Depending on the discipline, it is possible to ski on almost any surface covered with snow: cross-country skiing is practiced on the plains, some of the alpine disciplines on steeper surfaces.
As the name suggests, the most famous ski slopes for the alpine discipline are located in the Alps, although a large number of high-quality alpine ski resorts are located in North and South America, New Zealand, and Asia. It is customary to classify ski slopes according to steepness and length, in order to make it easier for recreational skiers to choose a slope that suits their skiing skills and skiing style. In Europe, the color system is most often used, so e.g. the black color marks the most demanding steep trail, which is usually reserved only for competitions and top skiers. The red trail is somewhat milder, but still demanding. Beginners will choose between trails marked as blue (small slopes) or white trails. The white slopes are almost completely paved, so they ensure safe skiing even for complete beginners. There is also the so-called free skiing on ungroomed trails, however, it is reserved exclusively for top skiers who know skiing techniques very well and have the appropriate equipment. It should not be mentioned that free skiing is associated with constant danger from snow avalanches, landslides, falls on sharp rocks or cliffs, and it is not uncommon for free skiers who overestimate their knowledge or underestimate a certain slope to get hurt or even die.
Ski lift
Cross-country skiing requires smoother tracks, so the risk of falls or snow avalanches is reduced to a minimum. This type of skiing is especially suitable for recreationists with weak physical strength, older skiers and all those who want to adapt the pace of skiing to themselves and not the steep alpine trails. However, for the more ambitious, cross-country skiing can also be a very effective way of achieving excellent physical fitness, because it is known that according to the general characteristics of preparation (physical condition), cross-country skiers, along with long-distance athletes and cyclists, are among the most prepared athletes in general. Most groomed cross-country skiing trails can be found in the Nordic countries, although cross-country skiing is also possible on ungroomed trails.
For ski flights, specially prepared ski jumps are used, which, depending on the size, are also called ski flights. These jumps are clearly reserved exclusively for professionals who are involved in the sport, because on some jumps, ski jumpers make jumps of over 200 meters in length.
Snowboarders can use standard ski slopes, although most opt for ungroomed slopes. The interesting thing is the halfpipe, an arranged part of the track in the form of a ditch of several meters with very smooth and steep walls.