Skiing is an adventure that many people love. It's fun to ski on a nice white patch of ice and gain speed. Modern skiing has gradually branched out from snowshoeing. A Norwegian, Sondre Norheim, is regarded as the father of modern skiing. In the early 1800's he invented Slalom, which is known today as Telemark skiing.

While skiing is mostly regarded as sport, there are many practical transportation uses in colder climates, and many militaries train troops in skiing. Mostly people wear warm clothing and follow runs, trails or slopes. Usually ski routes are checked for safety. Some skiers also enjoy cross-country skiing. If one is a beginner and not an expert, it is much safer to stay within the boundaries of the resort. Some European countries have banned cross-country skiing due to the incidents of avalanche, and the high cost of search and rescue operations.

Ski lovers feel a rush when they ski, a feeling similar to flying. It has become hugely popular now, and there are many fine ski schools where one can learn the basics.

It is very easy to learn how to ski, and the basic skills can be taught to just about anybody. Once that skill is mastered, one can be on the slopes enjoying it with friends and family. Skiing is a perfect way to stay in good physical shape. It's also great to sit around a fireplace in the lodge inside a warm blanket, with your spouse sitting next to you, while holding hot coffee or a brandy in hand.

Most popular ski vacations:

These skiing locations are known to most of the world as the skiing paradises.

? Vail, Colorado, United States: Vail is a fully self-sustainable ski vacation area, with finest dining available, a day spa, and many outdoor winter activities. The mountain has a snowboard and ski school. There are ranges for both inexperienced as well as experienced skiers.

? Whistler/Blackcomb, British Columbia, Canada: It is only a short drive from Vancouver in British Columbia, and has recently been voted the "Best North America Ski Resort" by popular ski magazines and the "Favorite International Destination". It is a superb scenic village located in the mountains, and has many restaurants, nightclubs/cafes, shops etc. There are facilities for winter sports including snowboarding and skiing.

? Kitzbuhel, Austria: The village of Kitzbuhel is a ski village almost 700 years old. The old and traditional walled town still exists, and there are many shops, art boutiques, hotels and restaurants. It has around fifty lifts, and this destination can meet the needs of any skier or even just outdoor enthusiasts.

? Chamonix Mont-Blanc, France: Mont Blanc is one of the most well known and famous ski resorts in the entire world. It has the highest peak within the Alps, as well as the second-highest peak in Europe. Chamonix is a challenge for even some of the most experienced skiers. It has slopes for beginners as well. It has one of the longest ski runs in the world, which runs for approximately 13.7 miles.

? Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy: Cortina was one of the first ski vacation destinations in the world. The centre of Cortina can only be used for pedestrians, as vehicles are not allowed here. Here one can see breathtaking rock formations, which provide the snowboarder and skier with terrain not available in any other ski resort in the world.

? Zermatt, Switzerland: It is known for the Matterhorn Mountain, and is a unique ski resort. The resort welcomes all vacationers and contains lots of the original chalets, as well as winding alleys. After skiing down, one can go on the backside of the Matterhorn, for a meal in the beautiful Italian village of Cervinia.

Skiing is an excellent sport and is perfect for adventurers. There are many skiing resorts where anybody, be an expert or beginner, can ski and have fun.