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Pure Powder’s Guide to Different Types of Skiing

People often ask what are the different types of skiing, so we put together a handy guide to explain everything you need to know. Downhill skiing (or alpine skiing) is definitely our preferred snow sport, whether it takes the form of heli skiing, off piste skiing or simply resort skiing. However it is not the only type of skiing out there. In a similar style to downhill (as in with the purpose of continuously going down slopes and not up) you can find monoboarding and telemarking. Next comes ski touring, which also has some familiarity as skiers are often venturing far off piste to find powder and untracked descents. Lastly there is cross country skiing, which shares some equipment similarities with touring and telemarking, but nothing with downhill skiing.

Monoboarding

The monoboard

Monoboarding is a curious sport that in recent years has gained popularity and is not dissimilar to monoskiing. For those who don’t suffer from a fear of having both legs stuck together, monoboarding involves a snowboard-type device where the bindings are right next to each other and facing forwards. The boots are similar to ski boots but softer to enable boarders to carve more easily. It may resemble a salute to the tight kneed, stiff carving of the 70s’ and 80s’, but the technology of the boards allows for more flexibility.

Telemarking

Telemark skiing

Telemark skiing uses similar equipment to ski touring – telemarkers wear wide downhill-looking skis with a detached heel and shorter, more flexible boots. With every turn they make, skiers’ inside (or uphill) leg shifts back, the foot lifts and that knee bends low. There is no hike involved as telemarkers are often not looking for a hike. It is a demanding sport that requires thigh strength and bendy knees, but once you get the hang of it its extremely fun and definitely worth a test on some rentals. (We don’t however suggest you try telemarking backwards…)

Ski Touring

Heli-assisted touring with CMH

Ski touring adventures take skiers up and out of resorts to high mountain peaks where the snow is fresh and untouched. They use similar skis to telemarkers, but the detached binding can clip in, making the descent a typical, off piste downhill run. Off piste skiing and ski touring have become popular enough in the last few years that CMH Heli Skiing now offer a couple of Heli Assisted Ski Touring trips. With one helicopter lift up to the peakiest heights in the morning, the rest of the day is spent touring and skiing down amazing fresh, Canadian powder.

Cross Country Skiing

Cross country skiing

Cross country skiing is a fantastic sport, and if you live somewhere with frequent blizzards and snowstorms, a great way to travel. Cross country skis are much skinnier than the others, with very soft, short boots that only attach to the bindings at the toe. To ski, you alternate pushing off of each foot with your toes, gliding for as long as possible on the other leg. The ski poles are shoulder height to help with the process. It requires a degree of fitness and is very technical, but once mastered is a wonderful way to see the countryside. The annual Canadian Ski Marathon, one of the sports’ bigger events, is a two-day 160 km event. The distance is broken up into sections so skiers can do as much or as little as they want, with either overnight camping, sleeping in equipped local schools, or the slightly plusher Fairmont Le Château Montebello.

If you like the sound of heli-assisted ski touring, get in touch with the heli skiing and off piste skiing experts at Pure Powder!

Posted by: Claire Matheson

Mastering Off-Piste Skiing: An Introductory Guide

  For many thrill seekers, the tame slopes of a ski resort do not offer the excitement they’re looking for – this is where off-piste skiing offers an excellent alternative. The popularity of this adventure-based sport has increased over the past couple of years as skiing has become more accessible to more people. And yet, […]

Posted by: Samantha

Helicopter Skiing: The Ultimate Adrenaline Rush

  If you are interested in undertaking an outdoor adventure like no other, helicopter skiing may be the perfect option for you. Helicopter skiing involves off-piste, downhill skiing with the added thrill of a helicopter trip to reach untouched backcountry terrain.   Perhaps breathtaking views and an exhilarating experience are what you are after? If […]

Posted by: Samantha

About Heli Skiing: Myths And Misconceptions

  For those of you who have already had the chance to head out on your very own heli skiing excursion, you will know what to expect when embarking on your next adventure. For those who have not, this brief guide is for you – we will clear up some common misconceptions regarding heli skiing, […]

Posted by: Samantha

Heli Skiing: Prepare For An Unforgettable Trip

  In the past, heli skiing used to be a sport that only those adventurous few who could afford the exorbitant cost could enjoy. However, more recently, with the help of companies like Pure Powder, the sport has become more accessible than ever. Today more and more avid skiers are being introduced to and partaking […]

Posted by: Samantha

Plan An Unforgettable Off-Piste Skiing Trip

  If you are eager to set off on an unforgettable off-piste skiing trip, then you have come to the right place. Pure Powder is one of the best ski specialists based in the UK, but we organise off-piste ski adventures all around the world. In this quick read, we will cover some essential information […]

Posted by: Samantha

A Comprehensive Guide To Heli Ski Preparations

  Let’s get into the ins and outs of trip preparation for your next heli ski adventure! At Pure Powder, we take care of all the logistical aspects of your skiing experience, but there are a few things you can do from your side to make sure that you kick off the excursion as prepared […]

Posted by: Samantha

Helicopter Skiing vs Resort Skiing: A Comparison Of Skiing Experiences

  Over the past few years, there has been a rapid rise in the popularity of helicopter skiing. Spurred ever onwards by this increased interest in the sport, Pure Powder strives to make heli skiing an accessible activity for skiing novices and veterans alike. With helicopter skiing now more accessible than ever, avid adventurers have […]

Posted by: Samantha

Steep Heli Skiing: Exploring Alaska

  If real thrills are what you’re searching for, heli skiing with Pure Powder is the way to go. We organise heli skiing trips all over the globe, tailoring each experience to your level of expertise. For the experienced skiers looking for an adrenaline rush, Alaska is the holy grail of pure skiing freedom.   […]

Posted by: Samantha

Heli Ski Gear Guide: Must-Have Skiing Equipment

  If you have ever participated in a heli ski experience, you will know that having the right equipment is essential. Not only does the heli ski gear protect you from the elements out in the backcountry, but it can also improve the entire experience overall. Regarding heli ski gear, experienced skiers stick to functional […]

Posted by: Samantha

Incredible Heli Skiing Destinations

  If you are considering setting off on your very first heli skiing adventure, allow us to walk you through some of the amazing options you have at your disposal! In this brief guide, we will have a look at a few different heli ski destinations and consider what makes each of them unique.   […]

Posted by: Samantha

Off-Piste Skiing: Embrace The Freedom Of Untracked Slopes

  Very few sensations can be compared to the feeling of off-piste skiing in deep powder snow. If you have yet to throw yourself into one of these incredible ski excursions, allow us to fill you in on the basics of off-piste skiing. In this brief guide, we will cover what exactly an off-piste skiing […]

Posted by: Samantha

Helicopter Skiing: The Ultimate Alpine Experience

  Helicopter skiing is a great way to take your ski experience to the next level. In this brief guide, we will explain the differences between our tailored heli skiing excursions and your typical ski getaway. Of course, this is not to say that a standard resort skiing trip cannot be a great experience, but […]

Posted by: Samantha

Some Useful Advice For Your Heli Skiing Adventure

  As exciting as a heli skiing trip surely is, it is always best to go prepared. In this quick read, we will walk you through a few different aspects of our heli skiing adventures, arming you with everything you need to know about heli skiing before you embark on your trip.   When you […]

Posted by: Samantha

Best Heli Skiing In Canada: Make Your Next Adventure Unforgettable

  CMH Heli Skiing offers not only the best heli skiing in Canada, but some of the best off-piste skiing adventures in the world. The interior ranges of western British Columbia, Canada have been hailed as the Mecca of heli skiing excursions, and for good reason. There is no shortage of choice with Canadian Mountain […]

Posted by: Samantha

Exploring The Heli Ski World: An Introductory Guide

  When hearing the term “heli ski”, peoples’ minds often wander to the world of action movies. The word may evoke images of James Bond or Jason Bourne leaping off a helicopter several feet in the air onto a steep slope, followed by villains, as they expertly manoeuvre their way down death-defying heights and avoiding […]

Posted by: Samantha

Off-Piste Skiing: Your Questions Answered

  If taking on challenging terrain sounds like a thrilling adventure, then off-piste skiing may just be the ideal outdoor sport for you. Venturing outside the boundaries of standard ski resorts can be a rewarding experience, allowing you to leave behind the groomed slopes and instead make tracks across the fresh snow of the backcountry. […]

Posted by: Samantha

Heli Skiing: Everything You Need To Know

  Heli skiing is an invigorating outdoor sport involving breathtaking views from remote backcountry slopes. Whether you are an excited first-time/beginner skier or a seasoned skier looking for a new challenge, heli skiing has something to offer. In this quick read, we will be covering everything you need to know about heli skiing.   If […]

Posted by: Samantha

Pure Powder’s Skiing Resort Guide: Whistler/Blackcomb

Location: Most famously known as just Whistler, Whistler and Blackcomb are two mountains that sit side by side and make up Canada’s biggest resort. Together they make up a whopping 8,171 acres of terrain, split between pisted runs, Alpine bowls and glaciers. Whistler Village is at the base of Whistler, the hub of the village […]

Posted by: Georgie Knox

Pure Powder’s Skiing Resort Guide: Silver Star

Location: Located in the stunning Okanagan Valley, Silver Star is British Colombia’s fourth largest ski resort where you can expect the famous champagne powder we all know and love due to being further west. The varied terrain spreads over 3,282 acres and attracts every kind of skier. Getting there: Silver Star is extremely easy to get […]

Posted by: Zillah Bell

Pure Powder’s Skiing Resort Guide: Sun Peaks

Location: Sun Peaks is the second biggest ski area in Canada, behind Whistler. It is the perfect warm up destination for anyone who is heli skiing at CMH’s Cariboos Lodge. Getting there: Sun Peaks is located in the heart of British Columbia, only a 45 minute drive from Kamloops and less than an hour by […]

Posted by: Zillah Bell