The Great Wide Wonderland of Snow and Skiing

Have you resolved again to get more exercise? Winter can be a hard time to get out and do things like running, jogging, walking, and many other activities that require warm weather to really enjoy. That doesn’t mean you have to hibernate like a bear and pack on the pounds when it gets cold. In fact, you can have a blast in the snow and get an all-over workout without feeling like you've done much work at all.

Today, there’s a lot more to skiing than getting on a chairlift, getting dropped off, and skiing down the slopes in your heavy, cold-weather gear while toppling over once or twice on the way down. The world of snow skiing has broadened widely and provided an excellent source of cardiovascular exercise.

Downhill, or classical skiing, is the image most have when they hear the word "skiing." It usually involves places like The Alps, Aspen, Telluride, or just about anywhere most jet-setters and celebrities frequent. Yes, there are chairlifts and some steep slopes in the cold and snow; however, you’ll warm up nicely once you get going.

The sport is a challenge, but that’s what makes it fun every time you go out. It won’t be easy the first day on the slopes and you’ll probably fall down many times. Lessons are usually a good idea, and the expenses can add up. Lift ticket prices, travel to and from ski sites, ski rentals or purchase, and appropriate wear, including sunglasses, aren’t cheap; however, the results can be exhilarating and quite fun once you can stay on your feet.

If you’re looking for the maximum workout at a more relaxed pace with a lower cost, consider cross-country skiing. This is going to be physically demanding for most people, but that’s the idea. Here, you do all the work yourself. There are no chairlifts to bring you up the hills, but you won't be careening down the mountain either. Trail passes and ski rentals are very reasonably priced and you can probably teach yourself - hence, no lessons!

"Skate" cross-country skiing is another form of cross-country skiing that requires slightly different skis. You can actually "skate" with regular, classical skates, but skis do make it easier. You pick up speed by simulating the physical motions of ice skating. It's not too difficult to pick up skate cross-country, but it is harder than classical cross-country skiing, and requires even more physical endurance. It is also helpful to have clear and wider trails for this to be truly enjoyable.

If being the adventurous type is more your style, the ski jump awaits you, where you leap from specially prepared jump slopes. This will definitely test your stamina and maneuverability, not to mention you pocketbook.

Snowboarding has become extreme popular in recent years. It usually involves a single wide ski, or snowboard, no poles, and is the snow equivalent of surfing. The newest fad in ski boarding employs 2 shorter and wider skis that are generally used without poles. This type of ski boarding offers the skier some of the sensations of ice skating or in-line roller skating. Both kinds of snowboarding are considered easier to learn than classical skiing.

With the comprehensive, attractive array of skiing options out there today, there's something for everyone. Downhill, cross-country, and snowboarding are all funs ways to get your wintertime exercise and actually enjoy the frosty weather.