Different Downhill Skiing Styles and Techniques

The Different Downhill Skiing Styles
and Techniques

Skiing covers many different disciplines and styles, for example downhill skiing which is also known as alpine skiing. Another basic skiing style is Nordic or cross-country skiing. Both of these styles of skiing use different ski equipment. Nordic skis are longer and narrower than downhill skis and boots used for cross country skiing are flexible whereas those used for downhill skiing are rigid.

For Nordic skiing the skis are attached only at the toe of the boots, thus allowing easy striding. Downhill skiing requires skis attached to both the toe and heel of the boot in order to have greater control and stability, critical requirements when skiing at high speeds down slopes and at the same time executing turns.

There are many types of downhill skiing including skiing in powder, mogul, off-piste and on-piste trails. Downhill skiing disciplines include telemark skiing, free-style skiing, speed skiing and ski jumping. On and off-piste, powder and mogul are different types of downhill skiing.

Powder, as it sounds, is performed on light and dry newly fallen snow . Skiing on powder provides the ultimate skiing experience for many enthusiasts of the sport. Requiring different techniques to skiing on prepared trails, the skier has to master more refined moves to ski on powder properly.

Moguls are bumps created on the slopes by skiers as they push the snow when they move downhill. Mogul or bump skiing is an exciting and complex sport, testing the ability of the skier and calling for complete control as you ski over the bumps some of which are as big as motor cars.

Speed Skiing is the fastest type of all skiing. It involves moving directly down a steep slope at a velocity reaching up to 150 mph. Special padded clothing is worn whilst travelling at these high speeds using moves and adopting the proper stance which cuts down air resistance.

In ski jumping, skiers move downhill on a steep slope and onto a ramp which in turn propels them upwards giving the impression that they are flying through the air often reaching heights of 60 feet. It is a thrilling sport drawing huge crowds to watch the competitions.

Downhill skiing on off-piste trail is an exciting experience but it carries many risks. Expert skiers often go it alone because they can handle the challenges of un-prepared trails. There are many backcountry guided skiing tours available for skiers with all levels of experience.