A Guide To The Different Types Of Skiing
Time to take on a new challenge? Get yourself on a slope this season. Don't just stick to the obvious there are lots of options for you to try, from the well-loved alpine skiing to the lesser known telemark skiing. Dare 2b have the perfect kit to fit them all.
Alpine Skiing
What is Alpine Skiing?
Thrill seekers unite! Alpine or downhill skiing attracts countless skiers annually to snow filled slopes all around the world. Commonly taking place on a piste alpine skiing or downhill skiing consists of a clearly marked ski path down a mountain and is the most common type of skiing. How do you get up there? Don't worry you won't have to make your own way, grab a chairlift and save your energy for the down hill. The difficulty of the piste depends upon the width of the slope, the gradient and how well maintained the snow is throughout the ski run.
Off-Piste Skiing
For those who like to carve out their own path, off-piste skiing is a no brainer. Explore beyond the busy ski resorts and into the backcountry. This task is to not be taken lightly, due to the untreated nature of the snow on off-piste skiing routes, this form of the sport is considered to be a more dangerous form of skiing, and should only be done by experienced skiers. Off-piste allows you to lead the way and stamp your own mark on the mountain.
Telemark Skiing
Telemark skiing provides a different challenge to traditional alpine skiing as it uses a unique technique to travel downhill. Unlike with Alpine Skiing, telemark skiers can raise their heel from the boot when skiing downhill. The more technical movements of telemark skiing suit those who love to take on new challenges. Why not give telemark skiing a go on your next ski trip.
Kit yourself out for your next ski trip
We love all things ski and create fresh ski clothing to kit out your trip. Shop from a range of sleek ski pants and technical ski jackets for maximum performance on the slopes.
Men's Alpine Ski Clothing
Women's Alpine Ski Clothing
Men's Alpine Ski Clothing
Women's Alpine Ski Clothing
Freestyle Skiing
Challenge yourself and get creative with freestyle skiing. Freestyle skiing is not for the faint-hearted. Many take this to the next level and compete against each other the more daring the flips, spins and tricks over obstacles, ramps, tables and jumps the better.
Freestyle skiing is also an Olympic sport, in which the best freestyles skiers from around the world come together to compete for top spot. The Olympic athletes go head-to-head on five different events: the ski halfpipe, moguls, ski slopestyle, ski cross and aerials.
Freestyle skiing is also an Olympic sport, in which the best freestyles skiers from around the world come together to compete for top spot. The Olympic athletes go head-to-head on five different events: the ski halfpipe, moguls, ski slopestyle, ski cross and aerials.
Slalom Skiing
Why not push yourself to the limit with slalom skiing, another variation of alpine skiing. The aim of the game is to cross the finish line in the quickest possible time. Sounds simple right? Not quite as easy as it sounds, with marked gates from start to finish the skier has to slalom down the piste and pass through them all, this is one not for the faint-hearted.
Ski Touring
Ski Touring is a winter sport which allows skiers to explore remote areas which are largely untouched. Instead of using chairlifts to get up the mountain, skiers will use their skis and poles to create new paths across unmarked areas. Once the skier reaches a certain point, they will ski back down the mountain using the same method as an Alpine skier. If you are a free-spirited explorer looking for a new challenge, ski touring could be for you.
Ski Touring Equipment
The majority of Alpine and Touring equipment are the same, however, there are some differences. Ski touring requires the skier's heel to release from the ski when travelling up the mountain. The skier will also fit skins to the bottom of their skis, which provides enough grip to ascend the mountain.
What to wear when ski touring
Ski Touring requires more planning and preparation than traditional alpine skiing. Make sure that you're up for the challenge by wearing lighter layers than you would when downhill skiing. This will stop you from overheating when you're constantly on the move. If you can't wait to get started, shop our ski touring collection online now.
Men's Ski Touring Gear
Women's Ski Touring Gear
Men's Ski Touring Gear
Women's Ski Touring Gear
Cross-Country Skiing
Cross-Country Skiing is a unique variation which involves travelling over largely flat land without any uphill or downhill skiing. We think Cross-Country is the ultimate way to explore the wild in winter and try something new at the same time.
Cross-Country vs Ski Touring: What's the difference?
Ski Touring involves ascending a mountain then skiing back down. Cross-country skiing, however, doesn't involve any major upward or downward skiing. Instead, the terrain is mostly flat throughout the whole journey.
What to wear for Cross-Country Skiing.
Like with Ski-Touring, you're going to need some lightweight waterproof ski clothing which will keep you dry and comfortable when you're on the move. Wearing a good base-layer will stop you from over-heating while you explore, this is a real game-changer! Throw on a breathable ski jacket over the top and you're ready to take on the outdoors.
