with foreigners visiting Gulmarg. Peter partnered with Kashmir Powder cats, guides and touring company. Together they arranged my pick up from Srinagar airport, transfer to Heevan Resort (the hotel they organized for me which included breakfast and dinner), ski hire and avalanche equipment hire, A guide each of the 6 days I’m there and transfers in and around Gulmarg and Tangmarg when skiing and then back to Srinagar. Also they helped to organize my last night in Srinagar at a lovely house boat on Dal Lake and then return to airport the following morning.

 

Peter was great in regard to communication and I only booked with the company after numerous emails had gone back and forth. He made sure I would be competent for the terrain and they had the facilities to cater to my stay. He arranged all of these details and payment was made in Australian dollars well before attending. Learn more about Peter and how he startedSki Himalaya .

When I arrived I was met by the wonderful Mushtarq, driver extraordinaire. He is a safe and competent driver. He was very sweet in answering all my questions about what we saw on the way and gave me updates on what we were seeing  and which areas we were passing through which was great. He ws my driver throughout the 6 days and on one day picked me and my guide up after our run through Babarashi and took us to Tangmarg to check out the village, he then drove me and the rest of our group back up the hill in tricky conditions and even assisted other cars who were blocked. Mushtarq made me feel safe at all times and kept me well informed, all you want in a driver.

 

Bashir is the main man on the ground in Srinagar and is partners with Peter from Australia. Bahsir called me when I arrived, met with me the following day and arranged my trip back to Srinigar. He was always happy to receive a call and helped where he could in giving information and checking my stay was comfortable. Kindly Peter had told him I was a special guest and must be taken care of so he took this to heart and even met me in Srinagar on the way to the airport. His care and attention is appreciated and the communication lines between the guides, himself and the drivers is very effective and prompt, this is always good in these higher risk areas.

The star of the show however is Fayez Sheikh, head guide of Powder Cats and my personal guide for the predominant amount of the week. Fayez goes over and above to ensure the safety and enjoyment of his guests at all times. He assesses your ability, takes you on runs to suit you but also challenges you. Most importantly, first thing in the morning he checks your avalanche beacons and on one afternoon early in the trip he and another guide went through Avalanche search and digging procedure with us. No matter what time of the morning or evening, Fayez will be there for you. He is easy to talk to, fun and caring. He took care of me as a friend and I trusted him 100% with my life – when in avalanche situations, you must trust those around you. Spend at least one day of your trip with Fayez as he is the man! A brilliant skier and a wonderful human being.

To ensure your trip is safe and to have less worries, I would go with Ski Himalaya as a guiding and touring company for your ski trip.  Especially for your first trip. Do your research, read up as much as possible, and eliminate as many risk factors as possible – best way to do this is with this package.

 

 

 

Enjoy the snow, be safe and remember to check in with Gulmarg snow safety for weather reports and terrain information daily. www.gulmargsnowsafety.com

 

So much powder

Please also see my previous blog about Ski Himalaya which has information on an average week at Gulmarg. More posts to come re accommodation, activities and my daily experiences of skiing in Gulmarg, Kashmir. 

See more on http://www.explorergirls.com

www.ExplorerGirls.com / Lovellyinc  (words & photos)

Video: Cassie De Colling / Natureel

Other blogs by ExplorerGirls:

Tamie Wexler - Gulmarg 

Explorer Girls Connects Adventurous Women

The power of this wonderful networking site has been proven again.

Last night I caught up with awesome explorer girl Hayley who connected with me on the Explorer Girls Facebook Group. We had an amazing time eating delicious Cupcakes from Cupcake Central and chatting about our shared passion, Snowboarding.

I put a shout out on the group on Facebook for a girl who wanted to head up to Hotham some time in the season. I was looking into going up there by myself to visit friends and takibng the bus. However, the prices are astronomical and it could be quite lonesome. So I asked if any girls were interested in heading to Hotham at any time in the season and if anyone was willing to give me a lift. one or many would be great. Hayley got back to me within 10 minutes.

A quick back and forth on facebook followed by a direct message and then a text message or two and our first meet up was arranged. When we met last night, I felt like we had known each other years and we hit it off right away. We both love snowboarding, meeting new people and are passionate about travel.

Hayley and I are hitting up the slopes next weekend. We’ve also planned a number of other trips over the season so if you wanna tag along and you’re in Melbourne, give us a shout out.

Thanks again Explorer Girls!

Like what you read?

See more on http://www.explorergirls.com/node/6824

Posted by Lovelly on 1 July 2012 – 3:36pm.
Lovelly’s blog | post reply

Ben & Jerry’s Flavour Election – Vote for me!

HEY loyal friends and family,

 

 

So we knew it wouldn’t be long before I was off on my next adventure!!

 

 

This is it:

 

www.flavourelection.com.au!

 

From March 7th – April 12th I will be campaigning for Ben & Jerry’s and my favourite flavour to win!!!

 

 

HALF BAKED!

 

 

You can now call me half baked!

 

Flavour =

Chocolate & Vanilla Ice Creams Mixed with Chunks of Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough & Fudge Brownies

 

 

Also known as = YUMMY!!

 

 

Photos are here and on my page:

 

 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/benandjerryaustralia

 

 

my fb:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=291823&id=511114236&l=2f0556e6d8

 

You can vote by LIKING – through facebook – HALF BAKED via the flavour election.

 

 

Please contact me for any more instructions.

 

 

I’m also looking for friends and family to be secret squirrels/ noisy noisy promotions team and flavour campaigners. I need as much support as poss.

 

 

Anyone in the world can vote! just LIKE my Half baked on Facebook.

 

 

I have already won an I-phone 4 just for taking part and I have the opportunity to win a return trip to ANY Ben and Jerry’s anywhere in the world.

 

 

 

Vote #1 HALF BAKED!

 

 

 

 

Lovelly Em (Half Baked Emma

 

Nudie Run around the WORLD

I am not going to be naked!!!

But I will be travelling with my new pal, Nudie Plushie.

We will be travellign around the world together. India, UK, USA!!!

Nudie and I will be getting up to some crazy adventures and I am super excited to finally have a travel buddy!!

 

We’ve left our message with Santa and now we’re ready to get on the road!!!

 

 

 

Like what you read?

Read more on Explorer Girls – http://www.explorergirls.com

 

 

Check out Nudie.com.au for more Goodisms and add them on Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/nudiejuice

Travelling with Nudie – http://www.explorergirls.com/node/5581

Experiencing Australia

I asked my new pal Court Tallon of the USA to write a guest blog about her experience in Australia so far. She has been here a month or so and I wanted to see what she thought so far. Court and I met through http://www.explorergirls.com through our shared love of Travel and Adventure

Take Courts advice, come to OZ!

I’ve wanted to visit Australia for as long as I can remember. As a member of my hometown beach patrol, I’ve been enticed by stories, photographs, and personalities from the Land Down Under for the better part of a decade. I dreamed of the day I’d enjoy blue waters, cold beers, and fresh fruit.

I could see myself munching on some toast spread with Vegemite while listening to Midnight Oil and watching out for Mad Max, Steve Irwin, crocs, ‘roos, and spiders.

I’ve been in Sydney for just over a month and have done… pretty much all of those things. The activities and imagery for which Australia is stereotypically known are possibly the best in the world: great sport, great beaches, incredible cultural, ecological, and biological diversity, fantastic Thai food and friendly, sun-kissed, happy people.

But, as a student of history and as a citizen of the United States, I know that stereotypes can be a dangerous and hateful business. I won’t lie: I’ve enjoyed indulging in my share of shallow engagements with the continent; but, I’m here to study and study I have- from parliament to cricket, soap operas to coastal walks, wine tasting to goon tasting, surf comps, Chinatown, the Rocks, the Eastern Suburbs, and open markets. Australian (and let me qualify here: urban, eastern, coastal Australian) culture is as engaging and entertaining as I had hoped.

When I stepped off the plane at SYD, I was greeted by the usual scents of an international airport- cleaning product, coffee, air conditioning, etc.- but Sydney offered something more… a hint of sunscreen.

Instead of a German Sheppard, I was greeted by a Beagle and instead of walking out into a blizzard, I walked into 80-degree, err… 26-degree weather. That first scent of coconut anti-aging skin product had me hooked on this country. I love the coastal baths. I love the enormous spiders. I love the headlands, the water, the trees, the birds, and the free-to-air television. I love the politics, the history, the people, and the art.

I scored a three-day school week and met up with some Explorer Girls- Emma and Krystle and I joined the Outdoors Club at UNSW. My flat mates and I have battled three species of cockroaches. This has been a proper Sydney visit.

Since my arrival, I have certainly had a somewhat structured experience- there are limitations, social and otherwise, being a study abroad student from the US. Not a typical traveler, I have several novels to read, plenty of papers to write, and whole new government system to learn- I have homework.

I’m trying my best to become fully immersed, but there’s really only so much you can do in four months with limited cash and lots of lectures to attend. This trip is really just a foot in the door for me.

I can’t wait to come back!

Courtney Crow- THE EXPLORER GIRL

Courtney Crow is the founder and operator of the amazing website http://www.explorergirls.com. I was lucky enough to find Courtney when looking for extra places to blog and how glad I am. Through this amazing travel website just for awesome, out there, adventurous girls, I have met some true friends.

Courtney is a freelance writer and photogrpaher. Her most recent posting was at the 2010 Winter Olypics in Vancouver. Meeting the likes of Shaun White and Torah Bright are just the part of a normal day for the adventurous Courtney.

Read about why she loves her home country the USA and make sure to check out the awesome website she has created for us travel lovers!

1. Name
Courtney Crow

2. Occupation
Online Publisher and Professional Photographer

3. Country of Residence
Australia
4. Country of Origin
USA

5. email/contact/ website
http://www.ExplorerGirls.com and http://www.CourtneyCrowPhoto.com

6. Why do you love Travel?

I love travel because it can open your mind up to all kinds of things…adventures, people and places. It’s the best way to learn more about the world and yourself. You always meet amazing and interesting people always along the way.

7. Favourite place in your home country and why?
Just recently I visited the Grand Canyon in Arizona and Monument Valley in Utah. I was blown away with the beauty of the landscapes. It was somewhere I had never been before and only seen in postcards. I went back to Utah to go ATV riding near the Zion National Park and again was taken back with all the beautiful terrain.

My other fave would be all the beaches…Florida, California and Hawaii!

8. Best place for tourists to visit in your country?
Now, I live in Australia and have for 8 years…I would say tourists who visit Australia have to go into the Outback. It’s somewhere people often skip because it can be hard to get to, but totally worth it. Uluru is just awesome!

9. What other country would you life in if you had to leave your country?
If I had to leave Australia I would consider moving to Canada. After visiting here for the Winter Olympics and living here for over a month I have seen so many great things about this country. The people are friendly and welcoming, the landscapes are beautiful and there are adventures all around us…snowboarding, heliskiing, dog sledding, hiking, biking, climbing, sailing….and the list goes on!

10. Best travelling experience anecdote in your own country?
People love travelling in Australia for the Great Barrier Reef, surf beaches in Sydney and along the coast lines and the Outback.

11. Favourite activity when around your city?
My closest city is Melbourne and when I’m there it’s all about shopping!

12. Do you feel you know your country well, or is more exploring of your homeland needed?
After touring around the Grand Canyon and Monument Valley I realised how much I don’t know about the USA and how many more places there are to explore…Yosemite National Park, Montana and so much more!

13. Any warnings for travellers visiting in your country?
When visiting Australia I would say just make sure you don’t travel into the bush or outback alone…it’s so vast and large and people can get lost and disappear.

14. Must see movie featuring your country and Why?
I would highly recommend ‘Australia’ the movie – it is a great tale about the history of Australia and shows some of the amazing landscape Australia has to offer.

15. The best book to read before visiting your country?
I would recommend ‘In a Sun Burned Country’ by Bill Bryson, because it tells you so much about Australia and it’s funny.

16. The must eat dish or delicacy of your country?
You must try Kangaroo! I know it sounds awful, but it free range and tastes really good!

17. Best time of year to visit?
Australia is best to visit in the summer, then you can advantage of all the warm beach days and hit the famous Aussie surf!

Explorer Girls

I have stumbled across a new website due to my wonderful mentor pointing it out to me. EXPLORER GIRLS.

www.explorergirls.com is a girls only site, sorry boys. The site allows girls who love travel, adventure and meeting new people to create profiles and connect with other adventurous girls all over the world.

I was lucky enough to be in touch with the site director to talk about doing some writing for their online magazine and now I am hooked on the site! It’s so much fun! Maps of all the places you’ve been, your own bloging page, forums, emailing, PHOTOS and cool articles.

It also allows you to show whether you would house swap, meet up with girls in your city or theirs, and make travel buddies.

It’s great to have a place just for girls and focused on our keen interests!

I look forward to many more hours of blogging and connecting.  Now, just to get more girls on there for a wider network. SIGN UP LADIES!