Five Types of Alpine Skis

You open the browser of your computer, and do a Google search for “alpine skis.” Or perhaps you search for “downhill skis.” You will probably discover that there are five types of alpine or downhill skis. First, let’s discuss how a ski is distinguished as a downhill ski, as opposed to a cross-country or Nordic ski.

The obvious answer would be, “Downhill skis go downhill.” While this is true, some cross country or Nordic skiers also go downhill, sometimes quite fast. But puns aside, in most cases, downhill or alpine skiing refers to skiing that is lift-serviced. Of course, there are exceptions to the rule. Some backcountry skiers hike for their turns, and skiers who have unlimited funds and unlimited courage enjoy heli-skiing. But let’s not get picky! For our purposes, there are five different types of downhill skis:

1. Recreational
2. All Mountain
3. Powder
4. New School and Freeride
5. Race

In most cases, a recreational ski will be the most affordable. If you ski under 15 times a season, a recreational ski is a far better alternative to a rental skis. Their easy turn initiation, stability and responsiveness make them a perfect choice for people who are learning the sport.

If you ski more than 15 days throughout the season, and you like to explore the entire mountain, you need an all mountain ski. However, within the all-mountain ski category, there are some sub-categories. If you ski the entire mountain and enjoy occasional forays into powder, you might want a wide-waisted all mountain skis. In contrast, a ski with a narrower waist and more pronounced sidecut might be a better choice for carving the groomers.

If you spend a good deal of time in powder, logic dictates that you need a powder ski. These skis are often a bit longer, and are characterized by their longer lengths and softer construction. Powder skis are often constructed from softer material than other alpine skis.

In contrast, the stiffer race ski is designed to absorb vibration at high speeds. Then we have the New School or Freeride skis, which are designed for skiers who like to play in the park or pipe. Your choice of ski depends on where you ski, how you ski as well as your height, weight and ability. Fortunately, skis.com gives you a wide selection of skis in each of these five categories.

Twin Tip Skis

In the past decade, snowboarding has been the sport of choice for the so-called younger generation. However, in recent years, you might notice that many teenagers and 20-somethings are once again becoming two-plankers. But for the most part, you won’t see these kids carving perfect turns on the wide blue groomers. Most likely, you will see them playing in the park or pipe. They even have a special type of ski for this purpose: It’s called a twin tip. The curved up tips of a twin tip ski allows Freeriders and New Schoolers to ski backwards and perform other hair-raising tricks.

Twin tip skis have three subcategories.

1. Universal twin tips let you play in the park and pipe but still ski the occasional groomer. Some manufacturers make what is known as a “phat twin.” These wide-waist twin tips can also play in the powder.
2. Park and pipe twin tip skis are for those who think that carving is only for turkeys. Who needs snow, when you have rails and cement? These twin tips often have bindings that are mounted slightly forward of center.
3. Backcountry twin tip skis are for jibbers that want to occasionally escape the crowds and enjoy the solitude in the backcountry.

Skis.com has an excellent selection of twin tips for kids and adults. Check them out!

Skiboards

Lately, you might have noticed skiers using exceptionally short skis. In most cases, they are not skiing with ski poles. Do you think that parents are stealing their kids’ skis? Not exactly. These little skis are known as ski boards. With measurements of 80 to 120 centimeters, ski boards are the perfect for anyone snow-sliders who have difficulty deciding whether they want to go skiing, snowboarding or skating. These short and chubby babies are playful, mischievous and versatile. They can go backwards without making you fall backwards. If you feel like showing off, they can even do some 360s. Their size also gives them excellent mogul maneuverability.

Ski boards are happy when they are playing in the park, or exploring their pipe dreams in the pipe. However, tricks are not their only specialty. Many ski instructors use skiboards to help their students enhance their carving skills. Different types of skiboards can be used for different purposes. For example, a shorter skiboard is usually the board of choice for park and pipe players, whereas a longer board might be perfect for enhancing your carving skills.

Telemark Ski Widths

Telemark skiing, when done correctly, is a beautiful site to behold. The best telemark skiers are very selective regarding their equipment. Like many other ski technologies, the design of telemark skis has changed significantly in the last decade. Telemark skis are now shorter and somewhat wider. However, as nothing is ever simple in regard to ski selection, the different widths of a telemark ski are suitable for different terrain preferences.

For example, telemark skis that are designed for hardpack snow usually measure 80mm under foot or less. Believe it or not, 80mm is considered narrow for a telemark ski, so this type of ski is considered to be a telemark carving ski. A telemark mid-fat ski would have a waist that measures between 80 and 85mm. These skis are preferable for telemark skiers that like to spend some time in the deep snow, but do not want to purchase a separate powder ski. However, if you are a powder hound, you mighty want to consider a fat telemark ski.

With waist widths that range between 85 and 95mm, fat telemark skis are perfect for powder, deep snow and crud. However, they are not the best ski for anyone who likes to spend a good deal of time in the moguls. As if 95mm was not fat enough, like the rest of the American population, waistlines of telemark skis are expanding. Super fat telemark skis measure over 95mm under foot. These are great skis for anyone who is lucky enough to ski in areas that are blessed with deep, deep powder.