Snowboarding

Filed in archive European insider , vacation possibilities on November 4, 2005

The dip in the temperature has affected the mood of the majority. It has affected me, as well. However, in a different way. I welcome the sign of the coming cold season with excitement because that always means one thing... the coming of snow. And people like me are excited to head on to the slopes and do some snow action!

It's time to get 'em boots and snowboards from the basement.

Snowboarding has, for the past years, seen several converts, including me and my husband. Since 1999, I have seen the rise in the number of snowboarders and well, USAToday had the same impression...

More than two decades after the first major ski mountains began dipping a fleece-lined boot into the world of shredding, snowboarders have become a dominant force in skidom. Once almost exclusively the domain of young males, it's drawing women, children and even grandparents. And at some ski hills, snowboarders even have begun outnumbering skiers.

Snowboarding has truly gone mainstream. And for those who are planning on hitting the slopes this season, check out USAtoday's Best Resorts for Snowboarding.

As for me... well, the family and I are in the middle of planning our snowboarding (extended) weekend to Engelberg in Switzerland. The place where I first learned how to snowboard back in 2000. It's great for freeriders, advanced skiers and snowboarders.

For serious boarders (and skiers), you can stay at the Berghotel Truebsee Hof which is right on the slopes at 1,800m. The rooms are basic but hey, you have great access to the slopes.

Let it snow!