Quick guide to ski and snowboard slang

Whether it’s your first ski trip or you’ve been snowboarding for years, mountain talk sometimes sounds like its own language. From ‘chocolate chips’ to ‘disco sticks’, ski and snowboard slang can be almost as colourful as the gear on the slopes. Get familiar with these six terms you might hear in a Canadian ski resort, so you’ll fit right in on your trip to Canada’s mountains.

01

Carving

In the snow sports world, carving is slang for a series of clean turns using the steel edges of your snowboard or skis to slice through the snow rather, than sliding across it. Instead of pushing your tails out to brake, you tilt the ski or board onto its side edges and move down the mountain in a smooth, semicircular turn. You’ll leave behind a pencil-thin line in the snow rather than a wide, smeared spray.

Carving feels like you’re on rails. There’s minimal friction with the snow, so you maintain almost all of your speed through the turn. It’s a quick and elegant way to get down the mountain.

If you want to practise your turns on a Canadian ski getaway, explore Mont-Tremblant in Québec. Its varied trails offer room to choose a comfortable pace, whether you’re building confidence or working on cleaner edges.

02

Chocolate chips

In ski and snowboard slang, “chocolate chips” are rocks poking through the snow. They’re more likely to appear when snow coverage is thin, usually early or late in the season, or after wind and heavy traffic have scraped snow from a section of trail.

Hitting chocolate chips can cause deep gouges in your ski or board base, and a sudden snag on a rock can lead to a tumble. If you see chocolate chips, it’s a good idea to hop on a lift to higher, snowier ground, or switch to your “rock skis”—the beat-up pair you don’t mind scratching.

Give exposed rocks plenty of space and take extra care on traverses. If you’re planning an Ontario ski weekend at The Blue Mountains, check current conditions and stay on open, marked trails before setting off.

03

Disco sticks

“Disco sticks” is a nickname for short skis, also known as ski blades or skiboards. They’re really easy to manoeuvre, which can make quick turns and small tricks feel playful, but they’re generally less stable at higher speeds than longer skis.

Disco sticks tend to be excellent for beginners, because they’re much easier to control than traditional long skis. It’s easier to stop using shorter skis, so beginners often build up their confidence and learn basic techniques in hours rather than weeks. Shorter skis also have a smaller turning radius, allowing for sharper, quicker turns, and easier navigation.

If you have a mix of abilities in your group, consider Sun Peaks in British Columbia for a ski trip. The variety of runs means you can set your own pace, from gentle cruising to more challenging pistes.

04

Après-ski

In French, après-ski literally means “after skiing” and refers to what happens after you leave the slopes. It might mean a meal, a few drinks in the village, a soak in an outdoor hot tub, or a quiet evening by the fire.

Après-ski typically starts in the late afternoon, with people sitting on terraces still in their ski gear. But it can continue into the evening, if skiers and boarders have the energy to enjoy DJ sets and mountain bars. Alternatively, you can return to your accommodation to relax in the sauna, or freshen up before dinner.

Whistler makes it easy to plan a full day around the mountain, with its slopes, village, and hotels close together. Leave a little time after your final run of the day to enjoy an après-ski session, which can be as lively or relaxed as you wish.

05

Black diamond

A black diamond is a North American trail rating that usually indicates advanced terrain. Depending on the mountain, a black diamond run may include a very steeper pitch, challenging moguls, trees, or narrow sections. Beginners should never go down a black diamond, as the route will be too hard and you could get into difficulty. Ratings are relative to each ski resort, so always read the local map and signage before choosing a run.

If you’re planning a Canadian trip that includes very advanced runs, take a look at Revelstoke or Banff. Both offer access to a range of mountain experiences, including challenging terrain. Conditions can vary, so it’s wise to choose runs within your ability. You could also consider booking a local guide for your first day, if you’re unfamiliar with the mountain.

06

Mashed potatoes

“Mashed potatoes” describes heavy, wet, sticky snow. It often appears after a warm spell or during spring conditions. As the snow starts to melt, it loses its light, fluffy texture and becomes very thick—exactly like the consistency of mashed potatoes. It’s very tiring to ski or board through, as you have to “muscle” your way through each turn. Try to keep moving as best you can, because momentum is your best friend when the snow gets sticky. Just remember to take a break if your legs are feeling heavy.

If you’re planning a spring ski trip, try to avoid mashed potato snow by booking a higher ski resort. Sunshine Village near Banff is the highest ski resort in Canada, so you should be able to find powdery snow, even in spring.