What other sports are there in the Alps?

It's your first time in the Alps. You've checked into your accommodation, you've got your ski pass and map in your rucksack and you are just entering the Ski- Rent shop. You have a dilemma. What do you pick? Skiing or Snowboarding? But are those you only options?

People generally assume that the only sports you can do in the Alps are snowboarding and skiing. But they aren't. Have you ever thought the possibility of climbing up the mountain instead of taking a chair or bubble lift? Maybe you’ve seen other people mono-skiing and thought ‘where can I get one?’ or ‘is it hard?

Mono-skiing

Mono-skis were originally invented in the 1960’s and increased in popularity in the 1980’s. However, with the introduction of snowboarding in the European Alps, Mono-skiing is ‘ancient history’. Yet, whenever I’m I the Alps and I see a mono-skier, there is something so graceful and elegant- yet still fast and technical- that you can’t really look away. Mono-skiing is increasing in popularity since the introduction of the sport into the Winter Olympics; it’s also a Paralympic sport.

Ski- boarding

Ski boarding is a winter sport which combines elements of skating, snowboarding and skiing. Theyrefun, exhilarating and great for doing tricks on. These skis are perfect for someone who doesn’t particularly like carrying skis (as there are really small!) and those who like going fast!

Cross Country Skiing

The skis are long and narrow, and are usually around 2 meters in length. Like normal skis they are fitter to your height and weight. Unlike ‘normal’ skiing they are only fitted to your toes and not your heels to allow for optimum movement. As a sport, cross-country skiing is one of the most difficult endurance sports, as its motions use every major muscle group and is one of the sports that burn the most calories per hour in execution. Recreationally however you can cross country ski basically anywhere and everywhere! Many people stay out for extended periods using tents and equipment similar to bushwalkers/hikers, whereas others take relatively short trips from ski resorts on maintained trails.