We all know what skiing is right? You attach two long planks of wood to your feet, have two poles in your hands and make your way down a snowy mountain. That's the most traditional type of skiing that we all picture when we talk about it. But did you know there are different types of skiing and many of these different styles need different pieces of equipment. This guide is going to talk through a few of the different styles of skiing that are out there.

Downhill skiing is the style of skiing that everyone knows. You get the ski lift up to the top of the slopes then ski down. This style of skiing is done on ski resorts where the slopes are looked after, marked and patrol. The skis generally are kept parallel when you're making turns.

Backcountry skiing, also known as off piste skiing, tends to be done outside of the boundaries of the ski area. Most people who do this type of skiing use alpine touring or telemark gear to ski uphill and then back down, however you can use standard downhill ski equipment and get the lift up then leave the ski slope boundaries.

Alpine touring and Telemark skiing are two types of backcountry skiing, each with their own kind of equipment. Alpine skiing uses special bindings which help you climb up the slopes, then you're able to remove the bindings and skins and ski down. Telemark using specific boots and bindings so that when you ski down you carve turns with more of a lunge motion that keeps your forward leg in a bent knee position.

Since it's away from the areas that are policed, if you're planning on backcountry skiing, you need to be properly trained in avalance assement and rescue.

Cross country skiing happens across a more rolling landscape, rather than a definied slope. The skis you were for this style of skiing is different, they're longer and skinnier and the boots are more flexible.

There are two main styles of cross country skiing, classic skiing and skate skiing. Classic skiing is when you keep your skis parallel and you kick your feet to glide forwards and backwards. This can either be on a organised area or you could head out into un-looked after terrain but it would need to be a wide area. The name skate ski nods to how you have to move, you kick the skis out in a similar way to ice skating.

Freestyle skiing is full of tricks, jumps, spins and flips. It's less about making your way from the top of the slopes down to the bottom, but to do as many tricks as possible. This style of skiing tends to be done on a slope that has been specifically designed for this type of skiing.

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Our ski wear can be worn no matter what style of skiiing your prefer, and are ideal for all snow and winter sports.