What is it?

We're talking any sport which involves zipping along at frantic speeds across the white, cold stuff. This includes the oldest (skiing), the newest (snowboarding), the hardest (cross-country skiing), and the weirdest (biathlon, with its skiing-shooting combo). Skiing involves strapping a long flat runner on to each boot which helps you glide across the snow. For snowboarding, the skis are replaced by what looks like a mini-surfboard. What they all have in common is the need for snow.

What is it good for?

Mountain sports are big with thrill seekers who get a buzz from  the speed, but it's also a great way to work on your fitness. It may look like the skis do all the work but it's actually tiring stuff. And as you'd expect with a sport which entails hurtling across a deceptively hard surface at high speed, the risk of injury is pretty high. Ankles and knees are particularly vulnerable.

What do I need?

Quite a lot. Skiing and snowboarding aren't sports you can dip into cheaply. You need the obvious (skis or a board, although these can be hired) and warm, waterproof clothing. You also need to budget for transport, chairlift-passes, accommodation and food.

Who are the experts?

There are plenty of websites out there with good information for skiers, boarders and those flirting with snow sports. Ifyouski.com is a good place to start.

Updated: 19/10/2008