Skiing
Skiing is a group of sports using skis as equipment for traveling over snow. Skis are used in conjunction with boots that connect to the ski with use of a binding.
Skiing can be divided into cross-country skiing and alpine skiing. Cross-country skiing (or Nordic skiing) originated in Scandinavia and uses free-heel bindings that attach at the toes of the skier's boots but not at the heels and is a low-impact, aerobic activity that conditions the whole body. It is becoming increasingly popular. Although it is one of the most physically demanding activities, it can be enjoyed even if you have a relatively low skill level. It does not require exorbitant lift fees, and it has a relatively low injury rate (cross-country skiing has an injury rate about 10 times less than alpine skiing). Unlike alpine or downhill skiers who use gravity, cross-country skiers propel themselves about 80-90 per cent of the time, and use muscles in the arms, legs, and trunk in about equal measure. This muscle activity demands a great deal of energy. It has been estimated that cross-country skiing continuously for 150 minutes burns up more than 3000 Calories.
Alpine or downhill skiing, which began in the European Alps, uses fixed-heel bindings that attach at both the toe and the heel, is a popular family sport shared by people of all ages and athletic abilities. It has fewer benefits for aerobic fitness than cross-country skiing because activity is usually in short bursts, but it is good for strengthening muscles particularly those in the upper leg. Alpine skiing is also a tough sport, particularly demanding on the legs. Recreational skiers often succumb to injuries of knee ligaments and ankle tendons because of lack of fitness or poor technique. Many of these injuries could be avoided if people conditioned themselves before embarking on a skiing holiday. Weight-training exercises to strengthen the muscles in the thighs and around the knees, and stretching exercises to improve overall joint mobility; reduce the risk of injury after an awkward fall. Simple activities, such as climbing stairs, brisk walking, jogging, and gentle running, help to develop overall stamina so that you can enjoy a day out on the piste. It is also important to warm-up immediately prior to skiing.
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Sources: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skiing