It’s that time of year again…that time of year when the ski season is just around the corner! No matter if you’re a seasoned skier or an enthusiast who is looking to bag some powder, here are a few phrases and words you might encounter this upcoming winter holiday season and how to say them correctly!
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Backcountry
In the mountains, the snow, the rock, and the cold temperatures that come with it are what make it special. Backcountry enthusiasts and guides explore the majestic wilderness, encountering extreme weather conditions, learning to ski, and having fun and adventures in the process.
You’ll often hear people say “backcountry skiing” instead of “skiing”, as in “I went backcountry skiing today.” Although the two have become somewhat synonymous, backcountry skiing is actually a specialized form of skiing that involves going higher and farther from the nearest village or lodge. Because of this, backcountry gear is a bit more rugged and doesn’t come with the same fancy trappings as your average ski run.
Backcountry skiing can be a bit daunting. Although the mountain may look inviting from the bottom, when you’re standing on the top looking down, you might feel a bit intimidated or even anxious.
Glade
After your first ski lesson, you’ll end up at the bottom of a ski slope looking up in the direction of your ski instructor. From their vantage point, they’ll be able to watch the entire scene unfold in front of them. As the skiing holiday season fast approaches, you may begin to see more and more ski instructors around the resorts, watching over, instructing, and guiding the tourists and beginner skiers.
If you’ve never been to Switzerland, you might wonder what a glade looks like. A glade is a narrow opening in the forest or on the side of a mountain, where you’ll often find beautiful, colorful temperate rainforest all wrapped up in green, with magnificent Mounts towering over the landscape. These are the types of places that inspired the Swiss to call their country “The Land of Snow”.
A glade in the snow is typically found above the tree line. Due to the fact that snow and ice can make an excellent reflecting surface, you may find that the sun is reflected back in such a way as to give you temporary relief from the cold temperatures that the Swiss are known for.
Rental Shoes
Another thing that you’ll need to look out for this coming winter holiday season is the rental of shoes. Skiing can be a bit chilly, especially in the morning, so it’s important that you bring along some warm shoes to have on when you ski. This won’t just keep your feet warm but it will keep your entire body warmer, too. When you’re standing on the slopes looking down, it’s important to keep your head up and your eyes open, looking for all the familiar faces on the mountain.
One other thing you may encounter when skiing is wet snow, windblown snow, or ice. Depending on where you are, the type of snow, and how long it’s been since the last snowfall, you may find that any of these elements make for an unpredictable and occasionally wet and cold experience. To further complicate matters, the changing weather conditions in the mountainous regions can result in the type of snow being quite different from one area to another. This can be both exciting and intimidating, even for experienced skiers.
Mountain Climbing
Another way of enjoying the great sport of skiing is by taking it to the next level, mountain climbing. Instead of just skiing down the mountain, you’ll be engaging in physical challenges that will require your utmost concentration and strength to complete successfully. By climbing higher, you’ll give yourself a better perspective of the snowflake-covered terrain and end up with an exhilarating panoramic view of the entire ski resort.
Mountain climbing is a challenging and rewarding sport, offering unique views and the feeling of accomplishment that only come from pushing your body to the limit.
The great thing about mountain climbing is that it requires very little equipment. All you need are sturdy boots, a harness, and a parachute. A lot of people find that this takes the stress out of skiing and makes it more of a lifestyle choice rather than a seasonal one. This sport is perfect for individuals who want to explore the world’s steepest and most pristine ski slopes and get a taste of what true adventure skiing is all about.
Skiing Etiquette
Just as with any other sport or pastime, there are certain rules and customs that come with skiing. It is important that you familiarize yourself with these, as breaking them can lead to unpleasant consequences (such as being forbidden to enter certain resorts or having your skiing equipment confiscated).
Here are some rules and customs you should know and follow: