Skiing is one of the most popular of all winter sports. Ski resorts do a booming business throughout the late autumn, winter and early spring months. Skiing is divided into two groups: Nordic and Alpine. Alpine skiing, developed in the Alps before the turn of the 20th century, sends skiers down hills, or trails. Cross country skiing is the most well known elements of Nordic skiing, and one of the most demanding winter sports due to the physical energy exerted by participants.

Many people think snowboarding developed from skiing, and to a certain extent that's true. However, snowboarding can trace the roots of its freelance, rebellious style to surfing and skateboarding. Snowboarding has exploded in popularity in the past decade, as ski resorts have opened up areas specifically for snowboarders, and the sport is part of the Winter Olympics.

Perhaps the most popular of all winter sports is figure skating. Whether it's professional competitions, TV specials or Winter Olympic competition, figure skating draws huge crowds throughout the world. Gymnastics on ice, figure skating combines power, speed, grace and dance. Thanks to increased exposure of figure skating on TV, the sport is growing in many parts of the world, even areas where the weather is warm.