They apply the technique of parallel skiing

Skiing with short and long turns. The red serves

the needs of intermediate skiers with
When we talk about skiing, we generally experience in edge skiing carving turns.
mean Alpine (also named downhill) skiing. This trail contains icy slopes too. In the
That is, when we use fixed bindings USA, it is called diamond. The most
attached to the skis at both the toe and the difficult piste is the black (or double
heel of the skier’s boots to travel diamond in the USA) with steep icy slopes
downwards over snow in cold mountains. and bumps for advanced skiers.
However, there is another type of skiing
called Nordic skiing. It uses fixed-toe but
free-heel bindings.
Skiing, similarly to so many other sports,
started at pre-historic ages, though its
concept was rather different from today’s
idea of a sport activity. From about 2500
BC, when the first primitive skis were
made in Hoting, Sweden, people have used
skis to hunt more effectively for animals,
to perform military manoeuvres or to
transport themselves in the snow. Alpine skier carving a turn
Nowadays this has completely changed to
an outdoor activity in winter.
The word “ski” comes from the Old Norse Ski Etiquette:
word “skio” which translates as piece of Don’t ski on closed pistes.
wood. “Slalom” also originates from Keep your speed in control.
Norwegian, which means tracking down Don’t cut lines.
the slope. How is this possible? Let’s see Give priority to skiers in front of you.
the different opportunities awaiting us up Don’t obstruct the piste if you stop.
in the snowy mountains!
Here are some ski lifts:
Alpine skiing: This – probably the most
popular type of skiing – was born in the
European Alps. Its purpose is to ski down
the hill by fixed heels and toes, commonly
with a pair of ski poles. Once you have
skied down using proper body balance,
some lifts next to the ski pistes (or trails,
tracks) on the ridges transport you up the
funicular
mountain to the peak. Lift types can
include aerial tramways, funitels, gondola
lifts, telemixes, chairlifts, t-bars, platter
lifts and funiculars.
There are four types of pistes, according to
their level of difficulty. The easiest is the
green trail, especially designed for
complete beginners. They usually use the
wedge technique to ski down. The blue t-bar
piste is for beginners and pre-intermediate
skiers with slopes covered by even snow.
 balance is a must. It is usually performed
outside ski resorts.

Freestyle (newschool): This is very

similar to Alpine freestyle, but freestyle
takes place in terrain parks at ski resorts. It
funitel
uses jumps, tricks, spins and flips both
forwards and backward.

Freeskiing (or freeride): This type of

skiing is carried out in the mountains in
nature, ideally on pure snow.

platter lift Nordic skiing (or cross-country

skiing/racing): With fixed toes and free
heels, you can travel up, down or in flat
snow. If you professionally pursue the
classic version, skating techniques are
prohibited, but for freestyle any human-
powered technique on skies is welcome.
telemix Nordic jumping (or ski flying/jumping):
Skiers slide down a ramp to jump as far as
possible in the air before landing on the
ground. These Nordic style skis are much
longer and wider than any other types.

Telemark (or free heel skiing): Skiers

slide downhill with fixed bindings to the
chairlift toes only.

gondola lift
aerial tramways
Alpine freestyle: This type uses a great
variety of acrobatics such as jumps in
the air and rails where keeping a good
Skiing gear:
Always get informed about the weather when you go
skiing. Frequently, it can be cold, snowy and windy at the
top of the mountain, but sunny and warm in the valley, or
perhaps the other way round. To prepare for these weather
conditions, dressing in layers is vital. That way, you can
remove a layer if it gets warm, but the layers trap the air
in-between if it is freezing cold. There are some necessary
clothes and accessories besides the basic equipment. For
example, the goggles will keep the snow out of your eyes
and prevent “snow blindness”, and by wearing a hat, the
heat will not get lost through your head. Here is what you
may need:
- skis - helmet
- ski poles - ski gloves or mittens
- ski boots - wind stopper hat
- ski binding - wind stopper headband
- ski bag - insulated and waterproof ski jacket
- goggles - insulated and waterproof ski pants
- ski socks - soft shell jacket
- mid-layer - long underwear
Questions:
1. What is the difference between the
red and the black pistes?
2. What is the main difference
between Alpine and Nordic skiing?
3. What types of skiing contain
jumps?
4. Why do you need goggles?
5. What piste would you choose if you
ski for the first time?
6. What is the equivalent for the
words in bold in your mother
tongue?