Glossary
| Term | Definition | Category |
|---|---|---|
| Backcountry skiing | Skiing in unmarked and ungroomed terrain, typically outside of ski resorts and away from maintained slopes. | General Terms |
| Avalanche | A rapid flow of snow down a slope, often triggered by external factors such as weather conditions or human activity. | Safety |
| Skinning | The technique of attaching synthetic climbing skins to the base of skis, allowing skiers to ascend uphill with traction on snow or ice. | Technique |
| Alpine touring (AT) bindings | Bindings that allow the heel to be released for uphill climbing and locked down for downhill skiing. They are designed for backcountry skiing and provide versatility for ascending and descending. | Equipment |
| Beacon | Short for avalanche transceiver, a handheld device that emits and receives signals to locate skiers buried in an avalanche. Used for search and rescue purposes. | Safety |
| Shovel | A compact, collapsible tool used to dig out buried skiers in avalanche situations or create snow shelters. It is an essential piece of safety equipment for backcountry skiing. | Safety |
| Probe | A collapsible pole used to locate and measure the depth of a buried skier or evaluate the snowpack during rescue operations. | Safety |
| Snowpack | The layers of accumulated snow and ice on a slope. Understanding the characteristics and stability of the snowpack is crucial for assessing avalanche risks. | Safety |
| Kick Turn | A technique used to change direction while ascending a steep slope. It involves turning the skis by lifting the tail of one ski and pivoting it around. | Technique |
| Whiteout | A weather condition characterized by reduced visibility due to heavy snowfall, fog, or a combination of both. Whiteouts can make navigation challenging and increase the risk of getting lost. | Safety |
| Sastrugi | Wavelike patterns or ridges formed on the surface of snow by wind erosion. They can create uneven and challenging skiing conditions. | Snow Conditions |
| Skinning track | A packed-down track created by skiers using climbing skins to ascend a slope. It provides traction and makes it easier for subsequent skiers to ascend the same route. | Technique |
| Cornice | An overhanging ledge of snow formed on the edge of a ridge or cliff due to wind deposition. Cornices can be unstable and pose a significant risk of collapsing, triggering avalanches. | Snow Conditions |
| Glisse | A French term referring to a smooth and effortless gliding motion on skis. | Technique |