Skiing is gliding down snowy slopes on long, narrow runners called skis, which attach to special boots. Skiers use poles to help push themselves along and keep their balance. When you ski, you shift your weight and angle your skis to control your speed and direction, carving paths through the snow as you descend the mountain.

People have been skiing for thousands of years. In snowy regions like Scandinavia, skis were originally tools for winter transportation and hunting, letting people travel across deep snow that would otherwise trap them. Today, skiing is a popular winter sport and recreational activity. Some people enjoy the thrill of racing downhill (downhill skiing), while others prefer the peaceful exercise of cross-country skiing, which involves moving across flatter terrain.

The word can also work as a noun: a ski is one of the two narrow boards you wear on your feet. When you're talking about just one, you might say, “I lost a ski on that jump!” When you're talking about the activity, you might say, “Let's go skiing this weekend.”

Learning to ski takes practice and some courage. Beginners start on gentle slopes called bunny hills, gradually building the skills and confidence needed for steeper runs.