Snowboard and Skiing

Types of Snow Skiing

October 22nd, 2007 Subscribe To Our Feed

Snow Skiing is a sport that the whole family can take part in. In fact it is a great way for the whole family to vacation together and for the kids to make new friends at the same time. There are two types of snow skiing that a person can do. These are downhill (or alpine) skiing and cross-country skiing. Both these varieties are a great way to get exercise, enjoy the fresh air and countryside and serve as a great vacation for all the family.

Downhill Snow Skiing

This is the most popular of the two because it is easier to get started and most snow resorts cater for this type of activity. Most people start with this type of snow skiing by getting some basic instructions. They can get advice from their friends or they can take some lessons. Taking lessons is probably the best bet as you will get qualified expertise and learn how to ski properly. Most resorts have ski schools and instructors that can give you group lessons or one-on-one tuition.

Some people have a natural ability for skiing and find they only need some basic lessons before they are ready to embark onto the slopes and will learn the rest as they go along. Some may prefer a full week of lessons to get confidence to go out alone. Once you get to that stage the fun really begins.

Most people will find intermediate, advanced, and specialized lessons helpful once they get to a certain level. As you get better and try harder runs or faster speeds, technique becomes more important. Moguls (snow bumps) are a point in case, there is a technique to negotiating moguls without losing your shape or control. This can be taught to you by following an instructor. Also, skiers may want additional lessons before trying activities like racing and advanced jumps.

Regardless of a person’s skiing abilities, that individual should be very cautious with his or her speed. Going too fast at a ski resort has the potential to end in a crash, accident or injury. Control is important and some people without experience can quickly lose control and crash into other people.

Cross-Country Snow Skiing

Cross-country skiing is more for advanced winter sports enthusiasts. The equipment is slightly different to downhill snow skiing in that the ski is narrow and the binding is loose at the back of the foot. This allows the cross country skier to walk easier. The sport is a great physical work out, especially when walking up slopes. It is also far more leisurely than downhill skiing. Cross-country skiing may be more difficult for children as they may tire quickly with this type of intensive work-out.

Cross-country skiing trails exist in most ski resorts. A cross country skier is not necessarily tied to a trail if they are an advanced skier and they know the mountain well. However it is important to be familiar with the area and notify people if you are planning to go off the trails. You should also be fairly advanced in cross country and skiing in general if you are going off the trails.