Skiing and snowboarding are the two primary choices for those who want to take up a winter sport, and both activities make the winter season more exciting. Since skiing and snowboarding are both so popular, many are curious as to which one they should learn first. Before choosing, you have several factors to consider.

The Learning Process

The first week or two of learning snowboarding or skiing will vary based on which you choose. Skiing tends to be more gradual in its learning process, with navigation being more comfortable to start. You do have ski poles to help your balance, after all. Since your legs are separated during skiing, you can throw one foot out to help rebalance yourself if needed. Read the rest of this entry →

Do you fear that you are too old to learn how to downhill ski? Are you afraid that one fall down the hill will leave you bumped and bruised for good? Even if you have a few skiing fails under your belt, learning to ski the right way can turn everything around for you. If you have never skied before or need some refreshers, start right with these five tips for beginner skiers that will have you enjoying the wind in your face and the mountain sun in your eyes in no time.

Get the Right Clothes

Before you start, make sure that you have the right apparel to make your day a success. While you may think that only the skis make the skier, this is simply not true. Wearing incorrect clothing can leave you hot or cold, wind-burned or wet. Skiing requires layers of clothing to keep you warm and dry. Your base layer should wick moisture away from your skin, the middle layer should keep you warm, and the top layer should keep wind and water away from you. Consider renting clothes and equipment unless you ski frequently.

Learn from a Pro

Because learning to ski as an adult can be difficult both physically and mentally, you should turn to a pro to teach you the basics. A pro can help you keep your confidence level up by treating you with patience. A pro will also be able to teach you proper form and techniques. These individuals know exactly what slopes will be best for you and will help you master the sport in the quickest possible time. The money spent on lessons will certainly be well worth it. Read the rest of this entry →

For millions of people worldwide, there’s nothing better than barreling down a snow-covered mountain at breakneck speeds on a long pair of high-tech alpine skis. For others, gliding serenely through the snowy countryside on a pair of cross-country skis is pure ecstasy and enjoyment. Whatever skiing does for you, it’s a fact we have strapped skis to our feet and glided over snow for nearly five millennia now.

Archaeological History
The earliest known examples of skis were Russian-made, and archaeologists estimate they date from 5000 BCE. Skiing as an activity, though, may be even older, with 10000-year-old cave paintings in China suggesting people skied even then.

Scandinavian Origins
Skiing as a regular transportation activity traces its origins to Scandinavia, where other cave paintings depict skiers using poles to propel themselves along the snow. Examples of old skis dating back to 4500 BCE, and come from various Norse peoples, including the ancient nomadic Sami. It wouldn’t be until much later, however, that skiing would become more of a recreational activity rather than just for transportation.  Read the rest of this entry →