| As flights to Europe become cheaper and as | | | | when a skier leaves the marked runs or Pistes |
| the pound becomes stronger there are an | | | | in search of freshly dropped snow. It is an |
| increasing number of people deciding to go | | | | activity that is done by advanced skiers. |
| off on Ski Holidays. Traditionally skiing had | | | | This is because the skier is never fully |
| been restricted to the wealthy but there are | | | | aware of the types of terrain they will face |
| an increasing number of young people that can | | | | and have to be competent enough to deal with |
| now afford to have a skiing break. Ski | | | | an enormous variety of situations. The skier |
| holidays are attracting a new audience. When | | | | may travel to areas that are prone to |
| I started skiing I was daunted by the variety | | | | avalanches and as a result the practice is |
| of types of different ski activities and was | | | | banned at many US ski resorts. It is legal |
| afraid to ask. Here is a brief introduction | | | | everywhere but ski resorts will offer advice |
| to the different types of skiing that are out | | | | on where to avoid. It is strongly recommended |
| there. Skiing is not just about hammering | | | | that you adhere to this advice. Telemark |
| down the slopes in the fastest time possible. | | | | skiing utilises flexible ski boots that do |
| Alpine freestyle focuses on finesse and | | | | are not attached to the skis at the heel. |
| performing tricks on the slopes. It has been | | | | Named after the Telemark region of Norway and |
| referred to as acrobatics on skis. Skiers use | | | | dates back to 1868 when the father of modern |
| jumps and rails to perform aerial tricks that | | | | skiing Sandre Norheim used this type of |
| are similar to those performed in urban areas | | | | binding when he competed in a ski jump |
| on skateboards. Cross country or Nordic | | | | competition. Since then alpine ski fittings |
| Skiing is a type of skiing that is performed | | | | have gradually replaced the telemark system |
| worldwide. It is probably the most prevalent | | | | as the telemark skis are better suited to |
| form of skiing as it does not require a | | | | rolling terrain than the steeper downhill |
| special ski area, it can therefore be | | | | runs. Telemark skiing is physically more |
| performed anywhere that has snow. Cross | | | | demanding than Alpine skiing. As well as |
| country skis are long and thin to help | | | | being a recreational activity for civilians, |
| distribute the weight of the skier. Cross | | | | skiing is also utilised as a training |
| country skiers often use their ski poles to | | | | activity for the military. Warfare has also |
| propel themselves along as well pushing the | | | | taken place on skis and ski troops have |
| skis sideways in a technique similar to ice | | | | played a key role in military activity. |
| skating. People off on their ski holidays may | | | | Records were made of ski warfare as early as |
| be presented with the opportunity to attempt | | | | the thirteenth century. More recently ski |
| ski jumping. Ski jumping or Nordic jumping is | | | | troops helped Finland remain independent from |
| a competitive sport that involves the skier | | | | Russia during the Winter War. They also |
| travelling down a specially constructed ski | | | | helped repel the German forces during the |
| ramp and off a jump at the end in an attempt | | | | Lapland War. |
| to achieve a further distance than the | | | | |
| competitors. The ski jumper uses specially | | | | Shaun Parker has been an avid skier for many |
| designed skis that are wider and longer than | | | | years. |
| normal skis. Off-Piste or Randonee skiing is | | | | |