Req 7a3 — Types of Alpine Skis

Modern Alpine skis are designed for specific terrain and skiing styles. Knowing the differences helps you choose the right equipment and talk knowledgeably with your counselor about what you are using.

Types of Alpine Skis

All-Mountain Skis The most versatile category. All-mountain skis handle a variety of terrain — groomed runs, light powder, and mixed conditions — without specializing in any single one. Most rental skis fall into this category. If you only own one pair, this is typically the best choice.

Carving Skis Shorter, with an exaggerated hourglass shape (wide tip and tail, narrow waist). The deep sidecut makes the ski arc tightly on hardpack and groomed snow. Excellent for fast, precise turns on groomers; not suited for deep powder or bumpy terrain.

Powder Skis (Fat Skis) Extra-wide through the middle to provide flotation in deep, ungroomed snow. The wide surface area keeps you on top of powder. On groomed runs they feel sluggish compared to narrower skis.

Mogul Skis Narrower and shorter with a softer flex to absorb the constant impacts of a mogul field. Designed for quick direction changes and agility.

Park and Pipe Skis (Twin Tips) Symmetrical — both tips are turned up — so you can ski forward or backward and land jumps in either direction. Built for terrain parks, halfpipes, and freestyle skiing.

Touring Skis (Alpine Touring / AT Skis) Lightweight skis for backcountry travel. Paired with AT bindings that allow the heel to lift for climbing uphill and lock down for downhill descents.

Ski Length and Width

Length: Shorter skis are easier to turn and more forgiving for beginners. Longer skis are more stable at higher speeds. Beginner skis are often around chin-height; advanced skis may reach nose height or taller.

Waist width: Measured in millimeters at the narrowest point under your boot. Under 80mm works best on groomed runs; 90mm and wider is better in powder.

How to Carry Skis and Poles

Method 1 — Shoulder carry Clamp both skis together, bases facing outward. Rest them on one shoulder with tips pointing forward and slightly up. Grip the bindings to steady the skis. Keep tips elevated so you do not accidentally hit someone ahead of you.

Method 2 — Under-arm carry Hold both skis together, bases inward, clamped horizontally under one arm. Keep tips pointing forward. Watch your tips and tails — they extend farther than you think and can knock into people nearby.

Carrying poles: Hold both poles in your free hand, tips pointing down. Before entering a lift line or the lodge, loop both pole straps over one wrist to free your hands.

Official Resources