A modified version of their alpine counterparts, twin-tip skis are designed to enable a skier to take off and land backward while jumping and to ski backwards (switch) down a slope. The name "twin-tip" comes from the dual shape of the ski. While most alpine skis have a defined, curved-up front end (or "tip") as well as a flat rear end (or "tail"), twin-tip skis have a curved-up tip and tail.
Initially designed for terrain park and halfpipe skiing, the twin tip design has become common in the ski industry. Some modern twin-tip skis have been designed to be highly flexible and durable, specifically for disciplines like urban skiing and swerve skiing. They have rapidly gained popularity on other parts of the mountain as well. Powder skis, all-mountain skis, and even telemark skis are all available with twin tips.