Snowbird is where it's at for snowboarders

Because of the rapid rise in interest in snowboarding, and because Alta is closed to snowboarders, when it came time to partner with a snowboarding program seven years ago, the first to come to mind was Snowbird.

Not only is Snowbird next door to Alta, but it is also recognized as having one of the top snowboarding programs in the country.

The ski/snowboard school, under the direction of Maggie Loring currently has on staff 250 instructors and, she notes, "We're expanding."

In order to maintain quality instruction, the snowboard program is limited to 300 students spread over two sessions — 150 in the morning and 150 in the afternoon. Snowboarders must sign up at one of the Canyon Sports locations.

Those instructors teaching the classes are certified through a professional snowboard-training program. Students start with the basics, such as getting into and out of the bindings and walking. They evolve into heel-side and toe-side traverses, then single turns and eventually linked turns.

All of this involves learning to get on and off a chairlift.

Along with this program, Snowbird offers a full range of instruction in skiing and snowboarding.

One of the more popular, said Loring, is the Adventure Team for youths ages 4 to 15. Students spend six or 12 weeks, depending on the program, skiing or riding with the same group and working with the same instructor. Skiers and riders learn to handle all types of terrain under all conditions.

The resort also is involved in a number of community-based programs, including those through parks and recreational organizations and through Ski Utah and Utah Winter Games.

There are three Big Mountain camps. The four-day program includes one day of heli skiing, along with early trams access and banquet.

Also offered is a Wild Mountain Yoga program, which blends the benefits of yoga with skiing over four days.

Four-day women's ski and snowboard camps are also offered during the season.

Loring has been teaching skiing since she was 14. She has been involved with the Professional Ski Instructors Association as both a trainer and examiner. She worked with the American Skiing Co. and was in charge of instruction at nine of its resorts before coming to Snowbird in 2003.

For more information go online at www.snowbird.com.