Terminology Glossary

Speak like a skier.

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Aerial
Ski Terms

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.

Air
Slang

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.

Alpine / Downhill Skiing
Ski Terms

A discipline of skiingthat involves downhill skiing on groomed or marked trails. While there are manyvarieties of skiing, most of the time when people talk about skiing, this iswhat they are talking about unless specified otherwise.

Apres Ski
Other

"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.

Backcountry / Backcountry Skiing
Ski Terms

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.

Bail
Slang

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

Base
Mountain Terms

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

Base Lift
Mountain Terms

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

Beacon / Avalanche Beacon
Gear

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.

Berm
Mountain Terms

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.

Big Air (Skiing)
Ski Terms

Big air skiing is a freestyle skiing event where athletes perform aerial tricks after launching offa 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.

Bindings
Gear

Mechanisms that secureski 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.

Black / Black Diamond (run)
Ski Terms

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

Blade / Snowblade
Gear

Refers to short, wideskis 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.

Blue (run)
Mountain Terms

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.

Bunny Hill / Slope
Mountain Terms

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.

Buttering
Techniques

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.

Button Lift
Mountain Terms

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.

Camber
Gear

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.

Cap
Gear

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.

Carve / Carving
Techniques

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.

Cat
Mountain Terms

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 people, dude. 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.

Cat Track
Mountain Terms

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

Chair Lift
Mountain Terms

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.

Corduoy
Slang

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.

Core
Gear

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.

Core-shot
Slang

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.

Couloir
Mountain Terms

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 fromFrench, 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.

Crevasse
Mountain Terms

A deep crack or fissure in a glacier. Crevasses can be hidden by snow bridges or simply blend in to 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.

Cross-country / Nordic Skiing
Ski Terms

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.

DINs
Gear

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 releasein the event of a fall or sudden impact, reducing the risk of injury to theskier.

·     Adjustment: Skiers areassigned a recommended DIN setting based on their weight, height, age, andskiing ability. The DIN setting can be adjusted using a screwdriver or specializedtool 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.

Damping / Dampening
Gear

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.

Double Black Diamond (run)
Mountain Terms

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.

Double-Poling
Techniques

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.

Edge
Gear

This refers to the metal strips along the sides of skisthat grip the snow and provide control. Make sure you're wearing your gloves when carrying your skis after you get these tuned - they're normally made of steel and can be SHARP!!

Effective Edge
Gear

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.

First Chair
Slang

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.

Flex
Gear

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.

Form
Techniques

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.

French Fry (turn)
Techniques

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.

Fresh Tracks
Slang

A term for skiing apart 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.

GNAR / GNAR Points
Other

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.

Gate
Mountain Terms

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
Ski Terms

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.

Glade
Mountain Terms

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.

Gliding
Techniques

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".

Gondola
Mountain Terms

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.

Green (run)
Mountain Terms

A designation used for the difficulty of a piste in North America and Japan, 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.

Groomed Run / Groomer
Mountain Terms

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

Heli-Skiing
Ski Terms

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.

Helicopter
Techniques

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.

Helmet
Gear

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 lock sat apres, not while flying down an icy mountain at 50 MPH.

Jerry
Slang

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.

Jib / Jibbing
Techniques

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.

Lift
Mountain Terms

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!

Lift Line
Mountain Terms

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.

Liftee
Slang

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.

Line
Ski Terms

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 cutoff, it can also be dangerous. Try to keep to yourself. This isn't badminton - there are risks.

Magic Carpet
Mountain Terms

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.

Mid-Mountain Lift
Mountain Terms

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.

Monoski
Gear

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.

Mounted / Mounting
Gear

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.

Mugul / Bump
Mountain Terms

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.

Night Skiing
Ski Terms

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.

Off-Piste
Mountain Terms

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

Para-ski
Ski Terms

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.

Parallel Turn
Techniques

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

Park Rat
Slang

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.

Piste / On-Piste
Mountain Terms

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.

Pitch
Mountain Terms

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

Planks
Slang

Slang for skis.

Pole
Gear

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 Whack
Techniques

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 areabout to take. While a crucial part of extreme skiing, this is often done ironically by casual skiers.

Powder
Mountain Terms

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.

Powder Stash
Mountain Terms

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.

Red (run)
Mountain Terms

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

Rocker
Gear

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

Rooster Tail
Slang

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.

Run
Mountain Terms

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.

Sandwich Construction
Gear

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.

Schuss
Techniques

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.

Sidecut / Radius
Gear

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.

Sidewall
Gear

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.

Sinter
Gear

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.

Ski Boots
Gear

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.

Ski Bum
Slang

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.

Slalom
Ski Terms

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
Ski Terms

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.

Slut Strands
Slang

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?).

Snow Belt
Gear

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.

Snowboard
Other

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 UnitedStates.

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 ShaunWhite 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 / Boardercross
Other

Snowboard cross, also known as boarder cross, 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.

Snowplow / Pizza Turn
Techniques

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.

Socked In
Slang

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.

Split Ski / Board
Gear

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.

Steez / Steezy
Slang

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).

Stem Christie / Wedge Christie
Techniques

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.

Sticks
Slang

Loose slang for skis or poles.

Stoke
Slang

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.

Stoke Noises
Slang

Noises that come from skiers and snowboarders while going down the mountain while very stoked. Kind of sounds like a baby goat dying - WHEEUWWEEWW.