As winter sets in and the snow-capped mountains beckon, skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts prepare to hit the slopes in pursuit of exhilarating adventures. However, for those new to these snow sports, navigating the unique slang used by seasoned skiers and snowboarders can be as daunting as tackling a black diamond run for the first time. Fear not, as we delve into the world of skiing and snowboarding terminology.
So, use this as a comprehensive guide to deciphering the jargon and slang of the slopes.
Airtime: The duration a skier or snowboarder spends in the air during a jump or trick.
Alpine skiing: Downhill skiing on groomed or ungroomed slopes, typically using longer and wider skis.
Alpine touring: A type of skiing that involves ascending uphill using special bindings and skins on the skis, then transitioning to downhill skiing for the descent.
Après-ski: Refers to the social activities and entertainment that take place after a day of skiing, usually involving food, drinks, and relaxation.
Backcountry: The unmarked and ungroomed terrain beyond the boundaries of a ski resort, often accessed by hiking or using special equipment like skins.
Base: The bottom surface of a ski or snowboard that makes contact with the snow.
Binding: The mechanism that attaches the ski boot to the ski, providing control and transfer of power.
Bluebird day: A perfect day for skiing with clear blue skies and abundant sunshine.
Bombing: Skiing at incredibly high speeds, as if you're "bombing" down the mountain.
Boot pack: A path or trail formed by skiers or snowboarders hiking uphill in their boots, often used to access backcountry or off-piste areas.
Bumps: Mounds or moguls formed on the ski slopes due to repeated turns, creating a challenging terrain that requires skill and technique to navigate.
Cannonball: A type of aerial maneuver where a skier or snowboarder tucks their knees to their chest, resembling a cannonball shape, while airborne.
Carving: Making precise turns by tilting the skis onto their edges and using the sidecut to follow an arc-shaped path.
Chatter: Vibrations or shuddering felt through the skis when skiing at high speeds or on icy surfaces.
Chute: A narrow and steep ski run or passage, typically flanked by cliffs or rock formations.
Corduroy: Freshly groomed and smooth snow surface that resembles the pattern of corduroy fabric, providing ideal conditions for carving.
Corn snow: Granular snow that has gone through multiple thaw and freeze cycles, creating a textured surface resembling corn kernels.
Face shot: When skiing in deep powder, the snow kicks up and covers a skier's face, creating a moment of pure joy.
Faceplant: When a skier falls forward, usually resulting in a full-on snow facial.
First tracks: Being the first skier or snowboarder to carve through fresh, untouched snow on a particular trail or area.
Flex: The ability of a ski or snowboard to bend or flex under pressure, affecting its performance and responsiveness.
Gaper: A term used to describe an inexperienced or clueless skier who stands out due to their lack of knowledge or fashion sense.
Gaper Gap: The noticeable gap between a skier or snowboarder's helmet and their goggles or hat, leaving an exposed area of forehead. This term is often used humorously to describe individuals who are unfamiliar with proper gear and fashion norms in the skiing community.
Glades: Ski runs or areas with dense tree coverage, providing a thrilling and technical skiing experience.
Glisse: A French term for smooth and graceful skiing, emphasizing the elegance and flow of a skier's movements.
Goggle tan: A distinct tan or sunburn pattern on the face that occurs when skiing with goggles, leaving a clear line where the goggles were worn.
Grom: A term used to describe a young and talented skier or snowboarder, often used affectionately.
Halfpipe: A U-shaped, snow-walled structure used for freestyle skiing or snowboarding tricks and aerial maneuvers.
Heli-skiing: Skiing or snowboarding accessed by a helicopter, allowing for remote and untouched terrain.
Herringbone: A technique where skiers angle their skis outward in a V shape to climb uphill or traverse on gentle slopes.
Jerry: A term used in skiing and snowboarding to refer to someone who displays poor skills, questionable decision-making, or lacks knowledge of mountain etiquette. A "jerry" is often characterized by their awkward or inexperienced skiing technique and can be easily identified on the slopes.
Jibbing: Performing tricks and maneuvers on various non-traditional features such as rails, boxes, or other park elements.
Kickturn: A maneuver where a skier rotates their skis to change direction while standing still or moving slowly.
Mogul skiing: Skiing on a trail with a series of closely spaced bumps or moguls, requiring quick turns and absorption of terrain.
Nordic skiing: Skiing using lighter, narrower skis, often done on groomed trails or in cross-country skiing.
Nose butter: A freestyle skiing or snowboarding trick where the front end (nose) of the ski or snowboard is pressed into the snow while rotating.
Off-piste: Skiing outside of marked trails or designated areas, often in powder or ungroomed snow.
Packed powder: Snow that has been groomed and compacted, offering a firm and consistent surface for skiing.
Piste: A marked and groomed ski run or trail within a ski resort.
Pillow drop: A freestyle skiing or snowboarding trick where a rider jumps and lands on a soft, rounded snow pillow or mound, showcasing style and control.
Pillow line: A series of soft snow pillows or mounds formed by natural features like fallen trees or rocks, offering a unique and playful skiing experience.
Powder: Fresh, soft, and deep snow that provides a cushioned and exhilarating skiing experience.
Schuss: A fast and straight downhill run, usually performed to gain speed.
Shred: To ski with aggressive skill and style, tearing up the mountain with impressive speed and technique.
Ski patrol: The trained personnel responsible for maintaining safety on the slopes, responding to emergencies, and providing assistance to skiers and snowboarders.
Ski-in, ski-out: Refers to accommodations or resorts located directly on the slopes, allowing skiers to easily access the trails without transportation.
Slalom: A type of ski racing where skiers navigate a series of gates in a zigzag pattern, requiring quick turns and agility.
Slarve: A combination of sliding and carving, where a skier intentionally skids or drifts their turns, creating a fluid and controlled motion.
Snowcat skiing: A type of guided skiing or snowboarding experience where participants are transported uphill in a snowcat vehicle to access remote and pristine powder terrain.
Snowplow: A basic skiing technique where the skis are pointed inward in a V shape to slow down or control speed.
Speed check: A technique used to reduce speed by briefly skidding or sliding sideways, often employed before entering a narrow or steep section of the trail.
Stoked: A term used to express excitement or enthusiasm for skiing, as in, "I'm so stoked for the powder day!"
Tele skiing: Short for telemark skiing, a technique where the heel of the boot is not attached to the ski, allowing for a free-heel movement and a distinctive lunging turn.
Terrain park: An area within a ski resort specifically designed for freestyle skiing or snowboarding, featuring jumps, rails, and other features for tricks and aerial maneuvers.
Traverse: Moving horizontally across a slope without gaining or losing elevation, often used to access different areas of a mountain.
Tree well: A dangerous area around the base of a tree with loose snow, which can trap skiers or snowboarders if they fall into it.
Whiteout: A weather condition where visibility is severely reduced due to heavy snowfall, creating a featureless white landscape.
Yard sale: When a skier or snowboarder falls and loses various pieces of equipment, resembling a scattered collection of items for sale.
Zipper line: A line or path down a mogul field where skiers make quick turns, following a zipper-like pattern.