How an avalanche beacon works and saves lives
August 21, 2016
An avalanche beacon is a safety device that transmits a signal that rescuers use to home in on someone buried by an avalanche.
Welcome to the SnowSlang blog
Learn the latest skiing slang, snowboarding lingo, and snow science terminology
Ski trail ratings: green circles, blue squares, and black diamonds
July 26, 2016
The green circles, blue squares, and black diamonds that illustrate ski trail ratings were informed by Disney’s work on a proposed ski resort.
What is sastrugi (aka zastrugi)?
July 14, 2016
Sastrugi is a wind-sculpted snow formation with irregular grooves and/or ridges.
Zorb death is tragic reminder: watch your fall line!
July 7, 2016
Like a human hamster ball, a zorb is a sphere that people ride in.
No friends on a powder day
May 29, 2016
Forget the posse and ditch your bros: if it’s nuking and you want first tracks, you better remember there are no friends on powder days.
Avalanche probe: gear you hope to never use for real
May 18, 2016
An avalanche probe is a rod that’s used to poke through avalanche debris in order to find a buried victim.
What is a powder day clause and why do you need one?
May 11, 2016
A powder day clause is an element of one’s work arrangement in which the party can blow off their job and go skiing/riding when there’s fresh pow.
Snow cornice: beautiful but potentially deadly
May 11, 2016
A mass of overhanging ice or snow, typically found on a ridgetop or edge of a cirque.