The oldest documented evidence of skiing is found in the region of Norway and Sweden from primitive carvings dating back to 5000 B.C. Until the 1800’s skiing was primarily used only for transport, it was after the turn of the 18th century that it became a recreational sport. Commercially the popularity of skiing holidays took off in the 19th century which increased substantially during the mid-1900s until today. The slopes of the Swiss Alps are one of the most sought-after skiing destinations in the world today, but you'd be surprised to know that this was not the case always. Though, ski fragments dating back to circa 8000-7000 BC were discovered in Russia which indicate skiing existed during prehistoric times, it was more as mode of transport and that too limited to colder countries. The credit to popularizing skiing as recreation and sport in the English speaking world goes to an unlikely source - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The creator of the famous Sherlock Holmes took a keen interest in skiing and convinced people of its safety and thrill through his articles in theStrand Magazine. He even inspired the locals to take up skiing, and the rest, as they say, is history! After this brief history lesson let us turn to some interesting and little known facts about skiing which, as you all know, is an immensely popular recreational activity and sport among people of all ages.
Skiing Vs. Snowboarding for Beginners. “Skiing is easier to learn but harder to master - whereas snowboarding is harder to learn but easier to master.” This is a common claim you will hear in the world of snowsports and while different people can take to different sports, it's generally true.
These are some of the weather conditions and snow conditions in skiing
Icy PistesIf it is cold and has not snowed for a while, the pistes will start to get quite icy, this is because skiers and snowboarders keep going over the same layer of snow compacting it more and more until it becomes very solid. Most skiers and boarders do not like ice as they can not dig their edges into it very well, and have very little control. However if the ice is all smooth, and there is plenty of room, ice can be a lot of fun, and the ultimate piste condition for speed skiing.
Soft PistesIf it has snowed recently, even though the piste machines (piste bashers) will have compacted and flattened the snow, the snow will still be relatively soft. In these conditions the snow can be moved around a lot, and pistes can become very lumpy very quickly. This is when the moguls really start to be made. With the soft snow though the skis will normally have a lot of control as the edges can dig into the snow well, and it will also generally not hurt so much if you fall over.
Slushy Pistes
If it is too warm and the snow melts in the day, and then refreezes in the night, you will find that it is extremely icy in the morning, and as the day goes on the snow will start to melt, and become slushy. As the snow keeps melting and refreezing, all the snow flake structure is lost, and what is left is lots of little lumps of ice, so if you fall you will get ice burns on bare skin. Because there is no snow crystal structure in slush, slushy snow is very heavy, and can make the skis very hard to turn and move around. When the snow is wet, the water will also start to create a vacuum between the ski and the snow, sucking the ski to the snow so that it can not slide so easily. Slush is generally not a preferred snow condition, although it can still be fun. These conditions are more common at the end of a season in the spring.
Soft PistesIf it has snowed recently, even though the piste machines (piste bashers) will have compacted and flattened the snow, the snow will still be relatively soft. In these conditions the snow can be moved around a lot, and pistes can become very lumpy very quickly. This is when the moguls really start to be made. With the soft snow though the skis will normally have a lot of control as the edges can dig into the snow well, and it will also generally not hurt so much if you fall over.
Slushy Pistes
If it is too warm and the snow melts in the day, and then refreezes in the night, you will find that it is extremely icy in the morning, and as the day goes on the snow will start to melt, and become slushy. As the snow keeps melting and refreezing, all the snow flake structure is lost, and what is left is lots of little lumps of ice, so if you fall you will get ice burns on bare skin. Because there is no snow crystal structure in slush, slushy snow is very heavy, and can make the skis very hard to turn and move around. When the snow is wet, the water will also start to create a vacuum between the ski and the snow, sucking the ski to the snow so that it can not slide so easily. Slush is generally not a preferred snow condition, although it can still be fun. These conditions are more common at the end of a season in the spring.