The History of Skiing

Skiing is the movement of gliding over snow using skis (a long and flat apparatus with metal edges worn on the feet to help glide smoothly over snow). Skiing flourished as a recreational and aggressive sport during the 20th century. Skiing is currently a popular world-wide activity enjoyed by many. Skiing is especially hailed during the Winter Olympic Games.

The history of this popular recreational and aggressive sport has gone through some revolutionary changes. Skiing actually evolved from snowshoeing (snowshoes served as footwear for walking over the snow) as a feasible and efficient means of transportation across snowy paths. Interesting enough, the combination of modern-day skiing and its once primitive means as a form of transportation is currently employed by some military troops (aka ski troops).

Major Types of Skiing

Skiing takes on various styles and levels of expertise. Some major types of skiing include, alpine skiing, cross country skiing, ski jumping, and telemark skiing.

Alpine skiing involves sliding down snow-covered hills utilizing thin skis. Cross country skiing can be viewed as the snow version of cross country running. Skiers of this type encounter snow paths of various levels and difficulties. Cross country skiing is considered one of the most endurance challenging sports in the world. The nature of this form of skiing requires that the boot and ski be bonded only at the toes, allowing flexibility of the heels.

Ski jumping involves sliding down a take-off ramp, which propels the skier into the air with full force. The objective is to jump as far as possible, while simultaneously earning stylistic points. The nature of this form of skiing requires skis that are long and wide.

Lastly, telemark skiing is known as "free heel skiing." Telemark skiing allows for smoother travel down patchy hills and thick snow paths. Telemark skiing involves the skier to advance one ski in front of the other while raising the heel on the rear ski in a very bent knee position. This technique establishes great stability and speed and therefore requires that the boot and ski be bonded only at the toes, allowing for free movement of the heels.

Snowboarding

Snowboarding involves gliding down a snow slope using a snowboard (a board similar to a surfboard or skateboard, which is attached to the snowboarder's feet). Unlike skiing, snowboarding emerged not as an earlier means of transportation, but as an inspiration from the fusion of surfing and skateboarding. Snowboarding developed in the United States during the 1960s and 1970s.

Though the early years of this sport's emergence was not embraced with a warm acceptance by ski culture, snowboarding eventually gained immense popularity. By 1998, snowboarding became a Winter Olympic Sport.

The Date Activity

Taking your squeeze skiing or snowboarding can be quite an adventurous date. This type of date would especially work out well if you and your honey are outdoorsy, active people. If it's your first time or your honey's, take a ski or snowboard lesson. Many ski areas have beginners' lessons at reasonable prices. In addition, a ski resort would be a great winter vacation spot for special events, including couples' anniversaries.

On Your Own / With Friends

Skiing and snowboarding is something that many enjoy doing alone. Typically, people that ski or snowboard alone do so as a competitive sport. Skiing and snowboarding is also a great activity with friends and family. Ski resorts serve as the ideal winter vacation spot. The various amenities found at the resorts can interest people of all types.

Whether enjoying it solo, with family or friends, skiing and snowboarding are enjoyable activities that help burn off those excess winter holiday calories.