| Skiing is another one of those sports that has its | | | | to the lower legs. In addition, downhill skis are wider |
| origin in a mode of transportation - like horse racing | | | | than their cross-country cousins, providing the skier |
| or even auto racing. Norwegian Sondre Norheim is | | | | greater control. Downhill skis come in a variety of |
| typically honored as the father of skiing as a | | | | lengths. Determining the right ones for you is |
| recreational sport. For many centuries prior to | | | | determined by level of experience and by the |
| becoming a recreational pursuit, those in wintry | | | | conditions of the hill. In general, the shorter the skis, |
| climates used skis to get through the snow more | | | | the easier they are to handle. Many downhill skiing |
| quickly when traveling or hunting. Nordic countries led | | | | turns involve lifting the skis off the snow, which is |
| the way in this type of skiing, called cross country | | | | easier with shorter, lighter skis. More advanced skiers |
| skiing, which is now popular wherever sufficient snow | | | | will use longer skis which give them greater stability |
| falls to provide a good track. | | | | when racing or when coming down especially steep |
| Downhill skiing followed as a sport, which grew in | | | | or difficult mountain sides. Ski jumpers use flat, broad |
| popularity when means of getting back up the hill like | | | | skis which give them greater air resistant or lift so |
| tow ropes and chair lifts were designed and | | | | that they may stay in the air as long as possible. Of |
| implemented. Cross country skis used today look | | | | course, so-called "hot dog" skiers use different skis |
| very much like the ancient predecessors. They are | | | | altogether, based on the maneuvers they are |
| long skis, which gives them the ability to distribute | | | | attempting to achieve that will please fans and |
| the skier's weight over the length of the skis to | | | | judges alike. |
| keep them from sinking too far into the snow. And | | | | Before you buy your next pair of skis have a clear |
| cross country, or X-country, skis are narrow to allow | | | | idea of the type of skiing you want to do. Cross |
| them to glide quickly through the snow. The | | | | country skiing is tough, but it is great exercise with |
| footwear used for X-country skis fits more like | | | | plenty of fresh air, usually in very beautiful areas. |
| shoes than a boots, and features one of various | | | | Downhill skiing offers more thrills, but also a greater |
| types of binders which secure them to the skis. | | | | potential for injury. Either way, strapping on a pair of |
| By contrast, downhill skis employ a heavy boot which | | | | skis is a great way to stay fit and have some fun in |
| keeps the foot and ankle more stable, since down | | | | winter. |
| hilling involves more turning, which can apply torque | | | | |