snowboarding

Livigno has a lot to offer snowboarders, and as winter sets in, and the weather forecasters start calling for snow, the thoughts of many recreational athletes turn to Alpine events, especially skiing. But for some Maltese thrill seakers, winter sports means only one thing - snowboarding! Combining the fluid grace of surfing with the jump and spin techniques of skateboarding, snowboarding is a rush that has to be experienced.

Getting Started
First of all, you'll need a board which can be rented from the YTC-approved ski shop. There are basically two types of boards, depending on what kind of snowboarding you will be doing. Freeriding is the more downhilloriented side of the sport, but freestyle is usually what you see on TV; riding the pipe, doing jumps, and looking styled. Most snowboards are designed for freeriding or freestyle, which is good because this shape is perfect for most beginners. It utilizes a twin tip (both ends are the same) design, as opposed to the freecarving or slalom boards, which are more directional in shape.

Most people start out with a basic model, such as the Burton A Deck series. To attach your feet to the board, you need bindings. Most entry level bindings share the same basic design, a base plate with ratcheting straps. Unlike ski bindings, snowboard bindings are not meant to release when you crash, but need to be disconnected in order to "skate," or glide along flat areas. More advanced bindings replace the base plate with a set of rails, allowing your boots to rest directly on the board for better response and feel. You'll also need snowboard boots, and these are usually thick, chunky workhorses. They come in high and low styles, in hi-tech materials and good old leather, and have stubby, blunted toes which make your feet look small. They also run about a size bigger than your normal shoes.Assembling all the equipment is fairly simple.

They will be set up at the ski shop. You'll need to determine your stance on the board. Most people board with their left foot forward. But some go "goofy," leading with their right. How to tell? (You will be asked as it determines how the bindings are set up). Think of someone pushing you forward. Which foot would you extend forwards first? Usually, that's going to be your lead foot while boarding. Riding fakie (opposite your normal stance) is a useful skill, but one to develop down the line. Strap your front foot onto the board, which will place your toes over one edge and your heel against the other.

In order to get around in the flats, you push with your free back foot, much like propelling a skateboard. When you are ready to start your descent, strap the back foot in and allow yourself to drift down the mountain. Make sure you are facing forward, keep your hands in front of you and your weight low (with your knees bent), and don't try to do too much too soon. Be especially careful not to catch the front or back edge of your board too sharply in the snow: this will cause you to crash. If you are a beginner, do not worry - your instructor will show you how it is done.

Apres Ski and night life for boarders in Livigno
It's not only about snowboarding and learning new skills! Livigno has great night life, with clubs and bars open late and plenty of young people all up for a good time and a few merry drinks. The town also offers great TAX-FREE shopping with bargains on the latest gadgets, cameras and mobile phones, while fashion houses and snowboard shops offer fantastic prices on trendy clothes and accessories.

So whether you are a beginner or an advanced snowboarder, Livigno with YTC has it all - and at an affordable price.