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A glossary of ski terms
COX NEWS SERVICE
Alpine skiing: Downhill skiing.
Après-ski: The night life following a day on the slopes.
Base: The bottom of the mountain where the lodge is situated, or the average depth of snow on a mountain.
Bunny slope: The most gently sloping hill on the mountain, usually used to teach beginners.
Carving: Making turns on the ski or snowboard with the edges cutting into the hill.
Catching an edge: Not good. A fall or near-fall where the edge of your ski or snowboard digs into the snow, usually catching an indentation made by another skier.
Catching some air: Going fast enough to have both skis or the snowboard off the snow after riding over a small hill or mogul.
Cruising: Making a long run at less than breakneck speed.
Fall line: The straightest and steepest line down any slope. One you'll likely take if you fall.
Gaper: A skier who pauses to take in the scenery.
Granular surface: Snow that has been groomed and is not fresh powder. The surface looks like millions of little, icy snow pellets.
Green circles, blue squares and black diamonds: The markings used to indicate the difficulty of a mountain's slopes. Greens are easiest, blues moderate or intermediate and blacks advanced. A double black diamond indicates the toughest run. Be aware that designations are for that particular mountain; a blue run at Aspen is not necessary as easy or as tough as a blue run at Park City. They also differ on each mountain.
Heli-skiing: Off-trail skiing reached by helicopter.
Mashed potatoes: Wet, heavy snow.
Milk run: The first run of the day.
Moguls: Mounds of snow, both natural and skier made, dotting ungroomed runs.
Off-trails: In some cases, probably where you shouldn't be. Most ski areas have designated off-trail areas -- ungroomed, unpatrolled slopes -- for avid powder buffs.
Parabolic skis: Also called hourglass skis or 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 promise speed and control, responding to the slightest pressure.
Powder: Light, ungroomed snow.
Schussing: Skiing straight downhill, often in a full tuck position.
Snowplow: Often the first technique a beginner learns. The front tips of the skies are almost touching as the back tips are bowed outward, creating friction and helping with balance and control. Even advanced skiers use the technique at the beginning of runs while they put on gloves or adjust goggles.
Yard sale: A wipeout fall in which skis, poles, hat, etc. end up strewn along the mountainside.
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