White Mountain
Types of glide
No doubt you’ve heard of downhill skiing, cross-country skiing and snowboarding. But there’s so much more to do on the slopes! To vary the pleasures and discover new sensations, it’s always possible to try out a new activity in the resort.
On skis, in all its forms
Downhill skiing
First practised at the beginning of the 20th century, downhill skiing is the flagship activity of the mountains and ski resorts. Particularly popular for the thrill of sliding down the slopes and the diversity of possible itineraries, downhill skiing is enjoyed by skiers of all ages and abilities.
Skiers hurtle down the slopes on skis attached to boots with rigid bindings for optimum speed control and manoeuvrability.
Ski resorts offer marked runs, classified by level of difficulty (green, blue, red and black), so beginners and experts alike can find suitable terrain!
Downhill skiing requires a complete set of equipment: skis, poles, ski boots, helmet and warm clothing, specially designed to cope with winter conditions while ensuring comfort and safety.
Downhill skiing is an all-round winter activity, offering a unique connection with nature and mountain landscapes, a feeling of speed and freedom, and a purely sporting experience, all of which make it a captivating activity.
Whether practised as a leisure activity or in competition, alpine skiing is also the flagship discipline at international events such as the Alpine Skiing World Cup and the Winter Olympics, where the best athletes compete for prestigious titles. There are several events, from slalom to giant slalom, downhill and Super-G. Each event requires specific skills in terms of speed, precision and control of the skis.
Snowboarding
Snowboarding is another very popular form of snowboarding, and one that is very much in evidence on the slopes. It is practised on a single board, with the feet fixed at right angles to the slope, creating a “sideways” position for the snowboarder.
Inspired by surfing and skateboarding, snowboarding emerged in the 1960s and quickly gained in popularity thanks to its free style and unique sensations. To get down the slope on a snowboard, the technique is a skilful blend of balance, flexibility and control of the board.
Snowboarding can be practised in a number of different ways, including freeride, where you ride down the slopes, freestyle, where you perform tricks in a snowpark, and boardercross, a race on a course with turns and obstacles.
Ski touring
Ski touring is an activity that allows you to explore undeveloped snow-covered terrain. Unlike downhill skiing, which is generally practised on groomed pistes, ski touring takes place on a variety of itineraries outside traditional ski areas.
Skiers use special equipment, including lightweight skis, free-heel bindings and an anti-recoil system (synthetic ‘sealskins’), which grip the snow to climb uphill. Once at the summit, skiers remove the skins and enjoy the descent, using telemark or alpine skiing techniques.
Skicross
Looking for even more thrills on the slopes? Skicross involves skiing a course with tight turns, bumps, jumps and obstacles! A mix of speed, technique and strategy, skiers have to manage all the hazards of the course to get to the bottom of the slope as quickly as possible.
Telemark skiing
Have you heard of the ancestor of downhill skiing?
Telemark skiing, which is now back on the slopes, is distinguished by a special technique in which the heel is not attached to the ski, allowing the skier to make turns by bending the knee. Telemark skiers use a characteristic position, called the lunge position, which allows them to control speed and direction with fluidity.
Handiskiing
Today’s mountains are increasingly inclusive, and the slopes are also accessible to people with reduced mobility. Handiskiing makes the pleasures of skiing accessible to everyone. Depending on requirements, a range of specialised equipment is used, including tandem skis and dualskis, which offer stability and safety.
Handiskiing can be done independently or with the help of a qualified guide. To find out more about how ski areas can be adapted for people with reduced mobility, see our special pages.
Cross-country skiing
Cross-country skiing is an endurance sport practised on groomed and marked trails. It is characterised by a continuous, fluid gliding movement over gently undulating terrain.
There are two main techniques: the classic stride, where the skis follow parallel lines, and skating, which uses the skating stride technique to glide more quickly.
Cross-country skiing is accessible to everyone, whatever their age or level of fitness, and allows you to explore the mountains in peace and quiet, in direct contact with nature.
Monoskiing
Very popular a few decades ago, monoskiing is now rarely seen on the slopes of ski resorts. By placing both feet on a single board (facing the slope, unlike a snowboard), skiers use the sculling technique to ski down the slope.
Monoskiing gives you a smooth, fluid sensation, and is appreciated for its manoeuvrability in powder and its unique style!
Snowblading
Also known as miniskiing, snowblading is a style of skiing in which very short skis are used, giving great manoeuvrability and tight turns. These skis are very compact and easy to control, so even beginners can try snowblading.
For experienced skiers, miniskis offer new and unusual sensations!
On the slopes, new sliding tools
Snooc
An innovative activity that combines skiing and tobogganing, the Snooc offers a unique experience on snowy slopes! The Snooc is a lightweight sled designed to allow the user to sit on the sled, but with skis at the ends to make it easier to slide down the snow.
Snooc is used on ski slopes, but it is also possible to explore ungroomed terrain to add an adventurous dimension to the activity. Accessible to all, it is particularly popular with families and beginners.
The Yooner
Here’s a fun way to enjoy the slopes with family and friends. The Yooner is a small machine consisting of a seat mounted on a single runner, the modern version of the paret, formerly made of wood. It is steered by tilting the body and using a handle for turns.
The sensations are similar to skiing, but you don’t need any experience – anyone can try the yooner! The yooner is suitable for groomed slopes, offering an original alternative to skiing.
Want to try something new?
Discover even more activities with Nordic activities!