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8 Ways To Go Downhill In A Hurry


by _arizona_

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A guide to Usul Skiing Season

Terror Mountain is a habitually blizzard infested boulder, with fissures and caves lined with powder fine sheets of the freshest snow Neopian skies have to sprinkle, but in the Month of Storing, the beloved new year of Neopets, the patient drawn out waiting for Advent dreams and Holiday shopping, it is much more. It is home to the steepest, most treacherous and difficult courses Usul Skiing season has to offer, and if you're at all inclined to wobble down the mountain legs quivering like the fabled Jelly World, or to race a friend and flaunt your talents, you had better peruse this simple guide.

1. Grease those skis: Anyone can have grace and agility going down the frozen slopes, but if you’re not the most graceful Neopet, *stares down a Skeith* there's a solution for you! Slimy Tree Bark. Yes, friend, you heard right. This cure all for the neopet who is having difficulty eating and drinking will also work wonders on those ski blades as you cut between branches, trees, and buried rocks beneath Terror Mountain's tundra. Of course, the slippery substance will come at a price, but wouldn't it be worth the look on your competitors' faces?

2. Fill up on warm stuff: Let's face it, even when the sun shines on Terror Mountain, it's still freezing cold, and how's a Neopet supposed to probe through the snow holding those ice bitten ski poles with cold paws? Some of the best treats to keep an extra pad of insulation in your pet would be soups like chicken dumpling soup and hot fruit soup. Sorry, but snow peppers just won't cut it. The warmer you are, the longer you’ll last in the bitter winds of the mountain top. Who told you Skiing Season was easy? You’ll need a hefty supply of delicious hot foods and beverages to keep your momentum going and what better way than a nice cup of coffee.

3. Study up: Creating new techniques is always fun, but if you really want to be a pro, look no further than the informative book, Usul Skiing Tips! With a pair of skis sliding right out from under this book, it's no wonder it has been the go to guide for so many competitors of the winter sport! As you flip through its many illustrated pages, you'll get an idea for new styles and methods you've never even heard of! Basically, you'll either get laughed off the slopes when you try them or be the talk of the mountain!

4. Have no fear: It's easy to forget just how spooky careening down the icy back of a mountain can be! When the lift finally reaches your destination you're probably going to be looking for the lift that goes back the other way, but there isn't one! You have one of two choices, hoof it down the hill, or ski! Well, since you rode the rickety lift all the way up there to ski, that's probably the best option. When going down, make sure you don't get in over your head, keep yourself balanced, and don't rush, or you'll be in for a fall! Remember to keep focused and calm lest you be toppling ski poles over head into a fir!

5. Use the buddy system: Not into leaving your adorable petpet at home while you're out and about? Who would be; those things can eat furniture! But that's beside the point... A Snuffly would happily plow through the snow in front of your path, and certainly an Abominable Snowball would do the same. Of course wintry petpets would make much better skiing companions than most, but really any task oriented petpet could do the job, whether it's pushing you or plowing the snow ahead. Let one tag along; they make great skiing partners.

6. Dress to impress: Need a little added weight, or perhaps just some added warmth? Stocking up on winter clothes is a must for any skiing event, but be warned, not all wearables are equal in the competitive Usul Skiing world! Of course that aerodynamic bow on the hindquarters will help, but if you're not an Usul you are out of luck. But there are several items every pet can adorn to help them! Woolen Caps and Scarves are a sure win, along with the flashy Winter Blechy Hat! Into heavier items? Try the Brown Winter Hat and Scarf! With any of those items your sure to fly down the mountain cozy as a Mootix in a Kadoatie's coat!

7. Just push the guy next to you: Okay, well, not really. Just threw this in there for a good laugh, unless, you're into that sort of thing. *raises eyebrow* Then by all means, the Kacheek over there looks kind of weak...

8. Painting your way down: Through all the examples you have read, quite possibly none will better display your talents (or lack there of) than this one. The top way to go downhill in a hurry? Why, be painted snow, of course! Your friends will scream down the hill, only to look around and not see you, but when they finally do, eh, you let out a short gasp and check your manicure. Of course you made it down the hill in about twice the time it took that stunning purple Yurble or that cute and seasoned Usul competitor, but who will know the difference! It's not like anyone can see you very well amongst all the powder and twigs!

Well, there you have it; whether you’re out to show your mad skills to those gung ho Usul showoffs, or you're having fun with friends and family, you’re going to impress anyone who sees you soaring down the mountain! Rocks and packed snow will attempt to slow you down, the cold will nip your nose and toes, and the powder will be so thick in places you could quite possibly sink, but these things are no longer an issue for you! Now that you know the tricks of the trade, allow room for a suggestion. Slap on a pair of skis, ascend the creaky wooden lift, and make yourself at home at the mountain top, Usul skiing season will be gone before you know it!

 
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