Arbo Valley Travel and Tours

The island of Lanzarote lies in the eastern region of the Canary Islands, and is a popular destination for holidaymakers looking to escape to a sunny climate.

The island itself is volcanic in nature, which over the centuries has helped to shape the island’s mountainous terrain. Indeed, some parts of the island are so dry and barren that you’d almost think you’d arrived on some strange Martian world.

Many of the tourist attractions around Lanzarote give you the chance to explore the surreal volcanic landscapes during holidays to the island. From the beauty of the Green Caves to the picturesque (and spiky) Cactus Gardens, which were designed by one of the islands’ most famous residents, the artist Cesar Manrique.

Examples of Manrique’s unique style of architectural design can be seen all over Lanzarote. There are a number of sculptures dotted around the island, and his home was converted into a museum of his work after his death in 1992.

Timanfaya National Park offers tourists the chance to experience the volcanic nature of the island during their holidays in Lanzarote. Coach trips and camel rides through the vast landscape are available, as well as offering the chance to sample traditional Canarian food that has been cooked over a hole in the ground, making use of the vast amount of geothermal energy available.

For those looking to escape the heat, Lanzarote is home to the largest aquarium in the Canaries, and offers a refreshing change from the heat outside whilst giving visitors the chance to learn about the vast array of marine life that inhabits the islands’ coastline. The warm, crystal clear coastal regions of the island are popular destinations for water sports enthusiasts.

A wide range of activities, including water-skiing and scuba diving are available year-round. Lanzarote is a popular destination for cheap last minute holidays, with many flocking to the island to enjoy the temperate climate, white sandy beaches and mountainous terrain – which is popular with walkers and extreme sports enthusiasts.

So whether you’re after a nice relaxing break in the sun or want to explore the vast volcanic landscape, Lanzarote could be the Canary that adds chirpiness to your holiday.

Reckless skiing is a real problem in some areas. Those disobeying the speed limit signs in Utah may face jail time and fines.

The speed limit was put in place in certain areas where less experienced skiers are trying to learn the sport. Reckless behaviors of others have caused 10 percent of all collisions in Park City and Deer Valley. A report in the Salt Lake City Tribune states that reckless skiing is now considered a Class B Misdemeanor.

Ski patrollers will be monitoring the slopes in search of people disobeying the speed limits or skiing recklessly. The ski patroller can now call the police, and the offenders may find themselves in court. If a reckless skier is called to court, the patroller will be called in as a witness to the incident. If skiers are found guilty of reckless skiing, they will be fined 1,000 USD and face a six-month jail sentence.

Some ski resorts in Europe are also adopting the ski speed limit, including Switzerland’s Grindelwald and Verbier. Pierre-Yves Deleze with the Verbier Tourist Office said, ‘The idea is to allow beginners to learn without people skiing by them too fast and frightening them.’

The problem isn’t simply fast skiers. Other reckless behaviour also endangers other skiers on the slopes.

‘We did it because that’s what people wanted’, said Susanne Daxelhoffer at the Grindelwald area tourist office. ‘The project is based on complaints of people skiing too fast and therefore fulfills a need’, Daxelhoffer added.

Swiss ski resort Grindelwald was the first European resort to introduce a speed limit on one of its slopes. A growing number of high-speed collisions on crowded slopes helped fuel the decision to implement the 30kmph speed limit. France reported several deaths in the 2006-2007 ski season due to high-speed collisions.

Resort owners hope to combat deaths and injuries by decreasing speeds on crowded and beginner slopes.

Richard Slater, a British skier and father of three told reporters, ‘It’s particularly good if you have young children and want them to be able to ski without being hit by out of control skiers going too fast.’

According to BBC News, a study of 24 resorts reveals that all are keeping an eye on the experimental speed limit enforcements.

Speed limits for skiers and snowboarders might soon become commonplace on slopes around the world. The resorts of Park City and Deer Valley, both in Utah, are the first to implement a fine and jail time. Grindelwald and other European resorts that are adopting the ski speed limit do not plan to fine offenders. There they are simply warned to slow down.

When the proper amount of care and respect are given, skiing in general is a relatively safe sport. Some members of staff and skiers at the affected resorts are torn. They can see the importance of safer skiing, but some feel the punishment far exceeds the crime.

Some skiers see the new law as a way for authorities to control what they do in their leisure time. These skiers feel the law imposes unfair restrictions on a fast-paced, thrilling sport.

Skiers on the other side of the fence believe the law will stop some skiers from recklessly skiing and putting others in harm’s way. This law gives less experienced skiers hope that they can safely enjoy their time on the slopes.

A Swiss insurance group is installing timers on certain slopes. These timers allow people to see their speeds and should encourage them to ski within set limits. Ski resorts world-wide hope the implementation of timers and patrollers will help make the slopes safer for more inexperienced skiers.