Glossary / Glossary Categories / Winter Sports

Winter Sports

57 terms

Browse definitions, examples, and related concepts for 57 winter sports terms commonly used in camping and backpacking.

Key Terms at a Glance

Term Definition
alpine skiing A type of skiing that takes place on groomed slopes or off-piste in...
AT skiing Short for alpine touring skiing, a type of skiing that involves climbing up...
backcountry skiing A type of skiing that takes place in unmarked, ungroomed, and often remote...
boot ski The act of sliding down a snow-covered slope in a controlled manner using...
crampons Metal spikes with a framework that attaches to the bottom of boots, providing...
crampon use The technique and skill of using crampons, metal spikes attached to footwear,...
cross-country skiing A type of skiing where participants propel themselves across snow-covered...
downhill skiing A type of skiing where the skier descends down a slope or hill, typically at...

alpine skiing

noun

A type of skiing that takes place on groomed slopes or off-piste in mountainous terrain.

AT skiing

noun

Short for alpine touring skiing, a type of skiing that involves climbing up mountains with specialized bindings and...

backcountry skiing

noun

A type of skiing that takes place in unmarked, ungroomed, and often remote areas outside of established ski resorts,...

boot ski

verb

The act of sliding down a snow-covered slope in a controlled manner using one’s boots instead of skis or a snowboard.

crampons

noun

Metal spikes with a framework that attaches to the bottom of boots, providing traction on snow and ice for...

crampon use

noun

The technique and skill of using crampons, metal spikes attached to footwear, for walking or climbing on ice and snow.

cross-country skiing

noun

A type of skiing where participants propel themselves across snow-covered terrain using skis and poles, often on...

downhill skiing

noun

A type of skiing where the skier descends down a slope or hill, typically at a ski resort.

female urination device (FUD)

noun

A device that allows women to urinate while standing up, often used for convenience and hygiene during outdoor...

free-heel skiing

noun

A type of skiing where the heel is not fixed to the ski, allowing it to lift off the ski.

from skin out (FSO)

adjective

Referring to the total weight of all clothing and gear worn and carried during an outdoor activity, including...

global positioning system (GPS) device

noun

An electronic tool that uses satellite triangulation to determine the holder’s longitude and latitude. A camper can...

hula skirt

noun

At brush-like surface that hangs from the back of an RV and prevents rocks and debris from hitting attached vehicles.

ice axe

noun

A mountaineering tool with a pick and adze on one end, and a spike on the other, used for climbing or traversing icy...

ice cap

noun

A large, permanent mass of ice that covers a landmass, typically found in polar regions or at high elevations.

ice cleats

noun

Attachments for footwear that provide increased traction on ice and snow by utilizing metal spikes or coils.

ice climbing

noun

The activity of ascending inclined ice formations, typically using special equipment like ice axes and crampons.

ice field

noun

A large, continuous expanse of ice and snow, often found in mountainous regions.

ice fissure

noun

A long, narrow crack or opening in an ice sheet or glacier.

ice grips

noun

Attachments for footwear that provide increased traction on ice and snow by utilizing metal spikes or coils.

ice pick

noun

A sharp, pointed tool used by mountaineers for climbing and securing themselves on ice or hard snow.

ice spikes

noun

A sharp, pointed tool used by mountaineers for climbing and securing themselves on ice or hard snow.

ice traction

noun

Devices or equipment that provide grip and stability on ice, such as crampons or ice cleats.

microspikes

noun

A type of lightweight traction device that attaches to footwear, providing improved grip on icy or slippery terrain.

mini crampons

noun

Small, lightweight traction devices that attach to footwear to provide additional grip on icy or slippery surfaces.

moleskin

noun

A durable type of bandage used to prevent and protect blisters. Its soft fabric and a thin layer of felt absorb...

national park service (NPS)

noun

A U.S. federal agency that manages national parks, monuments, and other essential properties. Congress created the...

next-to-skin layer

noun

The clothing layer worn directly against the skin, usually designed to manage moisture and provide comfort.

nordic skiing

noun

A type of skiing that includes both cross-country and telemark skiing.

off-piste skiing

noun

Skiing on ungroomed or unmarked slopes, often in backcountry or remote areas, away from established ski runs.

outdoor skills

noun

Abilities and knowledge necessary for safely and successfully engaging in outdoor activities.

reservation service fee

noun

Fees charged by third-party vendors for using their reservation systems and services.

resort skiing

noun

Skiing at a designated ski resort with groomed slopes and facilities, as opposed to backcountry skiing.

scree skiing

noun

Skiing down slopes covered in small, loose stones called scree.

skate skiing

noun

A type of cross-country skiing where the skier uses a skating motion to propel themselves forward.

skiing

noun

A winter sport or activity that involves gliding on snow using skis.

ski lift

noun

A mechanical transport device that carries skiers and snowboarders up a mountain.

skill level

noun

The level of proficiency or competence in a particular activity.

skimo

noun

Short for ski mountaineering, a sport that involves climbing mountains on skis and then descending.

ski mountaineering

noun

A winter sport that combines skiing and mountaineering, often involving the ascent and descent of mountain peaks on...

skin irritation

noun

Redness, swelling, or discomfort of the skin caused by various factors including friction, allergens, or irritants.

skin out weight

noun

The total weight of everything a hiker is carrying or wearing, including clothing, gear, and consumables.

skin track

noun

A trail or path created in the snow by backcountry skiers or snowboarders, often marked by the visible gliding...

ski run

noun

A designated path or area on a mountain for skiing.

ski touring

noun

A form of skiing in which participants travel through snow-covered terrain using skis and specialized bindings that...

snowshoeing

noun

The act of walking or hiking on snow using snowshoes.

snowshoes

noun

Footwear attachments designed to distribute a person’s weight over a larger surface area, allowing them to walk on...

telemark skiing

noun

A style of skiing that combines elements of alpine and Nordic skiing, characterized by a free heel and a bent knee...

tele skiing

noun

Short for telemark skiing, a type of downhill skiing where the boot is only attached at the toe, allowing the heel to...

united states forest service (USFS)

noun

A U.S. federal agency that administers America’s 154 national forests and 20 national grasslands. This agency is part...

united states geological service (USGS)

noun

A U.S. federal agency that monitors studies the landscape, natural resources, hazards, and overall health of...

water skiing

noun

An aquatic sport in which the participant glides over surface-water, by holding on to a rope attached to a moving...

wilderness skills

noun

Skills and knowledge needed to safely and responsibly travel and live in wilderness areas, such as navigation, first...

winter climbing

noun

The activity of climbing mountains in winter conditions, often requiring specialized equipment and skills.

winter hiking

noun

The activity of hiking during the winter season, often requiring specialized gear and clothing.

winterizing

noun

Preparing an RV for winter storage.

xc skiing

noun

Short for cross-country skiing, a type of skiing where skiers rely on their own locomotion to move across...
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