Ski Guides: Ski and Snowboarding Jargon

General Ski & Snowboard Terms

• Après-Ski – The social scene and activities after a day on the slopes, usually involving drinks and music.
• Base – The bottom of the ski resort where lifts, lodges, and services are located.
• Bluebird Day – A perfect sunny day with clear blue skies, ideal for skiing or snowboarding.
• Gnar (Gnarly) – Slang for extreme conditions or impressive tricks and skills.
• Powder (Pow) – Fresh, soft, untouched snow that’s great for skiing and snowboarding.
• Tracked Out – When fresh powder has been skied over and is no longer smooth.

Skiing Terms

• Carving – Making clean, curved turns using the edges of the skis.
• Moguls – Bumps formed on the slope, either naturally or by skiers turning in the same spots.
• Pizza / Snowplow – A beginner ski technique where the tips of the skis are angled inward to slow down.
• French Fries – Keeping the skis parallel to go straight or gain speed.
• Backseat – Leaning too far back on skis, making it harder to control.
• Slalom – A ski race where skiers weave between poles or gates.

Snowboarding Terms

• Goofy – A stance where the right foot is in front (opposite of regular stance).
• Regular – A stance where the left foot is in front.
• Shred – To snowboard skillfully and aggressively.
• Jibbing – Riding and performing tricks on non-snow surfaces like rails, boxes, or logs.
• Butter – A trick where the snowboarder shifts weight to one end of the board and spins.
• Park Rat – Someone who spends most of their time in the terrain park doing tricks.

Terrain & Snow Conditions

• Black Diamond – A difficult ski run meant for advanced skiers.
• Groomer – A slope that has been machine-groomed for smooth skiing.
• Corn Snow – Wet, granular snow that forms in warmer conditions.
• Hardpack – Compacted snow that is firm and often icy.
• Tree Run – A ski or snowboard route that goes through a forested area.
• Sidecountry – Terrain just outside the ski resort boundaries that is not patrolled but is still accessible.

Jumping & Tricks

• Air – Catching air means jumping off the snow.
• Ollie – A jump where the rider lifts the front foot first, then the back.
• Grab – Holding the skis or snowboard while airborne for style.
• Spin (180, 360, 540, etc.) – A jump where the skier or snowboarder rotates in the air.
• Wipeout / Yard Sale – A bad fall where skis, poles, or snowboard gear get scattered across the snow.

Now that you know the lingo, it’s time to hit the mountain and shred!