Skiing terms are the commonly used words and phrases that describe different types of slopes, techniques, and snow conditions. For example, terms like “piste” and “green run” refer to slope conditions. Similarly, “pizza”, “snowplough”, and “carving” are different skiing techniques. Getting familiar with skiing terms helps beginners become more confident on mountains, choose safer slopes, and follow instructions cues better.
Picture your first snow adventure in Gulmarg. You check in to your resort, smiling, excited, ready to blaze through the snow. Suddenly, the skiing instructor shouts, “Let’s take the gondola up, stick close to the piste, and slowly work on your carving”.
Wait! What was all that ? What’s “piste” and “carving”? What am I supposed to do ?
Your excitement takes a hit and all smiles disappear. Well, don’t blame yourself. It happens with every beginner skier as they struggle to decode skiing jargons. But all those alien words and phrases are there for a reason. These skiing jargons are a shortcut to ensure safety, build confidence, and understand skiing instructions better.
Here’s a dedicated guide to bust skiing jargon, master skiing terminology, and pick up the pace like a pro on the snow.
Whether it's a ski rental or base area, the following, there are some basic starter terms that everyone should know.
Skiing: A sliding move made with skis to turn and stop with greater balance and edge control.
Skis: Long boards that skiers stand on.
Bindings: The part that connects your boots to skis (They might release during some falls).
Boots: A stiff footwear for control (always go for a snug fit).
Poles: These are used for balance and rhythm (useful for advanced skiers, but common for beginners too).
Smart tip for beginners: When unsure about sizing, rent your ski gear instead of buying. That way it will also help one to get acquainted with ski terminology as you constantly keep hearing the words from your instructors.
Also Read: Essential Skiing Tips for Beginners
Ski resorts label snow terrains to help beginners pick runs according to their comfort level. So, learning the skiing terms can keep you safe and avoid mishaps.
Slope / Trail / Run: Designated pathways as you ski downhill.
Piste: A marked run that’s easier to predict and thus recommend for beginners.
Off-piste: An ungroomed terrain sitting outside the marked runs for expert skiers.
Most ski resorts color label the runs according to the difficulty level. Although the exact system varies by country, the idea remains the same as they are color-labelled from easy to hard.
Green run: This is the easiest run recommended for beginner ski lessons and practice.
Blue run: The intermediate trail that’s slightly steeper with narrower sections.
Red run: The most advanced, steeper run for expert skiers.
Black run: The most steep and highly demanding trail to test your skiing chops.
Quick tip: Master the green run first and repeat runs as a beginner skier. Don’t switch slopes too early before you master stop and control. Remember, your body gains more balance and control on familiar terrains, making it easier to build speed.
Speeding up the mountain brings you up and close with more ski terminology. As soon as you master these skiing terms, the entire resort map starts to make more sense. Here are some commonly used terms with ski lifts and other mountain jargons.
Chairlift: These are open seats that carry the skiers uphill and you’re expected to load and unload while wearing skis.
Gondola: These are enclosed cabins that protect skiers moving uphill during extreme weather, like snowfall and chilly wind. Gondola rides are among top tourist attractions in Gulmarg.
T-Bar / Button Lift: These are special surface lifts that take skiers uphill while the skis remain on the snow. T-bars are most preferred for shorter sessions of skiing.
Other mountain jargons include:
Base area: This is the bottom zone of the resort comprising rentals, cafés, lessons, ski school, and meeting points.
Summit: The top of the mountain that offers the best aerial view of the location.
Beginner chairlift tip: Always hold your poles in one hand with the tips pointed upward when loading a chairlift.
No matter how technical it gets, skiing training is full of fun. But you can always make the most out of it when you know what the skiing technique terms mean. Here are a few important skiing terms for beginners.
Pizza / Snowplough: This is when the skis form a “V” shape helping you to slow down and stop.
Parallel skiing: This is when your skis stay side-by-side as you turn (common move after snowplough).
Carving: It refers to those smooth, arc-shaped turns made using the ski edges (it may initially feel clumsy but gets easier with time).
Edge control: Refers to tilting the skis onto their edges for a firm grip on the snow.
Stopping: Beginner skiers often stop after snowplough with a much wider “pizza” which again means more braking.
Beginner tip: Struggling with control on skis as a beginner? Spend some time fixing your posture and balance.
A fun-filled skiing session is one when you’re dry, warm, and not squinting eyes blazing through the snow. To make it work, you need the right clothing equipment. Here are the common ski equipment and clothing terms that you need to be familiar with.
Helmet: A must-have for head protection, and no matter what, never take it off during your skiing.
Goggles: Next must-have for protecting your eyes from glare, wind, and snow.
Ski jacket/pants (shell): The robust outer layer that works to block the wind and snow.
Gloves/mittens: They keep your hands warm and dry as wet hands can loosen the grip on your skis.
Ski socks: Specially designed long socks that pair your skiing boots (go for the thinner ones that promote more blood circulation).
Ski clothing is made up of three primary layers, the base, the middle, and outer shell. Here’s how a typical ski clothing looks, layer-by-layer.
Base layer: Comprises moisture-wicking thermals worn next to skin.
Mid layer: Includes warm insulation, like fleece.
Outer shell: Typically a waterproof/breathable jacket and pants.
Beginner tip: Layering for ski clothing works better than one heavy jacket as mountain weather changes frequently.
As a skier, you get the first sense of weather change as the snow conditions change under your skis. So, it helps to bust those snow and weather jargons to comprehend daily weather updates.
Powder: It means the snow is fresh, light and can feel “floaty” for beginners.
Packed snow: It means the snow is compressed/groomed making it a predictable terrain for beginners.
Icy conditions: It means a sick and hard slick surface where you’re more likely to slip.
Whiteout: It refers to low visibility due to fog or snowfall making it harder to see the slope shape and other skiers.
Smart tip for beginners: Before you set out on the snow, check the snow and visibility. During low visibility, go on easier runs, nice and slow.
There are a few popular skiing phrases that are part of the slope culture. So, it's important to understand what they mean.
On your left: It means some other skier/snow vehicle is passing you on the left.
Last chair: It refers to the final lift ride of the day (so you better catch it).
Après-ski: It refers to the social, relaxing time after skiing (food, warm drinks, and hanging out).
Yard sale: A light for a fall as your gear scatters across the snow.
Beginner tip: Every skier gets a “yard sale” at least once when they start. So, don’t let a fall dampen your skiing spirit. Get up, take a breath, and go for it again.
Watch this Instagram reel explaining common skiing terms every beginner should know before hitting the slopes.
Here’s a quick skiing glossary that every beginner skier should keep handy.
|
Skiing terms |
What they mean |
|
Skis |
The boards you stand on to glide and turn through the snow |
|
Bindings |
It connect the boots to the skis and can release during a fall |
|
Piste |
A groomed, marked ski path |
|
Off-piste |
An ungroomed terrain, usually for expert skiers |
|
Green run |
The easiest slope level |
|
Blue run |
An intermediate slope level |
|
Red run |
An advanced slope level (most common in Europe) |
|
Black run |
An expert-level steep or a difficult run |
|
Chairlift |
Open seats that carry skiers to uphill |
|
Gondola |
An enclosed cabin lift |
|
Base area |
The bottom zone with rentals or beginner ski lessons |
|
Summit |
The highest viewpoint on the mountains |
|
Snowplough / Pizza |
V-shaped skis to help you slow down or stop |
|
Parallel skiing |
Skis put side-by-side while turning |
|
Carving |
Smooth arcing turns on ski edges |
|
Powder |
Fresh, light snow |
|
Whiteout |
Low visibility, primarily due to a storm or heavy fog |
|
Après-ski |
Post-ski relaxation or social time |
Gulmarg is one of India’s most renowned skiing destinations, offering a mix of groomed pistes and off-piste terrain. With access to one of the highest gondola rides in the world, it attracts both beginners and seasoned skiers.
Many travelers prefer staying close to the slopes for comfort and convenience while skiing in Gulmarg. The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa, located near the Gulmarg Gondola, is often regarded as the best ski resort in Gulmarg, offering easy access to skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities. Set amid snow-covered mountains, it combines adventure with refined luxury through comfortable rooms, relaxing spa facilities, and quality dining options—making it a preferred choice for a memorable skiing holiday.
Read More: Vogue India – Learn How to Ski in Gulmarg
When it comes to skiing terms, you don’t need to memorize everything or you’ll ruin the fun. Take time to master moving through the snow and gradually pick up on core skiing terms, including run levels, lift types, and basic techniques. This will help you follow the instructions better, choose safer terrain, control speed, find the right rhythm and balance.
So, here’s what you need to do to plan your skiing adventure right.
Book a short skiing lesson on day 1 (it usually lasts for 60–90 minutes).
Start with the green runs and progress slowly to master stopping and turning.
Keep the skiing term cheat sheet saved on your phone for quick reference.
Choose a location close to the slopes. It helps you set out on early mornings and faster recovery.
If you're planning for a snow adventure in Gulmarg, there’s no better place to be than Khyber Hotels. Nestled in Gulmarg, Khyber is located at 8825 feet high and the only boutique luxury ski-resort with 85 keys along with world class stay and dining experiences.
A piste is a skiing terminology that refers to a marked, groomed ski run. It’s a smoother and predictable run, ideal for beginners.
Yes, “après-ski” is a skiing term that refers to what people usually do after a skiing session, like relaxing, eating, enjoying warm drinks, listening to music, and social mingling.
Snowplough or pizza is a skiing term that refers to the V-shape that skiers make to slow down and stop. There’s also parallel skiing that keeps skis side-by-side while turning but only after you have mastered speed and control.
No! Off-piste skiing is not meant for beginners. It’s an ungroomed terrain with fast changing snow conditions and other hidden hazards. For best results, stay on marked runs until you have gained solid control and grip.
As a beginner skier, start with a green run and repeat it until you have mastered stopping and turns without losing speed or control.
