Extreme Skiing

For extreme skiing, the motto is, “The steeper, the more dangerous, the better.”

Extreme skiing is a version of downhill skiing, but the requirements are definitely not for the faint of heart.  These usually are done on enormous drop-off cliffs (with slopes of around 45 to 60 degrees), with flips, turnovers and spins are pretty much the norm.  Mix these with natural obstacles, fancy maneuvers and the fresh yet ungroomed snow, and you have one thrilling ride.

Extreme skiing enthusiasts will risk limb and even life just to be able to indulge in the luxury of whooping down a sheer, snowy cliff and earn the right to proudly say to others, “I did this.  And man, it was awesome!”

Some forms of extreme skiing include skiing out of bounds and heli-skiing.  There are even some foolhardy souls that do cross-country skiing with a working chainsaw.  The thrill they get from the danger is what drives them to take such enormous risks.  The challenge of being able to negotiate a difficult turn also adds to the attraction.

New Hampshire’s White Mountains is, according to some sources, the place where extreme skiing had its beginnings.  The White Mountains’ deep snow and rough terrain provided such an exciting experience that many skiers were enthralled by the idea.

During the 1970s, the words “Extreme Skiing” was coined by the French to describe this exciting type of skiing.  Indeed “Le Ski Extreme” was popularized by daredevils who are widely acclaimed in the history of this type of skiing.  Sylvain Saudan, a Swiss national, thought up the skiing style called the “Windshield Wiper”.  What made the move even more popular is the fact that Saudan used this maneuver to ski on slopes that were exceptionally hard to negotiate.  Other names include Bill Briggs (who swooped down the precipitous Grand Teton), Anselme Baud and Patrick Valencant.  Another name renowned in the world of extreme skiing is Glen Plake, who, with his distinctive Mohawk added more pizzazz to the sport.

One must note, however, that the French kind of extreme skiing is different from the one being referred to in American English terms. “Le Ski Extreme” is more on skiing on steep slopes, while Extreme Skiing as understood in American English is more on dangerous and daring stunts one can do while skiing.

Currently, extreme skiing (the French kind) has its own following and even its very own World Championship.

A word of warning – DO NOT try anything if you are not sure you have what it takes to do the stunts.  Even some of the experts have died because of one wrong turn or one unlucky move.  The ability to control your movements absolutely is of utmost importance, for the sake of your safety.  Another consideration would be your physical condition.  It is recommended that you are in tip top shape for this skiing discipline.

In addition, the need for the finest protective gear cannot be overemphasized.  You should come equipped with back protection, boot bags, a ski helmet and excellent ski boots.