17th January 2013
According to SnowSports Industries America, sales of snowboards and snowboard equipment have dropped in the US by 21% over the last 4 years, as skiing enjoys a surge in popularity.
Last year, for the first time in a decade, alpine skiing was the most popular snowsport in American resorts with 6-17 year olds. It's not just the younger generation either, older snowboarders are also trading in their boards for a pair of skis.
The increase in the popularity of skiing is thought to be down to the new designs of skis, known as shaped skis. These skis are shorter than traditional ones, and are also wider at the front and back, making it easier to turn and reducing the chances of falling over. They also have upturned front and backs, allowing you to ski forwards and backwards, enabling you to perform more tricks.
3rd January 2013
The Indian Institute of Skiing and Mountaineering (IISM) have announced that they will start running ski courses in Gulmarg, in the Baramula district of Kashmir.
Initially, the IISM will be running 6 courses between now and March. If the courses prove popular and expand, who knows, you might even be able to get a job as a ski instructor in India!