Skiing

Skiing is a winter sport that is thousands of years old. Skiers wear two long, thin boards called skis on their feet. They use poles to help push and balance. Skiing can be fast and exciting. People ski on mountains and on flat snowy land.

Kinds of Skiing

Downhill skiing is racing or gliding down a hill. Cross-country skiing is going across flat snow for long distances. Freestyle skiing has jumps, flips, and tricks. Ski jumping is launching off big ramps to fly through the air. Each kind needs different skills and skis.

Ski Gear

Skiers wear ski boots that clip into the skis. They use two ski poles to push and turn. Warm jackets, pants, and gloves keep them dry. Goggles protect the eyes from snow and bright sun. Helmets help keep skiers safe from bumps and falls.

Fun Facts

• The word 'ski' comes from an old Norwegian word meaning 'split wood.'
• Ancient cave drawings show people skiing 5,000 years ago.
• The fastest skiers can go over 150 miles per hour.

Did You Know?

There are ski resorts on every continent, even in the hot country of Dubai, which built a giant indoor ski hill.