SNOWBOARDING

Snowboard: The board you ride on, used for descending slopes with your feet sideways.

Bindings: Devices that attach your boots to the snowboard, allowing you to control the board.

Boots: Soft, flexible footwear that fits into snowboard bindings for support and control.

Edge: The metal strip along the side of the snowboard that grips the snow for turning.

Base: The flat underside of the snowboard that glides across the snow.

Camber: An upward curve in the middle of the snowboard, providing stability and pop.

Rocker: The reverse of camber, with the tip and tail of the board curving up, ideal for powder and easy turns.

Highback: The vertical part of the binding that supports the back of the boot, providing leverage for turning.

Stomp Pad: A grippy pad placed between the bindings to provide traction when one foot is unstrapped (for lift exits).

SKIING

Skis: Two long boards that attach to your feet, used for skiing downhill with both feet pointing forward.

Bindings: Devices that attach your boots to your skis. Ski bindings are designed to release in case of a fall to prevent injury.

Boots: Stiff, hard footwear that provides control and support for skiing, fitting into the ski bindings.

Poles: Long sticks used to help with balance, rhythm, and pushing forward while skiing.

Edge: The metal strip along the side of the ski that grips the snow for turning.

Base: The flat underside of the ski that glides on the snow.

Camber: The slight upward curve in the middle of the ski, providing stability and power.

Rocker: The reverse of camber, where the ski tips curve upwards for easier turning and improved powder performance.

DIN Setting: A measurement that determines the release force of ski bindings, based on the skier's weight, skill level, and terrain.

Skins: Removable strips applied to the bottom of skis for traction during uphill touring (used in backcountry skiing).

Groomer: A trail that has been packed and smoothed out by a grooming machine, great for fast, controlled riding or skiing.

Pow: Slang for powder snow—soft, fresh, and deep snow that’s ideal for carving.

Cornice: An overhanging edge of snow, usually formed by wind at the top of a ridge or peak.

Backcountry: Areas outside the resort boundaries, often unpatrolled and with natural, ungroomed snow. Requires knowledge of avalanche safety.

Moguls: Bumps formed in the snow from repeated turns, requiring quick, technical maneuvers.

Lift Line: The queue for the ski lift.

Sidecut: The inward curve of the board or skis, which helps with turning.

Carve: A clean, smooth turn where the edge of the board or skis digs into the snow.

Catch an Edge: When the edge of a ski or snowboard digs into the snow unexpectedly, often causing a fall.

Slush: Wet, heavy snow that’s been warmed by the sun or spring temperatures.

Kickers: Jumps built in terrain parks or backcountry, used for tricks.

SNOWBOARDING

Regular Stance: Riding with the left foot forward.

Goofy Stance: Riding with the right foot forward.

Skidded Turn: A turn where the snowboard slides across the snow instead of carving.

Ollie: A jumping move where the rider pops off the snow using their legs.

Butter: A flat-ground trick where the rider spins or pivots while the board stays on the snow.

Jibbing: Sliding or grinding on obstacles like rails, boxes, or natural terrain features.

SKIING

Parallel Turns: A basic technique where the skis stay parallel to each other while turning.

Snowplow: A beginner technique where the tips of the skis are pointed inward to control speed and stop.

Stem Christy: A turning technique that starts with a snowplow and finishes with parallel skis, used by intermediate skiers.

Pole Plant: Using the ski poles to initiate a turn by planting them into the snow.

Telemark: A skiing style where the heel of the boot is not fixed to the ski, allowing for a lunging, knee-bent turning motion.

Schussing: Skiing straight downhill at speed, without turning.

Helmet: Headgear worn for protection against falls or collisions.

Goggles: Protective eyewear that shields the eyes from snow, wind, and sunlight.

Gloves: Warm, protective hand gear, often waterproof and insulated.

Avalanche Beacon: A device used to find buried victims in the event of an avalanche, essential for backcountry skiing or snowboarding.

Layers: Wearing multiple layers of clothing to stay warm, typically consisting of a base layer, insulating layer, and waterproof outer layer.

Gnar: Short for "gnarly," meaning something challenging or awesome, like tough terrain or huge tricks.

Shred: To ride aggressively and skillfully, whether you’re snowboarding or skiing.

Send It: To fully commit to a jump or trick, often involving big air or speed.

Yard Sale: A big fall where your gear (skis, poles, goggles) is scattered across the slope.

Pow Pow: Another term for powder snow.

Steeze: A mix of style and ease. If you’re riding with steeze, you look smooth and effortless.

Gaper: A term for a beginner or clueless rider who doesn’t follow mountain etiquette, often recognized by the gap between their goggles and helmet.

Chatter: The vibration or noise that happens when you’re riding at high speeds, usually on hard snow or ice.

Freshies: First tracks in fresh snow.

Après: Short for "après-ski," the social time after a day on the mountain, often involving drinks and relaxation.

Grom: A young or beginner rider, often fearless and eager to learn.

Bluebird Day: A perfect sunny day with clear skies after fresh snowfall.

Bomber: Someone who rides or skis straight down the mountain at high speed, often without turning.

Crusty: Snow that has a hard, icy layer on top, making it difficult to ride or ski.

Hot Lap: A fast run down the mountain, typically hitting the best features or lines, and then getting right back on the lift to do it again.

Hucker: Someone who throws big tricks, often going for massive air or drops.

Stomp: To land a trick cleanly and smoothly.

Chowder: Snow that’s been partially tracked out but is still soft and fluffy.

Sick: A general term for something awesome or impressive.

White Room: When you’re riding in deep powder and it kicks up so much snow that you can barely see—like being inside a snow cloud.

Kook: Someone who doesn’t follow mountain etiquette, similar to a gaper but can refer to both skiers and snowboarders.

Pitted: Riding deep inside the powder or catching a "face shot" of snow.

Flat Light: When the lighting is so diffused (often overcast) that it’s hard to see the contours of the snow.

Dude Tube: The terrain park halfpipe, often crowded with riders.

Gondi: Short for gondola, the enclosed lift that carries skiers and snowboarders up the mountain.

Jerry: Another term for a clueless or inexperienced rider, often doing something silly on the mountain.

Rocked Out: When the snow cover is thin, exposing rocks and other obstacles.

Kicker: A jump, often in a terrain park or backcountry, used for performing tricks.

Ski Bum: Someone who spends all their time skiing or snowboarding, often living minimally to stay near the slopes.

Snow Snob: A rider or skier who only hits the slopes on powder days and refuses to ride on anything less than perfect conditions.

Tree Run: A run that goes through a forested area, often with untracked powder.

No Fall Zone: A section of the mountain where a fall could have serious consequences, like steep cliffs or exposed rocks.

Respect Right of Way: Skiers and snowboarders in front of you have the right of way. Always give them plenty of space.

Control Your Speed: Ride or ski in control at all times, and adjust your speed to match your skill level and the terrain.

Avoid Stopping in Blind Spots: Don’t stop where you can’t be seen by riders coming from above, like just below a jump or in the middle of a narrow trail.

Be Mindful in Lift Lines: Take your turn and merge respectfully. Don’t cut in front of others or crowd the line.

Yield When Entering a Run: Before entering a slope or merging with a trail, check uphill for other riders or skiers and yield to them.

Watch for Signs: Pay attention to trail markings and boundary signs, as they indicate difficulty levels and closed areas.

Don’t Hog Features in the Park: If you’re in a terrain park, don’t linger on jumps, rails, or other features after you’ve used them. Let others have their turn.

Pack Out Trash: Always take your trash with you—this includes wrappers, bottles, or broken gear.

Respect the Mountain: Stay on designated trails and within resort boundaries unless you’re properly equipped for backcountry.