Skiing is one of those sports that most people can enjoy, even if they have to stay on the "bunny slopes" for most of their trip. While you are waiting for some good powder, slip your headphones on over your beanie and get into the groove with these skiing songs:

"Bend in His Knees" (Sung by Bob Gibson)
Located on his album Ski Songs, Bob Gibson sings the sad tale of a young man who forgets that good skiers need to bend their knees to be low to the ground. Other cuts on Gibson's album include "In this White World "and "Skiin' in the Mornin." Although Gibson's album is 50 years old, you can still download the tracks and see the original cover art, featuring Gibson resting by the fire with his foot in a cast.

"Terrified Skiers on the Bunny Slopes" (Performed by Faust & Lewis)
The comedy duo of Faust & Lewis came up with Powder Party, a whole album of humorous skiing songs, including one about novice skiers who freeze up when they try their skills on the beginner slopes. "Psycho Skier" and "I Like Da Snow" are other offbeat tracks on this unusual album.

"U.B.R (Unwanted Binding Release)" (Sung by Eric T. & the Skis)
In 1984, the group Eric T. & the Skis released Ski Patrol, a novelty record containing some insightful skiing songs. "U.B.R." talks about the problems that occur when your boots come loose from your skis at the wrong moment. Decades later, this group also released a follow-up called Ski Patrol Revisited that contained a few more tunes.

"Super Skier" (Performed by The Chad Mitchell Trio)
A cautionary tale for anyone who spends more time at the lodge than on the slopes, "Super Skier" talks about a "Sundeck Charlie" who brags a little too much. When he finally gets on his skis, he literally goes to pieces while going on a downhill run. Bob Gibson originally performed this song on his 1959 album, but the Chad Mitchell Trio did a notable cover version of the tune.

Resources:
http://bobgibsonlegacy.com/SkiSongs.asp

Skiing and snowboarding in the summer? To some this may sound crazy or unbelievable, but it's definitely possible. The most popular spot (and pretty much the only one during certain times) for skiing and snowboarding in the summer is Mt Hood in Oregon. If that summer heat is making you nostalgic for the winter snow, this could be the perfect cure. Grab your gear and head to Mt Hood to do Ollies, Railsides, Fakies, Wildcats, Lincoln Loops, and maybe even a Mosquito or Rocket Air. Don't know what those are? Grab a book, a friend, or do an internet search to study up on snowboard and ski tricks and tips.

Before heading out, make sure you've got the essentials, like your skis or snowboard (or you can rent when you get there). Other things you'll need may include ski socks, ski boots, a hat, gloves, ski glasses, sunscreen, lip balm, a snowsuit, heat packs and a camera. That isn't a complete list, but should give you an idea.

Many Olympic hopefuls, as well as professionals train on Mt Hood even during the summer months. The U.S. National Team has even trained there. Not quite at the professional level yet? Need some lessons or have some brushing up to do on your skills? There are a variety of training camps available on Mt Hood during the summer. While Mt Hood is popular for Olympic hopefuls and professionals, you don't have to be that skilled to enjoy Mt Hood for summer skiing. All skill levels, including kids, are welcome. Group lessons, private lessons, lodging and more are offered. There also is plenty of entertainment for after skiing or snowboarding.

Mt Hood also contains what is known as America's largest night ski area, located at Mt Hood Skibowl, a ski resort that includes an adventure park. Mt Hood Adventure Park contains an alpine slide, kiddy karts and Indy karts, a summer tube hill, rock wall, bungee jumping, batting cages and so much more.

Whether you're an Olympic hopeful who can't get enough of the snow or just curious about skiing or snowboarding in the summer, Mt Hood is definitely the place to go.

Sources:
http://www.skibowl.com/
http://www.mthood.com/
http://www.skicamp.com/
http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/kplu/news.newsmain/article/1/0/1523675/KPLU.Local.News/In.Summer..Winter.Olympic.Hopefuls.Gravitate.to.Mt..Hood

Planning on doing some real back country hiking, skiing or snowboarding while it's still winter in most of the north and the high country? If you want to be sure you come back home again, without frost bite or a touch of snow blindness, dress for success - with style and function! Check the weather before you leave but make sure you're ready for sudden storms and changes in temperature.

From toe to head, it's best to dress in layers. You may want to start with a basic wool sock, since wool keeps you warm even when wet, or upgrade to a wool blend sock designed for hiking or one of the new eco-friendly poly blends. Next are your boots. You'll want sturdy hiking boots, insulated and waterproof.

Moving up a little, protect your legs with today's long underwear, a base layer with honeycomb fabric or stick with wool. Cover those up with an outdoor pant designed for comfort but with all the pockets and gaiters you'll need. If you want more coverage, try a windbreaker-type fabric over the top but bear in mind, you need to be able to move, and you want to let air out.

For your upper body, you'll need a base layer in a poly blend or a wool crewneck. Top that with your favorite sturdy shirt. If you'll be exerting yourself with climbing, cross-country skiing or snowshoeing, your next item should be a down vest. It will keep your torso warm, but not too warm, while allowing freedom of movement. Finish off the top with a down jacket, a lighter weight one or for a daylight-only adventure, maybe a lightweight shell. If you're at a high altitude or it's just darn cold, you may want to go for a real parka.

Don't forget the accessories. You'll need gloves, a good fleece hat or a woolen one and very good sunglasses or goggles. Along with the necessities in your pack, these should keep you warm, dry and safe in a wilderness adventure.

When you think of a vacation to southern California, you normally imagine sandy beaches and bright sunlight glinting off windows as you stroll through Los Angeles or San Diego or Riverside. However, one of the most beautiful destinations in this area of the country is Big Bear Lake, which is located in the San Bernardino Mountains and offers far more snow than sand.

Big Bear Lake is one of the most beautiful spots in the world and is secluded enough that you'll feel as though you've landed in paradise without having to deal with crowds or traffic. Many Southern Californians own cabins in the woods surrounding Big Bear Lake and visit in both the summer and the winter. If you travel to Big Bear Lake between November and March, you're likely to encounter plenty of snow drifts and snow-capped mountains. Skiing is popular here during the winter months, as are snowboarding and sledding.

This is also the place to go if you are fed up with the impersonal and sterile nature of hotels. There are dozens of cozy bed and breakfasts on Big Bear Lake, whether you prefer a sophisticated Swiss chalet or a romantic Victorian cottage. Many of these B&Bs offer your very own private cabin complete with kitchens, restrooms, satellite television and even hot tubs.

Summer trips are also fun at Big Bear Lake, particularly if you are a fan of fishing and boating. You can literally spend hours on the water every day and never see every nook and cranny of the lake, and there are numerous festivals held here every year so you can meet people and pick up goodies to bring back home to friends and family.

Since hiking is popular in Big Bear Lake, you'll want to bring a pair of comfortable athletic shoes. If you're visiting in winter, a warm jacket is necessary, and you might need to equip your car or SUV with snow tires and chains, particularly if your cabin or cottage is located in the mountains.