Mountain Skiing: Scenic Winter Adventure

The skier emerges from a snow cave into a dramatic wilderness. Two seconds later, the athlete is racing down a mountain slope. The body flies through the air, and the terrain blurs. Then the stillness of the lake, surrounding mountains, and white powder. "This is heaven." What is this sport of freedom? We've seen skiing on postcards, but what does it feel like?

The Thrill of Reinvention

Skiing is both sport and leisure. There are multiple disciplines to choose from. Alpine skiing is what you see in winter Olympics, downhill pursuits at great speeds. Cross-country skiing, on the other hand, is slower and more aerobic as skiers move along prepared tracks. There are also Nordic skiing, freeskiing, and the backcountry, each with its own techniques and terrain. Skiing began in the ancient cultures of the Alps and Scandinavia. Now, skiing is a global phenomenon because the pursuit of adventure, and mountain recreation are universal.

No Ski Pass Required

Skiing matters for the new thrill, the unmatched destination. Unlike trending tourist spots, the sport itself is the journey where the destination is everywhere. Winter sports have always been important to economic growth. According to The Economist, winter tourism as of 2016 accounted for about $216 billion in revenue, for more than $132 million in tax revenue, supporting millions of jobs worldwide. In addition, it allowed for a seasonal economy already in short supply. In other words, skiing became a year-long winter sports seasonal activity with mountain resorts and off-season resorts in many countries.

The Alchemy of Sky and Snow

From Mountain to Ice

The sport requires state-of-the-art equipment and multiple layers of clothing. Ski shapes dictate the type of skiing being done. Alpine skis are narrower for speed, whereas cross-country skis have a wider base and are typically used for flat terrain. Boots are the contact points between the foot and the ski.

How to Go Downhill

Another unifying factor aside from ski equipment is the terrain. Here, slope and snow conditions play significant roles in making the experience exciting. Skiers love the Alps and the Rockies the most. Steep and high, terrain makes the sport possible. Skiers can get accidental exposure to avalanches. Thus, understanding avalanche safety is important. This is not the case for everyone, but knowing the terrain and avalanche courses can be lifesaving. Several ski resorts and national parks offer training courses, and they exist in every skiing region. Skiers are encouraged to wear avalanche beacons and take a course before skiing in remote areas. There are different levels of these courses. Level 1 airbag systems for powder skiing and Level 2 airbags which can be worn over a jacket for skiing in heavy powder.

What to Wear

Skiing in the mountains requires a fair amount of equipment and clothing. Three must-haves of skiing: skis and poles, snow boots, and goggles. Traditional skiers wear skiing jackets, pants, and hats. Wear goggles to protect your eyes from harsh glacial rays.

Glissade

Nordic combines mountain cross-country skiing and Nordic walking. This type of skiing involves the use of poles and the bodyweight to propel you forward. It is a low-impact sport that can be done even at high altitudes. It is less technical than Alpine and is more relaxing. Sports did not always have to include motorized equipment and mechanical enhancements. There is equipment that enhances your experience: powder skis and touring skis.

The Call of the Slope

If you want to try skiing, you can go to any of the ski resorts in the U.S. or Europe. You can choose to become an alpine racer, or learn cross-country skiing, or simply relax as you learn the basics.

• Checklist: buy skis, boots, poles and goggles. If you rent, make sure your binding is properly set up.
• Fitness: even if you are a beginner, there is a possibility that you might use up a lot of energy skiing and get tired. Find out where in your area you are allowed to ski and talk to an instructor.

The Welcome to Winter

The joy of skiing is in the journey itself. The terrain and the speed, and the snow on the ground. It is the thrill that combines a series of moments. There is nothing like the serenity of a snowy landscape and the anticipation of carving through a mountain before you. It starts with each moment of the journey before you even get to the destination. There is something about the process of skiing every day that makes it worth it.