What are the Different Types of Skiing?
If you’re a newbie skier and looking to build your knowledge base, a good place to start would be to learn the differences between the various types of skiing.
There are a lot of different skiing terms out there, so you’re not alone in feeling confused or overwhelmed. It can be a lot at first….but the fun comes on the slopes!
Be mindful that some of these types of skiing can be more dangerous than others and require more experience.
Don’t let that deter you from pursuing it, everyone has to start somewhere.
Learning about the different types of skiing may persuade you to try something new and outside your comfort zone.
You may find regular downhill skiing boring, so you may feel inclined to try cross-country or backcountry skiing instead!
All of these disciplines can be tried and mastered with a bit of determination, a sense of adventure, and a lot of fun.
Here are some common types of skiing:
Alpine Skiing
Also known as downhill skiing, this type of skiing involves skiing down groomed slopes on skis with fixed heels. It is typically done at ski resorts and involves riding chairlifts or gondolas to access the slopes. Examples include skiing at Whistler Blackcomb, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, and Vail Ski Resort.
Nordic Skiing
Also known as cross-country skiing, this type of skiing involves skiing on flatter terrain using skis with free heels. It is typically done on groomed trails and can include classic skiing or skate skiing. Examples include skiing at the Canmore Nordic Centre, Royal Gorge Cross Country Ski Resort, and Gatineau Park.
Freestyle Skiing
This type of skiing involves performing tricks and jumps on various types of terrain, such as moguls, halfpipes, and terrain parks. Examples include skiing at Mammoth Mountain, Copper Mountain, and Park City Mountain Resort.
Backcountry Skiing
This type of skiing involves skiing in uncontrolled, natural terrain, typically away from ski resorts. It requires specialized equipment and training, as well as an awareness of avalanche safety. Examples include skiing in the backcountry of Whistler, the Teton Range, and the Wasatch Mountains.
There are a few types of skiing that are considered subcategories of Backcountry Skiing:
Ski Touring
Also known as “skinning,” is a type of skiing that involves climbing up slopes using special bindings and skins that attach to the bottom of the skis. Once the skier reaches the top, the bindings are adjusted to allow for downhill skiing. This type of skiing is often done in backcountry areas with no chairlifts or other amenities. Examples of places for ski touring include Whistler Blackcomb in British Columbia, Canada and the Swiss Alps.
Ski Mountaineering
This type of skiing involves climbing and skiing down high peaks and mountain ranges. It requires specialized equipment and advanced skills in mountaineering, as well as skiing. Ski mountaineers often use ice axes, crampons, and ropes to climb steep and dangerous terrain. Examples of popular ski mountaineering destinations include the Matterhorn in the Swiss Alps and Mount Everest in Nepal.
Hut-to-Hut Skiing
This type of skiing involves skiing between mountain huts or lodges, typically in a remote area with no access to ski resorts or other amenities. Skiers bring their own gear and supplies and stay in the huts overnight. This type of skiing is popular in Europe, with popular routes including the Haute Route in France and Switzerland, and the Julian Alps in Slovenia.
Here’s some more types of skiing to check out:
Telemark Skiing
This type of skiing involves skiing on skis with free heels, but using a different technique than Nordic skiing. It involves a combination of lunging and sliding movements and is often done in backcountry terrain. Examples include skiing at Alta Ski Area, Sugar Bowl Resort, and Crested Butte Mountain Resort.
Heli-Skiing
Heli-skiing involves being dropped off by helicopter in remote, untracked areas where skiers can ski down untouched powder slopes. Heli-skiing is popular in places like British Columbia and Alaska, where there are vast expanses of untracked snow. Examples of heli-skiing operators include Canadian Mountain Holidays (CMH) and Northern Escape Heli Skiing in British Columbia.
Adaptive Skiing
This type of skiing is designed for people with disabilities, allowing them to experience the thrill of skiing. Adaptive skiing equipment includes sit skis, which allow people to sit and ski down the slopes, and outriggers, which are like crutches with skis on the bottom. Adaptive skiing programs and events are available at many ski resorts, including the Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center in Colorado and the National Ability Center in Utah.
Hopefully, this quick guide was helpful, and you’re feeling more motivated to hit the slopes any way you can! While some of these types are suitable for newbies and some of them require more skiing experience.
Skiing is an excellent way to challenge yourself, mentally and physically. With a great attitude and hard work, you can master any or all of these types of skiing.
Always follow and respect the Alpine Responsibility Code while skiing. Read more about the code here.
If you’re looking for more information on gear for your new ski career, check out our article about what to pack for a ski trip here.
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