Types of Skiing

Once you become familiar with, and proficient at, the snow skiing basics, you will discover that there are actually many types of skiing. While most skiing styles can be performed on traditional ski equipment, others may require different types of skis or ski boots.

Ski historians tell us that approximately 6300 years ago, skiing was used as a mode of transportation. Although it eventually became a method of warfare, it did not become a form of recreation until the middle of the 19th century. During this period, ski racing was a spectator sport and new techniques were taught.

If you look at the different types of types of skiing, it's interesting to note that each style can be seen as a modern incarnation of one of the original forms. For example, cross-country and backcountry skiing, which do not use chairlifts, can be seen as a throw back to the original use of skis for transportation, whereas all-mountain alpine skiing, with its various turn techniques, is an outgrowth of the recreational ski races of the Victorian era.

As the name implies, all-mountain, otherwise known as downhill skiing is a blanket term that applies to skiing all parts of the mountain in all conditions. All-mountain skiers can ski moguls, steeps, crud, groomed slopes and any other type of terrain.

All mountain alpine skiing is lift-serviced skiing. As such, it uses chairlifts, surface lifts and gondolas to transport skiers to various parts of the mountain. This method of skiing requires stiff plastic boots, as well as ski bindings, which attach the ski boots to the skis. Alpine ski boots are attached at both the heel and the toe.

There are two types of Nordic or cross-country skiing. Classic style cross country skiing is performed on specially groomed trails, which are often called tracks. Unlike traditional alpine skis, in cross-country skiing the boots are attached at the toes, but the heel remains free. Skate style cross country skiing is similar to ice skating. In this technique, the skier pushes one ski outward, while the inside edge of the opposite ski is pressed into the snow.

In most cases, backcountry skiing is not serviced by any type of lift. Since the slopes are not groomed, backcountry skiers often use a wider ski, which will perform well in deep powder conditions. Since backcountry skiers "earn their turns" by climbing the hills, many use special climbing skins. Others carry a backpack which may include a pair of snowshoes, as well as avalanche equipment such as a shovel, an avalanche probe and an avalanche beacon.

It is believed that Telemark skiing originated in the Telemark region of Norway, and that a man by the name of Sondre Norheim was responsible for perfecting the Telemark turn. Telemark skiing bears some similarities to both alpine and cross-country skiing.

While it can be performed at lift-serviced downhill ski resorts, like cross-country skiing, Telemark skis are not attached at the heel. As such, Telemark skis are often favored by backcountry skiers since the free heeled ski makes it easier to ascend the hills. Telemark skiing looks quite different from alpine skiing. In this technique, one leg glides in front of the other so that it looks like the skier is performing a series of lunges that descend the hill.

Freestyle skiing uses a specialized ski called a twin tip which allows the skier to ski forwards or backwards. Thus, freestyle skiers can perform tricks, such as 360 degree turns, and a variety of different types of jumps. Freestyle skiing is usually favored by younger skiers, and is performed in the half-pipe or terrain park.

If you are interested in learning freestyle or backcountry skiing, keep in mind that while they use some different techniques, each of these styles is based on the basics of alpine skiing. Proficiency in these basics will help you excel in the different styles.

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