Alpine Skiing is also known as “downhill skiing” popularly. Primarily a recreational activity, alpine skiing is also considered as a form of sport activity. Skiers in this type of skiing glide down the snow-covered hills with the help of sleek and strong skis. The origin of alpine skiing is cross-country skiing which is also a popular form of skiing activity in the world. Like cross-country skiing , alpine skiing is also a sport that is famous in Europe and in the United States of America.
Alpine skiing came as a development when ski lift facility begun at the various ski resorts and skiers were towed to the top pf the snow-clad mountains. Skiers enjoyed gliding down the snow-covered steep slopes to gather smooth skiing experience. One of the main problems faced during alpine skiing is to maintain control while gliding down the slopes. Skiers are taught various methods to control their speed and direction while alpine skiing . Some slopes are steeper than the others and more steeper slopes, more is the required control. Alpine skiing has various competitions to its name. Elite and competitive skiers participate in the annual World Cup Series, Olympic Games and in the biennial World Championships. Among the other alpine skiing racing disciplines are slalom, giant slalom, super giant slalom and downhill. There is also a combined event which consists of one downhill followed by two slalom runs. These events are open for both men and women.
