Skiing

Skiing actually originated as a need for transport of humans from place to place. This was an ingenious method devised by man in order to move around from place to place especially in places which are permanently covered with snow.

Origin of skiing was in Scandinavia. This activity originated here out of absolute necessity. Since then skiing has developed as an important sport with a lot of progress in technology and style.

Sondre Norheim is considered to be the father of modern skiing. The idea of using binding while turning to ski downhill was put forth by him. This was the prerunner to the present alpine skiing.

With improvements in techniques this sport started gaining in popularity and is today one of the important means of recreation and enjoyment for a lot of people all over the world. It has developed to such an extent that a large number of events are held every year in this sport where a lot of skilled professionals take part.

The various skiing events include extreme skiing, snowboarding, freestyle skiing, ski jumping, cat skiing, telemark skiing, cross country skiing, heliskiing, speed skiing, etc. Techniques were perfected to enable people to ski in a proper manner. Accessories like clothing and the various safety equipments were fine tuned.

With the advance in technology, even a person who is challenged physically is able to enjoy this sport. This is possible with use of special equipments like sit skis, inter skier communication, double and single color guides, outriggers, etc.

Difficulty levels in the slopes are indicated with colour codes. Generally green represents slopes for beginners and black for more advanced and experienced skiers. Crusts, granular snow, packed powder snow and corn snow are generally preferred by people.

All skiing destinations abound in resorts which offer excellent accommodation facilities for people who come on skiing vacations. A lot of these resorts, apart from excellent service also provide with instructors who train people wanting to learn skiing in basic skills and techniques.

Different types of skiing include the water skiing, snow skiing, powder skiing, alpine skiing, cross country skiing, etc. Skiing on water with the skier tied on to the motor boat is called water skiing. This involves three people namely the skier, the driver who drives the boat and the observer who communicates between the driver and the skier.

Snow skiing involves skiing on the slopes of mountains covered with snow. Snow skiing is of two types - the Nordic and alpine. Nordic indicates cross country skiing while alpine is skiing downhill. Powder skiing is skiing on snow which is light and fluffy. This skiing is the favourite among almost all the skiers in the world. Powder skiing gives the skier the feeling of floating on clouds.

Back country skiing is something a strong and experienced skier can enjoy. While you are on this type of skiing you are generally on your own with no help on hand. If you can be sure of avoiding accidents and of your skills and ability, backcountry skiing is very exciting and thrilling.