Types of Skiing

History

Skiing began as a means of transportation several centuries ago. In regions such as Norway and Sweden long skis were crafted out of wood and used to pull items over snow by sled from one town to the next through woodland or farmland. During the 18th century the Swedish army was trained to use skis and held some of the first ski competitions. Though skis are not a necessity today they are used in many recreational and extreme activities and have gained a world renowned spot in the Olympic Games. The first Winter Olympic Games were held in 1924. According to Ski Area Management (SAM) magazine there are more than 10 million skiers in the Unites States alone and thousands of ski resorts have been built around the world establishing an entire ski industry.

Nordic skiing consists of several styles including cross country classic and cross country skate skiing. Telemark and ski jumping are also technically in this category because all of these share the common trait of bindings that don't allow the heel to lock down. These are known as free-heel bindings. Generally when people say Nordic skiing however, they are referring to either classic or skate cross country skiing. For these sports people use skis that are lighter, longer and narrower than downhill skis and propel themselves over flat and hilly terrain with poles. Classic skis are built with a camber and are meant to be skied in a straight track whereas skate skis are built a bit shorter and stiffer than classic skis and are angled out in use as the skier propels themselves like and ice skater. Some cross country skis are wax-less and others require kick wax or glide wax applications. This burns the most calories per hour of all skiing types due to the self-propelled motion. Though there are many competitions revolving around Nordic skiing there are many people who use them in mountaineering or trekking for easier access in winter backcountry such as across mountain ranges or snowfields.

Nordic jumping developed as a sport in the early 1800's by a Norwegian lieutenant. In this event, skiers gain colossal speed and launch themselves off a ramp to see how much distance they can travel while in the air. The skier bends forward and holds the skis in a V while going through the air. In some extreme versions of this sport, skiers "fly" through the air for more than 700 feet. These skis are extremely long, measuring several feet taller than the skier and have a free-heel binding in order to land in a telemark style.

Telemark cartridge binding
For those who like fluid motion, the telemark turn is the ultimate. According to the International Skiing History Association (ISHA), the first cambered ski was invented in the province of Telemark, Norway. Today telemark skiing is generally chosen for its backcountry appeal. The skis themselves are similar to a downhill alpine ski, but the bindings and boots are designed so that the heel is free at all times. The bindings are built with cartridges and the boots are built with flexible bellows which combined, allow skiers to travel up a mountain with skins on the bottom of the skis for traction, and on the decent, to make free-heel turns. Though these turns have been used since the 1800's in Norway, there has been a resurgence of popularity in the United States since the 1970's on the West and East coasts.

Apline boot
Regular downhill skiing or alpine skiing is the most common style among skiers today. According to the International Skiing History Association (ISHA) by 1968, "fiberglass had supplanted both wood and aluminum for use in slalom racing skis and in most recreational skis. Aluminum laminates remained important for all high-speed skis (GS and downhill). Aluminum/fiberglass compound skis proved popular for recreational cruising and for use in deep powder." Many downhill skis are made with an exterior laminate over a wood core with Cellulix or more commonly P-tex bases. Alpine skiing requires a stiff boot that clicks in to a tension-release binding in case of a crash.

AT Binding
For those who don't limit themselves by chairlifts or inbounds groomed areas, the alpine touring ski setup is used. The skis are similar to a regular alpine or downhill telemark ski but the bindings and boots enable the skier to ascend with heels free. With skins attached to the bottom of the skis for traction, skiers can hike into the backcountry. On the way down the skier changes a setting on the binding and the heels click in securely for a classic alpine descent. This set up is popular for those who like to ski mountaineer or travel extensively in winter backcountry settings.

For those who cant get enough speed, downhill racing seems to be attractive. The modern alpine racing most are familiar with did not come about until the 1950s. Alpine skis for racing in such events as the slalom, giant slalom (GS) and the super giant slalom are heavier than regular alpine skis and must be tuned precisely for ultimate speed and carving steep, sharp turns. Men and women in these events sometimes gain speed over 80 miles per hour as they compete for times to the hundredth of a second. Crashes can be fatal. Perhaps one of the most well known names in alpine racing in the United States in the 21st century is champion racer Bode Miller, who won the world cup in 2005 and 2008.