Aspect
The compass direction a slope faces.
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Glossary & Terminology
Canonical terms, aliases and contextual distinctions.
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B
Backcountry
Mountain terrain outside the relevant managed resort setting; boundaries must be made explicit.
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OPEN ENTRY →Bank
A sloped sidewall or raised curved terrain surface.
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OPEN ENTRY →C
Coping
A constructed edge element along the upper boundary of a transition feature.
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OPEN ENTRY →Crust
A firmer surface layer over softer snow; it may support or break under a rider.
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OPEN ENTRY →D
Deck
A platform beside or beyond the lip of a pipe or transition feature.
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OPEN ENTRY →Drop
A departure from a terrain step into a lower landing area.
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Flat light
Lighting with weak surface contrast that makes terrain shape difficult to judge.
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Gradient
The steepness of a slope.
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A channel-shaped depression in terrain.
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OPEN ENTRY →H
Halfpipe
A feature with opposing curved walls and a connecting floor.
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OPEN ENTRY →Hip
A jump feature with takeoff and landing oriented at an angle to one another.
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OPEN ENTRY →K
Knuckle
The changeover or crest before a jump's landing slope; distinguish it from the intended landing zone.
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OPEN ENTRY →L
Lip
The upper edge or departure boundary of a jump or transition feature.
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OPEN ENTRY →M
Moguls
Repeated snow bumps and troughs.
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OPEN ENTRY →O
Off-piste
Terrain outside prepared pistes; access and boundary meanings depend on the resort and jurisdiction.
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OPEN ENTRY →P
Pillow
A rounded snow-covered natural feature, often part of a series.
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OPEN ENTRY →Powder
Relatively loose, unconsolidated snow; its depth and density still need description.
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OPEN ENTRY →Q
Quarterpipe
A single curved transition wall used for an ascent and return or a specified transfer.
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OPEN ENTRY →R
Roller
A rounded terrain rise that can be absorbed, pumped or used for airtime.
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OPEN ENTRY →Runout
The area available for continuation and slowing after a slope or feature.
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OPEN ENTRY →S
Slush
Wet, softened snow with substantial liquid water content.
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OPEN ENTRY →T
Transfer
A movement that leaves one feature or support line and reaches a different feature or landing line.
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OPEN ENTRY →Transition
A curved section of terrain connecting a lower surface to a steeper wall or another slope angle.
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OPEN ENTRY →V
Vert
The approximately vertical upper portion of a transition wall.
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OPEN ENTRY →W
Wind-affected snow
Snow whose surface or distribution has been changed by wind.
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