Snowboarder’s Paradise (NAPS)—With its high-energy mix of speed andstyle,it’s easy to see why snowboarding is the fastest-growing winter sport in America. And Wisconsin has quickly become a leader in the sport. In fact, Wisconsin ranks third nationally in snowboarding facilities, with more than 30 areas now welcoming boarders. Snowboardersfind extreme terrain on Wisconsin slopes. Whyall the growth in a Mid- west state? Snowboarders are as interested in terrain parks and other man-made amenities as they are in sheer vertical drop. Wisconsin ski hills like Tyrol Basin and Devil’s Head are among the nation’s leaders in developing these snowboard-oriented areas, whose features includerails, halfpipes, jumps and spines. Wisconsin’s gentle hills and non-pow- der conditions are also perfect for beginners, and almost all of the state’s downhill ski facilities offer snowboarding instruction. Combined with the Badger State’s geographic proximity to Chicago and Minneapolis, and the topflight snowmaking equipment used on its hills, these factors have spelled a boom in thestate’s overall snowboarding industry. For more information on snowboarding facilities, weekly Wis- consin snow conditions and free travel-planning guides, like the Wisconsin 2000/2001 Winter Event & Recreation Guide, visitors can log on to the Wisconsin Department of Tourism’s Website (travelwisconsin.com)or call the state’s 24-hour live-operated hot line, 1-800-432-TRIP/8747.
