If you are a first time skier or snowboarder, it can be easy to become bewildered by some of the terminology used with both sports. The following list should help you get "up to date" on the terms used on the slopes...
| TERM |
DEFINITION |
| Piste |
The prepared areas, (ski runs), for skiing on |
| Off-Piste |
All areas designated "out of bounds" outside of the pistes |
| Powder Snow |
Fresh dry fluffy snow. Silent when skiing. Feels like you are floating freely. |
| Spring Snow |
Typical for late season skiing. The snow is more humid with a texture like butter. Smooth and comfortable when skiing. |
| Hard Snow |
Formed by wind, long periods without fresh snow and rain. The snow becomes packed solidly having an icy texture to it. Noisy when skiing. Not to be confused with Ice!! |
| Ice |
Solid clear patches formed by long periods without snow, exposure and wind. Usually has a bluish tinge to it. Very difficult to ski on without well tuned equipment. Large areas should be well marked for avoiding. |
| Moghuls |
Another word for "bumps" or mounds of snow |
| Snowplough |
Method for controlling speed by arranging the skis in a reverse "V" shape. |
| Parallel Turn |
Turning with the skis parallel to each other, (not locked together!). |
| Carving |
Technique of using the natural curvature of the ski edges. |
| Lumumba |
Hot or Cold drink of Chocolate mixed with Brandy. |
| Vino Caliente |
Hot red wine with dashes of various liqueurs, sugar and spices. |
| Pisted Runs |
The ski areas that are prepared each night by machines to groom the terrain smooth and flat. |
| Riding |
Term used for descending on a snowboard. |
| Edges |
Skis & Snowboards alike have metallic strips lining their edges to provide grip and braking power. |
| Bindings |
The attachments on the ski/snowboard into which your boots are fixed. |
| Ski Tips |
The front, curved up end of the skis. |
| Ski Tails |
The flat end of the ski |
| Ski Base |
That which is in contact with the snow beneath the ski |
| Twin Tips |
Style of ski with both ends curving upwards. Facilitates in the making of stunts and various tricks including skiing backwards. |
| Frontside |
Snowboarding term referring to using the front edge of the board, ie your toe edge |
| Backside |
Snowboarding term referring to using the rear edge of the board, ie your heel edge |
| Soft Boots/Bindings |
Boots fabricated in strong leather and other fabrics with flexible binding straps on the snowboard. This is the more common combination. It is also easier for trying tricks and jumps. |
| Hard |
Similar to ski boots, made in moulded plastic materials with solid |
| Boots/Bindings |
metallic clips on the snowboard. Used primarily for solid carving turns at high speed. |
| Drag Lift |
Mechanism used for reaching the top of a slope. The most common types are the "Poma", a metal pole with a button on the end that goes between the legs to pull you. Or via the "T-Bar", a bar in the shape of an upside-down "T" that takes 2 people at a time. |
| Chair Lift |
Seats suspended on a cable, that carry between 1 - 8 people, depending on the design and resort. |
| Gondola |
Also referred to as "Eggs", "Bubbles" and "Cabins". These are self-enclosed cabins suspended on a cable usually taking between 4 - 14 people. |
| Cable Car |
A much larger version of the gondola taking 50+ people at a time. |
