Safety on the Ski Slopes - Ski Helmets

In the past helmets were seen as pretty uncool but now, thankfully, they are the must-have piece of gear. So if you are starting to think about your kit for next season and have as yet to have purchased a helmet here are a few things to think about.

Why should I wear a helmet?

Wearing a helmet can protect your head from serious injury if you have a fall on the slopes. They are not just for those that push themselves to the limits off piste and on the halfpipe, even a simple fall on a nursery slope can result in a head injury, as was highlighted with the tragic case of Natasha Richardson earlier this year.

If you still need persuading after all of that then they also have the added bonus of keeping your head really warm during those cold January blizzards and the most modern versions can integrate things like mp3 players and cameras!

What should I look for in a good helmet?

You should make sure that if you do buy a helmet it meets an approved safety standard (a CE, ASTM or Snell RS-98 certification). In addition to that you want to make sure that its a really good fit.

How do I know if it fits properly?

Follow these 6 steps to choose your helmet:

1. Measure the circumference of your head, this will determine your helmet size. All good stores will do this for you, even if you decide to buy online it may be worth getting a proper measurement in your local ski wear shop first.
2. Try on the helmet and align the front rim above your eyebrows holding both straps until the helmet fits well.
3. The right helmet should fit snugly and there should not be any gaps that allow it to wiggle around.
4. Make sure the helmet does not touch the nape of your neck.
5. Finally try on a pair of your goggles with the helmet and make sure it still feels comfortable and that your goggles do not push your helmet up.
6. Take your time - you would not rush buying a pair of boots!

Should I buy or rent one?

Its much better to buy your own helmet than to rent one, although obviously renting one is better than not wearing one at all. You know how rushed it can be in a rental shop on a Sunday morning when everyone's desperate to get out on the slopes, you are much more likely to spend time on finding a helmet that fits perfectly if you are buying one before you head out to the snow. Also, rented ones may well have been knocked around a bit and that can weaken their ability to keep your head safe.

How long will a helmet last for?

If you have an accident which results in a significant impact on your helmet you should replace it, otherwise a good helmet can last for years.

And finally, please remember that if you do buy a helmet it does not automatically give you super powers, you still need to take care on the slopes!

Liz is a writer on the Ski Concierge blog http://www.ski-concierge.com/blog, which is your independent guide to all things skiing. ----------------------------------------------- For more on Ski Safety, see www.bestskisource.com.

Ski Holidays 2010 - Is it Better to Book Early?

By Edward Ockelton

There has been a lot articles and press releases written about when to book next season's ski holidays. Many of these have reported that there could be a complete lack of accommodation because large tour operators have cut the number of chalets they are running. The industry advice is (rather unsurprisingly) "book early or face disappointment".

Is there any truth to these statements, or is it just spin/pr from within the ski industry to try and encourage people to book early for what could be a difficult season?

Some of what is written is in fact true. A number of tour operators have significantly reduced the number of catered chalet holidays they are will offer. So a customer who usually holidays with a particular operator may find that there is less availability with that operator during winter 2009/2010.

However, what most of these articles and press releases have failed to point out is that although chalets may have been dropped by a particular operator, these properties still exist and in most cases, the owners still want to rent them out.

Generally, booking a ski chalet through a large tour operator is not the cheapest way to take a ski holiday (although many like the security which this affords). Because these operators often have large overheads, they are unable to offer chalet holidays as cheap as owner run businesses. So if a chalet owner finds his or herself without anyone renting their chalet, they will offer it for rent direct, often at a fraction of the cost of the tour operator. In these days of the "internet savvy" holidaymaker, it doesn't take very long to package the rest of your holiday independently, with airport transfers and outside catering. The result? A ski holiday at a fraction of the cost.

A booking agent in Chatel reported:

"Just because large tour operators have reduced the number of chalets that they offer, doesn't mean that there will be less chalets to rent. On the contrary, there are now a large number of chalets available which were previously tied in to expensive contracts with tour operators.

In our resort, one catered chalet tour operator decided not to continue for next winter. This meant that there are now less catered chalet holidays available. However, most of the ski chalets which were rented by the company are now available with a number of different booking agents, in many cases at a lower price."

Of course, the main New Year and half term weeks will be booked up early. However, if you have flexibility over which date you can holiday, then rather than having reduced supply, this coming winter may well see a number of increasingly desperate property owners slashing rental prices in order to get some bookings. The truth is, no one knows for sure, but there is certainly no need to panic and book an early holiday just because the ski press has told you to!

All Mountain Holidays offer ski holidays and ski chalets direct. Accommodation in most ski resorts worldwide. The site also offers weather and snow reports, as well as ski & snow news. ------------------------------------------------ For more articles and information on Ski Holidays, see www.bestskisource.com.

Shopping For Ski Equipment

By Jonathan Wickham

Skiing is a fun filled sport. Skiers will testify of great experiences during this outdoor sport. However, great sports require the right equipment. Different companies will offer various equipment. Buying branded equipment is a good idea but it does not necessarily imply that the equipment is the best. Nevertheless, it is important to go ski equipment that is well established and trusted.

At sport shops, you will get the best ski equipment at cost effective prices. Whatever equipment you require from ski pants, ski sunglasses, ski jackets, ski gloves, ski goggles to ski boots everything is available under one roof. Your size will be given consideration because ill-fitting equipment may cause unnecessary accidents. Ski boots for example need to be well fitting. The feet need to be secure to avoid falling when you are going down a slope.

When shopping for equipment ensure they are made from the latest materials. At sport shops, you will find the latest quality brands of equipment. They have been tailored to meet your specific needs. Remember skiing is a dangerous sport without the right kind of ski equipment. If you need hi-tech new arrival ski equipment, look no further because sport shops have all you need.

One of Utah's premier outfit suppliers of equipment can help you get geared up to hit the slopes and start shredding the snow. Be sure to have the best gear available when hitting the fresh powder up on the mountains and pulling tricks in style. Hit the slopes in style today.

Park's Sportsman is a leader in the recreational outfitter field, specializing in Ski Equipment. Jonathan Wickham is a freelance writer. ---------------------------------------------------------- For more articles on Area Skiing Articles, see www.bestskisource.com.

Utah Ski Resorts Are Perfect For Ski Vacations

By Jonathan Wickham

It is said that the largest snow on this earth is found in Utah and with a standard of 500" of earth's driest and also the lightest powder annually. There are many great Ski resorts over here ranging from less expensive to more expensive resorts. Utah ski resorts are world class ski resorts.

Utah cannot be beaten for its consistency and its terrain of the deepest and the lightest powder around. In the year 2002 Utah ski resorts also hosted the whole world and so they are nicely prepared to greet you. It has one hour drive from the international airport, Salt Lake.

If you want to spend your ski vacations nicely then Utah ski resorts is where you can relax and have an unforgettable experience with your family and friends. Utah ski resorts are respected for its typical powder skiing. In these resorts there are also perfect trainers to teach you skiing properly.

They have amenities like Spa, swimming pool, nice and spacious rooms and the guests will surely enjoy the Club Solitude. There are also abundant activities. The Utah ski resorts provide local organic food along with fresh ingredients. There are creative and cultural happenings throughout the year.

Park Cities ski schools are composed of Snowboard and the Park City mountain ski Resort providing a range of programs, classes for children and special programs for skiing offered to the disabled people in the area.

The blueslip Bowl is really loved by experts and it is almost busy all through with its access from the Homerun.

Silverlode is another very attractive and accommodating place for those beginners who would want to get some improvement on their glade skiing.

http://www.sundanceresort.com/ is an authority in the area of utah ski resorts and utah ski resort. Jonathan Wickham is a freelance writer.

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Dress to Impress Next Ski Season

By Billings Farnsworth

Even though the ski season is over, it's never too early to plan for next year. Be sure to have all of the proper ski clothing ready for your next experience so that you don't freeze or hurt yourself.

Clothing is the first part of your ski equipment that you want to make sure is right. Start with a base layer of thermal underwear to keep yourself warm. Although they do make once piece thermal underwear, wearing a thermal body shirt and pants should still do the trick. Be sure to keep your feet warm with a good pair of ski socks. Depending on which ones you get they can help keep your feet dry, warm and padded against hard impacts. Special snowboarding socks are available in certain stores. On top of that first layer you should wear a fleece jacket or sweater, a good pair of ski pants and some ski boots. Your ski boots will vary depending on the type of binding that your skis have.

Keep your head nice and warm with a ski hat or beanie. If you are an extreme skier or just want a little extra protection, there are helmets made especially for snow sports that you can pick up at specialty stores. Finish off your last layer with a quality ski jacket and gloves. Protect your hands from snow, ice and impact with a pair of specially designed ski gloves that have padding in them. With these gloves your hands will always be protected.

Park's Sportsman sells ski equipment. Billings Farnsworth is a freelance writer.

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Ski Holidays For Beginners

By Edward Ockelton

When you book a ski holiday, it is very important to choose a resort which suits your group's skiing ability. This is especially true for beginners.

Nothing can put a beginner off skiing quicker than a week spent trying to ski down unsuitable steep terrain, or have to travel for miles to get to the beginner ski slopes.

We have therefore compiled our "Top Ten Ski Resorts For Beginners" list:
1. Les Arcs, France - Why is it good?
* Excellent nursery slopes directly above each of the resort's main villages.
* Free beginner's lift.
* Good range of early intermediate slopes as you progress.

2. Bansko, Bulgaria - Why is it good?
* Beautiful World Heritage Site.
* Modern lift system.
* Good range of nursery slopes.
* Great value - skiing here won't break the bank.
* As you progress there is an excellent 16km intermediate run from the top to the bottom of the mountain (2560 m to 935 m).

3. Cortina, Italy - Why is it good?
* Breathtaking views over the Dolomites.
* Often cited as being one of the world's most beautiful ski resorts.
* Extensive nursery slopes in the Socrapes area.
* Instructors who are especially good with kids.

4. Killington, US - Why is it good?
* No language barriers.
* Ski schools are excellent.
* Large nursery slope areas.
* "Discovery Centre" for complete beginners showing how your equipment works before you start to ski.

5. Lech, Austria - Why is it good?
* A classic alpine resort.
* Picturesque village with fine hotels.
* Very well regarded ski schools with good English speaking instructors.
* Plenty of runs for intermediate and advanced as well, so a good option for mixed ability groups.

6. Poiana Brasov, Romania - Why is it good?
* An great place to try skiing without breaking the bank.
* Two nursery areas.
* Helpful and enthusiastic instructors.
* Excellent nearby excursions (such as Dracula's castle).
* Cheap and cheerful food, wine and entertainment.

7. Soldeu, Andorra - Why is it good?
* Often named as being one of Europe's best beginner resorts.
* Two extensive nursery areas.
* A large number of English speaking ski instructors.
* Good number of intermediate runs to progress to.
* Usually good weather (Sldeu means "Sun God").
* Excellent nightlife.
* Duty-free zone, so can be cheap.

8. Tignes, France - Why is it good?
* High and very "snowsure".
* Good range of easy to access nursery slopes.
* Good range of intermediate/expert slopes so a good destination for mixed ability groups.
* Lots of accommodation to choose from.
* Lots of non-skiing activities and great après-ski.

9 Wengen, Switzerland - Why is it good?
* Spectacular location under the north face of the Eiger.
* A great destination for families, with a well renowned ski school.
* Lots of non-skiing activities.

10. Chatel, France - Why is it good?
* Easy resort to reach either by flying into Geneva, or driving from Calais.
* Great range of beginners slopes, and good English speaking instructors.
* Part of the world's biggest ski area (the Portes du Soleil) so plenty of runs for all abilities.
* Regularly receives on average the most snowfall in the alps, so one of the most snowsure non glacier resorts.
* Picturesque village with bags of charm and plenty of off-slope activities.

We also have some tips for beginner skiers, which should help make your first time all the more enjoyable:

1. Try and get some lessons in the UK before you leave, preferably in one of the real snow domes. This means that once you get to your resort, you already have an idea of the basics (how to put your skis on etc.).

2. When booking ask if there are any 'Learn to Ski or Snowboard Packages'. This may include lessons, gear rental and a lift pass if needed.

3. Check to see if beginners can get away with buying a cheaper "local area" of "beginner" lift pass. There is no need to buy a pass for a huge area if you are only going to ski on beginner and early intermediate slopes.

4. If you want to learn snowboarding, check if the schools in your resort offer beginner courses for boarders.

5. Check that the accommodation is convenient for the pistes, the lifts and general amenities.

6. Rent gear to start with - it's a lot cheaper.

Above all, remember that skiing is meant to be fun!

Ed Ockelton lives in the French Alps and runs White-Peak Ski Holidays France and All Mountain Ski Holidays.

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Ski and Snowboard All Year Round

Our society is becoming one of expected convenience. Improving technology is helping to raise our consumer expectations in many areas. It's now accepted that we are able to make telephone calls and read our emails wherever we are. We are becoming accustomed to being able to watch any television programme at a time that suits us rather than the programme schedulers. We also expect to be able to purchase fruit and vegetables even when they are out of season. These are all examples of a progression towards satisfying increasing levels of consumer demand.

For ski and snowboard fans things are no different. People now want to ski or ride their boards all year round and in perfect conditions if possible. Not so long ago skiers had to journey across continents to specialist resorts and hope that weather conditions were suitable to provide the necessary conditions for their sport. Often the costs were very high and the skiers were let down by poor weather conditions. Blizzards, storms or lack of snow could all stop skiers getting onto the mountains. Now winter sports resorts all over the world have reduced their reliance on the weather and the provision of enough snow has been mitigated by high-tech snow generation systems. The technology behind the original snow cannons was patented almost 50 years ago and now most resorts that don't have guaranteed snow falls use snow generation systems to keep their pistes operational throughout the season. Snow cannons came to the French Alps almost 20 years ago. Val d'Isere, for example, has over 300 snow cannons whereas Meribel and Courcheval both have over 500 cannons each. Snow is artificially made by ejecting a mixture of water and compressed air at high speed into the atmosphere where it freezes into snow before landing on the ground. The air temperature needs to be below zero for that to happen but once it is, ski resorts can use their cannon networks to supplement the natural snow. It is thought that a resort like Meribel generates over 2 million cubic metres of snow in a season. The technology now allows resorts to cover their slopes during November and open even earlier, extending their seasons. Snow cannons are also used to keep certain critical runs open so that resort areas can remain linked and are not vulnerable to restrictions just because certain key connecting runs are short of snow.

Technology has developed even further recently and has now brought winter sports participation yet closer to home. The introduction of indoor snow centres has brought skiing and snowboarding even closer to the doorstep. There are now several indoor snow centres in the UK, with the latest opening recently on the outskirts of London. There are even snow centres in the most unlikely places. In the desert of the Middle East, Ski Dubai opened in 2005 and offers an indoor "black" run and a 400m long slope. The world's longest run is claimed by Alpincenter in Bottrum, Germany with a 640m long slope. In The Netherlands are two of the world's largest snow centres with SnowWorld in Landgraaf claiming to be the biggest with a snow area of 35,000 square metres. The SnowCentre in Hemel Hempstead uses the latest indoor snow generation technology to produce its snow and is able to create in excess of 80 tonnes of snow per day if required.

Such is the quality of indoor snow generation, and the resorts being built around it, that professional-level competitions can be held in these indoor centres. In 2003 the indoor centre at Landgraff hosted the world's first indoor FIS World Cup event with a round of the Snowboard Parallel Slalom and it has held Snowboard FIS World Cup races every year since. The Snow Centre in the UK hosts two rounds of the British Snowboarding Grand Prix series in July and the ERSA Ski Race Championships in October 2009.

So technology has now brought the slopes of the Alps to the doorstep of Londoners. Skiers and Snowboarders can improve their technique all year round for a fraction of the cost of a trip abroad and, when they do eventually go to the mountains, their skills will be so much better, helping them to enjoy their visits even more.

Phil Woods gives a fresh perspective on action sports and the facilities available. Read what he thinks about indoor snowboarding in the UK and the latest indoor ski resorts worldwide.

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Visit a Ski Town on a Rocky Mountain Vacation

by Joe Dockter

Many people like to visit ski towns and villages on their Rocky Mountain vacation. Some of the more popular towns in Colorado include Aspen, Breckenridge, Crested Butte, Steamboat Springs, Telluride, Vail, and Winter Park. While these towns are known for their ski resorts and wide variety of winter sports, many people planning Rocky Mountain vacation like to visit during the summer to enjoy hiking, mountain biking, camping, whitewater rafting.

Aspen started out as a mining camp, and was first settled in 1879. Like many of the ski resorts, it was saved by a veteran of the 10th Mountain Division, an elite Army fighting force specially trained for missions at high altitude. Aspen has become a destination for the rich and famous from all over the world. You might just see Michael Douglas, Antonio Banderas, Jack Nicholson, Goldie Hawn, Cher, Kevin Costner, or Michelle Pfeiffer eating or shopping in one of Aspen's bistros or boutiques.

Breckenridge is another mining town that made it big. It flourished during the Pikes Peak Gold Rush, and was established to serve miners working the Georgia Gulch. Breckenridge was the home of the first post office between the Continental Divide and Salt Lake City. Try fly fishing or whitewater rafting on your Rocky Mountain vacation to this picturesque mountain town.

Crested Butte was incorporated in 1880. Some of the first to settle in the area were beaver trappers. Soon the surveyors followed, and then the miners came looking for silver. Coal mining and ranching also contributed to the development of the area. History buffs will enjoy a visit to Crested Butte on their Rocky Mountain vacation. The entire town has been designated a National Historic District. Nature lovers can spend their days identifying the 600 species of wildflowers that grow nearby.

Steamboat Springs was also first visited by trappers. Ranching became a major industry and by 1918 more cattle were shipped from Steamboat Springs than from any other point in the United States. The first ski jump in the United States was built here by Carl Howelsen in 1915. Steamboat Springs has been home to many Olympic skiers and host of the Alpine Skiing World Cup.

Other things to enjoy during your Rocky Mountain vacation in Steamboat Springs include a relaxing afternoon in one of the geothermal hot springs, having fun at the Yampa River Festival, or visiting the James Brown Soul Center of the Universe Bridge, which was named by the citizens of Steamboat Springs and officially opened by James Brown.

Telluride was also a mining town. It is one of the most beautiful towns in Colorado, located in a steep box canyon. Telluride was the first town to use alternating current to power streetlights. In June of 1889 Butch Cassidy robbed the San Miguel Valley Bank. Telluride became a ski town in the late 1930's and the first lift opened in 1974.

You might see a celebrity in Telluride, as many have sought more private surroundings. Oprah, Tom Cruise, Oliver Stone, Christie Brinkley, and Stormin' Norman Schwarzkopf all own homes in or near Telluride. Besides celebrity watching, you can also enjoy the Telluride Jazz Festival or the Telluride Film Festival on your Rocky Mountain vacation.

Vail is another exclusive ski town that was developed by a veteran of the 10th Mountain Division. It is one of the few ski towns that was built specifically to be a ski resort. It is one of the biggest and busiest resorts in North America with more than 1.6 million skier days annually. The gondola was the first in the United States. Former President Gerald Ford lived in nearby Beaver Creek and conducted much of the nation's business from the Vail resort. Other things to see in Vail on your Rocky Mountain vacation include the Vail Film Festival, the Colorado Ski Museum, and the Steadman-Hawkins Clinic, a world-famous sports injury clinic whose clients include John Elway, Joe Montana, Greg Norman, Kobe Bryant, Bode Miller, Picabo Street, Martina Navratilova, and Monica Seles.

Winter Park is the closest ski town to Denver, a short 67 mile drive. The resort belongs to the City and County of Denver. Although Winter Park was incorporated in 1978, the town began as two small settlements that sprang up during construction of the Moffat Tunnel. The train trip across the Continental Divide was cut from about five hours in good weather to about 12 minutes regardless of the weather. You can enjoy mountain biking, hiking, and fishing on your Rocky Mountain vacation in Winter Park.

While skiing is a great way to spend a Rocky Mountain vacation, you can enjoy visiting many of Colorado's historic ski towns during spring and summer. You can have fun fishing, hiking, mountain biking, whitewater rafting, shopping, and celebrity watching. Visit a ski town this summer and see what you've been missing. Joe Dockter http://rockymountainvacation.blogspot.com http://yellowstonevacations.blogspot.com http://mountrushmorememorial.blogspot.com

About the Author

Joe has a BS in Business Management/Marketing. Joe has 20 years of federal service with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Joe has traveled extensively and is the father of 2 Eagle Scouts. http://rockymountainvacation.blogspot.com http://yellowstonevacations.blogspot.com http://mountrushmorememorial.blogspot.com

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Ski Patrol Training: Gateway to a New Career Jumpstart

by RON HARPER

Every winter solstice, panoramic views of various mountain ranges densely carpeted with blankets of cascading silvery snow, lure tourists and ski enthusiasts alike to their magical slopes. Bustling bevies of skiers embark and intermingle, with one common interest- to indulge in winter sports and eventually enjoy their winter holiday.

Skiing is such a cold sport. No one sets out deliberately to freeze amidst the magnificent slopes of powder. Yet, we cannot just disregard nature’s underlying and awesome potential. Things happen. There may be hazards and dangers along the way. On the other hand, it doesn’t mean though that we have to fear this outdoor activity. It is necessary to be prepared and be perceptive, in anticipation of what may be lying ahead.

Various activities abound the mountainous slopes- group competitions, individual races, and several trainings being conducted by different organizations and associations. There are countless job opportunities for qualified applicants who may possess the corresponding skills to qualify for the position but will definitely have to undergo rigid field trainings. Ski patrollers play a vital role in overseeing every activity in and around the surrounding areas of the site. Patrols possess precision and flexibility even through the toughest terrains and are perceptive and receptive to any movement. Their controlled movements flow in rhythm with the cascading slopes of ice. Their presence of mind and cleverness are evident as they undergo their individual tasks.

There are other requirements and qualifications for Ski Patrols but may depend largely on which organization is conducting the ski patrol training. In the Panorama Mountain Resort of Canada, their trainings comprise several modules in 3 consecutive phases.

Similarly, the Squaw Ski Patrol Organization in American terrains conducts similar ski patroller trainings but has added a new feature - the "train the trainer" which gives the trainers the chance to review and enhance their teaching techniques in intensive skiing and toboggan techniques.

Famous among the International Patrol Organizations is the British Association of Ski Patrols (BASP) through the Federation of International Ski Patrols. Their intensive ski patrol training runs for 5 consecutive days, giving emphasis to Defibrillation training- a more advanced Emergency Medical Technician Training.

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Ski Holidays 2010 - Book Early to Get the Best Deals

By Edward Ockelton

It has been a funny old year. Recession hit the UK, the pound crashed against the Euro, holidays in the Eurozone became a lot more expensive for Brits, and the Alps received some of the best snowfall for 25 years, with the season opening in style in November and continuing with fantastic conditions until the end of April. So a bit of a mixed bag for British skiers - great snow conditions vs expensive European holidays.

It wasn't all bad news however. The sheer number of catered chalets available coupled with a significant drop in clients booking early meant that there were a lot of amazing deals available as increasingly desperate chalet operators dropped their prices in an attempt to fill their beds.

With an uncertain climate still prevailing throughout the British Isles, and based on what happened last year, skiers would be forgiven for thinking that the best thing to do for 2009/2010 would be to wait until the last minute, and try and get a reduced deal. However, if you are serious about your skiing, that could prove to be a mistake.

Based on the poor performance of many chalets during the winter 08/09 season, many chalet operators have dramatically reduced the number of chalets they will be operating. In simple terms, this means that there won't be enough chalets to go around, especially during the peak weeks. Demand is predicted to massively outstrip supply which could result in price rises of between 10-30 % as the season approaches.

Because the news of these chalet cuts have yet to filter through to all the smaller chalet operators and owner run chalet operations, prices at the moment tend to be comparable with last year, or in some cases even cheaper. However, as the season approaches and it becomes clear that it is a seller's market, prices for remaining weeks and beds are predicted to rise sharply. At the moment, there are still some good deals to be found for next winter, even for the New Year and half term weeks. The shrewd skiers are booking now. Says Liz of independent ski holiday portal, All Mountain Holidays;

"Many people think that the thing to do this year is to book late. However, traffic on our site is currently high, and most of the quality chalets are already booked for Christmas, New Year and half term. For many chalet owners, Easter is also selling fast. I think it is going to come as quite a shock to people who leave it until the autumn to book a ski holiday during the school holidays - there will be very little availability, and what will be left will be phenomenally expensive. Even the non school holiday weeks are going to suffer price rises as the season approaches and availability becomes more limited."

In order to avoid disappointment next winter, if you can afford to, get a deposit down on your 2009/2010 ski holiday as soon as possible. If you leave it too late, you may find that there isn't much choice!

All Mountain Holidays offers a full range of ski holidays accommodation - from independent owner run chalets to ski package holidays and serviced ski apartments. Because the site allows you to book direct with the owner or operator, it cuts out the middle man and saves you money.

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