Snow Sports

Web cameras on the premises of resorts in the U.S. and Canada have revolutionized the way athletes shop for lodgings, as have reports alerting them to which slopes have recently received sparkling new snow. It's now easier than ever to book rooms online for a winter sports getaway, and you can easily select international resorts, too. Sites that profile trails according to level of challenge have also proven popular. And, of course, most ski lodges maintain their own websites to show you what to expect once you arrive.

People started skiing about 5,000 years ago, but only in the twentieth century did the sport truly take off. The two main skiing categories, Alpine (downhill) and Nordic (cross country), both claim loyal fans who spend a great deal of money on clothing and gear. In addition to providing an outlet for the retail industry, the Internet boasts plenty of skiing websites that help you select the right skis, bring you fitness strategies from pros, and allow you to join newsgroups that keep you aware of skiing events and snow conditions. You can even learn ski tips in the privacy of your home to try out on the slopes.

If you're more interested in sledding, you can find news, calendars, and lists of athletes competing in events at several sites. Like skiing, sledding breaks down into its own divisions, which include tobogganing, bobsledding, and lugeing. Snowboarding has also become a big hit over the last few years, functioning as a winter analogue to skateboarding. As you would expect, tons of gear sites are clambering to help you buy a board and get suited up.