Types of Alpine or Downhill Skis

All Mountain
  These skis are easily the most popular among skiers. They offer the performance of a race ski but not with the effort or skill. Recent technologies make the skiing experience more fun and enjoyable.

Powder (pic #1)
  Powder skis allow almost any skier to hit the powder like a seasoned veteran. They are wider, softer and longer than an all mountain ski, and they practically float on top of the snow.

Carving (pic #1)
  These help a beginner to turn better, and make the carving experience for more advanced skiers like cutting through butter with a hot knife. Usually longer, with a bigger curve, they practically turn for you and throw your legs into the next turn as well. They are better used for packed conditions, but are good for powder too.

Racing
  The cut and construction of these skis are specially designed for racing conditions. Since most skiers do not ski in the same way, these are pretty well for committed racing agendas.

Free ride (pic #2)
  These are becoming more popular all the time. These skis allow you to do tricks and maneuvers that skiers were unable to do before. Like skiing in the half pipe for example.

Telemark or Back Country
  A hybrid combination of downhill and cross-country. These allow you to traverse the flats and then poetically descend almost any hill. It's a traditional style of skiing (pic #3) with a loose or unfixed heel (pic #4), that is quite noticeable on the runs compared to today's carving style.

*Note - Be careful if you're thinking of buying used skis. Bindings go out of date, and boots may be hard to find that fit them.