The different sports in the mountains

During your stay in the snow, the most popular activity in the mountains is undoubtedly downhill skiing, which consists of descending the slopes on two parallel and fairly long skis. Speed lovers or those who prefer to admire the scenery will have a great time on the various multifaceted ski areas. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced skier, alpine skiing requires a certain level of physical fitness and endurance. After a great day on the slopes, it is not uncommon to feel aches and pains.

 

Above all, it is important to prepare your equipment well. You should choose a pair of skis adapted to your level and comfortable boots. To facilitate your balance, choose poles that are neither too big nor too small. Also remember to put on warm clothes, take sunglasses, gloves and sun cream as well as something to hydrate you.

Cross-country skiing is the cousin of alpine skiing and consists of skiing on flat or slightly hilly tracks. It is practised in two different ways: classic skiing in the rails and alternative skiing, also known as skating, by taking the skater's step outside the rails. Classic cross-country skiing has curved tips and scales underneath to keep the skier from going backwards on the way up, whereas alternative skiing has no scales and the tips are more rounded.

 

Cross-country skiing is a very complete sport that works all parts of the body. It is recommended that you have a certain amount of skiing ability to do this activity and that you are in good physical condition. The skis are much thinner than alpine skis and are often referred to as "matchsticks". The foot is not attached to the back of the ski and the boots are much softer and more comfortable than in alpine or touring skiing. Good poles are also needed to maintain balance. To complete the package, remember to bring sunglasses, water, a snack and warm clothing.

Telemark skiing is a combination of alpine and cross-country skiing, the aim of which is to ski down the slopes by alternating bending the right and left knee in a lunge. It is one of the oldest forms of skiing. It requires a very good mastery of skiing to practice this sport, which requires a good sheathing.

 

Telemark skiers prefer style and technique to speed. It is therefore ideal for nature lovers who want to admire the diversity of the mountain landscape. Special equipment is required, including a pair of poles (shorter than for alpine skiing) and soft boots to allow the foot to flex. The ski binding allows the foot to be detached at the back. Don't forget to dress warmly and wear a helmet, gloves and goggles.

If you like thrills and speed, the snowscoot will delight you! It is a mix between BMX and snowboard and consists of a board with handlebars mounted on it. As with skiing or snowboarding, you steer the machine and control its speed by leaning to the left or right. It is advisable to have a certain amount of control over the mountain bike or BMX because it requires good balance. Helmets, back protectors and knee pads are highly recommended.

 

Snowscoot is practiced in après-ski shoes and the feet are attached with a leash and footstraps. There are two types of snowscoot, one for freestyle (tricks) and the other for freeride (speed). They can be used in any snowpark, as long as the resorts allow it. Additional equipment not to be forgotten on an outing is gloves, warm clothing and a helmet to protect you in case of a fall.

Freeride skiing is practiced off-piste. To enjoy the pleasures of freeride skiing, you need to have a very good level of skiing and, above all, a good knowledge of the mountains and the dangers they present. If you are a fan of adrenaline, thrills and want to get away from the crowds, this sport is perfect for you! The experience is unique and the wild landscapes you will discover at every opportunity are breathtaking.

 

Freeride skis have a wider runner than piste skis, which allows for greater manoeuvrability so you can feel like you are 'floating' on the snow. If you want to do a lot of tricks, make sure your skis are as light as possible to limit the amount of effort. Many ski resorts offer this activity and some are particularly well known for their extraordinary spaces: Tignes, Chamonix, Les Arcs... During your outings, equip yourself with a well-covered ski suit, a helmet and a mask.

Do you dream of taking off in the middle of the mountains and do you like adrenaline? Then try snowkiting! As the name suggests, it is practiced on the snow using a large "kite" and a pair of skis or a snowboard. Snowkiting is practiced on flat ground or with a very slight slope. Some resorts now offer dedicated areas for the enjoyment of its users.

 

To try this discipline, you need to have a good level of skiing, i.e. be comfortable on red slopes and off-piste. It is also necessary to have a mastery of the sail by having already handled a kite or made kite-surf.

 

A good physical condition is required as you need to be able to master your turns, speed and the different types of snow. It can be practised in several ways: in stroll, in freestyle (by making acrobatic figures), in flight of slope (the rise is done in kite and the descent by flying) or in "ride up", i.e. by going up the mountain in kite.