How To Talk Like A Pro Skier
3 words that describe types of skiing
Alpine skiing
this is what most people talk about when they say skiing. Technically it means skiing on boots with heels fixed to the skis. Usually you're going downhill
Nordic skiing
often used synonymously with cross-country skiing, technically this is where the heels of the boots are not fixed to the skis. Usually you're going on flatter terrain (i.e., skiing as a means of transit, not riding up a lift to get to the top so you can speed down!)
Telemark skiing
combines elements of both Alpine & Nordic skiing. Heels are not fixed to skis, but there are downhill race components
9 words that describe types of runs (a ski trail)
Glade
runs through the trees
let's hit the glades, man'
Slalom
runs with manmade poles or gates, you're supposed to weave through them
I'm going to go slalom skiing tomorrow
Mogul
runs where you need to ski around the big bumps in the snow
most advanced runs are covered in moguls
Groomer
runs that have been groomed by snocats (to either pack, redistribute, or flatten the snow). Also called 'corduroy' since they look like the pants!
let's go find some groomers
Chute
runs that are narrow and bounded on both sides by obstacles
I need an adrenaline boost, let's find a chute!
Deer run
long, meandering runs that leisurely bring you down the mountain
just take that deer run all the way down
Green
the easiest type of run, symbolized by a green circle
I need to warm up on some greens
Blue
intermediate runs, symbolized by blue squares
let's hit some blues in the afternoon
Black
also called Black Diamond, or just diamond, these are advanced runs, symbolized by, you guessed it, a black diamond! There are also double and triple black diamonds, which are even more difficult!
the double black was sick man! and the diamonds out back are pretty great too
3 words that describe parts of the mountain
Bowl
a big mountain basin, exactly like it sounds. The sides are often very steep and covered in black diamond runs
let's get up to the bowl early in the day!
Backcountry
depending on context, can either mean territory that is completely out of boundaries of a resort and therefore you go at your own risk (if even permitted), or within the bounds of a resort, but not mail_tontained in any way (usually backside, in this instance). In both cases, expect tons of natural obstacles!
too crowded here, let's hit up the backcountry
Bunny slope
also called bunny hill, describes the really easy area that just has green runs
stick with the bunny slopes my friend
5 words that describe types of snow
Powder
the holy grail: new snow that's light and fresh, and not yet covered in tracks! Powder skis are skis that are wider than usual to provide greater surface area, allowing riders to glide over non-packed snow
3 feet of fresh powder last night, wahoo!
Crud
after powder packs down from riders, it packs into lumps of snow littering the ground
ride around the crud!
Slush
melted snow on the ground
let's get out of here, this is all slush
Crust
when top snow has melted down and become a layer of ice so it sounds very 'crunchy'
oh man, you hear that? this is all crust here!
Ice
the worst thing ever, period
back inside folks, it's all ice today
3 words that describe types of lifts
Poma lift
also called platter or button lift, the button is a 'seat' of sorts that you stick between your legs and let it drag you up
Rope tow
hold the rope and it drags you forward, often in beginner areas covering short distances
Magic carpet
a conveyor belt that you fully stand on with your skis or board; in beginner areas covering short distances
4 words that describe techniques
Pizza
cross your skis in the shape of a pizza to slow down and stop, the point of the pizza points downhill
pizza out, pizza out!
French fries
make your skis parallel like two French fries; this is how they should be when you want to move
let me see those French fries!
Herringbone
the technique skiers use to walk uphill, like reverse pizza
come on man, show me that herringbone and get up here
Carving
the perfect turn that you're waiting for, the edge of the skis or board dig(s) into the snow and magically you turn without losing speed, leaving a thin trail behind you
dude look at that guy carving
And 1 bonus word for fun...
Après-ski
literally 'after ski'; all the socials that happen after a long day on the mountain
what are you guys doing après-ski? how about hot tub and drinks?