| For many people, the winter months are a time to stay inside where it is warm and cozy. For others, it is a chance to hit the slopes and have some fun. Winter sports have been popular since the beginning of time. Two of the top winter sports are skiing and snowboarding. While both involve snow, hills, and speed, they are rather different. In fact, many skiers and snowboarders do not get along because both sides think they have the coolest way to get downhill.
The oldest evidence of skiing can be found in Sweden and Norway. Ancient people used skis to help them while hunting and traveling over snow. Interestingly, Norse mythology even talks about gods who used skis to sneak up on people. Skiing for fun developed in more modern times thanks to improvements made to traditional equipment. Being able to move better on the skis meant people would dare to try new things. The first recreational ski club was formed in Australia in 1861.
Greats like Stein Eriksen pioneered freestyle skiing, which involves performing daring stunts like flips and twists in the air. Today, top skiers participate in the Winter Olympics and the X-Games while continuing to push the limits of skiing. |
