It’s no secret that people love to ski. What is a secret, however, is the way some people say and the way you have to say it in French. Here’s the trick: Instead of saying “skiing”, try out these fun-yet-accurate expressions and gestures!
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Le Ski (The Ski)
The French Alps are among the most popular ski resorts in the world. Every year, skiers and snowboarders flock there to enjoy the white powdery landscapes that dot the mountain slopes. If you’re looking for a unique way to pronounce le ski (meaning “the ski”), you can try out this funny French accent: Roll your r’s and pronounce it like it’s spelled!
Un Week-end de Ski (A Weekend of Skiing)
The French Alps are known for their long ski seasons. The snow usually stays on for a lot longer than in other parts of the world, so you can enjoy skiing from mid-June to late October. During this time, you can have fun and enjoy the snow in all its glory. If you’re planning to spend some time in the French Alps during the ski season, it’s important to be aware of the language barrier, especially if you’re not a native French speaker. People tend to speak a little slower around strangers, so make sure you learn and practice basic phrases before you go there!
It’s usually best to use the singular they/they’re with respect to the people and animals around you. Instead of “Take care of yourself and those around you”, try out these two phrases: “Il faut prendre soin de soi et de ceux qui vous entourent” and “Faites prendre soin de vous et des personnes autour de vous”. In other words, “Skiing/Snorkelling is healthy”, “Take care of your health and wellbeing”, and “Make sure you warm up before you go skiing/snorkelling”.
La Chasse (The Chase)
While skiing is a popular winter sport in the French Alps, summer sports are also practiced there. The French Alps are home to some of the best golf courses in the world, as well as to the famous Château Lafite. In the summer, you can go hiking, mountain climbing, and even boat racing. Another popular summer sport in the French Alps is la chasse (meaning “the hunt” or “the chase”), a type of organized soccer. Teams of 15, often including a handful of veterinarians, roam the mountainsides in search of the best vantage point, where they set up camp and wait for the other teams to show up. When they do, the team with the most balls wins!
Skiing Et De Luc (Skiing and Dancing)
Sometimes, especially at the end of a long day of skiing, the need for a cocktail and a smile overcomes you. In that case, you can always combine skiing and dancing. Many resorts in the French Alps have been adapted to include bars and clubs where you can party all night long after your day of outdoor activities. In some places, you can even book a lesson or a crash course with the professional ballet dancers who will teach you the most basic steps. If you can’t find a partner for an outdoor dance session, you can grab a cocktail with a friend and head indoors to continue dancing. It’s the perfect way to unwind after a hard day of skiing!
Skiing is a truly unique experience to behold. There’s nothing quite like getting into the mood of the snowy season, putting on your skis, and feeling the pine needles and snow under your feet as you glide down the slopes. It’s no surprise that this winter sport is one of the most popular winter sports in the world. If you’re visiting the French Alps, make sure you know how to say it correctly!