Racing Terminology

Bib: The numbered vest each racer wears during a race to identify them.

Boot Out: When a skier's boot hits the snow during a turn, causing them to lose balance or crash—often happens on steep or icy courses.

Carving: Making clean turns with your skis on edge, leaving smooth, curved tracks in the snow.

Cross Blocking: The action of knocking down gates to achieve the fastest line with pole guards and shins in slalom.

Course Inspection: Time given before the race for athletes to slowly go down the course (usually from the side) to study the gate pattern and plan their line.

Delay: A section of a course (SL, GS or Super-G) where the racer goes through two gates going in the same direction. 

DNF (Did Not Finish): Used in race results when a skier does not complete the course, often due to a fall or missed gate. Athletes should get a snack, cheer on teammates and go ski!

DSQ (Disqualified): When a racer is disqualified for rules violations like missing a gate or not following proper procedures.

Edging: Using the edges of your skis to grip the snow, especially important in hard turns.

Fall Line: The most direct path down the hill—where gravity pulls you straight downhill.

FIS (International Ski Federation): Governing body for all international ski racing. Athletes must be at least 16 years old to compete in FIS races. 

Flush: A section of a slalom course with several gates close together in a straight line, requiring quick, rhythmic turns.

Gate: The markers (usually pairs of poles with flags) that define the racing course. Racers must ski around them in a specific pattern.

Giant Slalom (GS): A race discipline with wider, faster turns than slalom. Gates are farther apart than in slalom but closer than in Super-G.

Line: The path a skier chooses to take down the course. A fast and efficient line is key to a great run.

Panel Slalom: A variation of slalom using fabric “panels” between gates instead of just poles—common for younger athletes.

Pole Plant: Using your ski poles to help with balance and timing during turns.

Ruts: Grooves or uneven areas that form in the snow as more racers go through the course. Good racers learn to work with them, not fight them.

Shin Guard / Pole Guard / Chin Guard: Protective gear used in slalom to shield the body from hitting gates at high speed.

Slalom (SL): The discipline with the shortest turns and closest gates. Requires quick feet and fast reflexes.

Start Order / Running Order: The order in which racers compete. It can be based on age group, rankings, or a random draw.

Stubbies: Short training gates used for younger or beginner skiers to learn how to turn without full-sized poles.

Super-G (Super Giant Slalom): A speed event with longer, faster turns than GS and more terrain features. There’s no course inspection run, so it demands confidence and quick reactions.

Tuck: A compact skiing position that reduces wind resistance and increases speed—often used in GS and Super-G.

Turn Shape: Refers to how round or sharp a skier’s turns are. Good turn shape helps control speed and maximize efficiency.

USSS: US Ski and Snowboard: national governing body for US youth ski racing.

Zipper Line: A super direct line through slalom gates where racers hit each gate straight on, often brushing it aside with their hands or shins.