Skis are all the same: smooth-gliding planks for moving across snow. And yet there are many variations on this simple theme, each tailored to a specific type of fun. From Nordic to randonee, telemark to alpine, few genres of outdoor gear are as diverse—and jargon-heavy—as ski equipment. So here’s a primer to help you decode the ski lingo.

OVER HILL AND DALE Cross-country, or Nordic, skis are cambered, or arched upward in the middle, so that the center sections do not touch the ground when weight is distributed between both feet, allowing the skis to slide on their front and back segments. When your full weight is applied to a single ski, however, the center portion contacts and grips the snow, allowing you to push off. To achieve this balance, skis vary in length, width, camber, and flex (stiffness) to match the skier’s weight.

A ski’s gripping power is traditionally provided by ski wax, which is formulated for different temperatures and snow conditions. On the other hand, waxless (or nonwax) skis use a textured surface to provide the needed friction and require much less maintenance. They are a good choice for beginners and casual recreational skiers, though they won’t perform as optimally as a properly waxed pair.

Nordic skiing is broken down into classical, touring, and skate skiing. Classical skis are designed for groomed cross-country areas and are narrower than their touring counterparts, creating less drag as they slide on snow. The greater width of touring skis provides better flotation in various conditions and is better for backcountry use; many styles feature metal edges for easier turning on icy terrain. Skate skis are short, skinny, and designed for high-speed performance. (Think ice skating on snow, with really long skates.)

Cross-country boots are lightweight and flexible, and attach to the ski only at the toe. Two different types of bindings are available. New Nordic Norm (NNN) bindings are most common, though Salomon has a proprietary version called the Salomon Nordic System (SNS) that works only with Salomon boots; the two systems are not interchangeable. Nordic gear is relatively inexpensive; a decent set-up (skis, boots, and bindings) can be purchased for $250-$350.

STEEP AND DEEP If you’re headed out purely for downhill runs, you first need to get up top. At ski resorts, that’s easy; just hop on the lift. Downhill, or alpine, skis feature bindings that always lock your toe and heel in place, which improves turning control but makes moving up the slope difficult. For runs away from groomed terrain (off-piste), you’ll need a more adjustable binding system (as well as climbing skins) to ski uphill. In a randonee, or all-terrain (AT), setup, the binding permits the heel to lift for uphill travel but then allows you to lock it in place for the descent. Randonee (ran-DOE-nay) boots are similar in design to plastic mountaineering boots; some bindings will accommodate both styles. In a telemark setup, the heel always lifts, which makes turning both more graceful and significantly more challenging; a very specific technique must be learned. Unlike their downhill counterparts, most telemark boots feature a tongue-like extension at the toe that attaches to the binding using a three-pin system, also referred to as a 75 mm or Nordic Norm system.

Alpine, randonee, and telemark boots are all measured according to the Mondo Point sizing scale, which ranges from 24-31 and corresponds to the length of your foot in centimeters. The gear for these activities is pricey. Expect to pay at least $1,000 for a complete downhill or telemark setup and several hundred more for randonee, due primarily to the cost of the specialized bindings.

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Courtesy of the Appalachian Mountain Club