Skiing is an Ancient Snow Travel Mode

Skiing in Austria is like skiing through history but with contemporary fun!

Skiing—travelling over snow on skis—has been around for many centuries, although ski styles, materials and uses have changed over time.

Two basic types of skiing exists today. The older of the two originated in Scandinavia and required binding the toe to the ski but not the heel. Today, Nordic skiing includes cross-country skiing, ski-jumping and Telemark.

The second type of skiing is Alpine or downhill skiing. Both the toes and the heels are bound onto the skis.

Cross-country skis are very skinny, allowing for minimal resistance as the skier traverses the snow and glides a short distance with each step.

The first primitive ski to be discovered was in a peat bog in Hoting, Sweden. The ski dates back to 2500 to 4500 B.C. A second ski was discovered near Nanortalik, Greenland. It was carbon-dated in 1997 and reported to be from around 1010. The ski is believed to have been brought by Norsemen circa 980 A.D.

So next time you strap on your skis, grab your poles and hop the ski lift, remember the rich history and the technological advancements that will allow you to enjoy your skiing holiday!