Glossary of ski terms

Glossary of ski terms

Welcome to our Glossary of Ski Terms, your essential guide to the language of skiing. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced skier, this glossary will help you understand the terminology used on the slopes. From basic terms to advanced concepts, we've compiled everything you need to navigate the ski world with confidence. Enhance your skiing knowledge and make the most of your mountain adventures by familiarising yourself with these key terms. Dive in and get ready to speak the language of skiing!

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Glossary

Skiers overlooking views of Quebec in Canada

A-E

Aerials– Ski jumping with an emphasis on freestyle.

Alpine Skiing – This is straightforward skiing, straight down a slope with no added extras.

Après ski – Essentially ‘after ski’. It’s the bit when the sport ends and can often involve a few drinks. It doesn’t have to be a booze-up though and could be a great meal instead. There are plenty of amazing restaurants around our resorts in the Alps .

Artificial Snow – When the weather works against us it’s still possible to cover the slopes in this excellent substitute, delivered with snow cannons.

Back Country – The area loved by extreme skiers, away from the official slopes. There’s no lifts, an element of danger and avalanches are a constant risk. For some, the adrenaline more than makes up for it.

Baseplate– This is a crucial part of your ski bindings that helps you to steer properly.

Biathlon– When you combine cross country skiing with regular rifle shooting contests then you’re taking part in a biathlon.

Binding– this attaches you to your skis and is smart enough to let you go when you’re heading for a fall.

Black Run – this is an advanced slope for experienced skiers.

Blue Run – Welcome to the first slope you should use when starting out.

Bombing – If you’re heading down a slope at reckless speed and putting others in danger then you’re bombing.

Bonk– This is when you hit an object and bounce off. Ouch.

Brain bucket – a great name for a helmet.

Button Lift – A very basic ski lift where you sit on a round disc to head back to where you came from. Generally considered one of the more uncomfortable ways to travel.

Cable Car – One of the better ways to get around ski resorts. Sit back and enjoy the view.

Chair Lift – An advance on the button lift where you get to sit on a wooden seat rather than a round disc.

Clamps – Another word for bindings.

Couloir – This narrow slope has rocks on either side of it. Some love the challenge they offer.

Crevasse – Deep cracks in the mountain that are best avoided.

Cross Country Skiing (or Nordic skiing) – A journey across flattish terrain, this is a real test of leg endurance.

Crud – Nasty hard ice that makes for bad skiing

Dry Slope – Snow without the snow, these are great places to practice before your holiday.

Eagle – Arms and legs spread wide when you do a jump. Great fun.

F-Z

Face-Plant – This is a simple one. Falling flat on your face.

Fakie – Going backwards.

Flat Light – Poor conditions for all skiers, where it’s hard to see what’s up ahead.

Freestyle – if you prefer to do tricks rather than go for speed then you’re a freestyler.

Goggles – Vital protection for your eyes.

Gondola – A fun ride up the mountains in an enclosed lift.

Grab – As the name suggests, this is when you grab your skis while in the air, usually when pulling off a trick.

Grooming – Wonder why the snow looks so good in the morning? It’s because it’s been groomed with very large machines.

Halfpipe – This is a U-shaped channel where people can perform many types of tricks.

Hard Pack – Snow that’s been squeezed until it’s solid as a rock.

Huck – to launch off a jump.

Jib – Skiing on anything that isn't snow, such as a rail. Not recommended for beginners.

Kicker – A ramp made of snow.

Lift Pass – Included in your Club Med ski holiday price so you can get around.

Magic Carpet – A conveyor belt to take you back up the slopes.

Milk Run – The first run of the day which is not always your best.

Moguls – Mounds of snow created by skiers turning which are fun obstacles for those with advanced skills.

Noodle – A ski that’s too wobbly to make it effective.

Off-Piste – Slopes based far from the madding crowds but with some danger attached.

Piste – The official ski slopes.

Planker – A slang term for anyone who skies.

Powder – Beautiful fresh snow. Also known as pow-pow.

Rag Doll – Tumbling over and over again after falling. Not good.

Red Run – The ideal slopes for those who are no longer beginners but not yet experts.

Ripper – A really good skier.

Rope Lift – Hold on to a rope and head back up the slopes. Basic but effective.

Salopettes– Waterproof trousers essential for keeping you warm and dry.

Schussing – Skiing in a straight line.

Ski Area – The part of the mountain marked off for snow sports.

Ski-in ski-out: The ability to hit the slopes as soon as you leave a building. Club Med's resorts that are ski-in ski-out .

Slalom – Weaving in and out of closely spaced out gates at speed.

Snowplough – Also known as the pizza, this involves creating an inverted ‘v’ with your skis to control speed and turning.

Telemark Skiing – Combining cross-country skiing and downhill.

Traverse – Going sideways across a slope rather than down.

Tree line – The point where trees stop growing on a mountain.

Wax – Use it to make the underside of your skis smoother and faster.

White Out – When you can’t see more than a yard ahead of you due to heavy snow.

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Experience the best of skiing with Club Med’s all-inclusive packages. Enjoy included lift passes , professional lessons, and top-notch accommodations. Whether you're new to skiing or an experienced pro, Club Med offers a ski holiday like no other.