Downhill and Snowboarding require time, lessons, and money to learn. Start out at small ski area that's cheap. (O'Dog grew up as a ski school kid in SEA. Now years later loves to hammer moguls.)
Telemark - Haven't tried it although my friends with really stiffer boots and bindings seem to have an easier time with it.
Classic/backcountry xc - Don't worry about it. Just put em on a go. Even little kids can go places just by shuffling feet. Technique will follow. Equipment isn't as important.
Skate - Fast on hard packed stuff but harder to learn. Take a lesson, watch a video or learn from a friend your first time out. The long poles and sideways motion of the skis make things clumsy at first (think of a drunk giraffe). Equipment is a more important.
Hmmm...This all sounds like a good excuse to visit A. Hit the big box stores, specialty stores, and resell stores.
"My actions are my only true belongings. I cannot escape the consequences of my actions. My actions are the ground upon which I stand." Thich Nhat Hanh
