Leisure Sports : Skiing - Equipment, Rules & Holidays Abroad

Skiing evolved gradually from snowshoeing and originally was a practical way of getting from one place to another in the cold winter. Early forms of skiing resembled today's Nordic or cross country style.

In the 19th century, Sondre Norheim invented bindings that enabled the skier to do turns while skiing down hills. This form of skiing was called Slalom (sla låm, Norwegian dialect expression for a difficult track) now known as Telemark skiing or telemarking. In the early 20th century, Austrian Hannes Schneider pioneered the idea of rotating the body to help steer the skis. Soon this Arlberg technique, named after his home region, spread around the world and helped make skiing the popular recreational activity it is today.

As skiing techniques are difficult to master, there are ski schools to be found at all of the major skiing resorts in Europe, America and Canada. At these schools you can expect to be taught the basics of turning and stopping safely to more advanced carving, racing, mogul or "bump" skiing and newer freestyle techniques. Due to the speed and technical difficulty associated with the sport, accidents often occur mostly through falls, and collisions with others and with trees.

Whilst most people taking skiing holidays hire their skis and other equipment at resorts, some prefer to purchase their own. You can expect to pay between £150-£250 for skis and bindings, between £15-£50 for ski polls and £80-£180 for ski boots. Ski jackets are normally between £50-£150, pants around £40-£140 and helmets approximately £50-£75. Accessories such as thermal socks, shin pads, foot warmer insoles, gloves, neck warmers, balaclavas, goggles, are also available.

You are responsible for your own safety and that of other skiers and snow boarders. Be aware of people around you and take necessary action to avoid skiing dangerously or causing a hazard to yourself or others.

Control your direction and speed of travel, taking account of the terrain, snow, weather and traffic conditions.

Select an appropriate path. If you are skiing behind someone it’s your responsibility to ski around them without causing any danger to them.

You can over-take from either left or right but you must leave enough distance between yourself and other skiers to allow them to manoeuvre properly.

Before starting off or pulling out you must look up and down the slope and choose an appropriate moment to execute your manoeuvre, so as not to endanger yourself or other skiers.

Avoid stopping at blind corners or narrow or enclosed places unless you have to i.e. you’re injured. In the case of an injury you must vacate the spot as soon as practicable, to avoid further danger (to yourself or others).

You should always stop at the side of the piste.

You must always use the side of the piste to walk up or down, whether with or without skis on.

Pay attention to and follow the signs, markings and notices on the piste.

You are obliged by law to offer help and assistance in the event of any accident.

You are also obliged by law to give your personal details in the event of an accident, whether you caused it, witnessed it or assisted at it.