Winter time is in full season as manifested by the heavy snow fall we have received throughout the week. It sticks to the ground and makes the roads a complete mess to try and drive on. Many of us are late to work because of the conditions, or we miss school, or even better... it is the best day to call in sick! That's right. Call your boss and tell them the real reason why you won't be coming to work today.

First of all, you will need a few things that will help your cause. Go to a place in your home where you won't disturb those you live with. Good locations would be the garage, your car, the back yard, or even the shower. Once you arrive to the location of your choice, start screaming at the top of your lungs. Do this for as long as possible. Maybe you can pretend you are at your favorite teams game or your favorite bands concert and just start SCREEEEEEEEEAMING! This is going to help your voice sound hoarse when you call your boss to tell him/her that you are sick. Then grab a clothes pin and clamp it over your nose to give you that congested sound. Now you are ready to make that phone call!

"Hello?"

"He... He... *cough*... Hello sir. This is (state your name). I was just calling to let you know that unless there is some miracle drug at the pharmacy, I'm not going to make it in to work today. But hopefully with plenty of rest I will be back on my feet tomorrow morning and right back in the office. Anyway, I'm gonna get back into bed. These chills are very uncomfortable. Bye."

Now take the clothes pin off and put the coat, beanie, and snow pants on. You are ready for your day on the slopes!

This is one way to become a more experienced rider of the snow. But I have a better suggestion that will help you learn everything from the basic techniques, to the more experienced skills of becoming the legend on the slopes you have always dreamed of being. All you have to do is watch 11 Sports' weekly segment called "11 Shreddin'" that runs every Wednesday starting January 16 until March 5. On this segment we will have snowboard instructors answering YOUR questions about how to become a better rider. If your question is selected to be used, you will win a one day lift ticket at Powderhorn Resort.

Examples of questions could be, "I am still learning how to turn down the mountain and I keep catching my edge and falling. What am I doing wrong?" Or, "I am just starting to catch big air on my jumps but my landing never goes very smooth. How do I make that perfect landing?"

Enter your question using the comment box above. Be sure to include your name (first and last), where you are from, and your e-mail address in the allotted spaces so we can contact you and let you know if we use your question so you can claim your prize.

Good luck, and we'll see you up on the slopes!!!