Different Types of Skiing

It can be an exhilarating rush, a workout, or a mode of transport to get away. Skiing is as diverse as the people that strap them on. There are many different types of skiing, and they can be sorted in to a few general categories; Nordic, Alpine, and Backcountry Touring.

NORDIC skiing is a term given to the different cross-country skiing variations. Nordic skiing is a great cardiovascular workout, there are no lifts, just you doing all the work. Nordic skiing has two main types of skiing styles.

CLASSIC skiing is done with narrow skis and light boots that attach to the ski at the toe only, leaving your heel free which helps you in your stride along fairly flat surfaces. There are no edges on classic skis so heading down steep hills is a little difficult.

SKATE skis are designed to be pushed out to the side in a skating motion. Skate skiing is done primarily in nordic ski racing but many people use the technique for recreation as well. A disadvantage to skate skiing is that a wide, groomed trail is needed so you can't ski anywhere you wish. It's appeal is a superior workout allowing you to cover more ground in less time.

ALPINE skiing is a term given to downhill skiing variations. The alpine means 'mountain environment' and that's exactly where you'll be if your skiing on alpine or 'downhill skis'. These skis are made for heading downhill so however you get to the top of the hill (helicopter, ski chairlift, snow cat, snowmobile, hiking) you'll use alpine skis to get yourself back down.

TELEMARK skiing is taking the nordic ski system and pointing it down the mountain. Telemark skis are basically downhill skis on which your heel is not locked in, much the same way a nordic ski set up works. Telemark skis have metal edges and are wider than nordic skis however, since they are made primarily for heading down steep hills like those found at ski resorts. It's a strenuous style of skiing and one of the reasons it's a minority at ski resorts.

DOWNHILL skiing is generally called Alpine skiing and it's one of the most popular forms of skiing around the world. It's the skiing style where you have fat skis with metal edges, plastic boots, and your heels locked in. It's the classic downhill style and the same style of skiing that you see in ski races in the Olympics. But alpine skiing has so many different styles based on terrain. You can downhill ski through long steep runs, waist-deep powder, moguls runs, or on man-made terrain parks. There are a few differences in equipment intended for the different downhill styles but it's all the downhill family.

BACKCOUNTRY TOURING is a type of skiing that deserves it's own mention. It's a bit of a combination between Alpine and Nordic skiing. It's Nordic in the sense that you tour out into the backcountry under your own power without assistance like classic skiing but it's also Alpine in the sense that when you find a steep hill you ski it the way you would in downhill skis. You can use telemark skis for touring or you can use a specific Alpine Touring Ski. An AT ski allows your heel to be free for flat touring like a classic nordic ski but you can lock your heel down for the steep downhill sections that you want to ski like a typical alpine downhill ski. Backcountry touring can last a day, a week, or longer, since ski tourers often take along packs with tents, stoves, and equipment to be totally self-sufficient.

So while you may be interested in one or more style of skiing, trying them all and finding the one that is the most fun for you is what makes skiing such a great activity.