Going on a skiing trip is one of the most exhilarating and fulfilling activity holidays you can do. There are so many great locations for winter sports, from the snowy slopes of the Italian Dolomites to the postcard-pretty powdered snow of Sweden.
The age-old rivalry between snowboarders and skiing is contentious but both offer equal amounts of fun. Each sport can be broken down into a variety of disciplines and understanding the differences will ensure that you enjoy your winter sport holiday to its fullest.
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Alpine Skiing
Also known as downhill skiing, Alpine skiing is what usually springs to mind when we think of skiing on holiday. Take a ski lift up the mountain to swish down compacted slopes that are groomed nightly. If you are looking to book your next skiing holiday to France and prefer the alpine style, the resorts in the French Alps are the perfect destination and are very popular with alpine skiers.
Freestyle Skiing
This is a relatively new style of skiing and involves a series of aerial manoeuvres and acrobatics. It pushes the thrill and excitement of skiing to its peak and is truly spectacular to watch. It’s suitable for all levels and ages and requires the same ski equipment that the Alpine discipline uses. Freestyling makes for an epic display on the snow and there are a variety of different grabs to master. If you’re looking for the perfect place to stay while enjoying the slopes, consider options like Fernie Vacation Rentals, which offer convenient access to world-class freestyle skiing terrain.
Snowboarding
Do away with two skis and ski poles and surf down the slopes on a snowboard. With skiing, your legs stay separated at low speeds, while snowboarding requires your feet to stay attached to the board and legs to stay flexible for turns and jumps. This can feel awkward at first if you’re used to skiing and may take some getting used to but once mastered, it’s an exciting way to experience the slopes.
Nordic Skiing
Frequently referred to as cross-country skiing, Nordic skiing typically takes place on flat surfaces rather than slopes up and down the mountain. Different types of skis are required for this type of skiing and the activity is more similar to snowshoe walking than stereotypical skiing. It can be a cheaper way to experience winter sports as you won’t need to pay for a lift pass.
Adaptive Skiing
Adaptive skiing is a version of alpine skiing where specialised equipment and training are utilised to allow skiers with disabilities to experience all the benefits of skiing. Everyone is on the slopes while using different equipment and is something that friends and family can all do together.
There is a wide selection of specialist resources that cover a range of disabilities, including learning difficulties, visual impairments and physical disabilities.
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