Confused by the snowboard lingo you hear on the slopes? This guide covers the key terms every snowboarder should know, helping you understand the sport better and communicate with fellow riders.

Core Snowboarding Terms

Mastering core snowboarding terms helps you carve out your place in the community and lays the foundation for this exhilarating sport. Imagine you’re at a ski resort, and a fellow rider mentions their ‘cut’—they’re talking about making a sharp turn on their heel or toe edge, a fundamental movement in navigating the slopes. Another key term you’ll hear often is ‘carving’, which involves applying pressure to the snowboard’s edge to make powerful and controlled turns.

The edges of your snowboard are your best friends on the mountain. The toe or heel edges are crucial for initiating turns and controlling your direction. The ‘effective edge’ is the part of the snowboard that contacts the snow during turns, directly affecting your speed and maneuverability. As you master these basics, you’ll start to understand unique terms like ‘tray’ for a snowboard and ‘rooster tail’ for the spray of powder kicked up behind you. Knowing these terms not only improves your skills but also helps you communicate effectively with other riders.

Learning these fundamental snowboarding terms is akin to mastering the ABCs. It sets the groundwork for everything on the slopes, from perfecting carves to discussing tactics. So, lace up your snowboard boots and get ready to dive deeper into the world of snowboarding slang.

Common Snowboard Terms

Backcountry: Unpatrolled wilderness terrain with unpredictable topography, random natural obstacles (trees, cliffs) and no marked trails; detached from resort amenities. Also known as off-piste terrain.

Backside: The area behind a rider's back in a halfpipe or during a trick off a wall. Also, the spot where heels rest on a snowboard. This can be done as a spin off a straight jump. Spinning backside or a “back 3” means starting the spin and turning your back to the downhill side first.

Blindside: Any rotation in which the snowboarder is blind during takeoff or landing. A clockwise rotation for regular riders and a counterclockwise rotation for goofy riders.

Bumps: Moguls or snow mounds.

Camber: The curved or arched shape built into a snowboard, which gives it spring and pop on groomed runs. When placed on a flat surface, a cambered snowboard rests on its tip and tail, and the center is raised. The opposite of this design is reverse camber, or rocker.

Carve: A turn using the edge of the snowboard.

Chatter: Snowboard vibration experienced at higher speeds and during turns.

Chunder: Irregular, sometimes large clumps of snow such as snowcat debris. Sometimes also called chunk.

Edge: Sharp, smooth metal strips around the bottom perimeter of a board.

Flex: A snowboard's receptiveness to twisting along its length (longitudinal flex) or across its width (torsional flex).

Frontside: Any maneuver using the toe edge of the board. Frontside is a type of air in the pipe but just like backside can be done as a spin off a straight jump and is not always done off the toes.

Freestyle: Performing jumps, spins and tricks; riding on rails, boxes and in the halfpipe.

Goofy: Riding with the right foot forward (as opposed to regular, or riding with the left foot forward).

Grab: Using 1 or both hands to hold either edge of the snowboard.

Grommet (Grom): A small, young snowboarder.

Hardpack: Firm, almost icy, fast snow.

Heel Edge: The edge where the heels rest.

Heelside: The edge of the board closest to the rider's heels.

Jib: Riding on a surface other than snow.

Jerry: Often a new rider not knowing the 'ins/outs' of snowboarding.

Indy: A proper Indy grab should be between the bindings.

Kicker: Jump ramp.

Lead Foot: Foot closer to the front of the board.

Line: A rider's chosen path.

Moguls: Large bumps and mounds in the slope, sometimes tightly spaced.

Nose: The front tip of the snowboard.

Off Piste: Unmarked, potentially unstable backcountry terrain without lifts, patrols or other resort amenities. Piste is a French term for a marked trail.

Regular: Riding with the left foot forward (as opposed to goofy, with the right foot forward).

Run: A slope or trail.

Shred: To ride fast and stylishly.

Sidecountry: Backcountry terrain that lies just outside of resort boundaries. It is usually accessed through marked gates. Following a descent, snowboarders often must hike back to a lift.

Slam: To crash.

Speed Check: Sliding sideways to slow down.

Spin: Turn.

Stance: Position of the bindings on the board.

Stance Width: The distance between the bindings and the center.

Stance Position: The distance between the stance center and the board center.

Stoked: To be excited.

Stomp: A good landing.

Switch: Riding while facing backwards. A more contemporary term for riding fakie.

Terrain Park: An area of a resort set aside for freestyle (tricks, jumps and spins).

Tindy: Snowboarding Faux pas = Incomplete grab. A Tindy is more specifically grabbing with your trailing hand on your toe edge on the outside of the rear binding and before the tail.

Toeside Turn: Making a turn on the toeside edge.

Torsional Flex: The amount of twist a snowboard exhibits across its width (edge to edge).

Traverse: To ride diagonally or perpendicular to the fall line.

Tree Well: A hole in the snow surrounding a tree.

Tuck: A crouched position used to reach higher speed and lower wind resistance.

Freestyle Snowboarding Lingo

Freestyle snowboarding blends creativity with adrenaline, focusing on tricks, jumps, and aerial maneuvers that turn slopes into a playground. ‘Getting air’ refers to the thrilling moment of leaving the ground, typically off a jump or ramp. The ‘half-pipe’, a U-shaped structure, is a staple of freestyle snowboarding where riders perform a series of tricks and flips.

Freestyle snowboarding is about self-expression through daring tricks. Catching big air or mastering the half-pipe, the lingo adds excitement and camaraderie to the experience.

Common Freestyle Tricks

Iconic freestyle tricks can impress everyone at the terrain park. For example, the ‘air to fakie’ involves approaching the half-pipe forward, getting air without rotating, and landing backward—a move that showcases control and finesse.

Next up is the ‘Alley-Oop’, which involves rotating 180° or more in an uphill direction while in the half-pipe. It’s a visually stunning trick that combines athleticism with style.

The ‘rodeo’ is a complex maneuver featuring a frontside 540 spin with horizontal rotation, often incorporating flips. This trick blends a backside 180 with a backflip, creating a unique and thrilling motion.

Freestyle parks often feature ‘booters’, specifically designed for large jumps, allowing riders to catch big air and execute their most impressive tricks. Mastering these tricks enhances your riding skills and earns serious respect among fellow snowboarders.

Park Rider Slang

Frequenting terrain parks will help you quickly pick up the unique slang used by park riders. A ‘park rat’ is someone who practically lives in the terrain park, constantly honing their skills and attempting new tricks. When a rider says they’re going to ‘hit’ something, they’re planning to ride down or perform a trick on a feature like a rail or jump.

‘Jibbing’ refers to jumping, sliding, or popping off various features, often doing small tricks along the way. If someone mentions ‘zeeching’, they’re talking about failing to commit to a trick, usually on a rail, while ‘bail’ means falling while attempting a trick.

Backcountry and Off-Piste Slang

Backcountry terrain elevates snowboarding to a new level. This off-piste world, unpisted and unpatrolled, offers a raw and adventurous experience. Here, you’ll encounter freeriders, snowboarders who seek out challenging and uncharted terrain for the ultimate thrill. Powderhounds are always on the hunt for the freshest powder, relishing the untouched snow that provides a pristine riding experience.

One of the most coveted experiences in backcountry snowboarding is making ‘first tracks’—being the first to carve your path down fresh powder after a snowfall. It’s a euphoric feeling that every snowboarder dreams of. These terms reflect the spirit of adventure and exploration that defines backcountry snowboarding.

Essential Gear Terms

When it comes to backcountry snowboarding, having the right gear is crucial. Climbing skins, for instance, are attached to the base of your snowboard to provide grip while ascending snowy terrain. These skins allow riders to climb uphill, making it possible to access untouched terrain and enjoy the best that backcountry snowboarding has to offer.

Proper gear enhances your experience and ensures your safety in the backcountry.

Snow Conditions

Understanding snow conditions is key to making the most of your snowboarding experience. Fresh powder snow, often referred to as ‘pow’, is fluffy and non-groomed, making it a favorite among snowboarders. Then there’s ‘coldsmoke’, the light and airy snow that feels like a dream to ride through, especially when it’s covered in fresh snow.

On the flip side, ‘bulletproof snow’ is extremely hard-packed and can be challenging to ride on due to its firmness. ‘Corn snow’, granular and often found in spring, offers easier riding conditions. Knowing these terms helps you anticipate and adapt to different snow conditions, ensuring a better and safer ride.

Resort and Après Ski Slang

After a day on the slopes, the fun continues with après-ski activities. ‘Après’ is short for après-ski, referring to the socializing, drinking, and relaxing that happens after a day of snowboarding. At the resort, you’ll meet ‘lifties’, the workers who operate the lift systems and keep everything running smoothly. Among friends, casual terms like ‘bro’ or ‘bruh’ are commonly used to refer to fellow riders.

Differences Between Snowboarding and Skiing Slang

While snowboarding and skiing share some common ground, their slang often differs. ‘Catching air’ is a term used in both sports to describe the act of getting airborne off a jump or ramp. However, when a snowboarder experiences a ‘yard sale’, it means they’ve crashed and scattered their gear across the slope—a term that’s also used in skiing but carries a slightly different connotation.

These distinctions highlight the unique cultures of snowboarding and skiing. Recognizing these differences enhances your vocabulary and deepens your appreciation for each sport’s unique qualities.

Evolution of Snowboarding Slang

Snowboarding slang has evolved significantly along with the sport itself. As new tricks, gear, and styles emerge, so does the language that describes them. For example, ‘steeze’—a blend of style and ease—perfectly captures the essence of a rider who performs with both flair and control. This term embodies the smooth, effortless style that is highly prized in snowboarding culture.

Grasping the evolving language of snowboarding is essential. It enables riders to connect with the sport’s growth and stay current with the latest trends and innovations. Embracing these changes enriches your snowboarding experience and helps you feel more integrated into the community.

Safety and Fall Terminology

Safety is paramount in snowboarding, and understanding the terminology around falls is essential. A ‘wipeout’ refers to a significant fall where the rider often tumbles onto the snow. More severe falls, like a ‘crater’, involve a hard landing that can lead to injury. Then there’s the infamous ‘yard sale’, where a rider’s gear is scattered all over the slope after a fall, resembling a yard sale.

Familiarity with these terms aids in understanding the risks and communicating effectively in case of an accident. It also prepares you to respond appropriately and assist others if needed.

Types of Falls

Snowboarding involves various types of falls, each with unique characteristics. A ‘face-plant’ occurs when a snowboarder falls forward, landing directly on their face. It’s a painful and often embarrassing spill.

Another common fall is the ‘scorpion’, where the rider’s back foot gets caught, causing the body to bend backward, sometimes with the board hitting the rider’s head or back. Then there’s the ‘taco’, a fall where the rider gets folded over a rail, with their legs on one side and their upper body on the other.

These terms describe various types of falls and potential consequences, preparing you for the inevitable spills that come with riding.

Recovery Phrases

Recovery phrases are just as important as the terms for falls. ‘Stack’ signifies a fall that results in injury or significant impact, often leaving the rider in a heap. Another term, ‘yard sale’, is used to describe a fall where the rider’s gear is scattered all over.

Weather and Snow Conditions

Weather and snow conditions play a critical role in snowboarding. ‘Freshies’ refer to untouched snow, offering a pristine and exhilarating riding experience. On the other hand, ‘heavy snowfall’ indicates significant snow accumulation, which can affect visibility and rideability. ‘Fluffy snow’ is light and powdery, providing excellent conditions for snowboarding.

A blizzard, characterized by strong winds and very low visibility, can significantly hinder navigation and safety. Fog, especially ‘pea soup fog’, can also severely reduce visibility, making it challenging to see the terrain ahead. Awareness of these conditions is crucial for planning your ride and ensuring safety on the slopes. Lastly, 'Rime ice' is when supercooled droplets of moisture freeze on your goggles upon impact. This can make visibility dangerous and often requires scraping it away to see.

Visibility Terms

Visibility is a crucial factor for snowboarders, impacting both safety and performance. A ‘whiteout’ describes conditions where heavy snow or poor visibility makes it difficult to see the descent.

Snow Quality

Snow quality significantly influences your riding experience. Wet granular snow forms when frozen snow becomes damp due to warm temperatures or rain. ‘Corn snow’, created through repeated melting and freezing cycles, forms large granules that are easier to ride on during warmer weather. These conditions can affect your control and performance on the slopes.

Different types of snow, like wet granular and corn, can drastically alter how you interact with the snow surface. Familiarity with these terms helps you anticipate terrain changes and adjust your riding style, ensuring a smoother and safer ride.

Competition and Event Slang

Snowboarding competitions bring their own set of slang and terminology. Terms like ‘banked slalom’ refer to a race format that incorporates banked turns for enhanced speed and control. In big mountain snowboarding competition, riders showcase their skills on natural terrain, navigating obstacles and varying snow conditions. These events test a snowboarder’s ability to adapt and perform under different circumstances.

Knowing these terms is crucial for anyone interested in competitive snowboarding. They highlight the unique challenges and skills needed to excel in this high-adrenaline sport.

Event-Specific Terms

Event-specific terms are essential for navigating competitions. ‘Roll downhill’ describes a controlled descent often used to outline courses. Understanding these terms helps you grasp the layout and expectations of various competitions.

Judging Criteria

Judging criteria play a vital role in snowboarding competitions, determining how riders are scored based on their performance. Terms like ‘means riding’ describe the basic requirement for successfully competing, focusing on a rider’s technique and proficiency.

Performing tricks is crucial for scoring, as judges assess the complexity and execution of each maneuver. Knowing these criteria helps you appreciate the skill and artistry in competitive snowboarding.

Advanced Snowboarding Lingo

As you progress in snowboarding, you’ll encounter more advanced slang terms. ‘Tight’ often refers to executing precise and controlled movements, especially in technical turns or tricks. The term ‘freestyle’ encompasses a variety of jumps, spins, and tricks performed on different features. New slang continues to emerge as the sport evolves with innovations in tricks, styles, and gear.

‘Chatter’ refers to vibrations felt in the snowboard at high speeds, a term advanced riders often use. Embracing advanced lingo keeps you current with the sport’s evolution and connected with other experienced riders.

Technical Moves

Technical moves are the hallmark of advanced snowboarding. The ‘backside 180’ is a snowboard trick where the snowboarder rotates 180 degrees in the air, taking off from a jump and landing on the same edge. This trick involves spinning away from the front foot and landing facing the opposite direction. Achieving these tricks requires refined skills and practice.

‘Dialled’ describes a rider with well-refined technique and skills, indicating high proficiency in snowboarding. In competitions, performing tricks and having ‘dialled’ skills are crucial for scoring high marks. Mastering these moves showcases your dedication and expertise on the slopes.

Style and Ease

Style and ease, or ‘steeze’, are essential elements of snowboarding. ‘Means riding’ emphasizes the importance of maintaining control and style during a run, which not only enhances aesthetics but also impacts performance. Maintaining style in snowboarding is crucial for smooth and controlled maneuvers.

‘Steeze’ combines style and ease, showcasing individual flair during maneuvers. It’s about making difficult tricks look effortless and cool, a quality admired by all snowboarders. Embracing ‘steeze’ not only improves your riding but also elevates your status in the snowboarding community.

Summary

Mastering snowboarding lingo is more than just learning a new vocabulary—it’s about immersing yourself in the culture and community of the sport. From core terms like ‘carving’ and ‘effective edge’ to advanced slang like ‘steeze’ and ‘dialled’, each term enhances your understanding and enjoyment of snowboarding. Whether you’re hitting the terrain park, exploring backcountry terrain, or competing in events, knowing the right terms helps you communicate and connect with fellow riders.

As you continue your snowboarding journey, keep expanding your vocabulary and embracing new slang. It will not only improve your skills but also deepen your bond with the snowboarding community. So, next time you hit the slopes, speak the language, perform with style, and ride with confidence. Happy shredding!