Sport Snowsports

Loose-Snow Avalanche: Definition and How They Work

A loose-snow avalanche (also called a point-release avalanche or 'sluff') starts at a single point and fans outward into a characteristic teardrop shape as it entrains more cohesionless snow on the way down. Involving loose, unconsolidated snow without a cohesive slab, they're generally smaller and less deadly than slab avalanches — but can still knock a person off their feet, carry them over cliffs, or bury them in a terrain trap, and large wet point-releases can be very destructive.

Slab Avalanche: Definition, How It Forms, and Why It’s Deadly

A slab avalanche occurs when a cohesive layer (slab) of snow fractures and releases all at once, sliding over a weaker buried layer. Recognizable by a distinct fracture line (crown) where the slab breaks away, slab avalanches can release vast amounts of snow and are responsible for the large majority of avalanche fatalities — most often triggered by the victim or a member of their party.

Avalanche: Definition, Types, and Safety

An avalanche is a rapid flow of snow down a slope, ranging from small sloughs to massive, destructive slides. The most dangerous type for backcountry travelers is the slab avalanche, where a cohesive slab of snow fractures and releases over a weak layer. Avalanches are the primary hazard of winter backcountry travel.

Camber: Definition, How It Works, and Rocker Comparison

Camber is the traditional ski and snowboard profile in which the middle of the board arches upward off the snow when unweighted, contacting the snow near the tip and tail. When you weight the board, the camber flattens and presses the edges evenly into the snow, giving strong edge grip, stability at speed, and energetic 'pop' out of turns. Camber excels on hard, groomed snow but offers less float in powder than rocker.

Rocker: Definition, How It Works, and Camber Comparison

Rocker (also called reverse camber) is a ski or snowboard profile in which the tip and/or tail curve upward off the snow, the opposite of traditional camber's downward arch. Rocker improves flotation in powder, makes turn initiation easier, and reduces edge catch, making boards more forgiving and playful — at some cost to edge grip and stability on hard snow. Most modern skis and boards blend rocker and camber to balance these traits.

DIN Setting: What It Is and Why It Matters for Ski Safety

The DIN setting is a standardized number that determines how much force is required for an alpine ski binding to release the boot, balancing the need to stay locked in during normal skiing against the need to release in a crash to prevent injury. Calculated from the skier's weight, height, age, boot sole length, and ability level, the DIN should be set and tested by a qualified technician — too high risks non-release injuries, too low risks unwanted releases.

Bindings: Definition, How They Work, and Types

Bindings are the mechanical devices that attach a skier's or snowboarder's boots to their skis or snowboard, transmitting the rider's movements to the equipment. Alpine ski bindings are designed to release the boot in a crash to reduce injury, with a release force set by the DIN scale, while snowboard bindings hold the boot firmly and do not release. Different disciplines use different binding systems.

Stem Christie: The Transitional Ski Turn Explained

The stem christie is a classic transitional ski turn that begins by stemming one ski out into a wedge to start the turn, then brings the skis parallel to finish it, 'christie' meaning a skidded parallel phase. Historically a key step in learning progressions, the stem christie bridges the gap between the beginner snowplow (wedge) turn and the advanced parallel turn, letting skiers gain the security of a stem at the start while developing the parallel skills for the finish.

Jump Turn: The Steep-Skiing Technique Explained

A jump turn is a skiing technique in which the skier hops or jumps the skis off the snow and pivots them in the air to change direction, landing facing the new way — used to turn in place on steep, narrow, or difficult terrain where a normal carved or skidded turn isn't possible or safe. Essential for steep couloirs and bad snow (like breakable crust), the jump turn lets skiers descend controlled, one decisive turn at a time, but is physically demanding and requires commitment.

Hockey Stop: The Quick Stop Technique Explained

A hockey stop is a skiing (and snowboarding) technique for stopping quickly by rapidly pivoting both skis sideways — perpendicular to the direction of travel — and edging them into the snow, scraping off speed in a short distance, much like an ice hockey player stops. A fundamental skill for control and safety, the hockey stop lets skiers stop decisively on demand, and learning it builds the edging and pivoting skills that underpin parallel skiing.