S NOW SKIING By: Emily Badgett December 6, 2007

T WO BASIC TYPES Alpine Skiing (Downhill) Ski boots firmly attached to offer most control possible. Boots are rigid and high cut. Alpine skis are shorter and wider than Nordic skis. There are many types of alpine skiing including powder, mogul, off and on piste, as well as specific disciplines like free-style, telemark, speed skiing and ski jumping. Nordic Skiing (Cross Country) Ski boots only attached at toe so the heel can be lifted to allow for striding motion. Boots are flexible and low cut. Skis are long and then to allow them to glide more easily over the snow.

S OME OTHER TYPES Telemark: was developed about 140 years ago in Norway. Became really popular again about ten years ago. It is similar to cross-country (Nordic) skiing in that the heel of the foot is not secured to the ski. Combination of Nordic and Alpine styles – it can be used for cross- country skiing and also for downhill runs. Turns are made by shifting the body weight to the outside ski while bringing it forward. The inside ski is trailed behind by lifting the heel off the ski. The use of poles is optional– some skiers use none while others use one or two. A single pole is held in both hands and touches the snow only on the inside of the turn. Speed Skiing: The fastest type of skiing– going straight down steep slopes. Can get up to 150 mph. It is the second fastest non-motorized sport after skydiving. Skiers have to wear padded suits and specialized helmets that cut down wind resistance. Streamlining is very important in this sport. Everything from the skier's stance to all his equipment is designed to reduce wind resistance. Even the runs are chosen for their minimal air resistance – most speed skiing runs are on high-altitude mountains. Ski Jumping: a competition sport since Skiers go down a steep slope to a ramp which sends them flying through the air for about 60 feet. It is one of the most popular spectator sports – drawing thousands of people. Ski jumping skis are very specialized. They are very wide and long and the ski attaches to the toe only. Aerodynamics plays a big part in this sport – skiers try to get the most lift possible by holding their skis in a 'V' shape and bending forward almost parallel to the skis, keeping the skier in the air longer.

B EST PLACES TO GO NORTHEAST Vermont- famous for its great hills and snow conditions. Some of the oldest ski resorts in the U.S. Two most popular are Stowe (highest mountains) and great for beginners and experts. The other is Killington with over 60 miles of trails. Experts might get bored here; more for the intermediate. New York- most popular resort is Whiteface in Lake Placid. Has the biggest vertical drop in the Eastern US, making it great for expert skiers. However, beginners and intermediates have plenty of trails as well to enjoy. Home to one of the most advanced ski lift systems in the country. WEST Colorado- l ongest ski season in the US. Most popular resorts are Vail and Aspen with Keystone not too far behind. All three are great for beginners to experts but Vail has over 127 miles of trails and 5,000 acres. Great for off-piste skiing and snowboarding. It is also known for its lively nightlife and world class shopping. Wyoming- home to Yellowstone National Park. Home to one of the best off-piste ski areas in America. Rendezvous and Après Vous are great for beginners and intermediates while experts will enjoy Cheyenne, Laramie, and Tensleep with their superb snow condition.

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