Skiing can be a means of transport on snow, but for most people it is a popular recreational activity. And for some skiing is a highly competitive winter sport. Many types of competitive skiing events are recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), and the International Ski Federation (FIS).

Skiing has a history of almost five millennia, starting in Scandinavia, but skiing may have been practiced more than 100 centuries ago in what is now China, according to some ancient paintings.

And skiing tourism is on the rise, according to a recent FIS report worldwide 2017/18 global skier visits count is 5% up on 2016/17 season, which was itself 4% up on 2015/16. Also skier visits have been substantially rising in most of the Scandinavian countries, for several years in a row. It is the only region in Western markets where current attendance is much better that is was 10 years ago.

And skiing has something to offer any interested person as there are several types of skiing.

Here are some of the different types of skiing on offer:

• Alpine or downhill skiing
• Cross-country skiing
• Freestyle skiing
• Snowboarding
• Off-piste skiing
• Telemark skiing
• Adaptive skiing

According to news reports, more than 11 million Americans are active participants in alpine or cross-country skiing. But if you want to start skiing, you first have to figure out what kind of skiing exercise you want, and choose your equipment accordingly.

Also note that there are innovations in skiing like the traditional cross-country skiing style that now offers felleski, a new type of ski equipment that makes going uphill easier.