We even learned to show off by spinning in circles like confident if clumsy ballerinas. But overconfidence could be hazardous. Since there's little edge to grab the surface, snow skates hold ice poorly. If the skates slide out, you fall straight down and have to use your arms to break the fall. The tips of the Footskis repeatedly snagged on the slope, though I learned to lean back, which kept my face out of the snow.
Most resorts permit snow skates and ski boards on all slopes, though calling ahead is smart.
Bicycles with runners may sound contrived, but they've been used in Europe for years and achieve a near elegance. A model by Brenter looks like the kind of minimalist chair you might find in a modern-art gallery, but the springy seat is surprisingly comfortable. The light, lean frame makes steering easy and crisp, and the rider wears a miniski on each foot for stability. Casual riders can navigate gently, while hotshots can skid and bounce. Snow bikes are still a rare species, partly because lifts have to be specially rigged to get them back up the hill.