Ski Lingo
Skiing has its own unique terminology that reflects techniques, equipment, terrain, and conditions. If you’re brand new to skiing, here’s some common lingo to help you out:
Skiing Equipment and Gear:
Skis: your primary tool for skiing, often referred to as "boards."
Bindings: devices that attach your boots to your skis for control.
Poles: used for balance and propulsion, especially in flat sections.
Boots: rigid footwear that locks into your bindings for control and support.
Helmet: essential safety gear to protect your head during falls or collisions.
Goggles: protective eyewear used to enhance visibility in snow or bright light.
Edges: the metal strips along the sides of skis that grip the snow and allow for precise turns.
Base: the underside of the skis that come into contact with the snow, often requiring waxing to improve glide.
Wax: applied to the base of skis to reduce friction and enhance glide performance.
Saddle: used for comfort on bicycles, but in skiing, it's more about the fit of your boots—essential for both comfort and performance.
Skiing Techniques and Moves:
Carving: a turning technique that uses the ski edges to cut into the snow, creating clean, arc-shaped turns.
Snowplow (Pizza): a beginner technique where skis are positioned in a wedge shape to slow down or stop.
French Fry: skiing with your skis parallel to each other for speed, the opposite of pizza.
Parallel Turns: turning without crossing the skis; they remain parallel throughout.
Stem Christy: a turn that starts with one ski pointed out and then brought back parallel.
Hockey Stop: a sharp stop where skis are turned perpendicular to the slope.
Skating: a technique used to propel forward on flat or gentle uphill terrain by pushing off like an ice skater.
Bombing: skiing straight down a slope at high speed without making turns.
Tree Skiing: skiing through glades or forested areas.
Hucking: jumping off a cliff, rock, or big drop.
Butter: spinning or doing tricks on the flat part of a ski without catching air.
Telemarking: a type of skiing where the inside ski bends at the knee during turns, typically associated with free-heel bindings.
Terrain and Snow Conditions:
Groomers: slopes that are smoothed and prepared by snowcats, creating an even surface for skiing.
Powder (Pow): fresh, soft, deep snow that hasn't been packed down, ideal for skiing.
Crud: rough, uneven snow that’s been chopped up by other skiers or weather conditions.
Ice: hard, slick sections of snow that can occur after melting and refreezing.
Moguls: bumps or ridges on a slope formed by skiers making repeated turns in the same area.
Glades: forested areas on the mountain designated for skiing, often ungroomed.
Backcountry: terrain outside resort boundaries, typically requiring special gear and knowledge.
Chutes: narrow, steep runs between rock faces or trees for advanced skiers.
Bowls: large, wide-open areas on the mountain, typically steep and filled with powder.
Corn: granular snow formed by thawing and refreezing, often encountered in spring skiing.
Slush: wet, melting snow that is more common in warmer temperatures or at the end of the season.
Death Cookies: hard chunks of ice or snow on the slope, usually after grooming machines have passed.
Packed Powder: snow that’s been compressed either by other skiers or grooming machines.
Hardpack: snow that’s been packed down and hardened, making it less forgiving and harder to carve.
Bulletproof: extremely hard or icy snow that’s difficult to ski.
Ski Lifts and Resort Features:
Chairlift: a common lift system with chairs that carry skiers up the mountain.
Gondola: an enclosed lift system used for transport up the mountain, often in all seasons.
T-Bar / Poma Lift: surface lifts where skiers hold onto a bar or button to be pulled uphill while standing on their skis.
Lift Line: the area where skiers queue up to board a chairlift or gondola.
Magic Carpet: a conveyor belt-like lift, usually for beginner slopes.
Cat Tracks: narrow, flat trails cut across the mountain to access different areas or bring skiers back to a lift.
Terrain Park: a designated area for jumps, rails, and other features meant for freestyle skiing or snowboarding.
More slang commonly used on the slopes and within the skiing community:
First Tracks: the first ski run of the day on untouched snow, especially powder.
Yard Sale: a crash where a skier’s gear—skis, poles, goggles—ends up scattered across the slope.
Gaper: a term for an inexperienced skier or snowboarder who may be out of their element.
Après-Ski: the social scene & activities that happen after skiing (gathering in a lodge or nearby bar).
Ripping: skiing fast and aggressively, often with a high level of technical skill.
Sick Day: a slang term for an exceptional day on the mountain, often featuring deep powder.
Vertical Drop: the distance from the top of a mountain to the base, used to gauge the steepness and challenge of the run.
Sidecountry: terrain just outside of a ski resort’s boundaries, typically accessed via lift and often requiring some hiking or traversing.
Bail: to crash or fall, often used lightly or jokingly.
Send It: to go all out and give it your best shot, often used before hitting a jump or challenging run.
Shred: skiing or snowboarding aggressively or with skill. "Shredding the slopes."
Gnar: short for "gnarly," meaning difficult or extreme terrain.
Steezy: a combination of “style” and “ease” used to describe someone skiing with impressive skill and flow.
Hot Dogger: a skier who shows off or performs tricks to impress others.
Pillows: natural snow formations resembling soft, cushiony mounds, often found off-piste or in the backcountry.
Sick: a positive term to describe something cool or exciting. “That was a sick run!”
Chatter: the vibrations or noise that come from skiing on rough snow or ice.
Liftie: the person who operates the ski lift.
Ski Run Ratings:
Green Circle: easy, beginner-friendly slopes.
Blue Square: intermediate slopes that are steeper but still manageable for most skiers.
Black Diamond: advanced trails with steeper, more challenging terrain.
Double Black Diamond: expert-level trails with extremely difficult and technical terrain, often featuring cliffs, moguls, or narrow chutes.
Ski Apparel and Gear:
Brain Bucket: a helmet.
Sunnies: sunglasses.
Goggs: short for goggles.
Shell: a lightweight, waterproof jacket without insulation, meant to block wind and snow.
Steeze: stylish and easygoing fashion sense on the slopes.
Using these terms will help you sound like a seasoned skier and navigate the mountain culture with ease!
