Skiing 101

If you're like I was a few years ago, you don't know (or care) about the huge variety of skiing that exists today. I'm married to a ski and ski gear fanatic, so I'll probably be posting about that topic a lot this winter. Of course, you need different types of equipment for each type of skiing so Matt takes full advantage of that to feed his gear addiction. I thought I'd give you a quick ski 101 lesson based on how I understand things so you'll be up to speed for the future :) I'm having Matt check this first so he won't correct me later!

First a quick definition: A ski binding is what you use to attach a ski boot to a ski. It is mounted on the ski and clips in some way to a ski boot at both the heel and toes. There are many different kinds that I mention below.

Downhill/Alpine Skiing
This is just regular old skiing where you wear boots that are attached to skis via a fixed binding. It is usually done at a ski resort where the resort maintains the trails to cover hazards and prevent avalanches, etc. You usually ride a ski lift up the mountain and then ski down. Here are some old Jackson pics...





Backcountry Skiing
There are several types of backcountry skiing. You can either backcountry ski by leaving from the boundaries of a ski resort or you can access a more isolated area either via hiking or touring (see below). The main thing about backcountry skiing is that the trails are unmaintained and unpatrolled. That means no one is responsible for keeping the trails safe. It is up to the skier to practice safe skiing in the backcountry, never skiing alone or when conditions are dangerous. When we lived in Wyoming, backcountry skiing areas were prone to avalanches, etc. Backcountry skiing required use of avalanche transceivers, devices that allow for search and recovery of a person if they happen to be buried by an avalanche. From what I understand, avalanches are not as common in Vermont (so Mom - don't worry). Dogs are allowed (and encouraged) when backcountry skiing so we're pumped to bring Willow!

This is a picture of somebody (not Matt) backcountry skiing on Mt. Mansfield, VT.



If you're hiking, you wear your skis strapped to a backpack like this.



Alpine (or Randonnee) Touring
This is a type of skiing done usually to access the backcountry. In Vermont, many hiking trails encourage alpine touring and are often well traveled. Instead of riding a lift uphill, you propel yourself up on your skis. In order to do that, you use a special type of alpine touring binding that allows the heel to be free to move up and down when climbing. In order to prevent sliding down the hill, you need to have climbing skins. Skins are removable pieces of nylon fabric with a special type of nap that keep you from sliding backwards but allow you to move uphill. You can use regular alpine ski boots or you can purchase touring boots (my next purchase with Christmas money) that have a flexible walking mode for touring and a more rigid ski mode. When you get to the top, you take off the skins and clip down the heel.

Here are some people having fun touring :)



See how the whole binding lifts up in the back?



Here is an example of the boot. It has a switch you turn from Walk Mode to Ski Mode.



This is what skins look like.



You peel them off the skis at the top like this.



Telemark Skiing
This is a type of skiing done both at a resort or in the backcountry. Only the toe is attached to a binding while the heel is allowed to remain free. The boots for this are VERY flexible. To me it looks like you're lunging down the mountain. See below.



Cross-country Skiing
This is another type of ski touring, where the heel is also free. The skis are skinny and the boots are softer and more comfortable. Cross-country is usually done on more flat terrain and many places have what's called "Nordic" centers with groomed cross-country trails. People often go cross-country skiing on ungroomed terrain as well. Here are some cross-country pics - see how the skis are much less wide?






Skate Skiing
This is a type of cross-country skiing, usually done with shorter skis where the technique is more of a pushing motion. Most often done on groomed trails.



You also always have the option to ice skate or snowshoe. If you live somewhere it snows and can't find something you like to do in the winter then there's something wrong with you :) We're excited to do more touring starting this winter with Willow. I'll let you know how it goes!

Images:
http://www.alpinetouringskis.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/alpinetouringskis1.jpg
http://www.sxriore.com/s/marker+duke
http://www.traversecity.com/cross-country-skiing--51/
http://www.dskendall.com/skiing_backcountry_ec.html
http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/gallery/2009/jan/20/skiing-in-vermont-usa?picture=342000442
http://www.backcountry.com/black-diamond-glidelite-nylon-sts-skins
http://campus.greenmtn.edu/greenmap/Equipment_Room/tele.asp
http://www.sierratradingpost.com/i/2787M,,2_Scarpa-Diva-AT-Ski-Boots-For-Women.html
http://skiing.about.com/od/telemarkskiing/ig/Telemark-Skiing/Telemark-Skiing.--4-.htm