Skiing 101
Whether skiing is performed as a competitive sport or recreational activity, the fundamentals are the same: you strap on a set of skis to the bottom of your boots and travel on the surface of the snow, usually with the help of handheld poles for propulsion and balance. There are two basic forms of skiing:
- Downhill - Also known as "alpine" skiing, downhill takes the skier on an exhilarating descent along a hill or mountain course. While some ski trails are fairly smooth and straight-ahead, others offer the challenge of moguls and hairpin turns throughout the run.
- Cross-country - Sometimes referred to as "nordic" or "backcountry" skiing, cross-country is considered the oldest form of skiing. In contrast with downhill, it involves travelling over more level planes of snow, on trails that are usually man-made. Ski poles are needed to keep the body in motion on the path.
Standard Equipment
The Canadian winter climate is known to be rather chilly. Skiers should wear thermal undergarments, multiple layers of warm clothing and an outer wind-resistant shell to insulate them against the cold. They will also need to be outfitted with:
- skis
- poles
- boots and bindings
- a certified helmet
- goggles
- ski gloves
Safety First
To prevent random accidents, certain safety guidelines should always be observed when skiing. Here are a few important rules for skiers to follow:
- Use equipment that is appropriately sized and in good working order
- Adhere to the proper procedure for riding a ski lift
- Be aware of personal limitations and get lessons accordingly
- Ski with a partner
- Keep a safe distance from other skiers at all times
Skiing is Believing
The quality of skiing in Canada rates among the world's finest. Every year, millions of enthusiasts visit the country just for the thrill of conquering its most acclaimed slopes. Canadian ski resorts are naturally breathtaking, with state-of-the-art facilities, well-maintained grounds and easy-to-access entry points. Some of the higher-end resorts like Whistler and Mont Tremblant provide not only an outstanding level of skiing for its guests, but also several other good reasons to visit the area throughout the entire year. These features include relaxation spas, fine dining restaurants, luxury hotels, exclusive shopping boutiques, and spectacular hiking trails.
Geographically speaking, most of the skiing takes place in the western and eastern regions of Canada. For instance, out west means primarily in the provinces of British Columbia and Alberta, while in the east mainly refers to Quebec. The provinces in-between and in the Maritimes do have a few ski resorts but the hills are relatively smaller and therefore less challenging.
Below are some of Canada's most notable ski resorts: Whistler-Blackcomb (Whistler, British Columbia), Lake Louise Ski Resort (Lake Louise, Alberta), Sunshine Village (Banff, Alberta), Blue Mountain (Collingwood, Ontario), Mont Tremblant (Mont-Tremblant, Quebec).
For more information about skiing in Canada, visit the Canadian Ski Council web site.