Skis come from Old Norse "skíð" meaning "cleft wood". Oldest wooden skis found in Russia (6300-5000 BCE), Sweden (5200 BCE), Norway (3200 BCE). Early skis were used for hunting and war, not recreation
Luge is a small sled used by one or two people supine and feet-first. Racing sleds weigh 21-25 kg for singles, 25-30 kg for doubles. Athletes can reach speeds over 140 km/h, fastest of three sliding sports. Competition is precise to one millisecond on artificial tracks
Kayaks originated from indigenous peoples of subarctic regions. First kayaks were made from seal skins and wood frames. Traditional kayaks were personal crafts built by builders. Traditional kayaks had enclosed decks and cockpits for safety
Vern Wicklund created first snowboard in 1917 as shred deck. Sherm Poppen invented modern snowboard in 1965 with bindings. Jake Burton and Tom Sims introduced bindings and steel edges in late 1970s. Snowboarding became Olympic sport in 1998, with safety improvements in 2002
Madison Hubbell leads with three-time World medals at age 30. Madison Chock and Evan Bates form glamorous ice dance partnership
Put on skis by stepping into bindings, keeping them 1 foot apart. Use shorter skis reaching chin for easier maneuvering. Wear proper-sized boots that fit snugly without compression. Put on helmet, goggles, mittens, and buff for protection