The winter chill is well upon us and those who love to get out on the slopes will surely be champing at the bit. But are you looking for change to traditional skiing? Choosing a sport to enjoy has never been more difficult with more activities than ever to take up. We’ve picked out five alternative winter sports for you to try if you’re off to enjoy the snow somewhere in the coming months.
Yukigassen
What can be more enjoyable at winter than one massive snowball fight? The good people of Japan created an annual event dedicated to hurling balls of snow at an opposing team of seven players. A cross between dodgeball and capture-the-flag, it’s up to you to either claim your opponent’s flag or eliminate the entire team by striking them with a snowball. Such has been the popularity of the event that other off-shoots have been created in Finland, Australia and Canada.
Ski Bobbing
For those who are more at home on a bike than skis, then we might have found a solid middle ground for you. Ski bobbing is essentially the frame of a bicycle, but instead of wheels, your mode of transport boasts a ski attached to the underside. If you’re a fan of speed, this activity could be for you too; in some competitive events, racers can reach speeds of up to 120mph, as you’ll see from the video below from 1956!
Boardercross
Another high-velocity offering now in the form of boardercross. Pitting four or six snowboarders against one another, the aim of the game is to beat your competitors to the finish line at the bottom of the mountain in a high-intensity show of balance and control. Set over a course of cambers, twists and turns, the sport has become a popular viewing spectacle in the Winter Olympics since being introduced in 2006, with drama aplenty as riders compete for the best line.
Snow Carving
If hurtling down a mountain at high speed is not your idea of fun, snow carving could be more your thing. The world of snow carving is an intriguing hybrid of competitive sport and art. Particularly popular in some areas of the USA and Canada, teams compete using hacksaws and tools more subtle to create incredible pieces of art from huge blocks of compacted snow.
Snow Tubing
Balance may be an issue for some when it comes to staying upright on two skis. Thankfully snow tubing takes little skill, equipment or much fitness in general – just plonk yourself in the inflatable rubber ring and away you go! Becoming a popular addition for families to enjoy at some of the big ski resorts all over the world, snow tubing acts as the perfect introduction to winter sports and life on the pistes.
If you’re heading away in the coming months for some winter sports fun, make sure you’re fully covered. At SportsCover Direct, our Sports Travel Insurance can cover you for taking part in any of the sports listed above as well as over 500 others.