Ski

A ski is a thin, flat-bottomed devices attached by mean of spring-loaded bindings (which detach in an accident) to the skiers shoes, with a slightly upturned, pointed front end to avoid digging into the snow.

Several types of skis exists, all designed for use different situations.

Downhill ski

Telemark ski

Cross-country ski. Unlike downhill ski, the bindings only attach to the toes of the shoes. They are usually coated with wax to reduce friction during forward motion but with line patterns on the bottom which increase the friction when the ski slides backward.