Skiing glossary: All the terms and definitions skiers need to know

Whether you're new to skiing or you've been at it for years, you’ve probably heard French words like "carver", "peuf", or "foehn" without really knowing what they mean. This glossary is here to help you make sense of them !

It brings together the essential French terms you'll come across on the slopes—techniques, snow conditions, gear… everything you need to better understand the world of skiing and feel more at home in conversations with locals or fellow enthusiasts. But it goes even further. This glossary also includes words from the local Tarentaise dialect, a traditional Alpine language once spoken in the villages of Savoie.

Whether you’re carving your first turns or already have a few seasons behind you, this lexicon opens the door to the language—and culture—of skiing in the French Alps. Perfect to read before you hit the slopes… or just for the fun of learning something new.

The local expression for saying “goodbye” in Savoyard dialect is a little nod you just might hear from a lift operator as you glide over into the neighboring valley.

“Amont” refers to the upper part of the slope, toward the summit, while “aval” means the lower part, heading down to the valley. On the slopes, when someone mentions the downhill skier (“skieur aval”), they’re talking about the person below you on the slope. And it’s your responsibility, as the uphill skier (“skieur en amont”), to give them the right of way!

This word refers to skiing or snowboarding off the marked trails, where riders use natural terrain and obstacles to have fun and perform tricks.

The CATEX is a preventive avalanche control system that uses cables to transport explosives. Operated remotely by ski patrollers, it helps secure slopes that need to be cleared.

In the Méribel Mottaret ski area, a CATEX system is installed in the Plattières sector, quietly working behind the scenes to make sure the slopes are safe before you enjoy your descent.

When strong winds blow across the mountain peaks, they lift the snow into swirling clouds, making it look as if the mountain is smoking—like a chamois with a pipe.

This technique involves putting strong pressure on the downhill ski to grip the edges firmly into the snow. It’s the key to carving clean, precise turns on a freshly groomed slope — and, of course, to impress everyone around you!

A small bird with a yellow beak, often drawn to the treats left behind on picnic tables near the Mont Vallon gondola or the Roc de Tougne chairlift — where it will likely swoop in to steal a few crumbs from your Savoyard snack.

An expression from the local dialect meaning “straight down the slope,” without turning or hesitation.

A vital device for locating avalanche victims, the avalanche transceiver (also called a beacon) has become absolutely essential. When heading off-piste, carrying one is no longer optional — it’s a must!

It’s a southern wind that encourages you to relax and enjoy the Méribel valley, rather than venturing toward Val Thorens, which is more exposed to this breeze.

That large curved tube emerging from the ground is much more than just equipment — it’s a preventive avalanche control system.

A controlled explosion inside the tube creates a shockwave that can destabilize the snowpack before it becomes dangerous. And the best part? Everything is remotely operated from our offices in Méribel Mottaret.

A series of short, tight turns that were very popular in the 1970s. Even though this style is a bit vintage, if you master it well, you can still turn heads on the slopes!

When the mountain looks completely white, with snow and sky blending together, it’s called a “jour blanc.” In these conditions, it’s best to stay lower down in the ski area, on forested slopes in the Méribel Valley, to keep some contrast and better see where you’re placing your skis.

This snow bump, a staple in snowparks, serves as a launchpad for the bravest riders who take off to perform impressive jumps and tricks. Meanwhile, spectators enjoy watching riders chain spins, flips, and acrobatics — sometimes completely upside down or balanced on their side. Head to Méribel Mottaret’s Open Park to catch all the action!

They’re the person who brings the snowpark to life! Designing, shaping, and maintaining the features (kickers, rails, boxes…) to keep everything smooth, fun, and stylish. When riders nail clean lines and tricks, it’s all thanks to their shovel skills (and sharp eye)!

TSD stands for Detachable Chairlift: a high-speed chairlift that lets you travel comfortably seated, with your skis on, in the open air and surrounded by stunning mountain scenery.

TC stands for Gondola Lift: enclosed, suspended cabins that offer a quick and comfortable ride, protected from the elements!

TPH stands for Cable Car: large suspended cabins, more spacious than gondolas, designed to carry many passengers in a single trip. Just next to Méribel, try the Saulire cable car in Courchevel!

Tricks performed in freestyle, on skis or snowboard.

Attached under touring skis, they prevent slipping backward while climbing. The shorter and narrower they are, the better suited they are for experts!

Fresh, light snow—a true treasure both on and off the slopes.

PIDA stands for Avalanche Control Intervention Plan.

It’s a mountain safety system carried out by ski patrollers early in the morning, organizing and planning controlled avalanche releases to protect the slopes and skiers.

Thick fog that limits visibility on the slopes, forcing skiers to stay lower in the ski area and enjoy the forested runs for better sightlines and safer skiing.

Not a train, but a metal rail often found in snowparks, used to slide on with skis or snowboard and perform tricks inspired by skateboarding.

An electronic device that helps quickly locate a person buried under an avalanche. Requires special equipment but never replaces your avalanche transceiver (beacon)!

High avalanche danger. Going off marked trails is strongly discouraged for your safety.

Very wide skis, perfect for floating in powder snow.

“Switch” means skiing or riding backward.

A snowboard split into two skis for easier uphill travel, then reassembled for riding powder.