Aspect
The compass direction a slope faces.
Explore in: Glossary & TerminologyTerrain, Snow & Weather
OPEN ENTRY →17 · KNOWLEDGE AREA
Terrain, Snow & Weather
Terrain and environmental conditions that shape riding.
Backcountry
Mountain terrain outside the relevant managed resort setting; boundaries must be made explicit.
Explore in: Glossary & TerminologyTerrain, Snow & Weather
OPEN ENTRY →Backside Hip Air
A hip air using a small backside adjustment in the air to align with the angled landing.
Explore in: Park Jumps & Aerial FreestyleTerrain, Snow & Weather
OPEN ENTRY →Bank
A sloped sidewall or raised curved terrain surface.
Explore in: All-Mountain TechniqueFreeride & Big MountainGlossary & TerminologyTerrain, Snow & Weather
OPEN ENTRY →Bank Line and Exit Study
Observing a familiar bank at a controlled pace: where the bank redirects the board, where steering contributes and whether the intended exit is achieved.
Explore in: Freeride & Big MountainTerrain, Snow & Weather
OPEN ENTRY →Bonk
A brief intentional board contact with an object during a freestyle movement.
Explore in: Freeride & Big MountainTerrain, Snow & WeatherGlossary & TerminologyPark Jumps & Aerial Freestyle
OPEN ENTRY →Conditions: fog; flat light; snowfall; wind; temperature changes
A fall changes control and traffic exposure. Recovery is planned around surroundings and injury concerns, not rushing back onto the line. Surface description is a decision input, not a promise of consistent grip. Groomed, icy, wet, crusted and wind-affected snow can coexist along one line.
Explore in: All-Mountain TechniqueTerrain, Snow & Weather
OPEN ENTRY →Coping
A constructed edge element along the upper boundary of a transition feature.
Explore in: Glossary & TerminologyTerrain, Snow & Weather
OPEN ENTRY →Crust
A firmer surface layer over softer snow; it may support or break under a rider.
Explore in: Glossary & TerminologyTerrain, Snow & Weather
OPEN ENTRY →Deck
A platform beside or beyond the lip of a pipe or transition feature.
Explore in: Halfpipe & TransitionsGlossary & TerminologyTerrain, Snow & Weather
OPEN ENTRY →Difficulty labels and regional variation
This page applies the snow, terrain and weather observation framework to Difficulty labels and regional variation. Treat the listed dimensions separately rather than assigning one universal cue to the whole topic. Surface description is a decision input, not a promise of consistent grip. Groomed, icy, wet, crusted and wind-affected snow can coexist along one line.
Explore in: All-Mountain TechniqueTerrain, Snow & Weather
OPEN ENTRY →Drop
A departure from a terrain step into a lower landing area.
Explore in: Glossary & TerminologyTerrain, Snow & Weather
OPEN ENTRY →Feature Inspection Card
A tactical checklist: approach, lip/crest, intended trajectory, landing visibility, surface, traffic, stopping space and exit.
Explore in: Park Jumps & Aerial FreestyleTerrain, Snow & Weather
OPEN ENTRY →Features: rollers; banks; gullies; moguls; park features; natural hazards
This page applies the snow, terrain and weather observation framework to Features: rollers; banks; gullies; moguls; park features; natural hazards. Treat the listed dimensions separately rather than assigning one universal cue to the whole topic. Surface description is a decision input, not a promise of consistent grip. Groomed, icy, wet, crusted and wind-affected snow can coexist along one line.
Explore in: All-Mountain TechniqueTerrain, Snow & Weather
OPEN ENTRY →Flat Bottom
The flat section between the halfpipe walls.
Explore in: Halfpipe & TransitionsGlossary & TerminologyTerrain, Snow & Weather
OPEN ENTRY →Flat light
Lighting with weak surface contrast that makes terrain shape difficult to judge.
Explore in: Glossary & TerminologyTerrain, Snow & Weather
OPEN ENTRY →Freeride competition: line, control, fluidity, technique and air/style — check the applicable rulebook
This page applies the freeride judgement and terrain adaptation framework to Freeride competition: line, control, fluidity, technique and air/style — check the applicable rulebook. Treat the listed dimensions separately rather than assigning one universal cue to the whole topic. Natural terrain combines changing snow, line choice and consequences. Riding technique and mountain decision competence are related but independent.
Explore in: Freeride & Big MountainTerrain, Snow & Weather
OPEN ENTRY →Frontside and Backside Wall
A contextual term pair: the lesson associates the frontside wall with toe-edge riding and the front facing uphill, and the backside wall with heel-edge riding and the back facing uphill.
Explore in: Halfpipe & TransitionsGlossary & TerminologyTerrain, Snow & Weather
OPEN ENTRY →Frontside Hip Air
A hip air using a small frontside adjustment in the air to align with the landing.
Explore in: Park Jumps & Aerial FreestyleTerrain, Snow & Weather
OPEN ENTRY →Gator Roll — Terrain
The cited publisher's terrain application of the Tripod movement on banks or halfpipe terrain.
Explore in: Freeride & Big MountainTerrain, Snow & Weather
OPEN ENTRY →Gradient
The steepness of a slope.
Explore in: Glossary & TerminologyTerrain, Snow & Weather
OPEN ENTRY →Gully
A channel-shaped depression in terrain.
Explore in: Glossary & TerminologyTerrain, Snow & Weather
OPEN ENTRY →Halfpipe
A feature with opposing curved walls and a connecting floor.
Explore in: Glossary & TerminologyTerrain, Snow & Weather
OPEN ENTRY →Hip
A jump feature with takeoff and landing oriented at an angle to one another.
Explore in: All-Mountain TechniqueFreeride & Big MountainGlossary & TerminologyTerrain, Snow & Weather
OPEN ENTRY →Hip / Corner
A jump whose landing is angled away from the take-off direction; WSF defines it with a landing perpendicular to take-off, while Snowboard Addiction uses a broader differently angled landing.
Explore in: Park Jumps & Aerial FreestyleTerrain, Snow & Weather
OPEN ENTRY →Indoor snow; dry slope; artificial training environments
This page applies the snow, terrain and weather observation framework to Indoor snow; dry slope; artificial training environments. Treat the listed dimensions separately rather than assigning one universal cue to the whole topic. Surface description is a decision input, not a promise of consistent grip. Groomed, icy, wet, crusted and wind-affected snow can coexist along one line.
Explore in: All-Mountain TechniqueTerrain, Snow & Weather
OPEN ENTRY →Introductory Halfpipe Entry
A pathway developing a ramp entry before a controlled lip entry, absorbing the transition without an air.
Explore in: Halfpipe & TransitionsGlossary & TerminologyTerrain, Snow & Weather
OPEN ENTRY →Knuckle
The changeover or crest before a jump's landing slope; distinguish it from the intended landing zone.
Explore in: Glossary & TerminologyTerrain, Snow & Weather
OPEN ENTRY →Layback — Snow / Bank
A low, rear-hand-supported movement with the body laid backwards while the board redirects across snow or a bank.
Explore in: Freeride & Big MountainTerrain, Snow & Weather
OPEN ENTRY →Lip
The upper edge or departure boundary of a jump or transition feature.
Explore in: Glossary & TerminologyTerrain, Snow & Weather
OPEN ENTRY →Lip / Coping
A paired source label for the upper boundary of a transition, used where a lesson discusses the lip and coping together.
Explore in: Halfpipe & TransitionsGlossary & TerminologyTerrain, Snow & Weather
OPEN ENTRY →Low Wall Redirection and Down-Pipe Travel
Toe and heel wall turns developed before adding a small hop, travelling diagonally down the pipe.
Explore in: Halfpipe & TransitionsGlossary & TerminologyTerrain, Snow & Weather
OPEN ENTRY →Moguls
Repeated snow bumps and troughs.
Explore in: Glossary & TerminologyTerrain, Snow & Weather
OPEN ENTRY →Mountain decision skills: a separate competency, not an automatic consequence of park or carving ability
This page applies the freeride judgement and terrain adaptation framework to Mountain decision skills: a separate competency, not an automatic consequence of park or carving ability. Treat the listed dimensions separately rather than assigning one universal cue to the whole topic. Natural terrain combines changing snow, line choice and consequences. Riding technique and mountain decision competence are related but independent.
Explore in: Freeride & Big MountainTerrain, Snow & Weather
OPEN ENTRY →Natural features: rollers; banks; pillows; drops; cliffs; terrain transitions
This page applies the freeride judgement and terrain adaptation framework to Natural features: rollers; banks; pillows; drops; cliffs; terrain transitions. Treat the listed dimensions separately rather than assigning one universal cue to the whole topic. Natural terrain combines changing snow, line choice and consequences. Riding technique and mountain decision competence are related but independent.
Explore in: Freeride & Big MountainTerrain, Snow & Weather
OPEN ENTRY →Noboarding
Riding a traditional snowboard with the bindings removed; grip pads or bungee straps may be used.
Explore in: Freeride & Big MountainTerrain, Snow & Weather
OPEN ENTRY →Off-piste
Terrain outside prepared pistes; access and boundary meanings depend on the resort and jurisdiction.
Explore in: Glossary & TerminologyTerrain, Snow & Weather
OPEN ENTRY →Open Powder Turns
More open turns used in powder to preserve momentum.
Explore in: All-Mountain TechniqueTerrain, Snow & Weather
OPEN ENTRY →Pillow
A rounded snow-covered natural feature, often part of a series.
Explore in: All-Mountain TechniqueFreeride & Big MountainGlossary & TerminologyTerrain, Snow & Weather
OPEN ENTRY →Powder
Relatively loose, unconsolidated snow; its depth and density still need description.
Explore in: Glossary & TerminologyTerrain, Snow & Weather
OPEN ENTRY →Powder Balance Adjustment
A modest rearward adjustment while keeping front-leg steering, rather than aggressively sitting back.
Explore in: All-Mountain TechniqueTerrain, Snow & Weather
OPEN ENTRY →Powder fundamentals: flotation; stance adaptation; speed; line
Current travel stance and natural regular/goofy stance are separate properties. Physical nose and tail retain their identity in switch travel. Flotation depends on snow, board, speed and line. A permanent exaggerated rearward posture is not a universal powder technique. Natural terrain combines changing snow, line choice and consequences. Riding technique and mountain decision competence are related but independent.
Explore in: Freeride & Big MountainTerrain, Snow & Weather
OPEN ENTRY →Powder Runout Momentum Planning
Carrying appropriate momentum toward flat runouts in powder.
Explore in: All-Mountain TechniqueTerrain, Snow & Weather
OPEN ENTRY →Progressive Powder Edge Changes
Subtle lower-body movements and lower edge angles in powder, rather than abrupt digging into the snow.
Explore in: All-Mountain TechniqueTerrain, Snow & Weather
OPEN ENTRY →Quarterpipe
A single curved transition wall used for an ascent and return or a specified transfer.
Explore in: Halfpipe & TransitionsGlossary & TerminologyTerrain, Snow & Weather
OPEN ENTRY →Roller
A rounded terrain rise that can be absorbed, pumped or used for airtime.
Explore in: All-Mountain TechniqueFreeride & Big MountainGlossary & TerminologyTerrain, Snow & Weather
OPEN ENTRY →Route reading; exposure; escape options; regroup points; communication
This page applies the freeride judgement and terrain adaptation framework to Route reading; exposure; escape options; regroup points; communication. Treat the listed dimensions separately rather than assigning one universal cue to the whole topic. Natural terrain combines changing snow, line choice and consequences. Riding technique and mountain decision competence are related but independent.
Explore in: Freeride & Big MountainTerrain, Snow & Weather
OPEN ENTRY →Runout
The area available for continuation and slowing after a slope or feature.
Explore in: Glossary & TerminologyTerrain, Snow & Weather
OPEN ENTRY →Side Hit
In Rhythm Japan's usage, natural terrain shaped by use into a freestyle feature.
Explore in: Freeride & Big MountainTerrain, Snow & Weather
OPEN ENTRY →Slash Pop
Slash Pop is an existing named source lead associated with Nev Lapwood/Snowboard Addiction.
Explore in: Freeride & Big MountainTerrain, Snow & WeatherGlossary & Terminology
OPEN ENTRY →Slope map literacy: gradient; aspect; fall line; width; visibility; runout
A fall changes control and traffic exposure. Recovery is planned around surroundings and injury concerns, not rushing back onto the line. Surface description is a decision input, not a promise of consistent grip. Groomed, icy, wet, crusted and wind-affected snow can coexist along one line.
Explore in: All-Mountain TechniqueTerrain, Snow & Weather
OPEN ENTRY →Slush
Wet, softened snow with substantial liquid water content.
Explore in: Glossary & TerminologyTerrain, Snow & Weather
OPEN ENTRY →Small-Drop Teaching Pathway
A small-drop pathway must connect approach, departure, airborne organisation, contact and runout on an actual selected feature.
Explore in: Freeride & Big MountainTerrain, Snow & WeatherGlossary & Terminology
OPEN ENTRY →Snow states: groomed; packed; fresh; crust; ice; slush; wind-affected
This page applies the snow, terrain and weather observation framework to Snow states: groomed; packed; fresh; crust; ice; slush; wind-affected. Treat the listed dimensions separately rather than assigning one universal cue to the whole topic. Surface description is a decision input, not a promise of consistent grip. Groomed, icy, wet, crusted and wind-affected snow can coexist along one line.
Explore in: All-Mountain TechniqueTerrain, Snow & Weather
OPEN ENTRY →Snow variability: wind-affected; crust; tracked powder; wet snow; transitions
Flotation depends on snow, board, speed and line. A permanent exaggerated rearward posture is not a universal powder technique. Natural terrain combines changing snow, line choice and consequences. Riding technique and mountain decision competence are related but independent.
Explore in: Freeride & Big MountainTerrain, Snow & Weather
OPEN ENTRY →Soft-Snow Clearance and Edge-Angle Adaptation
Reducing edge angle when boots contact the snow as the board sinks into soft snow or slush.
Explore in: All-Mountain TechniqueTerrain, Snow & Weather
OPEN ENTRY →Spine
Back-to-back quarterpipes (WSF).
Explore in: Park Jumps & Aerial FreestyleTerrain, Snow & Weather
OPEN ENTRY →Steeps: assessment; edge control; short turns; jump turns; no-fall contexts
An edge supports direction through its relation to snow and travel. Edge angle is distinct from board heading and skid angle. A fall changes control and traffic exposure. Recovery is planned around surroundings and injury concerns, not rushing back onto the line. Natural terrain combines changing snow, line choice and consequences. Riding technique and mountain decision competence are related but independent.
Explore in: Freeride & Big MountainTerrain, Snow & Weather
OPEN ENTRY →Step-Up
A jump whose landing is elevated above the take-off (WSF).
Explore in: Park Jumps & Aerial FreestyleTerrain, Snow & Weather
OPEN ENTRY →Take-off and landing judgement in natural terrain
This page applies the freeride judgement and terrain adaptation framework to Take-off and landing judgement in natural terrain. Treat the listed dimensions separately rather than assigning one universal cue to the whole topic. Natural terrain combines changing snow, line choice and consequences. Riding technique and mountain decision competence are related but independent.
Explore in: Freeride & Big MountainTerrain, Snow & Weather
OPEN ENTRY →Technical problem registry: buried nose; lost momentum; unstable variable-snow turn
This page applies the freeride judgement and terrain adaptation framework to Technical problem registry: buried nose; lost momentum; unstable variable-snow turn. Treat the listed dimensions separately rather than assigning one universal cue to the whole topic. Natural terrain combines changing snow, line choice and consequences. Riding technique and mountain decision competence are related but independent.
Explore in: Freeride & Big MountainTerrain, Snow & Weather
OPEN ENTRY →Technique/equipment adaptation by condition
This page applies the snow, terrain and weather observation framework to Technique/equipment adaptation by condition. Treat the listed dimensions separately rather than assigning one universal cue to the whole topic. Surface description is a decision input, not a promise of consistent grip. Groomed, icy, wet, crusted and wind-affected snow can coexist along one line.
Explore in: All-Mountain TechniqueTerrain, Snow & Weather
OPEN ENTRY →Terrain selection for a task; stop/modify criteria
A controlled stop intentionally manages speed and leaves the rider balanced in a suitable place. Surface description is a decision input, not a promise of consistent grip. Groomed, icy, wet, crusted and wind-affected snow can coexist along one line.
Explore in: All-Mountain TechniqueTerrain, Snow & Weather
OPEN ENTRY →Transfer
A movement that leaves one feature or support line and reaches a different feature or landing line.
Explore in: Freeride & Big MountainTerrain, Snow & WeatherGlossary & Terminology
OPEN ENTRY →Transition
A curved section of terrain connecting a lower surface to a steeper wall or another slope angle.
Explore in: Halfpipe & TransitionsGlossary & TerminologyTerrain, Snow & Weather
OPEN ENTRY →Transitional Air Edge Change
An edge change near a turn's apex on small transitions (banks, gullies, halfpipe), assessed in the AASI freestyle guide.
Explore in: Halfpipe & TransitionsGlossary & TerminologyTerrain, Snow & Weather
OPEN ENTRY →Trees: spacing; visibility; route; obstacles; exit options
Tree riding reduces visibility and available correction space. Tree-well hazards and route decisions are separate mountain competencies. Natural terrain combines changing snow, line choice and consequences. Riding technique and mountain decision competence are related but independent.
Explore in: Freeride & Big MountainTerrain, Snow & Weather
OPEN ENTRY →Vert
The approximately vertical upper portion of a transition wall.
Explore in: Halfpipe & TransitionsGlossary & TerminologyTerrain, Snow & Weather
OPEN ENTRY →Wind-affected snow
Snow whose surface or distribution has been changed by wind.
Explore in: Glossary & TerminologyTerrain, Snow & Weather
OPEN ENTRY →