In the snowy parts of Scandinavia, as well as in places such as Alaska, both recreational and competitive skiing is as likely to refer to cross-country variants as to the internationally recognised downhill style.

But for most people, "skiing" refers to recreational downhill skiing, as found in traditional ski resorts. Here, ski-lifts or mechanical uphill transport takes skiers to the summit, where they use skis and ski poles to travel downhill (propelled by gravity), usually along a marked route known as a piste.

Extreme Skiing is performed on steep (typically over 60 degrees) and/or dangerous terrain. Often, the sport is performed off-piste. This off-piste riding, also known as "back-country skiing", includes unmarked areas within a ski resort's boundaries; frequently amongst trees ("glade skiing") or usually in pursuit of fresh fallen snow, known as “powder”.

Extreme Skiing or snowboarding beyond a ski resort's boundaries is illegal in most countries, due to danger of avalanches on un-patrolled areas. France is one of the few countries with no restrictions against off-piste skiing. Alternate Extreme Skiing disciplines featured in the Winter X Games in Aspen, Colorado, include skier X, slopestyle and superpipe
In Europe, pistes or slopes are classified by a colour-coded system. The ratings are:

• Green: These are learning or ‘baby’ slopes, usually not with marked trails but tend to be large, open, gently sloping areas at the base of a ski area.

• Blue: An easy trail- almost always groomed, or on so shallow a slope as not to need grooming.

• Red: An intermediate slope. Steeper or narrower than a blue slope, these are usually groomed, unless the narrowness of the trail prohibits it.

• Black: A difficult steep slope. Extreme Skiing territory. These may or may not be groomed, or may be groomed for mogul. However, 'Black' can be a very wide classification - ranging from a slope marginally more difficult than a 'Red' to very steep avalanche chutes like the infamous Couloirs of Courchevel.
Use the Your Leisure Time Quick Search to find dry slopes, ski resorts and tuition in the UK.

Those Extreme Skiing disciplines included in the Winter X Games at Aspen, Colorado, include Skier X, Slopestyle and Superpipe. Use the Your Leisure Time Quick Search to find Dryslopes, Ski Resorts and Tuition in the UK.

Featured Ski Centres, Dry Slopes in UK

The Snow Park @ Diggerland in Kent offers you the opportunity to ski, snowboard, sledge and snow tube outdoors in real, chemical free snow.

If You Ski (ifyouski): List of all UK dry and snow slopes to practice your extreme skiing skills

Ski Resorts and Runs in UK

Scottish Ski Resorts: unless you get lucky, these are the only Ski Resorts and runs in UK where you can do extreme skiing "for real" !

Fort William is also now host to World Championship Mountain Biking and the most European of Ski resorts.

The Lecht (more) - the most limited in terms of ski area but the gentler pistes offer a good place for learners who want to begin on the white stuff. (Snow Report and Piste Map)

Glenshee (more) being within easy striking distance from Edinburgh (couple of hours drive) and with 40km of downhill runs. The resort is isolated - at the top of a desolate glen - with skiing on both sides of the road. Sunny Side is a good warmer-upper and the Tiger is great for extreme skiing moguls or dicing on ice. (Snow Report and Piste Map)

Cairngorm (more) with 40km of runs bound to find some extreme skiing options- at least that's when the runs are open. Often suffers from either too much or too little snow. Nearby Aviemore offers a variety of apres-ski activities or apres boarding, popular with the single-plankers. (Snow Report and Piste Map)

Nevis Range ( Fort William ) (more) - the newest and most continental of the resorts (complete with gondola). Main slope can get a little exposed to the winds, but on a good day has great views. Facilities of Fort William are very close. (Snow Report and Piste Map)

Glencoe (more) - Best runs for extreme skiing. Varied terrain appeals to boarders looking for something different. It also boasts the steepest marked run in Scotland , the Fly Paper.There are just seven lifts at this resort, but its no-frills approach and better-than-average snow make it a favourite with extreme skiing fanatics.(Snow Report and Piste Map)