Skiing and Snowboarding
Skiing and snowboarding (or riding) are some of the most popular winter recreational sports in North America. According to 2006 data reported by the National Sporting Goods Association, 6.4 million people participated in Alpine or downhill skiing. Another 5.2 million people participated in snowboarding. Cross country or Nordic skiing had 2.6 million participants. For the 2006/2007 ski season, the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) reported that there were over 55 million visits to ski areas.
As of 2006/2007, there were 485 ski resorts in 36 states in the United States (NSAA). The State of New York had the most ski resorts with 50.
Snow skiing is an umbrella term for many different forms of the sport of skiing. The most popular recreational forms of skiing are Alpine skiing, which is also commonly referred to as downhill skiing, and Nordic skiing, also commonly referred to as cross country skiing.
Alpine Skiing / Downhill Skiing
Alpine or downhill skiing evolved in the Alps in Europe. Modern skiing, as it is know today, dates from the mid 1800s. In 1850, a Norwegian named Sondre Norheim invented the first stiff Bindings. The first ski club in the United States, the Norske Ski Club in Berlin, New Hampshire dates from 1882. The first modern slalom race was held in Mürren, Switzerland in 1921.
In Alpine skiing, rigid boots attach to skis at both the toe and heel, one ski per foot. Alpine skiers also often use ski poles.
Snowboarding
Snowboarding participants use the same slopes as Alpine skiers. The main difference is that instead of having two skis attached to their feet, snowboarders have a single snowboard attached to both feet. Snowboarders do not use poles.
Snowboarding was developed in the United States in the 1960s and 1970s. The first snowboard was created by Tom Sims in 1963. Snowboarding became an official sport in 1985 and a Winter Olympic Sport in 1998. Today 97% of all ski areas in North America and Europe allow snowboarding, up from 7% in 1985.
Nordic Skiing / Cross Country Skiing
Nordic, or cross country skiing had its origins in Scandinavian countries in prehistoric times where this form of skiing was used as a means of travel during winter. In Nordic skiing, ski bindings attach at the toes of the skier's ski boots, but not at the heels. Skiers also use poles to help with locomotion.
According to the Cross Country Ski Areas Association (CCSAA) there are over 350 cross country ski areas in the United States and Canada. Many ski resorts also feature cross county skiing trails.
Cross country skiing is widely promoted as an excellent aerobic exercise. It is also quite a bit less expensive than Alpine skiing. According to the CCSAA, the average trail pass is $12, and the average for a trail pass and rental equipment is $35.
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