A |
Adaptive Skiing
People with disabilities, often assisted by others, with special equipment that enables them to participate in alpine skiing. |
Alpine Combined
A competitive event that combines results from one downhill run and two slalom runs. |
Alpine Camber
A slight camber or lengthwise arch built into Alpine skis so that they're relatively rigid, allowing more maneuverability on slopes. |
Alpine Skiing
Skiing based on going downhill rather than cross country, often called downhill skiing. Different Alpine races include the downhill, the giant slalom, the slalom, and the super giant slalom. |
Angulate
Bending in the ankles, knees and/or hips, used mainly to modulate the angle that the skis' edges make relative to the snow surface. |
Après-ski
The night life following a day on the slopes when the mountain has closed and the restaurants and bars are open for socializing. |
Ass Over Tea Kettle
The description of a skier's or boarder's fall where the individual rolls and/or flips. |
ATS
For American Teaching System, a teaching/ learning system developed by the PSIA (Professional Ski Instructors of America.) |
Average Annual Snowfall
Average Annual Snowfall is the amount of snow a mountain gets during a ski season. |
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| B |
Backcountry Skiing
Recreational expert skiing away from developed land and open roads. |
Base
1) The bottom of a ski; its running surface.
2) The bottom of a slope or mountain where the lodge is situated.
3) The average depth of snow at a ski area, typically measured in inches. |
Basket
The cup at the bottom of a ski pole, which encircles a tip that bites into the snow. The Basket stops the pole from going into the snow further. |
Biathlon
A competitive event that combines cross country skiing and marksmanship. |
Bindings
An attachment on the ski that clips onto the boot, thus holding the ski to the foot. Bindings are set to skier classification; height, and weight. |
Black Diamond
Black Diamonds are the color and symbol used to mark advanced ski trails. Black Diamond ski trails are often difficult to ski and have advanced terrain. |
Blue Square
A blue colored square is the symbol used to mark intermediate ski trails. |
Bunny Slope
A gently sloping hill marked with a green circle, for beginning skiers. |
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Camber
A lengthwise arch or bow built into a ski to make it more flexible. Generally, a lower camber is better for Alpine skiing, because it makes turning easier, while a higher camber is better for cross country, because it allows for better gliding. |
Cants
Devices to change the orientation of the legs relative to the skis. Put a ski more (or less) on edge. |
Carve
To use the edge of the skis, to make a clean turn without skidding with the edges cutting into the hillside. |
Catch An Edge
To unexpectedly have an edge of a ski dig into the snow, causing a fall or near fall, often caused by catching an indentation made by another skier. |
Catching Air
Going fast enough to briefly become airborne after skiing or snowboarding over a small hill, jump or mogul. |
Center of Mass
The theoretical concentration of mass of the body - usually around the navel. |
Chair Lift
A mechanized, cable-suspended, aerial chair device used to carry skiers snowboards and others up a mountain slope. |
Chatter
While skiing in motion, vibration of a ski caused by the edges bouncing off hard snow instead of biting in. |
Christie
A braking turn on which the tail ends of the skis are allowed to skid. |
Classical Cross Country
A cross country race in which skiers use the traditional straight striding technique, leaving distinct parallel tracks, with considerable assistance from the ski poles. Skating is not allowed. |
Closed Trail
Most ski areas have designated Closed trail areas they are ungroomed, unpatrolled slopes. Skiing in the Closed trails in most areas will result in having your ticket revoked. |
Combined Pursuit
A cross country event that's made up of two races. The first is usually a 5-kilometer classical race, the second a 5-kilometer freestyle. Competitors start the second portion in the same order in which they finished the first portion, and separated by the same amount of time. |
Corn
Small, rounded kernels of snow and ice resembling kernels of Midwestern sweet corn, most often seen in the springtime. |
Counter-rotation
Simultaneous rotation of the upper body and legs, in opposite directions. |
Cross Country
1) Cross country skiing is skiing over level ground or small hills also called Nordic skiing
2) A type of Nordic ski race that takes place over a considerable distance. See classical cross country; freestyle cross country. |
Crud
Snow of variable consistency because of temperature changes and several snowfalls often found in Midwestern resorts due to global warming and higher altitude resorts during the spring. |
Cruising
Making a run at a relaxed speed. |
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Diagonal Stride
The equivalent of walking in cross-country skiing. |
DIN (Deutsche Industrie Normen) Setting
The DIN setting determines how easily the binding will release the ski boot from the ski when a skier falls. |
Double Black Diamond
Double Black Diamonds are symbols used to mark very advanced ski trails that are difficult to ski and have expert terrain. |
Double Camber
A double arch built into some skis, typically cross country rather than Alpine skiing. Both the weight-bearing area beneath the bindings and the tips of the skis are slightly raised so there's less surface area in contact with the snow when the skier is gliding. |
Downhill
1) Another tern for Alpine skiing, skiing based on going downhill rather than cross country.
2) A race almost straight down the fall line of a steep slope. Skiers usually go individually and the result is based on electronic timing. |
Draw
A method of determining the start order for an Alpine race. Because a course becomes more difficult as racing goes on, the top 15 ranked skiers are always the first group to go. Their start positions are determined randomly. In events that require two runs, the start order is reversed in the second run. |
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Edge
Usually made of carbon steel, the sharpened area of a ski on both sides running lengthwise, on the corner where the side and the ski's base that bites into the snow and can assist the skier in maneuvering. |
Edge Angle
The angle of the ski relative to the snow's surface. |
Equipment Controller
An race official who checks skis, bindings, and ski boots to ensure that the equipment meets competition standards. |
Extension
Referring to posture, as in standing up or straightening your leg. |
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Fall Line
The fastest, steepest, route down a ski slope, but not necessarily the straightest. An example would be The line water would follow if poured down the slope. |
Flex
The flexibility of a ski and snowboard, due partly to the camber or the arch and partly to the materials used. A ski with little flex is better for hard-packed snow and Alpine skiing, while more flex is desirable for softer, deeper snow and most cross country skiing. |
Flexion
Opposite of extension. Movement resulting in the bending the hips an knees. |
Freestyle Cross Country
A cross country race in which skiers are allowed to use any technique, including skating. |
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Gaper
A skier who pauses to take in the scenery. |
Garland
A series of "fake" turns that lead the skier to, but not across the fall line. |
Gate
A pair of flags set on flexible poles through which a skier must pass in Alpine race events. |
Gate Keeper
One of several race officials who ensure that racers pass the slalom gates correctly. |
Gelandesprung
A jump in skiing made from a crouching position with the use of both poles. |
Giant Slalom
A type of race similar to the slalom, but with fewer and wider turns that require the skier to spend a lot of time going across the hill rather than down it. Each skier makes two runs, on two different courses, and the fastest cumulative time determines the winner. |
Glacier Skiing
Downhill skiing, snowboarding or crosscountry skiing in glaciers. Most glacier skiing is done in the summer, when ski areas in the northern hemisphere are closed. |
Glade Skiing and Snowboarding
Glade skiing is skiing, snowboarding through trees. |
Goggles
Goggles are tight–fitting glasses that are used to protect the eyes from snow, wind, and glare. |
Gondola
A gondola is an enclosed structure suspended from a cable that transports skiers, Snowboarders and others up the mountain. |
Granular Surface
Snow that has been groomed made up of tiny pellets of icy snow unlike flaky powder. |
Green Circles
The symbol used to indicate the easiest and/or beginner trails on the mountain's slopes. |
Grip
The top part of a ski pole that the skier grasps. |
Groom
1) To prepare a course or trail by smoothing it with machinery, resulting in more consistent skiing.
2) During the off season many resorts will have weddings and wedding receptions, and then a Groom is the guy standing next to the bride. |
Gundersen competition
A nordic combined event in which the jumping competition is held first. Differences in jumping points are converted into time differences for the cross country starting order, with the winner of the jumping portion starting first. |
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Heli-Skiing
Off-trail downhill skiing and snowboarding on the part of a mountain only reached by helicopter. |
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Inclination
Position of the body relative to the snow. |
Inrun
The part of a ski jump on which the skier is traveling down the ramp, building up speed for the takeoff. |
Intermediate Time
During a race it’s the time it takes a competitor to ski a specific section of the course. |
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Jury
A group of officials who ensure that a ski or snowboard competition is run safely and in accordance with the rules. |
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K Point
The distance on a ski jump equivalent to the height of the hill. A jump that reaches the k point is worth 60 points. Each meter over or under that distance decreases or increases the score by 2 points. On a normal hill, the k point is 90 meters from the takeoff; on a large hill, it's 120 meters away. |
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Large Hill
A ski jump hill 120 meters high. |
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Mashed Potatoes
Wet, lumpy snow similar to the consistency of mashed potatoes that makes for difficult skiing.
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Mass Start
A type of cross country race in which all of the skiers start at the same time. |
Matching Skis
A phrase used in instruction referring to when skis are brought parallel or facing in the same direction. |
Mogul
A bump of snow on a ski run, some moguls are natural and others are accumulations of snow built up in an area where skiers frequently turn. Moguls are a series of bumps dotting on a slope’s ungroomed runs. |
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Nordic Combined
A competitive event that combines ski jumping and cross country skiing. The competition usually begins with a cross country race, followed by two rounds of ski jumping. |
Nordic Camber
The high arch built into Nordic skis to allow better gliding in cross country skiing. |
Nordic skiing
Also called Cross Country skiing, skiing over level ground or small hills. |
Normal Hill
A ski jump hill 90 meters high, compare large hill. |
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Off Piste
Skiing and snowboarding on ungroomed terrain that is not marked into trails. |
Outrun
A flat area at the bottom of the hill where skiers and snowboarders can come to a gradual stop. |
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Parabolic skis
Also called shaped skis, they are the new skis that some say are changing the industry, allowing strong intermediate skiers to ski like experts, and beginners to make those pretty turns sooner. They give speed with control by responding to the slightest pressure. |
Parallel Turn
A turn in which the skis are kept parallel to each other. |
Piste
A groomed course or groomed trail. |
Pole
A round, lightweight shaft with a basket and spike on the lower end, a handle and strap at the upper end. In Alpine skiing, they're used mainly to help maintain balance and to assist in making turns. In Nordic skiing, the poles are used primarily for propulsion. |
Powder
Fresh fallen, dry, loose, light ungroomed snow. |
Pressure Control
To adjust the pressure between the skis and the snow. Achieved through active body movements or terrain changes. |
Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA)
The Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA) is the premier organization offering training and certification for U.S. Ski Instructors. |
Pursuit Start
A type of start in which the skiers go in the order in which they finished the first portion of the pursuit. |
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Rebounding
The recoil or spring effect when decambered (bent backwards) skis (due to turning forces) are "released" and bounce back into its natural position. |
Relay
A cross country race among teams made up of four skiers, each of whom races one of the four legs. Legs are generally 5, 7.5, or 10 kilometers long. The first two are skied classical style and the last two are freestyle. |
Release
A mechanism that detaches the ski binding from the boot, when a certain amount of force is applied, to help prevent injury after a fall. |
Retraction
Of the legs up under the body. Used to avoid sudden pressure increases due to terrain changes or turning. Also to avoid obstacles or terrain changes, such as moguls. |
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Schuss
To ski straight downhill as fast as possible often in a full tuck position. (German for "shoot.") |
Scramble Leg
The first leg of a cross country relay race, starting with a mass start and the skiers have to scramble for position. |
Side Slipping
A slipping motion straight down the fall line with skis pointed across the hill. |
Sidecut
The measured difference, usually in millimeters, between the waist of the ski and the tip and tail. The measured difference has become more noticeable with parabolic skis. |
Sitzmark
An indentation or mark in the snow caused by a skier's fall. |
Skating
A technique that is similar to ice skating. The skier pushes the inside edge of the ski backward and outward at about a 45-degree angle. Skating is permitted in some Cross Country events such as freestyle cross country, but not in classical. |
Ski Boot Footbeds
A ski boot footbed is molded from a semi-rigid material which distributes the forces developed on the foot during a ski turn. |
Ski Jumping
A type of Nordic competition in which skiers come down a long approach, the inrun, and then take off into the air to a landing area. Points are given for distance and style. |
Skijoring
Skijoring is the sport of pulling a cross country skier by a dog or dogs in harness. |
Skidding
When skis simultaneously move forward and sideways. |
Slalom
A race that combines downhill speed with technical ability. The course is marked with gates that are not in a straight line, so the skier has to make a whole series of quick turns while racing down the slope. Each skier makes two runs, on different courses, and the fastest total time determines the winner. |
Sliding
Skis and snowboards moving along their length. |
Snowblades
Short shaped skis, typically 90-130cm. Snowblades use traditional bindings, so you can use your own boots to ski with them. |
Snowplow
1) Often the first technique a beginner learns. The front tips of the skies are almost touching as the back tips are bowed outward in the shape of a plow, creating friction and helping with balance and control. This position can also be used for stopping.
2) Machinery used by the area to keep the driveway and parking lot clear. |
Speed Skiing
Racing downhill through a straight measured course with the object of attaining the highest speed possible. |
Sprint
The shortest cross-country race, usually 1.5 kilometers, in which any style of skiing is allowed. |
Staggered start
A cross country race in which the skiers start at set intervals and the result is based on elapsed time, not on the order in which the skiers cross the finish line. |
Stem Christie
A turn on which the skier first stems a ski by pushing the tail outward and then brings the skis parallel into a christie. |
Super Giant Slalom
The newest of the Alpine skiing disciplines, this event combines downhill speed with the precise turns of giant slalom. Each skier makes one run down the course and the winner is determined by electronic timing. Commonly known as "super G." |
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Tail
The very rearmost section of a ski. |
Takeoff
The moment when a ski jumper takes flight at the end of the inrun. |
Team Jumping
A competition among teams of four jumpers on a large hill. Each skier takes two jumps and the team score is the total number of points from all eight jumps. |
Telemark Position
The position in which a ski jumper lands, with one ski in front of the other. |
Timing Clock
An electronic timing device used in races that's automatically activated when the skier begins a run. |
Tip
The very front most section of a ski, where it is tipped upward |
Traverse
Moving in a direction across the fall line. |
Tuck
An aerodynamic position assumed in downhill skiing. The skier basically squats above the skis, with head forward and the arms brought in tight against the body. |
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Uphill Capacity
The number of skiers and snowboards that a lift can transport to the top of the mountain at a certain time. |
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V Position
The ski position that most jumpers use while in the air, with the skis touching or nearly touching at the tails and spread apart at the tips, creating the shape of a V. |
Vertical Drop
The vertical drop is the distance straight down the mountain (measured in feet). |
Video Controller
An official who watches on closed circuit television. If the video controller believes that a skier missed a gate, it must be reported to the gate keeper. |
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Waist
The narrowest section of a ski between the tail and the tip. |
Wax
A soft substance applied to the base of a ski for protection and to improve its snow-going properties by reducing friction.
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Yard Sale
When a skier falls in which skis, poles, hat, etc. end up strewn along the mountainside resembling items in a yard sale. |
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