Skiing is one of the fastest growing participation sports in the world, and this is
perfectly understandable since it is a very healthy, funfilled way to enjoy winter. There are
two primary types of skiing-Alpine and Nordic-and they require very different equipment
and skills. Most Nordic skiing, which is also referred to as 'cross-country skiing', is
performed basically on flat or gently rolling terrain. The skis used are quite narrow and
very light, the shoes are normally made of leather and are similar to running shoes and the
bindings allow the heels of the Nordic ski shoes to lift, enabling the skier to glide, walk or
run on his or her skis.
Alpine skiing, the most popular form of skiing and the style discussed throughout this
web site, for the most part, is performed on snow-covered hills and mountains that vary in
grade from very gentle inclines to extremely steep mountain faces. A novice skier
naturally starts on the gentle terrain, and progresses to the more demanding terrain after
developing the necessary technique and capability to control his or her skis on the steeper
slopes and at higher speeds.
The skis used for Alpine skiing have slippery plastic soles and sharp metal edges
that are used for controlling and steering the skis. The ski boots are normally made of
plastic and are heavier and more voluminous than ordinary street shoes. These boots are
designed to fit comfortably on the foot and at the same time hold the foot and ankle firmly
in place so that they do not feel any strain during the skiing movements. The boots allow
the ankle to bend forward but not sideways. The bindings which secure the skis to the
boots are designed to release the boot and skis during a fall.
A form of skiing combining Alpine and Nordic skiing is growing in popularity in
many parts of the world, especially the western USA, Australia and New Zealand. It is
known as 'three-pin skiing', 'skinny-skis skiing', 'Norpine' or 'Telemark', and uses a
lightweight ski similar to, though slightly wider than, a Nordic ski, and with metal edges.
The binding is called a 'threepin' and lifts at the heel. The boots used are made of leather
and are similar to hiking shoes. Other forms of Alpine skiing that are becoming very
popular are 'monoskiing' and snow boarding'. Both are performed on the same slopes as
normal Alpine skiing. Monoskiing is very similar to standard skiing, except that one
stands on a very wide board with both feet attached to the board using standard Alpine
bindings. The ski boots are the same as for Alpine skiing. While monoskiing can be
performed on moguls and packed slopes, it is most fun in deep powder snow or in wind-
blown or heavy snow. Snow boarding is also executed on a wide board, but one uses firm
'apres-ski' boots and stands on the board sideways, hooking the boots through straps
attached to the board. The stance and the technique for turning are quite similar to water
surfing, making the sport quite appeating to thrill-seeking youth. However, the ski slopes of today
are inhabited by people of all ages and ability.
