Different Types of Downhill Skis

Skiing caters to thrill seekers looking to test their speed, strength, endurance, agility and flexibility, or any combination thereof. Each sport--be it downhill, cross country or freestyle skiing--has its own demands and, as such, a range of skis are available to meet skiers' needs. Factors affecting your choice of ski include your expertise level, light or deep powder, type of terrain and skiing speed.

  1. Powder Skis

    • As their name suggests, powder skis are ideal for skiing on both light and deep powder (dry snow). One of the key elements of skis is the width in the middle of the board, known as the waist. Powder skis have the widest, beginning at 101 mm. The boards' front and rear, known as its tip and tail, typically feature upward curves. Powder skis' width and shape allow them to float on powdery snow, but these attributes make them less likely to handle grooved and icier runs.

    All Mountain

    • The most all-encompassing ski is the all-mountain, which is designed for use by skiers of all stripes, be they specialists of groomed snow, a combination of snow and powder or off-piste. According to REI, it is the most popular type of ski on the market. The all-mountain features a waist up to 85 mm; wide versions, known as mid-fats and fats, have waists ranging from 84 mm to 101 mm. All-mountains have more give, or flexibility, so skiers can handle various snow conditions and slower turning speeds as compared to racing skis, reports sunlightsports.com.

    Telemark

    • These skis are distinct from other boards in that the user's boot heels are not locked into the bindings. Designed for the off-piste--or backcountry--downhill skier, Telemark skis have waists measuring 78 mm to 102 mm. The unlocked heels enable skiers with flexible boots to make strong turns as they lift the back of their foot off one ski and push forward with the other. Telemark skis are usually lighter than alpine skis, since backcountry skiers have to ski up the mountain as well.