An alternative to skiing and snowboarding

When snowboarding came on the scene, it was touted as an alternative to skiing, eventually becoming so popular it was introduced as an Olympic sport in 1998. Now there’s an alternative to skiing and snowboarding, via a contraption that looks like a cross between a bicycle and skis.

Snowbike: Made by the Austrian-based company Brenter Original Snowbike, it looks like a squat bike with a seat, handlebars and skis instead of wheels. Riders also wear miniature skis on their boots, which helps with steering and stopping. Roger Hollenbeck, a company spokesman, riders sit with knees tight against the seat, arms straight and elbows locked. Stops are made by turning sideways, as with skis.

Fitness: According to Hollenbeck, Snowbikes provide a pretty good workout: “You have to grab the seat with your knees, and use your shoulders, arms and stomach muscles as well.”

Bob Hamilton, a spokesman for the Northstar at Tahoe ski resort, which rents Snowbikes, says that riding the bikes requires balance and strength. “It’s really like an isometric exercise. You’re using pretty much everything.”

Where to go: Snowbikes are available for rent at many ski resorts, as well as for sale. They cost between $699 and $1,995. For information, go to www.snowbike.com.