The Top-Level Domain (TLD) .SKI, is an internet domain name extension that is primarily used to represent the ski community, related skiing industries and sports enthusiasts globally. Its registration and management are handled by a company known as StartingDot until 2017. From August 2017, Afilias, one of the leading domain name registries, took over the operations of .SKI TLD (Source: “Afilias Takes Over .SKI top-level domain”, Domain Incite).
Technically, .SKI is a generic top-level domain (gTLD) under Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers’ (ICANN) new gTLD program. ICANN is an organization that supervises internet protocol addresses and domain names. They oversee the entire domain name system (DNS) structure and ensure the smooth operation of the internet globally (Source: “What does ICANN do?”, ICANN).
The .SKI domain, being a gTLD, is located at the same hierarchical level in the DNS structure as .COM, .ORG, .NET, and many others. Similar to other gTLDs, it is 3 letters long and follows the dot symbol. It can be used by any individual, group, or business associated with skiing, ski resorts, or skiing-related activities, services, and products.
Moreover, .SKI domains can have IPv4 and IPv6 addresses, use DNSSEC for added security, and possess Whois services to provide information about the domain name’s registrant [(Source: “About .SKI”, Whois)]. ICANN’s Whois service is used to look up various domain name registrants or “Who is” behind a particular domain name.
To give a more concrete example: If a ski resort operator called “MountainPine” wanted an online presence aligned with their brand and associated with the ski community, they might register the domain name “mountainpine.ski”. Using .SKI instead of a more common TLD like .COM communicates to internet users that the website is directly related to skiing activities.
Furthermore, from a technical standpoint, like any other domain name, .SKI can function as an access point or address to a specific website. The DNS servers translate this easy-to-remember domain name into an Internet Protocol (IP) address that points to the exact location of the website on a web server.
The main benefit of this TLD is that it enables individuals, companies, and organizations in the ski industry to establish a specific identity online and cater more directly to their target audience.
In conclusion, the .SKI TLD is an HTTP protocol that allows the routing of packets over the internet, especially packets related to skiing related activities. This TLD can be acquired from ICANN-approved domain registrars. It is a part of ICANN’s initiative to expand the existing domain name system structure by introducing new gTLDs to cater to various specific communities and users online.
Please note that it is necessary to comply with various registration policies set by the domain registry, Afilias, and ICANN’s rules to register and maintain a .SKI domain name.
