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Isn't One Ski Just A Snowboard?

Who would've thought that people still do this: monoskiing. Never heard of it? It's just like it sounds--skiing with one ski. You strap both your feet on and go. The whole advantage of having two skis completely disappears and (in our case) you tumble down the mountain in an unwieldy manner, take off the monoski and trade it in for a snowboard.

But not everyone feels the same way, and the Monopride 2007 monoskiing festival in France is in its seventh year, running from March 15-18 at Villard de Lans. And there are important differences between monoskiing and snowboarding:

While boarders stand side-on, a monoski's bindings point the feet forward ... and monoskiers retain the use of ski poles--essential for balance, given that your ankles and feet are locked together on a space scarcely wider than a dinner plate.

If you feel like throwing yourself down a slope on a dinner plate, then sign up for Monopride before all supporters of the sport completely disappear.

[Photo: ScottMT]

Related Stories:
· I'm Still a Proud Monoskier [Times UK]