Skiing is the activity of gliding over snow using skis (originally wooden planks, now usually made from fiberglass or related composites), with metal edges, strapped to the feet with ski bindings.

Originally used primarily for transportation, snow skiing evolved into a popular recreational and competitive activity during the 20th century.

The sport consists of many variations, each of which fits into one of the major categories of alpine skiing, Nordic skiing, or telemark skiing.

Skiing evolved gradually from snowshoeing and originally was a practical way of getting from one place to another in the cold winter. Early forms of skiing resembled today’s Nordic, or cross-country, style.

Many different types of skiing are popular, especially in colder climates, and many types of competitive skiing events are recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the International Ski Federation (FIS), and other sporting organizations.

Skiing is most visible to the public during the Winter Olympic Games where it is a major sport.

Skiing techniques are difficult to master, and accordingly there are ski schools that teach everything from the basics of turning and stopping safely to more advanced carving, racing, mogul or “bump” skiing and newer freestyle techniques.

In North America, a color–shape rating system is used to indicate the difficulty of trails (otherwise known as slopes or pistes).