Skiing Styles - Alpine, Nordic, Backcountry, Telemark

Skiing is a versatile sport which includes many different styles and methods. Although most people associate skiing with snow it can also be done on water, grass, and sand. It can be done on hills or flat terrain, and it can be done with one ski or two. Let's take a look at the wide world of skiing.

Alpine and Nordic

The two basic styles of snow skiing are alpine (downhill) and Nordic (cross country). The two types use quite different equipment and require different techniques. That's not to say that if you do one kind you can't do the other – many skiers enjoy both Nordic and Alpine skiing at various times.

The main difference in equipment is that Nordic ski boots are attached to the ski at the toe only. This allows the heel to be lifted from the ski to allow a striding motion. Alpine ski boots need to be firmly attached to the ski to offer the most control under high speeds and when turning.

Other differences in equipment include ski boots and skis. Ski boots used for Nordic skiing are flexible and low cut compared to the rigid, high boots used in alpine skiing. Nordic skis are longer and thinner than alpine skis to allow them to glide more easily over the snow.

Alpine Skiing

There are many types of alpine skiing including powder, mogul, off and on piste, as well as specific disciplines like free-style, telemark, speed skiing and ski jumping.

Powder

For many skiing enthusiasts powder is the ultimate. The experience of cutting through light pristine snow cannot be matched, so it's no wonder that skiers go to great lengths for the chance to ski in powder. Powder snow refers to snow that is light and dry. Skiing in these conditions requires a different technique than skiing on groomed trails. The weight has to be further back on the skis and turns are more gradual. The technical finesse is a pleasure to watch and when done properly, powder skiing can be like floating on clouds.

Moguls

Moguls are the bumps that form on a ski hill as a result of many skiers following the same paths down the slope. Some hills can become covered in moguls and skiing them requires a specific technique. It is important to maintain control when skiing through moguls. It may be frightening to face a hill full of moguls but the key is to take them at a slight angle and to use your downward pole as a pivot point. Use the spring action of your knees to go over the mogul and pivot around the pole at the same time. Learning how to manoeuvre moguls on easy and intermediate slopes prepares you for the fun and excitement of fast mogul skiing. Maintaining a rhythm to your turns is a great way to stay in control while mastering a mogul field.

Backcountry Skiing

Experienced skiers sometimes get bored with the groomed trails of ski resorts. The call of the wild beckons. Although backcountry skiing can be exciting and challenging it also has dangers which most ski resorts have removed. Skiers who go backcountry are on their own – there is no ski patrol to get you out of difficulties and the nearest shelter may be miles away. Nonetheless, thousands of people take the challenge of backcountry skiing without any mishaps. Being a strong skier and knowing what to expect are the keys to a successful off-piste excursion.

Telemark

Telemark skiing was developed about 140 years ago in Norway and was popular up until the 1940s. It was revived during the 1970s but didn't regain popularity until about 10 years ago. Telemark skiing is similar to cross-country (Nordic) skiing in that the heel of the foot is not secured to the ski. This makes it a combination of Nordic and Alpine styles – it can be used for cross-country skiing and also for downhill runs.

The skis used for telemark are similar to alpine skis, but the binding hold only the toe to the ski. Boots were traditionally made from leather, but in recent years they have become more rigid, with plastic buckled boots becoming the norm. Telemark skis can be used to climb hills by attaching a skin to the bottom of the skis. This provides backwards resistance that prevents the ski from going downhill.

Telemark downhill turns are made by shifting the body weight to the outside ski while bringing it forward. The inside ski is trailed behind by lifting the heel off the ski. The use of poles is optional in telemark – some skiers use none while others use one or two. A single pole is held in both hands and touches the snow only on the inside of the turn.

Speed Skiing

The fastest skiing is speed skiing – going straight down steep slopes. Speeds of up to 150 mph are possible - making speed skiing the second fastest non-motorized sport after skydiving. Needless to say, speed skiing is dangerous. Skiers have to wear padded suits and specialized helmets that cut down wind resistance.

Streamlining is very important in this sport. Everything from the skier's stance to all his equipment is designed to reduce wind resistance. The ski suits are treated with polyurethane to minimize wind drag and the poles are shaped to match the skier's body. Even the runs are chosen for their minimal air resistance – most speed skiing runs are on high-altitude mountains.

Ski Jumping

Ski jumping has been a competition sport since 1862. Skiers go down a steep slope to a ramp which sends them flying through the air for about 60 feet. As far as skiing goes it is one of the most popular spectator sports - ski jump competitions can draw thousands of people.

Ski jumping skis are very specialized. They are very wide and long and the ski attaches to the toe only. Aerodynamics plays a big part in this sport – skiers try to get the most lift possible by holding their skis in a 'V' shape and bending forward almost parallel to the skis. This presents as much surface area as possible to keep the skier in the air longer.

The popularity of ski jumping as a spectator sport is not hard to understand – we are literally watching people 'fly'. At the same time, the thought of doing such a feat is both frightening and exhilarating to most people. Regular skiers can get a taste of ski jumping by going over the bumps on their ski trail. For most people, going 3 feet into the air is more than enough.

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