Snow skiing is the term applied to the variety of sports which all center around the use of skis to slide across the snow, and which attach to athlete's feet via the use of ski bindings and ski boots.
Generally speaking, skiing can be grouped into Nordic skiing and Alpine skiing. Nordic skiing evolved from the Scandinavian use of skis as transportation, while Alpine skiing evolved from the use of skis to slide down mountain faces in the Alps. Nordic ski boots use bindings which attach only at the toe, while alpine ski boots use binding systems which attach both toe and heel. Within each category of skiing there are multiple styles and techniques used by skiers.
Nordic style skis have evolved to suit multiple styles of recreations skiing. Among the most popular forms of nordic skiing are randonnee skiing, telemark skiing, backcountry skiing, cros country skiing and Nordic jumping.
Randonnee skiing is a form of nordic skiing which most closely resembles alpine skiing. Randonnee skis resemble alpine skis in that they are wide, stiff, and have metal edges to carve the snow. But randonnee skis have hybrid bindings which may be used to attach the heel as well as the toe during downhill components, but which may release the heel during flat or uphill sections. Randonnee skiers generally departs from groomed trails and seek fresh, untouched snow to ski upon. Randonnee skiing is perfectly legal in ski resorts, but due to the cost and risk associated with search and rescue operations, many resorts place restrictions or penalties for skiing off site. Due to the risky nature of randonnee skiing, randonnee skiers are encouraged to register their planned route with local ski patrol, be familiar with avalanche safety, self-rescue techniques, and carry special equipment like transponders and other rescue equipment.
Backcountry skiing is practically identical to randonnee skiing in the Alps because of the ease with which skiers may move from place to place. In North America, the lack of chairlifts in backcountry destinations generally compells backcountry skiers to use skis which best combine the descending features of alpine skis with the climbing features of nordic skis. In North America, backcountry skis typically do not have bindings which allow the heel to be secured to the ski.
Nordic skiing or cross-country skiing may be the most globally popular form of skiing since it requires neither lifts nor specially designated areas. In many parts of the world, nordic skiing is used for daily transportation during the winter months, and is enjoyed recreationally as well. Nordic skiing techniques vary, but include both "classic"and "skating" techniques. Classic nordic skiing involves keeping the skis parallel to each other and kicking the skis forward to achieve a gliding motion on level ground, and placing the skis in a herringbone "V" shape to climb up hills. Skating uses shorter skis and involves diagonally pushing the skis away from each other in a manner similar to in-line skating. Each form of skiing has its own specialized equuipment.
Competitions exist for both classic and skating styles of skiing. Biathlon combines the aerobic activity of Nordic racing with the precise sport of sharpshooting and requires competitors to move quickly across a course carrying a special rifle and then pausing to shoot targets. Missing a target results in a distance penalty for the biathlete.
Ski jumping is a competitive sport using special skis with nordic style bindings. Ski jumpers compete for the longest jump distance overall. Typically skiied without poles, a ski jumper accelerates down a ramp and is launched into the air at the bottom of the ramp. the ski jumper leans as far forwards as possible during their jump to make an airfoil shape and lengthen the distance traveled while airborne.
Alpine skiing has different forms of competition. Alpine racing involves making rapid turns around gates set up along the distance of a downhill course. The four types of alpine racing are slalom, giant slalom, super giant slalom, and downhill. Of the four, downhill is the fastest event and slalom is the most technically challenging.
Freestyle skiing incorporates "trick" skiing such as mogul events, aerials, and some "new school" events such as halfpipe, big air, slopestyle, and skiercross.
