Terminology Glossary

Refers to a freestyle skiing discipline where athletes perform acrobatic jumps and maneuvers after launching off a ramp or jump. Aerial skiing is known for its high-flying, complex tricks that include flips, twists, and combinations thereof. When done correctly, aerials are just downright rad as hell.

Refers to the act of becoming airborne while skiing, typically by jumping off a feature such as a jump, kicker, mogul, or natural terrain element. "Catching air", as we call it, has a direct correlation with feelings of stoke. You'll often find skiers excitedly telling their friends about that sweet air they just caught, even though we all saw it and, my guy, you were only 6 inches off the ground. But hey, in our opinion 6 inches is a lot; the ratio of stoke-per-inch is actually pretty astounding. If you're trying to catch any more than that though, work up to it slowly so you can practice making good landings. While it feels great to fly through the air, it does not feel quite as great to break an ankle.

A discipline of skiing that involves downhill skiing on groomed or marked trails. While there are many varieties of skiing, most of the time when people talk about skiing, this is what they are talking about unless specified otherwise.

"After Ski" in French - this term refers to getting drinks and/or partying after skiing, usually while still dressed in your gear. Nothing ends a day on the slopes quite as well as grabbing a few drinks and dancing to some tunes in your boots. Some people even go skiing just for the apres. It's a big part of the culture - listen for the sounds of an 808 drum at the end of your day and head to wherever it's coming from.

Akin to touring, this refers to skiing outside the bounds of a ski resort. This comes with considerable risks given that there is not a ski patrol on watch to save you if things go sideways, but at the reward of skiing fresh, natural terrain. Only recommended for expert skiers.

A term used to describe crashing or falling over while skiing.

The area at the bottom of a ski hill where you can catch ski lifts. Often accompanied by places to buy ski passes, gear / merch, restaurants and convenience stores. Usually a pretty good spot for people watching and serves a go-to for setting a meeting point if you get separated from your crew.

A ski lift that will you take you up from the bottom of the mountain.

A necessity for backcountry skiing - this is something you carry on you that sends out a GPS signal so that you can be found more easily if you get buried in snow during an avalanche. Please do not go into avalanche territory without one of these. It's not worth it.

This is some text A banked turn or a raised barrier of snow that is often found on ski and snowboard cross courses, terrain parks, or even naturally occurring on some trails. Berms are used to control speed and direction, allowing skiers and snowboarders to navigate turns more efficiently and with greater control. of a div block.

Big air skiing is a freestyle skiing event where athletes perform aerial tricks after launching off a large jump. The objective is to execute complex tricks while maintaining style and control, with judges scoring based on several criteria including difficulty, execution, amplitude, and overall impression.

‍Mechanisms that secure ski boots to skis, allowing skiers to control their skis and transfer power. Basically these are what keep you from snapping your ankles while you're catching some Gs on your carves.

A designation used for the difficulty of a piste. In Europe, blacks are the most challenging. In North America, these are also the most challenging but are tiered, with increasing difficulty denoted by an increasing number of diamonds between one and three.

Refers to short, wide skis that are also known as "ski blades," "snowblades," or "skiboards." These skis are significantly shorter than traditional alpine skis and are designed to offer greater maneuverability and ease of use.

A designation used for the difficulty of a piste. In Europe, blues are the least challenging runs (other than designated beginner areas) - in North America these are intermediate runs.

A beginner ski area typically used by ski instructors to teach new skiers some base skills before hitting more advanced terrain. Typically very shallow in terms of pitch - almost flat. Super boring to ski if you know what you're doing, but a necessity for newbies.

Refers to performing tricks by flexing (bending) the skis while riding, typically on flat terrain or while transitioning between features. This technique involves using the ski's flex and the skier's body movements to press and manipulate the skis into various positions, allowing for spins, rotations, and creative maneuvers without leaving the ground. It's a stylish and playful aspect of freestyle skiing that showcases a skier's balance and control.

A type of ski lift very similar to a T-bar, but instead of a "T", there is a little circle you tuck between your legs to go up. It won't get you far - mostly found on beginner slopes and bunny hills.

This term refers to the slight upward curve in the middle of skis when placed on a flat surface. Camber provides edge grip and energy in turns. Essentially the opposite of rockers.

Refers to a specific type of ski construction where the top sheet of the ski wraps around the edges, meeting the base to form a continuous surface. This construction method affects the ski's performance, weight, and durability, and is distinct from traditional sidewall constructions.

Making precise turns by using the edges of the skis to cut into the snow. Generally you want to be carving when slashing a groomer. The feeling is *chef's kiss* angelic. And you go fast.

Look up at the mountain after dark and you'll likely see lights on the slopes. While your first thought will probably be that the mountain people have emerged from their caves to perform their sacred rituals, you'd be wrong. There are no mountain goblins, dude. At least that's what my mom tells me. Those lights you're seeing are the headlights of "cats" - vehicles with grooming belts on the bottom that clean the runs up for you at night so that they are nice and crispy for the next day.

Another term for a traverse - this refers to flat areas where it is required to glide / stride to get across.

A type of ski lift that consists of a bench on which skiers sit to be brought up the mountain. Generally the most common type of lift. Often accompanied by a bar to make sure you don't fall off.

Slang for freshly groomed runs. Named after the resemblance the snow takes to those pants your girlfriend hates. Hitting some fresh corduroy is one of the main reasons you get up at 6am to catch that first chair. Feels like heaven underfoot.

Refers to the central structural component of a ski that runs along its length. The core is crucial to the ski's performance, affecting its flex, strength, weight, and overall feel. Different materials and construction methods are used to achieve various performance characteristics tailored to specific skiing styles and conditions.

These suck. This refers to damage to the base of your skis that rips a hole through the base directly to the core. These are particularly problematic as they allow moisture to get into the often-wooden core of your skis, which can cause rot, ultimately compromising the structural integrity of the ski. Make sure to get these fixed ASAP.

A narrow, steep gully or corridor on a mountainside, often filled with snow, which provides a challenging descent for advanced and expert skiers. The term originates from French, meaning "corridor" or "passage," and is used to describe these natural features found in mountainous terrain. If you're attempting one of these, all I can say is that you've got some balls on you.

A deep crack or fissure in a glacier. Crevasses can be hidden by snow bridges or simply blend into the landscape, making them a significant hazard for skiers, mountaineers, and anyone traveling on glaciated terrain. Be smart and bring a buddy if you're going anywhere that might have crevasses.

A type of skiing that is characterized by going across flat-ish terrain as opposed to going downhill. It's it's own thing. Make sure to get some specialized cross-country skis if you plan on doing this regularly - they're generally lighter and thinner to make it easier on your legs.

Think of this as the suspension on your car, but for skis. Damping refers to the ability of a ski to absorb and reduce vibrations and shocks that occur while skiing over uneven terrain, icy conditions, or at high speeds. Effective damping helps create a smoother, more stable ride by minimizing the amount of chatter and vibration that the skier feels.

The DIN setting is a standardized scale used to adjust the release tension of ski bindings based on a skier's weight, ability level, and skiing style.The term "DIN" in ski bindings refers to the "Deutsches Institut für Normung," which translates to the German Institute for Standardization. In the context of ski bindings, the DIN setting is a standardized scale used to adjust the release tension of ski bindings based on a skier's weight, ability level, and skiing style.

‍DIN Setting:
‍Purpose: The DIN setting determines how easily ski bindings release in the event of a fall or sudden impact, reducing the risk of injury to the skier.Adjustment:Skiers are assigned a recommended DIN setting based on their weight, height, age, and skiing ability.The DIN setting can be adjusted using a screwdriver or specialized tool to match the skier's specific requirements.Factors Affecting DIN Setting:‍Skier's Weight: Heavier skiers typically require a higher DIN setting to prevent unintentional binding releases.Ability Level: Beginner or intermediate skiers usually have lower DIN settings, while advanced skiers may have higher settings for more aggressive skiing.Type of Skiing: Different types of skiing (e.g., racing, freestyle, backcountry) may require specific DIN settings to accommodate varying forces and terrain conditions.Release Mechanism:Ski bindings are designed to release in specific directions (lateral, vertical, or twisting) based on the DIN setting to ensure safe and effective release during falls or sudden movements.‍

‍Importance of Proper DIN Setting:
‍Safety:A correct DIN setting is crucial for reducing the risk of injury by allowing the ski to release when necessary, preventing potential knee injuries or fractures.Performance:An appropriate DIN setting ensures optimal ski control and responsiveness, enhancing the skier's performance on the slopes.Consultation:It's essential to consult with a certified ski technician or professional to determine the correct DIN setting based on your physical characteristics, skiing ability, and skiing style.Understanding and correctly setting the DIN on your ski bindings is vital for safety, comfort, and performance while skiing. Always ensure that your bindings are properly adjusted and regularly inspected by a qualified professional to maintain optimal functionality and safety on the slopes.

A designation used for the difficulty of a piste in North America. Double blacks are a tier of difficulty higher than single blacks, characterized with steep, un-groomed terrain that may include hidden obstacles.

A technique employed when crossing a flat area. This involves using both ski poles simultaneously to push off and glide forward. It's often used to gain speed without needing to lift the skis much.

While your first lift of the day may not, in fact, be a chair lift, the term "first chair" refers to be on the literal first lift going up the mountain for the day, or at least in line before it starts taking people up. If you make first chair, congrats! You finally won something and your mom is proud of you. But more importantly, getting up the mountain early means you're going to be able to ski fresh tracks and slash up the snow before everybody else. Much like day-drinking, you can't go all day unless you start in the morning, and the earlier the better.

While normally used to refer to what your friend Chad does in his mirror selfies, in skiing "flex" refers to the amount a ski can bend along its length. The flex of a ski significantly influences its performance, handling, and suitability for different skiing styles and conditions. Flex can be described in terms of stiffness or softness, and each type offers distinct advantages and disadvantages.

If you're hanging around with skiers, you're probably going to hear them talking about their form, or more often than not, criticizing the form of less experienced skiers as they look down on them from the chair lift. Form refers to the body position and technique a skier uses while skiing. Good form is crucial for efficiency, control, safety, and performance on the slopes. It involves proper alignment, balance, and movement patterns.

A beginner term for keeping your skis straight - i.e. a parallel turn. An upgrade on the "pizza" turn. Don't use this to describe your form unless you're actually a new skier. There's only so much cringe in this world to go around and you need to leave some for the Jerrys out there.

A term for skiing a part of the mountain that hasn't been skied on by another skier or boarder yet. It just feels awesome to go through snow that's not already been cut up. Probably because of science we think. The best. Worth getting up early skiing through your hangover for sure.

Get your mind out of the gutter; this refers to the metal strips along the sides of skis that grip the snow and provide control. Make sure you're wearing your gloves when carrying your skis after you get these tuned - they can be SHARP!!

The effective edge of a ski is the portion of the ski that will come into contact with the snow when turning. The longer this is on a ski, the wider the ski will turn, and vice versa.

At many ski resorts, you will find marked areas where you can leave the boundaries of the resort to ski some out-of-bounds off-piste terrain. Recommended only for expert skiers, as these out-of-bound areas are less trafficked and not monitored by ski patrol, meaning that you're likely on your own if something goes wrong. Bring a buddy if you're going through a gate.

Giant slalom (GS) is a type of alpine skiing race that features a course with widely spaced gates that skiers must navigate. It is a middle-ground event between slalom, which has the shortest and tightest turns, and super-G and downhill, which have the longest and fastest courses.

A tree run! Mostly off-piste, and often containing lots of sweet, fresh powder. Glade runs are generally only recommended for intermediate to advanced skiers given the risks of colliding with one of nature's lungs. Wear a helmet if you're going into a glade. Seriously. Sonny Bono died by skiing into a tree. Never forget.

The motion of cross-country skiing required when crossing a traverse. It resembles a skating motion - skiers push off with one ski while the opposite arm and pole move forward in a diagonal pattern, hence the name. Also known as "striding".

GNAR, which stands for Gaffney's Numerical Assessment of Radness, is a humorous and competitive system devised by Shane McConkey and Robb Gaffney in the late 1990s to quantify the "radness" or impressiveness of skiing feats. This game became widely known through the documentary "G.N.A.R. The Movie."

GNAR points are awarded for various skiing-related activities and challenges, ranging from impressive tricks and difficult runs to more outrageous and humorous actions, such as farting loudly in a crowded tram. Yes, these were adults that came up with this.

The GNAR points system blends serious skiing skills with a playful, sometimes absurd, competitive spirit, embodying the fun and camaraderie of the ski community.

A type of ski lift that takes the form of a covered compartment. Everyone's dream is to not have to share these with strangers. As tempted as you might be to hotbox one of these, be warned that you might get kicked off the mountain if you get caught.

A designation used for the difficulty of a piste in North America, and to a lesser extent a beginner zone in Europe. Greens are typically the easiest runs on the mountain other than bunny slopes. Bunny slopes may also be marked as greens.

Trails that have been mechanically prepared for skiing, usually with a smooth surface. Formally known as a piste.

A type of skiing that consists of being brought up to a point on the mountain via means of a helicopter. This allows you to get to hard-to-reach parts of a mountain that are typically otherwise inaccessible. Generally a very expensive activity, but is supposed to be awesome.

A type of ski trick that consists of crossing your skis so that they are perpendicular to one another to make an "X"shape that looks like the blades of a helicopter. Kudos if you can do this upside down. Experts only.

100% the most important piece of gear that you own. While you will occasionally see people on the mountain skiing without one of these, please do not be that guy. Yes, your beanie-goggle combo looks sick, but take it from us, we have been in more than one accident that would have ended our lives, or at least the proper functioning of our brains, if we were not wearing a helmet. Show off your locks at apres, not while flying down an icy mountain at 50 MPH.

In skiing culture, a "Jerry" is a slang term used to describe an inexperienced or clueless skier or snowboarder who often exhibits poor technique, lacks awareness of their surroundings, or makes mistakes on the slopes. The term is often used humorously and can apply to a variety of behaviors that stand out as awkward or unsafe.

Your friend dropped their pole while on the lift? Jerry. That guy who just cut a line through a bunch of ski schoolers and nearly gave a toddler a concussion? Also a Jerry. Bottom line is, nobody wants to be a Jerry. And if you think you might be a Jerry but aren't sure, you probably are. Be better.

Refers to the practice of performing tricks and maneuvers on various non-snow features such as rails, boxes, ledges, and other urban-style obstacles found in terrain parks or even urban environments. It involves a mix of technical skills, creativity, and style, allowing skiers to slide, spin, and jump on and off these features.

A ski lift - it gets you up the mountain so you don't have to hike up. Isn't that nice?? These take many forms - chair lifts, gondolas, trams, T-bars, button lifts, tow ropes, etc. Some you sit, some you stand, some you need to hold on for dear life, but if you're on one of these, you're going up!

This refers to a run that goes directly under a lift, usually under a lift that does not go over an open piste - e.g. through trees or just generally off-piste. You'd better be feeling confident about your ability to go down a lift line, because if you bail, everyone on the lift is going to see, and you might even hear them taking some humor in your demise. Ouch. Lift lines are often taken by skiers who want to show off their skills because they think everyone is watching them, but honestly, unless you're REALLY good, they're probably not. Check your ego.

A seasonal worker who mans the lifts. The mountain doesn't run without these passionate, usually slightly stoned champions. Can often be found blasting reggae or EDM, talking about how the job doesn't pay much but is the only way to catch the best snow, or sharing their opinions about recent changes to the mountains management policies. If you're riding a lift with a liftee off their shift, be prepared to talk with them the entire ride up. Make sure to thank these guys for brushing down your seat to keep your tush dry.

A line is term describing the path you take down a mountain. Generally when going downhill, you should have an idea of where you intend to ski so that you remain a safe distance from other skiers, and to plan your route so that you won't hit any obstacles. Invading someone's line (i.e. skiing into the path another skier is clearly about to take) is a big no-no - not only is it super annoying to be cut off, it can also be dangerous. Try to keep to yourself. This isn't badminton - there are risks.

A type of ski lift that consists of a moving belt that you can stand on to go up. Think the of the moving walkways you find in airports, but smaller. Typically found on bunny slopes given that these hills are too small for real lifts.

This refers to lifts that pick you up somewhere on the mountain other than the base. Unless you're going peak-to-base, you'll likely spend most of your days taking these.

Bumps or mounds of snow formed on ski slopes due to repeated turns by skiers. A nightmare for toddlers and the inexperienced, but any good skier will tell you that they have more fun on moguls than groomers. Sometimes that's believable, but the burn in your thighs after crushing some of these bad boys will have you questioning this opinion.

A type of ski designed for skiing with both feet strapped into a single, wide ski. Unlike traditional skis where each foot is attached to a separate ski, a monoski has a single platform where both feet are positioned side by side. This design allows for a unique skiing experience and requires different techniques compared to standard alpine skiing. If you're riding one of these, you're probably one steezy dawg. Woof woof.

Nice try, but this is not slang for something to do with "mountain". Where your skis are mounted refers to where your bindings are attached to your skis. In most cases, your bindings will be mounted slightly off-center towards the tail of your skis so that you have more controllable ski surface area in front of you to optimize for turning, but bindings on park skis will often be centered to optimize for better balance while doing tricks.

Night skiing is the practice of skiing or snowboarding on a ski slope after the sun has set or just after normal hours. Certain resorts make this possible by the use of artificial lighting along the trails, providing sufficient visibility for safe and enjoyable skiing.

Skiing on unmarked or un-groomed terrain outside of designated ski areas.

This refers to going paragliding while wearing skis, allowing you to soar through the skies before landing to rip a run. Looks fun if you're not afraid of heights.

A parallel turn refers to keeping your skis parallel to each other while turning... Fairly straightforward. This is considered to be proper form when skiing.

A person who would prefer to spend their time on the mountain in the park as opposed to slashing up runs. These people are in constant pursuit of steez, and often attain this recognition through the acquisition of bruises and missing teeth.

Good guess, but no, this isn't French for urine. This is what we call marked and maintained ski trails or slopes. Also known as a groomed run / groomer.

The steepness of a run - higher pitch means steeper, lower pitch means less steep.

Slang for skis.

Long, lightweight poles used by skiers for balance, propulsion, and turning. If there is one constant in this world, it is snowboarders requesting that you drag them across flat areas because you have poles. Unfortunately, it is our duty as skiers to help these wayward souls out in these situations. It sucks but it's the price we pay.

Pole whacking is a term used in skiing, particularly in competitive and freestyle skiing, to describe the action of hitting or "whacking" ski poles against the snow in order to remove it so that a skier may better see the line they are about to take. While a crucial part of extreme skiing, this is often done ironically by casual skiers.

Fresh, loose snow that has not been compacted or groomed. This here, my dear friends, is the holy grail of the mountain. When there's been any sort of snowfall whatsoever, my advice to you is to get some 100+ underfoot skis and spend your day seeking out as much powder as you can. Gliding through freshly fallen snow is nothing short of magical. There's one reason people chase snowstorms and it's so they can ski powder. Many an ambitious career-driven person has been lost to this pursuit, and we're all for it.

Refers to a hidden or lesser-known area on a mountain where fresh, untouched powder snow accumulates. These areas are prized by skiers and snowboarders because they offer the best conditions for riding powder, which is soft, deep, and provides a unique, exhilarating experience.

A designation used for the difficulty of a piste in Europe. Red runs are considered to be intermediate.

The upward curve at the tip and/or tail of skis. Rocker helps skis float in deep snow. The opposite of camber.

A run is used to describe a way down the mountain. Typically this will be used to refer to a piste, but can be loosely used for pretty much anywhere you can get down the mountain without falling off a cliff.

A term used to describe a propulsion of snow up into the air coming off the back of someone's skis. Generally occurs when skis are kept very close together as opposed to shoulder-width.

Refers to a method of building skis where multiple layers of materials are stacked on top of each other, similar to the layers of a sandwich. This type of construction is known for providing excellent performance characteristics, including enhanced stability, power transfer, and edge grip.

A term derived from the German word "schießen," meaning "to shoot." In skiing, it refers to a straight downhill run made at high speed without turning. It emphasizes maintaining a streamlined, aerodynamic position to maximize speed and efficiency while descending. You'll often see someone doing this before heading into a traverse to reduce the amount of effort they will have to exert to get across it.

The curve along the edges of skis, affecting the turning radius and maneuverability. The more convex this is, the wider your carves are going to be.

Refers to the vertical walls on the sides of a ski, located between the top sheet and the edge. The sidewalls play a crucial role in the ski's performance, durability, and overall handling characteristics. There are different types of sidewall constructions, each with its benefits and trade-offs.

Refers to the type of base material used in the construction of skis and snowboards. A sintered base is known for its high performance, durability, and ability to retain wax well, which is crucial for maintaining speed and glide on snow.

A term used to describe skiing backwards, or in reverse, with the skier's tail ends of the skis leading and the tips trailing... You can practically smell the steez when a switch skier flies by. This technique is commonly used in freestyle skiing, particularly in terrain parks, where performing tricks, jumps, and maneuvers in both regular and switch stances is a fundamental skill.

A ski bum refers to someone who said f it and decided to spend their life living in the mountains to maximize the amount of time they spend skiing, often at the expense of other pursuits in life. Liftees are normally ski bums. So are ski instructors. And so are you in your dreams. It can be somewhat of a derogatory of a term, but can also just be used to describe someone who works (ski) boots on the ground in the resort industry.

Footwear specifically designed to attach to ski bindings, providing support and control while skiing. Known to be less comfortable than snowboarding boots, but we all know that skiing is better than snowboarding so it's worth it.

Slalom is a type of alpine skiing and snowboarding competition where athletes navigate through a series of tightly spaced gates (poles) set on a downhill course. The goal is to complete the course in the shortest time possible while passing through all the gates. Slalom is one of the most technical and demanding disciplines in alpine skiing, requiring quick reflexes, precise turns, and agility.

Slopestyle skiing is a freestyle skiing event where athletes perform tricks and jumps on a specially designed course that includes a variety of obstacles such as rails, boxes, and jumps. The goal is to demonstrate creativity, style, and technical skill while navigating the course. Judges score the runs based on factors like difficulty, execution, amplitude, and overall impression.

This one is for the rad ski girlies. This refers to a specific hairstyle where a skier or snowboarder leaves a few strands of hair hanging out of their helmet or beanie, framing their face. More often than not, this aesthetic choice is taken by the ladies to signify that that are actually from the finer side of the species and not, in fact, a fourteen year old boy. Sometimes it can be hard to tell with all your gear on... Or after a few too many beers at apres (what?).

A term commonly used by mountain-goers to describe low-visibility conditions when the cloud cover gets low that you're actually in the clouds. You're going to want to bring some low-visibility goggles, or at least check your speed, if it's socked in - the last thing you want is to catch an unexpected bump or ice patch that you can't see. Remember, you're not going to make it to apres if you're being air-lifted off the mountain. That should be all the convincing you need.

A relatively new piece of hardware that offers the best of both world of skiing and snowboarding - essentially a snowboard that can be adjusted to break into two pieces and become skis. Effectively you're trading off quality for versatility.

This is a piece of a specialized ski or boarding jacket that tightens around your waist so that snow doesn't get all up under your jacket when snow sprays up from your skiing. Recommend getting a jacket with one of these if you're planning to go into any deep powder.

The opposite of skiing in every way... sort of. Instead of two planks underfoot, there is one (is that a Chinese proverb?). Starting in the 60s - 70s, people decided to bring something more akin to a skateboard to the mountains. Initially, much of the ski community hated on it, and people even tried to ban it! While there are some resorts that still only allow skiers on the mountain, snowboarding is now a very popular sport, accounting for about 35% of mountain-goers in the United States.

Snowboarders are best known for making loud crunching noises as they go down the mountain that make you think you're about to get wrecked when they come up behind you, pointing out that their boots are more comfortable than yours, and claiming that their chosen sport looks cooler. Ok, we get it. You watched Shaun White win a few golds and aspire to reach that level of steez, but is it really worth all of the buckling and unbuckling?? Maybe it is. We'll give it to you, snowboarding is pretty rad, and all jokes aside, we love you guys.

Snowboard cross, also known as boardercross, is a snowboarding event where multiple riders race simultaneously down a course filled with various obstacles. These obstacles typically include jumps, berms (banked turns), rollers, and other features designed to test the snowboarders' speed, agility, and control.

A beginner skiing technique where the skis are angled inward, forming a "V" shape to control speed and direction. Often used to slow yourself down in tight situations. Don't be that snooty expert who thinks you're too good for this. It's not a good look.

Slang for a quality of the dopest skiers. A combination of the words"style" and "ease" - someone with steez will pull off some moves that make you rethink your entire ability as a skier while making it look easier than taking candy from a baby (don't do this, you might get arrested... unless it's your own baby).

A classic ski turn that dates back to 1800s Norway and reigned supreme until the late '60s. This technique, crafted in three precise steps—from forming a wedge to synchronizing parallel skis—epitomized ski innovation and mastery before making way for the modern parallel turns.

Nowadays mostly used in the interim of beginners learning to go from from snowplows to parallel turns due to greater similarity in form.

Slang for skis.

Refers to the excitement, enthusiasm, and exhilaration that skiers feel about skiing and the overall mountain experience. The term captures the intense joy and adrenaline rush that comes from skiing fresh powder, nailing a difficult trick, or simply spending time on the slopes with friends.

The motion of cross-country skiing required when crossing a traverse. It resembles a skating motion - Skiers push off with one ski while the opposite arm and pole move forward in a diagonal pattern, hence the name. Also known as "gliding".

A type of ski lift characterized by its shape in the letter "T"; a standing lift where you stick the bar between your legs for it to carry you upwards. It kind of feels good if you do it the right way (what?), but can also be easy to fall off of if you don't do it correctly. So hang on! Generally these are only going to get you up small, not-too-steep parts of the mountain.

Telemark skiing is a skiing technique that combines elements of both alpine and Nordic skiing. Named after the Telemark region of Norway where it originated, this style is characterized by a distinctive turning technique where the skier's heel is free, allowing for a lunge-like motion.

A designated area with man-made features like jumps, rails, and halfpipes for freestyle skiing and snowboarding. The domain of park rats and people who think they should have made the Olympic freestyle team.

The width at the widest part of the front of your ski. Generally speaking, the wider this is the tighter your radius is going to be.

The width at the widest part of the back of your ski. Generally speaking, the wider this is the tighter your radius is going to be.

Skiing over long distances in natural, unmarked terrain using specialized touring skis and bindings. Bring an avalanche beacon if you're doing this. Seriously.

A type of ski lift characterized by a rope that you hold on to in order to get from point A to point B. More often than not this is going to take you across flat terrain to prevent you from having to traverse across it.

A type of ski lift that takes the form of a large compartment that can carry dozens of people up the mountain at once. Almost exclusively found at ski bases in order to get a lot of people up somewhere generally deemed too treacherous to reach by a gondola or chair lift. The line usually sucks to get on one of these because there are normally only one to two trams on the line, but generally you're not going to be able to get to where it takes you unless you're a particularly masochistic breed of hiker. Worth it for the views.

A flat area where you'll typically have to either push yourself along with your poles or cross-country ski across. Nobody likes these but sometimes they are necessary to get to where you need to go.

A designation used for the difficulty of a piste in North America. Let's get this straight, these aren't the norm - most resorts you visit will not even have triple black runs. But for those that do, you better be one hell of a good skier to even think about trying to do one of these. They are generally steep - like extremely steep - icy, and dangerous. Most skiers will never attempt one of these in their life. Stay safe out there kids.

The act of getting your skis worked on in a shop to make them perform better - e.g. by getting the bases waxed, getting holes filled in. the edges sharpened, or getting your bindings adjusted. Often required after some heavy use.

This is the bread and butter of skiing. Turns are when you... turn on your skis, causing you to move down the mountain in a side-to-side manner, leaving a wave-like track behind you. The point of turns is to manage your speed and maintain control as you move down the mountain so you don't get completely wrecked by hitting an unseen obstacle and so you can stop yourself if need be. Making good turns is the core of what what makes you a good skier. If you're new, take some lessons so you can work on your form and avoid being a Jerry.

A superstitious phrase commonly used by skiers before taking their last run of the day. The idea is that you never want to say that you'll do "one more run" or a "last run" out of concern for jinxing it and getting injured... if you say it's your last run, this might be the last run of your life, not just the day.

When someone is talking about what's "underfoot", they're referring to how wide a ski is at the waist. If you're got "100 underfoot" it means your ski's waist width is 100mm wide.

The width of the ski at its narrowest point, usually where your bindings are mounted, affecting float in powder and edge-to-edge quickness.

Refers to the process of applying a layer of wax to the base of skis to enhance their performance. Waxing is crucial for maintaining the ski base, improving glide, and protecting the skis from damage caused by friction and varying snow conditions.

A term used to describe crashing, usually fairly badly, while skiing.

A term used to describe someone who has crashed so ungraciously that their skis and/or poles are scattered around them, resembling the lawn of your neighbor who thinks that people actually want to buy some crap they pulled out of their basement. As long as said crashee is determined to be ok, you are permitted to laugh at them... you should also probably help them back up too, I guess.

In Europe, off-piste runs that are still under watch of ski patrol will be marked with black-and-yellow striped poles. Generally equivalent of a double black in North America.