In This Guide
Skiing and Snowboarding: It’s all Downhill from Here
Sport. Recreation. Transportation. Skiing and snowboarding are all these things. Skiing’s history can be traced back to more than 4,000 years ago, and snowboarding about 40 years. These wintry pastimes offer both beginner fun and the satisfaction of a lifetime of improvement and achievement.
Expand All Guide SectionsHistory and Rules of Skiing and Snowboarding
Skiing and snowboarding are made up of many types of competitions. The odd terminology of the two sports might confuse beginners but the sites below will lay out the rich history and robust world of the two.
Dulcinea's Insight
- It’s hard to say definitively what the “rules” of skiing and snowboarding are. Not only do rules vary between competitions and organizations but even safety rules and practices differ slightly from country to country. It’s all about context.
- It is the skier/snowboarder’s responsibility to understand the law of the land. When gliding down unknown trails, do not assume that what is appropriate at home is OK on the new terrain.
- Check the sites in the “What are the major governing bodies of skiing and snowboarding?” section of this guide for information on the various rules used for each league and organization.
Dulcinea's Picks
To learn about the history of skiing and snowboarding …
Skiing Heritage
is the Web site and official journal of the International Skiing History Association. The site is a bit disorganized and confusing but it is a valuable resource if you want a serious look at the history of skiing. You’ll find interesting articles such as “A Short History of Alpine Skiing” and “A short history of skis.” Look for user forums and information on ski museums around the world. If you find it difficult to navigate through the content, use the site map on the left navigation bar to help.
The U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association’s history timeline is a detailed and well-designed look into the modern history of the Olympic sport. Scroll down the timeline on the left, and click on any event for a detailed explanation.
BulgariaSki.com
provides an informative and entertaining look at the history of snowboarding. A black-and-white photo of the “snurfer,” the earliest known prototype of a snowboard, helps to illustrate how far the sport has come.
YouTube
hosts this nicely done video, “A History of Snowboarding in 2 Minutes Flat.” Get the rundown on the development of the sport over the last 40 or so years, along with cool footage of riders at every stage of its evolution.
For ski and snowboard museums …
The U.S. National Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame and Museum
hosts a list of its honored members with biographies for some. It doesn’t have tons of content online, but it does give you all the info you need to make a trip to the Ishpeming, Michigan, museum.
The New England Ski Museum
has a number of interesting articles on ski history in its “Explore Skiing History” section. You’ll also find information on the museum’s collections and a museum shop on this easily navigable site.
Skiing and Snowboarding Associations
Skiing and snowboarding competitions and rankings are governed by a variety of organizations at the ... read more »
Skiing News and and Analysis
Skiing and snowboarding are seasonal pastimes but they don’t have to be seasonal passions. ... read more »
Becoming a Better Skier or Snowboarder
Even if you are only able to hit the slopes a few times each year, you don’t have to sit ... read more »
Buying Skiing and Snowboarding Equipment
Having the right ski and snowboard equipment is crucial for your enjoyment and safety on the ... read more »
Ski and Snowboarding Trips
Skiing and snowboarding require many things but perhaps none more important than a mountain covered ... read more »
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