| What it is | Downhill skiing, fixed-heel bindings |
| Where | Lift-served resorts, groomed pistes |
| Focus | Carving turns, controlling descents |
| Vs | Cross-country (free heel), telemark |
Alpine skiing is downhill skiing on groomed slopes using fixed-heel bindings that lock both toe and heel to the ski, typically at lift-served resorts. It emphasizes carving and controlling speed on descents and is the most common form of recreational skiing, distinct from cross-country and free-heel telemark skiing.
The resort default
Built around carving on the piste with fixed-heel bindings; venturing beyond lifts is backcountry skiing.
Frequently asked questions
What is alpine skiing?
Alpine skiing is the classic form of downhill skiing in which both the toe and heel of the boot are locked to the ski by fixed bindings. Skiers ride lifts uphill and descend groomed or off-piste terrain, using carving and edging to turn and control speed. It's the dominant style of resort skiing.
How is alpine skiing different from cross-country skiing?
Alpine skiing is downhill-focused with fixed-heel bindings and lift access, emphasizing descents; cross-country skiing uses lighter gear with free heels to travel across flat and rolling terrain under your own power. Alpine is about going down; cross-country is about going across.
What gear do you need for alpine skiing?
Alpine skis, stiff alpine ski boots, fixed-heel alpine bindings (with a DIN release setting), poles, and a helmet, plus warm layers and goggles. At resorts a lift ticket replaces the need to climb. Bindings are set to release in a fall to help prevent injury.
Sources
- Alpine skiing — PSIA-AASI
- Skiing disciplines — The Mountaineers