Alpine Skis

Varieties of Alpine Skis

When considering the purchase of alpine skis, the primary factor should be the type of skiing you will most frequently engage in. Skis are categorised based on their construction to excel under specific snow conditions and on varying terrains. The six categories include all-mountain skis, piste skis, race skis, freeride skis, freestyle skis, and touring skis. Children’s skis form a separate category, being specifically crafted to suit a child’s physique, and are generally lighter, shorter, and easier for beginners.

What Type of Skis Should I Select?

All-mountain and piste skis are the most commonly chosen varieties. Also referred to as carving skis, they are ideal for skiing on the marked trails at a resort (on-piste). All-mountain skis provide slightly greater adaptability than piste skis, enabling them to manage a broader spectrum of snow conditions, including some off-piste skiing.

Freeride skis cater to those who prefer spending ample time off-piste and in powder-filled areas, whereas freestyle skis, sometimes called twin tip skis, are designed for executing tricks and stunts within snowparks. The race ski category, with options like slalom and giant slalom skis, is engineered for high-speed downhill skiing on race tracks. Touring skis represent another variety of off-piste skis but are lightweight, as touring generally involves ascending mountains. Specialised touring bindings and adhesive skins assist skiers in climbing and making their way to fresh powder regions to descend.

For further insights on choosing the right skis, visit - Buying Skis for Beginners / Buying Skis for Intermediates / Buying Skis for Kids.