hiihtämiseen

Hiihtäminen, commonly known as skiing, is a winter sport and a mode of transportation that involves gliding over snow on skis. It is a popular recreational activity and a competitive sport in many countries, particularly those with cold climates and significant snowfall. The basic principle of skiing involves attaching a pair of long, narrow planks to the skier's boots, allowing them to move across the snow with reduced friction.

There are several distinct disciplines of skiing. Cross-country skiing, or maastohiihto in Finnish, involves traveling across varied terrain, often through forests and over hills, utilizing a striding motion. This form emphasizes endurance and technique. Alpine skiing, or alppihhiihto, is characterized by descending snow-covered slopes, typically using gravity as the primary force. This discipline includes various sub-disciplines such as downhill, slalom, giant slalom, and super-G. Ski jumping, mäkihyppy, involves launching oneself from a specially constructed ramp and gliding through the air for distance. Biathlon, biathlon, combines cross-country skiing with rifle shooting.

Historically, skiing originated as a practical means of travel over snow-covered landscapes in the Arctic regions. Over time, it evolved into a sport and a leisure activity. Modern skiing equipment has advanced significantly, with lighter materials and improved designs enhancing performance and safety. Skiing requires a certain level of physical fitness, balance, and coordination, making it a full-body workout.