 Come Out & Play
Cold Weather Fun for Everyone!
published: December 2007
By Sheri Collins, Contributing Writer
Email Author
Brrr it's cold outside. Everyone knows that playing outside in the cold isn't any fun, right? Wrong! For many kids all around the world, winter brings lots of snow and a passion for strapping special boards to their feet and heading out into the cold to ski. Even children as young as two or three can learn to ski, but it is recommended that very young children take lessons from professionals.
There are two main types of skiing: Nordic (cross-country) and Alpine (downhill). Cross-country skiing is basically strapping on the right skis and heading out across any relatively flat snow-covered area. Many families enjoy cross-country skiing because it is a way to enjoy the outdoors away from crowds and see wildlife of all kinds.
Downhill skiing is a little more complicated because you have to have the right ski equipment, a snow-covered hill or mountain and a way to get to the top of the hill each time you want to ski down. For those reasons, the majority of alpine skiing is done at ski resorts, where they have chair lifts to get you to the top, skis for rent and the ability to make snow when Mother Nature doesn't cooperate.
Skiing first began as a method of transportation at least 4,000 years ago and was used by hunters and travelers during the long winters in Northern Russia and the Scandinavian countries. Skis were also used by militaries and even mailmen to get their jobs done.
At first skis were very long and difficult to use. When people realized that skis could actually be used for fun instead of just work, cross-country skiing became popular, and improvements were made over time. During the 1930s, ski lifts were invented, and Alpine
skiing became popular in Europe. Downhill skiing really became popular after World War II, when Austria and Switzerland developed the first Alpine Ski Resorts. Skiing is now one of the fastest-growing sports in the world.
No matter which kind you choose, skiing is a great way to get out of the house during the
winter, get some great exercise and keep your body healthy, happy and ready to play!
Sheri Collins is a contributing writer for Kidsville News and loves skiing! Sources: Encyclopaedia Britannica Online; "History of Skiing," http://www.speedski.com/HistoryofSkiing.htm; "Get Active: Skiing," http://health.kaboose.com/active-kids/skiing.html.
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