Skiing

From cross-country to backcountry, skiing has a little something for everyone.  
  • From cross-country to backcountry, skiing has a little something for everyone.

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Despite the plights of Sonny Bono and Michael Kennedy, skiing remains an extremely popular (and relatively safe) family activity. The most common type of skiing is alpine, or downhill, skiing, in which both the heel and toe of the boot are attached to the ski. However, Nordic skiing techniques (where only the toe is attached) such as telemark and cross-country are quite popular as well.

5,000-year-old rock drawings attest to the long history of skiing, but modern skiing began in the late 19th century with the invention of bindings that held ski to boot by Norwegian Sondre Norheim, often called “the father of modern skiing.” The sport continues to develop and cross pollinate with snowboarding, taking on new innovations such as side cut or “parabolic” skis for improved carving and turning.

Though environmentalists warn that winters are getting warmer, there are still plenty of cool places to ski. Among the most popular U.S. destinations are Aspen and Vail, and Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia. Chamonix Mont-Blanc in France, Switzerland (Gstaad), Italy (Cortina) and Austria (Lech-Zurs, Seefeld) also boast some of the world’s best skiing.

Articles on Skiing

Feature
Mount Hood
Portland’s Great Outdoors
by Regina W.B. June 20, 2009

One reason to love this Pacific Northwest destination is the multitude of nearby outdoor adventure activities easily accessible on a Portland day trip.

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Feature
Sandpoint, ID
Sandpoint, Idaho: Treasure of the West
by Connie Motz March 18, 2009

Read why this gorgeous mountain destination with an acclaimed arts community is considered one of the best small towns in the west.

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Feature
Schweitzer Ski Family
Family Fun in Sandpoint
by Connie Motz March 16, 2009

Find the best attractions and places to take the kids when visiting this quaint Idaho mountain town.

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