Skiing - life is better on the slopes!
Skiing is a means of transport using skis to glide on snow. Until the mid-19th century skiing was primarily used as a means of transport, but it has since become a recreational activity and sport. Many types of competitive skiing are now recognised. As equipment evolved and ski lifts were developed, two main genres of skiing emerged - Alpine Skiing (including disciplines such as downhill, slalom and freestyle) and Nordic Skiing (including disciplines such as cross-country skiing, telemark skiing and ski touring).
Alpine Skiing 🎿
Also called "downhill skiing", Alpine skiing typically takes place on a piste at a ski resort. Ski lifts, including chairlifts, bring skiers up the slope and slopes are groomed and maintained by ski patrol. Alpine equipment has specialized to the point where it can now only be used with the help of lifts. Off-piste and backcountry skiing can be accessed by helicopter, snowcat, hiking and snowmobile. There are a number of disciplines, including the traditional downhill and slalom and the newer disciplines of freestyle and freeride.
Nordic Skiing ⛷
The Nordic disciplines include cross-country, telemark and ski touring,
where the skier has the ability to propel themselves forward and/or
uphill, as well as to ski downhill. Cross-country skiing may be
practiced on groomed trails or in undeveloped backcountry areas and the
terrain is generally flat or undulating. Telemark skiing and touring
combine elements of downhill alpine skilling with Nordic skiing. This
style of skiing is built to allow for backcountry exploration on varied
terrain including steep inclines and sharp downhills.