The following chart is an overview of the 3 basic skier abilities recognized in the ski industry:

 Skis conservatively, prefers slower speeds, prefers easy to moderate slopes.

Skis moderately, prefers a variety of speeds, skis on varied terrain, including most difficult trails. (All skiers who do not meet ALL of the descriptions of either Type I or Type III.)

Skis aggressively, normally at high speeds, prefers steeper and more challenging terrain.