Skiing: A Timeless Winter Sport

Skiing lets people glide smoothly on snow using skis.

Skiing began thousands of years ago, possibly in Altai Mountains.

Two people skiing and snowboarding on a snowy slope.

Person cross country skiing in snowy forest area.

First skiers used one pole; two poles appeared from 1741.

Military ski troops existed from 1747 and still train today.

Alpine skiing uses fixed-heel bindings and ski lifts at resorts.

Nordic skiing includes cross-country and ski jumping with free heels.

Telemark skiing combines alpine width skis with free-heel bindings.

Competitive skiing includes cross-country, jumping, alpine, and freestyle.

Speed skiing records began in 1932 at 89 miles per hour.

Freestyle skiing became an Olympic sport in the 1992 Winter Games.

Ski equipment includes skis, boots, poles, helmets, goggles, and gloves.

Modern ski techniques include carving turns using parabolic skis.

Skiing is also practiced on grass, sand, and indoor synthetic slopes.