Part two: Four Types Of Skiing And Their Key Attributes

Freestyle skiing is the most involved form of skiing that requires immense amounts of skill and brings SSX Tricky to life.

A type of downhill skiing, Freestyle incorporates various stunts and tricks into your descent. With jumps, flips, and insane acrobatics, Freestyle Skiing is not for the faint of heart. If you're a beginner, it's very inadvisable to start here. Instead, you'd want to begin with basic downhill skiing, and slowly move your way up to Freestyle. Even if you're competent as a downhill skier, it's recommended that you take professional lessons to learn Freestyle.

Typically, resorts will have specific slopes for Freestyling. These slopes will have the type of terrain required to perform some of these stunts.

With a higher risk of injury comes great reward. 



Unlike Freestyle skiing, Telemark skiing doesn't require a specific type of terrain. Instead, it requires special gear.

When telemark skiing, your heels will remain unlocked at all times, forcing you to learn and utilize a completely different technique from other ski styles when turning. This is accomplished through specialized boot bindings that hold your foot in place on your ski, but leave your heels free.

Because there are no required terrain specifications, Telemark skiing has a lot of variety and can be applied to most of the other techniques mentioned. Just remember to do your research. For instance, if you wish to combine Telemark and Backcountry skiing, you'll need extra equipment and training.

While Ski Mountaineering is similar to Backcountry Skiing, it belongs in its own category. If you recall, Backcountry Skiing is a ski style that encompasses all skiing done on un-groomed snow away from the resort setting.

While Ski Mountaineering is, in fact, done on un-groomed snow, it's also much more specific than that. Ski Mountaineering combines mountain climbing and skiing for the ultimate adventurer. You start by hiking and climbing to the top of a peak, then skiing back down to the bottom.

Some Ski Mountaineers will include camping in their agenda. Depending on the peak you're climbing, as well as your skill level, camping overnight may be required.

Because this style incorporates multiple activities, more training and gear will be required. You will need mountain climbing equipment like ice axes and ropes, as well as camping equipment, and your ski equipment.

Like Backcountry Skiing, the possibility for danger and injury is high, so it's recommended that you take several professional training lessons. You'll require a firm grasp of advanced skiing and mountain climbing techniques. First aid training also couldn't hurt.

Finally, we come to the eighth style of skiing.

While adaptive skiing isn't its own distinct discipline of skiing, it's important to note that Adaptive Skiing exists. Adaptive Skiing is a term that refers to any type of skiing that has been adapted for someone who has a disability.

Adaptive skiing is all about making sure everyone gets to enjoy the rush of skiing. All you'll need is some innovative gear, determination, and a lesson or two! Luckily, Vermont has several locations with adaptive ski training.

Whatever your speed, skiing has an option for you. Whether you'd prefer to take it slow and enjoy the sites, or can't seem to move quickly enough. Vermont is a beautiful state. Get out there on your skis and enjoy it!

Book your winter adventure today!