Skiing / Snowboarding

Snowboarding and skiing are a couple of the most popular winter outdoor adventures today. While skiing has been around since the early 1800's, snowboarding is a more recent sport but has quickly become popular among the downhill and powder crowds. Both skiing and snowboarding allow for an incredible outdoor experience while traversing down snow covered slopes.

Skiing - The most popular and commonly identifiable type of skiing is Alpine skiing. This type of skiing involves reaching the summit of a mountain (usually by a ski lift) and then skiing down the trails to the same or alternate lifts to begin again. In most cases the trails are groomed although many skiers find enjoyment in going off of the trails into the back country or trees to find fresh powder and snow that has not been touched by machines or other skiers. The best possible type of back country skiing is usually done by using helicopters to take you to your destination instead of the mass transit lifts. Heli skiing allows for a much more secluded skiing or snowboarding environment but also comes with increased expenses and dangers.

Snowboarding - There are several typed of snowboarding styles that may suit your individual interest or needs. Freestyle, freeride, and slalom are all different styles of snowboarding. Unlike skiing, where you can propel yourself with poles for cross country skiing and various other types, snowboarding is more strictly a downhill sport. It was originally seen in the 1960's but it was not until the 70's and 80's that it gained popularity in the US. There has always been a rift between the snowboard and skiing communities, and to this day there are still resorts that refuse to allow snowboarders on the mountain.

It doesn't matter whether your next adventure is skiing or snowboarding, the proper safety precautions should always be taken. Helmets are always a good idea and wrist guards and knee guards always come in handy, especially when learning to snowboard. You should always go with a friend, and that is doubly important when exploring more backcountry areas or slopes not marked or groomed by resorts. Skiing and snowboarding provide a great adventure to those looking to explore the winter landscape of slopes around the world.