There are so many types of ski available now; from telemarking and cross-country skis to race skis and ski boards – it's hard to know where to start.

This section of ifyouski.com goes a little way to explaining what skis are all about. We've also got a few tips on renting and buying your first pieces of equipment and experts on hand to answer your questions.

• Ease of turning
• Edge Grip
• Stability at speed
• Shape
• Vibration absorption
• Versatility in all conditions
• Precision and forgiveness
• Light weight
• Colour and graphics