History

The first skis were made in Sweden and Finland around 4000-5000 years ago, being shorter and broader than the ones used nowadays. Despite skis are mainly used for sports, they are still used were used as a means of transportation in Norway, Sweden, Finland and some areas in Eastern Europe.

Skiing as a sport derived from its initial use as a vehicle. In 1850, the Norwegian, Sondre Norhein slided on the slopes of his land, creating then the Telemark technique. This consisted of bending one knee in order to turn left or right. This change is considered by many the beginning of skiing as a sport.

In the sport's early days, the skier had to climb to the top of the mountain before sliding down, but in the 20th century, skiers started using cable cars to climb to the top. In the 1930's several elevation methods were introduced, from ropes tied to the skier's feet, to chairlifts, with which the skier could climb a mountain several times a day. Finally, the arrival of the artificial snow machine ensured the presence of snow, in case the weather did not allow to ski in natural conditions.

The development of skiing gear promoted the professionalization and popularization of the sport. Original skis were made of a solid piece of wood, usually walnut tree, but since the 1930's, laminated woods started to take over the market. In the 50's, speed and durability were improved due to the useof plastic covers and combined metal skis which had a plastic or wood center. These new skis became very popular.

The classic ski model developed from the curved-edge design of Nordheim, from the 19th century. In 1990, parabolic skis were developed, allowing novice and intermediate skiers to improve their control over the ski. This, added to a new variety of waxes, greatly improved performance and made skiing a competitive sport. In 1924, skiing became an olympic sport. and in 1936, alpine skiing and feminine categories were standarized. In 1970, the Skiing World Championship was privatized and professionalized.

Ski Types

In modern skiing you can distinguish three main categories:

Traditional Skiing
This is the most popular modality, and also, the easiest to learn. It does not require an excellent physical condition or specialized equipment. It is practised in ski centers, which provide all the services you may need, suchs as ski lifts, track maintenance, lessons, and many others that make skiing a very accessible sport. 

Alpine-tour skiing or randonnée
This modality combines alpinism and skiing. For practising it, you don't need ski lifts or elevation devices, since randonnée boots and bindings allow you to move both down and uphill. In order to do that, you can also use sealskin (they are traditionally called that way, despite the fact that nowadays they are synthetic) under your skis to help you move upwards.

Even though this modality requires different skis and bindings, mixed bindings are becoming more and more popular, which allow you to practice traditional and alpine randonnée using the same gear. Due to the settings in which this sport is practised, you need knowledge about mountaineering, mountain safety and orientation skills.

Cross-country Skiing
This kind of skiing, typical of the Nordic countries, is practised mainly in flat lands with slight inclines. Its main objective is to traverse long distances on snow. Both footwear and skis are different from those used for traditional and alpine skiing.

Equipment

The basic equipment you need for skiing is:

• Skis
• Bindings
• Ski boots
• Poles
• Proper Clothing
• Gloves
• Ski goggles

When buying or renting your equipment talk to someone experienced who can help you choose the gear that best suits your level and needs. At first, you can rent your equipment until you are sure you like this sport and you want to continue practising it.

Safety

When skiing for the first time, it is highly recommended to take lessons with a qualified instructor. In that way, you will learn the right moves and techniques to ski safely. Most ski centers have schools with highly qualified instructors.

You must bear in mind that skiing does not only take time and willingness, but also money. Buying your own equipment entails a considerable investment. You must also consider transportation, accommodation, food, and your lift pass, which is usually fairly expensive.

If you are a beginner, it is better to rent or borrow equipment until you have gained some experience. Then, if you decide to keep on skiing, you can buy your own equipment.

Basic Aspects

• Use sunscreen lotion to protect your skin.
• Respect the signals and track boundaries.
• Remember that the skiers ahead of you cannot see you. Therefore, it is your responsibility to avoid an accident.
• Keep a speed that suits your skills, and never stop in the middle of the track.
• Ski only on slopes that suit your level.
• If you ski outside the tracks, you are doing it under your own responsibility.
• Get instructions about mointain safety, avalanches, and other dangers threats may find in the alpine environment.

Ecological

Do not litter, especially under the snow. When the snow melts, the garbage obviously reappears. If you find garbage and can dispose of it properly, the mountain will thank you.

Links

Web Sites

Ski & Snowboard Federation of Chile
Avda. Vicuña Mackenna 40, Santiago. Phone number: (56-2) 2228733 y 6659369.

Driving in the Mountain Handbook, Nacional Comitee of Transit Security.

Books

El Esquí en Chile - Skiing en Chile

Author: Guy Wenborne y Macarena Valdivia. 2005, 176 páges, Spanish-English.

El Esquí en Chile Guía 2009 - Ski in Chile Guide 2009
Author: Sergio Paz. 2009, Spanish-English.