Avalanche
Sudden flow of snow down a mountain slope, dangerous for skiers and mountaineers.
A
ABS backpack
Avalanche backpack with airbag system that increases flotation when triggered.
B
Bindings
Devices that attach ski boots to skis, releasing during a fall for safety.
C
Carving
Ski technique where skis cut clean arcs without sliding, using edges fully.
Cross-country skiing
Skiing discipline on flat terrain, using skis and poles for propulsion.
D
Downhill
High-speed alpine skiing discipline on steep, long courses.
E
Edge
Metal strip along ski base enabling grip and turns on hard snow.
F
Freestyle skiing
Skiing with jumps, tricks, and aerial maneuvers on varied terrain.
G
Goggles
Protective eyewear against snow, wind, and sun glare.
H
Helmet
Protective headgear for skiing and snowboarding safety.
I
Instructor
Professional who teaches skiing or snowboarding techniques.
J
Jump
Freestyle element involving take-off and aerial tricks.
K
Knee pads
Protective equipment to reduce knee injuries in falls.
L
Lodge
Building near slopes providing food, rest, and lodging.
M
Moguls
Bumps formed on slopes by repeated skier turns.
N
Nordic combined
Sport combining ski jumping and cross-country skiing.
O
Off-piste
Skiing outside marked slopes, usually in deep snow.
P
Poles
Sticks used by skiers for balance and rhythm.
Q
Quad chairlift
Ski lift with four seats transporting skiers uphill.
R
Race course
Marked track where ski competitions are held.
S
Snowboard
Board for sliding down snowy slopes, similar to surfing.
Ski Patrol
Rescue and safety service operating on ski slopes.
T
Trail map
Map showing ski runs, lifts, and difficulty levels.
U
Uphill
Movement against slope, often in ski touring climbs.
V
Vertical drop
Height difference between top and bottom of slope.
W
Wax
Material applied to skis or snowboards to improve glide.
X
X Games
Extreme sports event featuring ski and snowboard competitions.
Y
Yard sale
Slang for a fall where equipment scatters across the slope.
Z
Zig-zag
Pattern of descending a slope by alternating turns.