47 snowboarding terms explained, including jibbing, buttering, jerry, corduroy and catching an edge, each with a one-line meaning.
Snowboarding terminology arrived with the sport itself, borrowed part from surfing and part from skateboarding, then grown on chairlifts ever since. Some of it is precise, like piste, kicker and switch. Some of it is pure snowboard slang, like shred, jerry and stomp. The words related to snowboarding below run from the parts of the board to the features in the terrain park, and the words associated with mountain life come with them. The snowboarding glossary sorts the lot alphabetically.
Must-Know Snowboarding Terms, Phrases and Slang:
- Backcountry
- Bonk
- Buttering
- Carve
- Half-pipe
- Jibbing
- Nose
- Powder
- Rail
- Regular stance
- Ripper
- Shred
- Slopestyle
- Tail
- Freeride
- Goofy stance
- Grab
- Kicker
- Piste
- Stomp
- Switch
- Terrain park
- Vert
- Wax
- Chairlift
- Gondola
- Helmet
- Falling leaf
- Face plant
- Snowcat
Snowboarding Glossary: Every Term A to Z
| Term | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Backcountry | Terrain outside the patrolled resort boundary. Untouched snow, and avalanche risk that is yours to manage. |
| Base | The plastic underside of the board that runs on the snow and holds the wax. |
| Bindings | The mounts that hold the boots to the board, adjustable for angle and width. |
| Bonk | Deliberately tapping the board off an object such as a tree stump or a rail while riding past. |
| Box | A flat-topped park feature, wider than a rail and the usual first step into jibbing. |
| Buttering | Pressing on the nose or tail and spinning on it, with the rest of the board off the snow. |
| Camber | The upward arch in a board between the feet, which loads energy into a turn. |
| Carve | Riding on the edge so the board cuts a clean arc instead of skidding. |
| Catching an Edge | The uphill edge biting into the snow unintentionally, which puts a rider down fast. |
| Chairlift | The open lift with a looped cable and hanging chairs that carries riders back up. |
| Corduroy | The ribbed surface left by the grooming machines. Best carving snow of the day, early. |
| Drop In | Starting a run down a steep face or a pipe wall. Also the call made before doing it. |
| Edge | The steel strip along each side of the board that holds the snow in a turn. |
| Face Plant | Landing face first in the snow, usually after catching an edge. |
| Fall Line | The most direct line down the slope, the way a ball would roll. |
| Falling leaf | The first way beginners control speed: the board stays across the slope on one edge while the rider slides nose first, then tail first, zigzagging down. The skier's wedge is not possible on a snowboard. |
| Freeride | Riding natural terrain for its own sake rather than for park features or competition. |
| Gondola | An enclosed cabin lift, used on longer or more exposed routes than a chairlift. |
| Goofy Stance | Riding with the right foot forward. |
| Grab | Taking hold of the board in the air, named by which hand grabs which edge. |
| Half-pipe | A U-shaped snow channel ridden wall to wall for airs above the lip. |
| Helmet | Standard head protection, now worn by most riders at every level. |
| Jerry | A rider whose mistakes give away their inexperience. Usually said with affection. |
| Jibbing | Sliding or grinding on anything that is not snow: rails, boxes, logs, whatever is there. |
| Kicker | A built jump, shaped to launch a rider into the air on a set trajectory. |
| Leash | The strap connecting the board to the leg, required by some resorts to stop runaway boards. |
| Nose | The front end of the board. |
| Ollie | Popping off the tail to get airborne with no jump under you. |
| Park Rat | Someone who spends the whole day in the terrain park and never leaves it. |
| Piste | A marked, prepared run. From the French, and used across European resorts. |
| Powder | Fresh, light, untracked snow. The reason people set alarms. |
| Rail | A metal bar in the park to slide or grind along. |
| Regular Stance | Riding with the left foot forward. The more common of the two stances. |
| Ripper | A rider who is genuinely good, at ease on any terrain. |
| Rocker | The reverse of camber, curving up at nose and tail. Easier to spin and float in powder. |
| Shred | To ride hard and well. Also just to go snowboarding, said with enthusiasm. |
| Sidecut | The curve of the board's edge from tip to tail, which sets how tightly it can turn. |
| Slopestyle | A contest format on a course of jumps, rails and other features, judged on the whole run. |
| Slush | Wet, soft afternoon snow late in the season. Slow, forgiving and easy to fall in. |
| Snowcat | The tracked machine that grooms the runs overnight, and carries riders uphill in cat skiing. |
| Stomp | To land a trick cleanly and hold it, with no hand down and no slide out. |
| Switch | Riding with the other foot forward than usual. Doing tricks switch counts for more. |
| Tail | The back end of the board. |
| Terrain Park | The section of a resort built for freestyle riding, with jumps, rails, boxes and often a pipe. |
| Vert | The steep upper part of a pipe wall, and by extension the airtime it makes possible. |
| Wax | The coating melted into the base to cut friction. Matched to snow temperature. |
| Yard Sale | A crash bad enough to leave gear scattered across the slope behind you. |
#1 Backcountry
An area off the main trails of a ski resort where snowboarders can find untouched powder and natural terrain features. Backcountry riding requires knowledge of avalanche safety and often involves hiking to reach the best spots.
#2 Bonk
A snowboarding trick where the rider intentionally hits an object, such as a tree or rail, with the board while in motion. It’s a way to show off control and creativity on the slopes.
#3 Buttering
A technique where the snowboarder presses down on either the nose or tail of the board while spinning or moving, resembling the spreading of butter. It’s a stylish way to play around on the slopes and add flair to your riding.
#4 Carve
To ride on the edge of the snowboard, cutting deep, clean arcs into the snow. Carving is fundamental for speed and control, offering a smooth ride down the slopes.
#5 Half-pipe
A U-shaped snow structure used for performing aerial tricks. Snowboarders gain momentum from one side to the other, executing moves like spins and flips while riding the half-pipe.
#6 Jibbing
The action of sliding or grinding on anything other than snow, typically on rails, boxes, or any other creative object found in the terrain park. Jibbing is about precision and balance.
#7 Nose
The front end of a snowboard, which is typically pointed or rounded to help navigate and initiate turns. The nose is crucial for control and plays a significant role in how the board handles in different snow conditions.
#8 Powder
Fresh, loose, untracked snow that is a favorite among snowboarders for its softness and ease of carving. Snowboarding in powder can feel like floating, and it allows for smooth, flowing movements.
#9 Rail
Used for grinding, a rail is a long, narrow piece of metal or other material in a snow park that snowboarders slide across. Mastering a rail requires balance and precision, often showcasing a rider’s technical skills.
#10 Regular Stance
A stance where the snowboarder has their left foot forward while riding, which indicates their natural position on the board. It is the most common riding stance among snowboarders and is opposite to the goofy stance.
#11 Ripper
A term for a highly skilled snowboarder who is adept at riding and can handle various terrain and tricks with ease. A ripper is known for their proficiency and style on the slopes.
#12 Shred
Shred is a slang term used to describe the act of snowboarding with skill and enthusiasm, often involving performing tricks and riding fast. It captures the essence of enjoying the sport and pushing personal limits.
#13 Slopestyle
A snowboarding event where riders traverse a course with various obstacles, including jumps, rails, and other features. Slopestyle challenges a rider’s versatility and ability to execute tricks with style and precision.
#14 Tail
The rear end of the snowboard, which is crucial for performing certain tricks and maneuvers. Knowing how to control and use the tail effectively can enhance a rider’s trick repertoire and stability.
#15 Freeride
A style of snowboarding focused on natural terrain, creativity, and exploration rather than structured competition. Freeride snowboarding is about carving lines through unspoiled snow and using the landscape as it comes, often in backcountry settings.
#16 Goofy Stance
A snowboarding stance where the rider’s right foot leads, opposite to the more common regular stance where the left foot leads. The choice of stance is based on what feels most natural for balance and control.
#17 Grab
A trick performed in mid-air where a snowboarder physically grabs part of their board, such as the nose or tail. Grabs can add style points and stability during jumps and tricks in freestyle snowboarding.
#18 Kicker
A man-made or natural jump built on a slope that allows snowboarders to get airborne. A kicker is often used to perform aerial tricks and is a staple feature in snowparks and halfpipes.
#19 Piste
The French term for a marked ski run or trail on a mountain that’s been prepared for snowboarders and skiers. Piste conditions can vary from icy to groomed, and they’re known for their maintained and packed snow.
#20 Stomp
To land a trick solidly and with complete control is known as a “stomp.” Stomping a trick implies a high level of skill and is especially rewarding when done after a big jump or complex maneuver.
#21 Switch
Riding with the opposite foot forward compared to one’s natural stance, essentially the equivalent of riding backward. It’s an advanced technique that can add complexity to tricks and impress onlookers and judges.
#22 Terrain Park
A specially designed area in a ski resort with various structures such as rails, jumps, and boxes for snowboarders and skiers to perform tricks. Terrain parks are playgrounds for freestyle enthusiasts looking to push their limits.
#23 Vert
Short for “vertical,” this term refers to the vertical drop or steepness of a snowboarding ramp or halfpipe. A higher vert allows for more airtime and the opportunity to perform advanced aerial tricks.
#24 Wax
Applied to the base of a snowboard to reduce friction with the snow, waxing helps ensure a smoother and faster ride down the slopes. Different types of wax may be used based on snow conditions and temperature.
#25 Chairlift
A type of aerial lift consisting of a looped cable and a series of chairs, a chairlift transports snowboarders and skiers up the mountain. It’s the quintessential ski resort experience, providing a scenic view as riders ascend.
#26 Gondola
A gondola is an enclosed cabin that hangs from a cable, designed to carry skiers and snowboarders up the mountain. It offers protection from the elements and is often used on longer or higher-altitude lifts than chairlifts.
#27 Helmet
An essential piece of safety gear for snowboarders, a helmet protects the head from injuries during falls and collisions. Helmets are designed to absorb impact and are recommended for all levels of riders.
#28 Falling leaf
Falling leaf is the first way most beginners learn to control speed. The board stays across the slope on one edge while the rider shifts weight from nose to tail, sliding down in a zigzag that looks like a leaf drifting to the ground. The wedge that skiers use is not possible on a snowboard, because both feet are fixed to the same board.
#29 Face Plant
A fall where a snowboarder lands face-first into the snow, usually happening after a failed trick or catching an edge. It’s an amusing term but also a reminder to ride within one’s abilities.
#30 Snowcat
A heavy, tracked vehicle used to groom snow on slopes and trails or to transport people and equipment in snowy conditions. Snowcats are essential for maintaining ski and snowboard areas, ensuring the snow is evenly distributed and compacted.
FAQ
What does butter mean in snowboarding?
Buttering is pressing all your weight onto the nose or the tail so the other end lifts off the snow, then spinning or riding on it. It is a flatland trick, done anywhere on the hill rather than off a feature.
What is a jerry in snowboarding slang?
A rider whose gear or mistakes show they are new to it: goggles over the helmet, skis and board clashing on the lift, a fall in the lift line. It is used more in fun than in anger.
What is snow plowing on a snowboard?
Snow plow is a skiing term for the wedge-shaped braking stance, and it does not transfer to a snowboard, since both feet are fixed to one board. Snowboarders slow down by skidding the board sideways across the fall line instead.
What does stance mean in snowboarding?
Which foot leads. Left foot forward is regular, right foot forward is goofy. Stance also covers the binding angles and the width between the feet, which riders set to taste.
What is a slang term for a snowboarder?
Rider, boarder or shredder. Someone who rides genuinely well is a ripper, and someone who is obviously new is a jerry.
What is it called when a snowboarder lands a trick cleanly?
Stomping it. A stomped landing means both feet down, no hand touching the snow and no slide out.
The board (nose, tail, edge, base, camber, bindings), the snow (powder, piste, corduroy, slush, fall line), the park (kicker, rail, box, half-pipe, jibbing) and the slang (shred, stomp, jerry, yard sale). The snowboarding glossary above collects them.
What are some snowboarding terms for beginners?
“Carve,” “Powder,” and “Half-pipe” are some snowboarding terms beginners should start with. These basics cover important techniques and the types of terrain they will encounter.
What are some funny snowboarding terms?
“Bonk,” “Face plant,” and “Buttering” are some funny snowboarding terms. They add levity to falls, playful tricks, and snowboarding styles, infusing humor into the sport’s culture.
What is a famous snowboarding phrase?
“Shred the gnar,” is a famous snowboarding phrase, encapsulating the excitement and thrill of skillfully navigating challenging terrain, becoming synonymous with the snowboarding lifestyle.
