Swiss Skiing!

Hi, my name is Niklas! My sister Heidi and I love skiing!! Although not originally from Switzerland, the Swiss Alps have become well known for their beautiful scenery and great skiing. The slopes here have been a favorite of ski fans since the first ski holidays took place in 1903 in Adelboden. My grandpa tells me he used to go work at the ski slopes during his school breaks in order to have the opportunity to ski.

Alpine skiing (or downhill), is the more common skiing you might see. It involves 2 long skis and 2 ski poles to help you turn and control. I really like going down the slopes and learning how to control my speed and how to turn.

My grandpa, who taught me how to ski, tells me that the equipment and popularity has changed a lot since he began skiing. Equipment has evolved from wooden skis with straps, to lighter wood and fiberglass skis with bindings. Those old skis don't look comfortable at all!

from past...

to present...

Grandpa also tells me that over the last 75 years, skiing has really grown in popularity. Now there are more than 40 million skiers all over the world! From Chile to Colorado, Korea and even South Africa, it seems like you can enjoy skiing in all parts of the globe.

My sister, Heidi, prefers Cross Country skiing. This form of skiing is done over the countryside rather than on downhill slopes. My grandpa tells me that cross-country skiing may have originated as a means of traveling. This may have been the only way to get around back in the day. But now it seems like people like its as a form of exercise and sport. It's supposed to work every major muscle in your body. Heidi and I like to race, but it's really tiring!

Well Heidi and I are off to ski again! Next year I'm going to try and learn how to snowboard! Whatever it is you choose, get out to the snow and play - you don't know what you're missing!

Join Niklas and Heidi skiing with this coloring page!

To read about Niklas' Circle of Friends, click here!

For more about Niklas:
Niklas & Heidi's Yodel-Ay-He Shampoo
Niklas' Mint Chocolate Sudsy Sponge
Niklas' Mint Chocolate Buddy Bar Soap
Heidi & Niklas' Yodel-Ay-He Lotion