Skiing

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Skiing is a means of transport using skis to glide on snow. Variations of purpose include basic transport, a recreational activity, or a competitive winter sport. Many types of competitive skiing events are recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), and the International Ski Federation (FIS).

History[edit | edit source]

Skiing has a history of almost five millennia. Although modern skiing has evolved from beginnings in Scandinavia, it may have been practiced more than 100 centuries ago in what is now China, according to an interpretation of ancient paintings.

Types of skiing[edit | edit source]

Alpine[edit | edit source]

In Alpine skiing, also known as downhill skiing, participants slide down hills on skis with fixed-heel bindings. It is typically practiced at ski resorts which provide services such as ski lifts, artificial snow making, snow grooming, restaurants, and ski patrol.

Nordic[edit | edit source]

Nordic skiing encompasses the various types of skiing in which the toe of the ski boot is fixed to the binding in a manner that allows the heel to rise off the ski, unlike Alpine skiing, where the boot is attached to the ski from toe to heel. Recreational disciplines include cross-country skiing and Telemark skiing.

Freestyle[edit | edit source]

Freestyle skiing is a skiing discipline comprising aerials, moguls, cross, half-pipe, slopestyle, and big air as part of the winter olympics. It can consist of a skier performing aerial flips and spins, and can include skiers sliding rails and boxes on their skis.

Equipment[edit | edit source]

Skiing can be done with minimal equipment, but most skiers use skis, ski boots, ski poles, ski helmet, ski suit, ski gloves, and ski goggles.

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]


External links[edit | edit source]





Skiing Resources

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD