When you think of skiing you may think of rich people in bright pink jumpsuits leisurely sliding down the side of a mountain where a glass of champagne awaits them at the bottom in their hot tub. Not any more!! (except for the hot tub bit).

It has now become an extreme sport. This sport has evolved into a highly dangerous sport full of sheer drops, jumps ,grinds and very high speeds.

Since the introduction of snowboarding, skiing has taken a bit of a back seat on the mountains but looking at the above video there is nothing 'back seat' about these skiers!

Everyone knows what skiing is. Two planks strapped to your feet, holding two sticks and throwing yourself down a hill. After lessons of course! But there are many types of skiing that you can do:-

• Alpine Skiing - The normal type of recreational skiing that people do on holiday.
• Alpine Freestyle - This is also known as 'Freestyle Skiing'. This is where the skier perform tricks such as jumps and grinds off of rails.
• Cross Country Skiing - Not just skiing down hill, but up hill and on the flat.
• Kite Skiing or Para Skiing - Skiing while being pulled by a kite or parasail.

Where to go, Cost and Equipment

Where

For a list of the dry ski slopes in the UK check out  www.touchlocal.com/nat/c-630-Dry+Ski+Slopes.

If you are looking at going on a skiing holiday our best advice is to go and see a travel agent to discuss the best European destinations.

Want to Ski on real snow without leaving the UK? Check out the snowdome review on our Snowboarding page!

Cost and Equipment

Skis  -  These can be quite expensive. The skis for recreational skiing you will be looking at paying around £200.

Ski Boots  -  These can be picked up for around £130 with bindings.

Ski Poles  -  Around £30.

Helmet  -  Around £40.

Jacket  -  From £80 and up.

Trousers  -  From £50 and up.

All in one suit - From £60 and up.

Remember to shop around for the best deals because the prices for all the equipment varies massively between companies.