There are generally two major types of skiing, Alpine and Nordic. Each has its own sub categories of styles and equipments.

Alpine skiing being the general term referred to by most people as “skiing”, employs skis with bindings that are attached at both the toe and the heel side of the skier’s boots. Nordic skiing employs skis that attach only at the toe side of the skier’s boots.

Alpine Skiing

Downhill/On-piste - Skiing in designated areas in a ski resort, with uphill effort assisted by machinery such as: Magic carpet, T-bar, Chairlift, Gondola, Funiculars…etc. Difficulty of the slopes is usually classified by colour-coded system, starting with green, blue, red, black to double-black or triple-black diamond.

Different continents or even countries has different systems, check before you go but intermediate skiers are generally recommended to not go beyond red areas. Most resorts also have a designated beginners area equipped with magic carpets.

Backcountry/Off-piste – Skiing outside the boundary of a ski resort where conditions are unpredictable and dangerous, due to no machine grooming, avalanche control and assistance from ski patrols in times of accident. It would be safer to go with a local guide and a group of experienced skiers, but this form of skiing really is not for anyone less than advanced level.

Backcountry skiing usually involves lots of hiking, a very good way to see the countryside in winter but tiring for some. So if you are experienced enough, and want to get to the top fast, Heli-skiing could be your first choice. Hiring a helicopter and a guide with your friends, will ensure you the best day skiing ever! With less money to spare but can’t be arsed to hike? Cat-skiing will be your best option.

Freestyle – Performing tricks usually on “twin tip skis” like, switch (skiing backwards), spins (from 180 degree to multiply by as many times as one can in the air) or flips off kickers and half-pipes, grinding rails, grabbing skis in mid-air…etc. Some of these tricks can only be performed within a designated “snow park” area within a ski resort.

Nordic Skiing

Cross-country – Go anywhere on snow (including uphill) with your skis, is an excellent way to explore a local area you wouldn’t otherwise by foot or downhill skis. Most ski resorts have their own designated cross-country skiing area, protected by avalanche controls and ski patrols. When venturing outside a designated area please employ a local guide for safety and because they know all the amazing local places to visit.