Skis come in all shapes and sizes. From piste skis to off-piste skis and competition skis. Which ski suits you best depends on several factors. Because there are so many different types and models, choosing a suitable pair is not always easy. On this page you will find an overview of the different types of skis, including characteristics and properties.
MANY DIFFERENT TYPES OF SKIS
There are many different types of skis. Which ski suits you best depends on several factors. Before you buy or rent skis, it is therefore wise to ask yourself a number of questions. Depending on those answers, you can choose a ski that best suits your needs. For example, think carefully about your skiing level, what type of skier you are and what you want to use the ski for. We distinguish the following types of skis:
ALL-MOUNTAIN SKIS
As the name suggests, the all-mountain ski is suitable for the entire mountain. With all-mountain skis you can not only ski on the slopes, but also off-piste. The skis are slightly wider under the foot than the average piste ski, giving you more buoyancy. All-mountain skis perform well on a well-groomed slope, but also in powder or slush snow. There are models for beginners, but also for advanced users. Read more about all-mountain skis here.
RACING SKIS
A racing ski is also called giant slalom ski and used for this part of skiing. Race skis are specially developed for skiing at high speeds. The skis are very stable, even at high speeds. On hard slopes, racing skis have perfect edge grip on medium and long turns. Winter sports enthusiasts who choose this type of ski must have an advanced and powerful skiing technique. Read more about racing skis here.
SLALOM SKIS
Slalom skis have high horizontal stability and are easy to turn. The skis have very good edge grip on short turns and on hard slopes. Even at high speeds. Special high-performance models have been developed for competitive skiers. These skis are used in slalom, one of the disciplines in the competitive sport of Alpine skiing. Read more about slalom skis here.
ALLROUND SKIS
An all-round ski is a piste ski that the majority of winter sports enthusiasts are happy with. The ski is versatile and suitable not only for carving short turns, but also for medium and long turns. There are models for beginners, but also for advanced users. An all-round ski is also called a sport ski. In this article we tell you more about all-round skis.
FREERIDE SKIS
A freeride ski is a very wide ski, made for off-piste descents in powder snow. The width of the ski provides more buoyancy, allowing you to ski comfortably through deep snow. Unlike ski touring, freeriding is mainly about the descent. It can be extremely steep and challenging, but also relaxing. Read more about freeride skis.
FREESTYLE SKIS
A freestyle ski has been specially developed for freestyle skiing. This form of skiing is all about artistry, technique and strength. During the descent, a freestyle skier performs all kinds of tricks (somersaults, 360s, etc.). He or she can mainly be found in the fun park or the halfpipe. A freestyle ski is extra light and short. In addition, this ski has twin tips. This means that the front and back are slightly raised, allowing you to ski forwards and backwards. We will tell you more about freestyle skis here.
SKI TOURING
Ski touring is a sport that has become increasingly popular in recent years. When ski touring you do not use ski lifts, but you walk up. This way you can reach locations that ‘normal skiers’ cannot reach. To go ski touring, you need ski touring. There are different types, with one focused more on the climb and the other more on the descent. The binding has also been adjusted. Ski touring bindings can be released during the climb and secured during the descent. You also need special climbing skins so that you do not slip in the snow while walking up. Read more about ski touring here.