Skiing For Fun

Types of Skiing – Part One

Skiing is a sport incorporating a lot of different styles. While you no doubt think first of snow when skiing is mentioned, you can ski on water, sand and even grass! Skiing can be done on flat terrain or hills and can be done using one or two skis. Let’s have a look at the different kinds of skiing.

Alpine and Nordic

The two basic types of skiing on snow are alpine (downhill) and Nordic (cross country). The two use different equipment and techniques.

The biggest difference in equipment between the two is that Nordic ski boots are bound to the ski only at the toe. This gives the heel the necessary freedom of movement to allow the striding motion typical of cross country skiing. Ski boots for Alpine skiing have to be attached firmly to the ski to provide maximum control while making turns at high speed.

The skis themselves and ski boots also differ. Nordic ski boots have a lower cut and more flexibility than do high, rigid Alpine ski boots. Nordic skis are also longer and narrower than are Alpine skis.

Alpine Skiing

There types of alpine skiing include powder, mogul, off and on piste and specific disciplines such as telemark, free-style, speed skiing and ski jumping.

Powder

Powder is considered to be best by many skiers. There’s nothing quite like skiing through this soft, light dry snow and skiers often go to great lengths to find it. This kind of snow requires a different type of skiing than does skiing on a groomed trail. When you know how to ski on powder, it’s almost like skiing on crowds.
Moguls

Moguls are the bumps formed on ski hills by many skiers using the same paths down a slope. Hills can get covered with these bumps and it takes a different kind of skiing technique to handle them. You need to be alert and take moguls at a slight angle to maintain control by using your downward pole as a pivot. Use knee action to go over the mogul while using the pole as a pivot simultaneously. You should start to learn negotiating moguls on beginner’s hills, which will prepare you for the thrill of fast mogul skiing. The key is to develop a rhythm to your turns.

Backcountry Skiing

Those who are very experienced are often drawn to the challenge of back country skiing. It is exciting but does hold some danger not seen at ski resorts. You are on your own in the back country, with no help available for miles. However, many ski back country with no problems. Being an experienced skier and preparing yourself will make an off-piste excursion more successful.