When it comes to hitting the slopes, snowboarders and skiers share a common love for the rush of carving through snow-covered mountains. Both groups have their own unique language, a collection of slang that reflects the culture and camaraderie of these winter sport enthusiasts. Join us as we delve into the playful world of snowboarding jargon versus skiing slang, uncovering the distinctive expressions that color the conversations on the mountain.
Shredding vs. Carving
Snowboarding: Enthusiastic snowboarders talk about “shredding” the mountain, emphasizing their dynamic and freestyle approach.
Skiing: Skiers, on the other hand, often refer to “carving” through the snow, highlighting the precision and finesse of each turn.
Pow vs. Powder Hound
Snowboarding: Riders talk excitedly about finding “pow,” short for powder, the holy grail of fresh, fluffy snow.
Skiing: Skiers who actively seek out powder are affectionately known as “powder hounds,” showcasing their love for deep, untouched snow.
Grom vs. Shredder
Snowboarding: A young and talented snowboarder is referred to as a “grom,” short for grommet.
Skiing: Skiers might affectionately call a skilled youngster a “shredder,” recognizing their prowess on the slopes.
Face Shot vs. Snow Facial
Snowboarding: Achieving a “face shot” means diving into deep powder, resulting in a spray of snow to the face.
Skiing: Skiers might playfully describe a similar experience as catching a “snow facial.”
Après-Ski vs. Base Lodge Chill
Snowboarding: The after-snowboard-session socializing is known as “après-ski,” often involving cozy gatherings in mountain lodges.
Skiing: Skiers may refer to the same tradition as “base lodge chill,” where post-skiing relaxation and camaraderie take center stage.
Park Rat vs. Freestyler
Snowboarding: A snowboarder who spends much of their time in terrain parks is humorously called a “park rat.”
Skiing: Skiers with a penchant for freestyle tricks might be playfully labeled as “freestylers.”
Jib/Jibbing vs Rail Riding
Snowboarding: Refers to the art of riding or performing tricks on nontraditional obstacles, such as rails, boxes or other terrain park elements.
Skiing: The term may vary slightly, but the essence remains the same – an emphasis on freestyle skiing and the art of smoothly executing tricks on man-made obstacles.
Tackle the Big Bear Snow Scene
Now that you’ve learned the slang, you’re ready for the slopes! There’s no better place than Big Bear Mountain Resort to start shredding some snow. Need a board? Our friends at Get Boards in Big Bear Lake can hook you up and have all the apparel and accessories you need for your boarding trip.
Book Your Big Bear Vacation Stay Today
What are you waiting for? Schedule your Big Bear trip today at Big Bear Frontier. We have warm cabins and luxury hotel rooms ready for you so you can stay awhile and enjoy the snowboard scene. Make your reservations today!
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Thanks for the instructions of how to speak snowboarding. I’m 64 so probably not going to be shredding the gnar. But I’m stoked while watching the sport. I’m a retired railroad man and have been riding the rails for 38 years haha thanks.