Skiing comes with its own language. New skiers often hear words on the chairlift or slope that sound confusing or strange. Even experienced skiers use short terms that are not obvious unless you know the sport. This guide explains skiing slang in a clear glossary format. Each term is simple and easy to understand. You can scan it quickly or read it start to finish.
Ski Equipment Slang
Planks
Skis.
Sticks
Ski poles.
Bindings
The part that connects boots to skis and releases during a fall.
Boots
Hard ski shoes that lock into bindings.
Boot pack
Walking uphill in ski boots, usually on snow.
Wide skis
Skis built for deep snow and powder days.
Rock skis
Old skis used when snow cover is thin or rough.
Edges
Metal sides of skis that grip hard snow.
Bases
The flat bottom of skis that slides on snow.
Tune
Sharpening edges and waxing skis.
Skins
Fabric strips that attach to skis for uphill travel.
Snow and Surface Conditions
Powder
Fresh, soft snow that has just fallen.
Packed powder
Snow that has been skied but still feels soft.
Crud
Heavy, uneven snow after many skiers pass through.
Ice
Very hard snow with little grip.
Slush
Wet snow caused by warm temperatures.
Wind buff
Snow shaped and packed by wind.
Chalk
Dry, firm snow that grips well.
Corn
Spring snow that softens during the day.
Refrozen
Snow that melted and then hardened again.
Dust on crust
A thin layer of powder on top of hard snow.
Terrain and Run Terms
Bunny hill
A gentle slope for beginners.
Green run
Easy trail marked for new skiers.
Blue run
Moderate trail with steeper sections.
Black run
Steep and challenging trail.
Double black
Very steep or technical terrain.
Moguls
Bumps formed by repeated turns.
Bumps
Another name for moguls.
Glades
Tree filled skiing areas.
Chute
A narrow, steep run often between rocks.
Bowl
Wide open area above the trees.
Cliff
A drop in terrain that varies in height.
Roll over
A slope where the steepness cannot be seen from the top.
Side hit
A small jump on the side of a run.
Side country
Terrain just outside resort boundaries.
Skiing Skill and Style
Beginner
A skier learning basic control.
Intermediate
Comfortable on most groomed runs.
Advanced
Skis steep slopes, trees, and bumps.
Rip
To ski fast and confidently.
Send it
To fully commit to a jump or line.
Pizza
Snowplow stance with skis in a V shape.
French fries
Keeping skis straight and parallel.
Carving
Clean turns using ski edges.
Skidding
Sliding through turns rather than carving.
Straightlining
Skiing straight downhill without turning.
Hot dogging
Flashy or playful ski moves.
Lift and Resort Talk
Chair
Short for chairlift.
Singles line
A faster lift line for people riding alone.
First chair
The first lift ride of the day.
Last chair
The final lift ride before closing.
Gondola
An enclosed lift cabin.
T bar
A surface lift that pulls skiers uphill.
Magic carpet
A moving belt used on beginner slopes.
Downloading
Riding the lift down instead of skiing.
Lap
One lift ride and ski run.
Lodge
Main building with food and rest areas.
Safety and Awareness Terms
Avalanche
A mass of snow sliding downhill. Serious danger outside resorts.
Beacon
A rescue device used in avalanche areas.
Probe
A long pole used to locate buried skiers.
Shovel
Tool used to dig during rescues.
Patrol
Ski patrol staff who help with safety and rescues.
Closed terrain
Areas you are not allowed to ski.
Rope line
Boundary marking closed areas.
No fall zone
A place where falling could be dangerous.
Exposure
Risk due to steep drops or terrain.
Out of bounds
Terrain beyond resort limits.
Weather and Visibility Terms
Bluebird day
Clear skies and sunshine after snow.
Whiteout
Poor visibility caused by clouds or snowfall.
Storm cycle
Several days of snowfall in a row.
Inversion
Cold air trapped below warm air.
Flat light
Light conditions that make terrain hard to see.
Common Phrases You Will Hear
How’s it skiing?
Asking about snow conditions.
Tracked out
Powder that has already been skied on.
Hero snow
Snow that makes skiing feel easy and smooth.
It’s firing
Conditions are very good.
Sending it
Going all in on a feature or jump.
One more run
Last ski run before stopping.
That line goes
A route is skiable.
Deep day
A day with a lot of snow.
Yard sale
A crash where gear scatters everywhere.
Après Ski and Culture
Après
Relaxing, eating, or drinking after skiing.
Ski bum
Someone who prioritizes skiing over everything.
Powder hound
A skier who chases fresh snow.
Local
Someone who skis the mountain often.
Tourist
A visiting skier.
Early ups
Skiing before lifts open.
Final Thoughts
Skiing slang may sound strange at first, but it becomes natural with time. Learning these skiing slang helps you understand conversations on the lift and decisions on the mountain. You do not need to use every word, but knowing them builds confidence. Ski culture is friendly and open, and understanding the skiing slang language helps you feel part of it. Before long, these words will be part of your own ski days too.
