Winter sports
Places
Equipment
C avoid
experts
hitting
land
para glider
route
slopes
speed
take off
weather
B blow
empty
family
frozen
jump
kite
lakes
thick
wind
A avalanche
backpack
crashes
fly away
guides
helicopter
noise
peak
professional
A HELISKIING
Heliskiing is popular all over the world. In this sport, a helicopter carries you to the peak of a mountain, well away from marked ski runs and crowds. As it lands, the skiers jump out and wait until it flies away and the snow has stopped blowing around. Heliskiing is very well organised and there is always at least one guide, a professional who will find a safe way down the mountain. Often a second guide will follow the other skiers to make sure no-one gets lost. Despite this, there are some dangers. The most obvious problem is avalanches which can be caused by the helicopter. Each skier must wear a backpack in which he or she carries special equipment to help them survive such a situation. There have also been several crashes of helicopters in the mountains. Heliskiing is also unpopular with many other skiers who don’t like the noise.
C SPEED FLYING
Speed Flying is definitely for experts only. Not just expert skiers but those who also know how to para glide. The skier / flyer can ski down slopes that other skiers just couldn’t go on. Why? Because when it gets too difficult they can use their paraglider to take off, fly over drops, rocks or other problems and then land again and continue skiing. The problem is that this is all done at very high speeds and a small mistake can lead to injury or death. Speed flying is not allowed near normal ski slopes as there is too much danger of hitting someone. It is therefore very important to plan your route before setting off, make sure that the weather is going to be good and to avoid any problems that can be avoided. There will be enough other problems to worry about.
B KITE SKIING
Kiteskiing is becoming more and more popular. It is high speed and exciting but, at the same time, quite safe and even makes a good family activity. All you need is an empty, flat surface such as a snow covered field or a frozen lake, a pair of skis and a large kite. Then you just need the wind to blow you along. When the wind isn’t too strong, it is perfect for beginners who don’t want to do anything too dangerous. When the wind is blowing harder, you can reach really high speeds and try tricks such as jumping in the air. Best of all, you don’t have to queue up for ski lifts and worry about other people. The only dangers are falls, so always wear a helmet, and lakes which aren’t frozen solid. Always make sure the ice is at least 10cm thick before starting.
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