Top 35 Slang For Snowboarding – Meaning & Usage

When it comes to snowboarding, there’s more to it than just hitting the slopes. From tricks and gear to the lingo used by riders, there’s a whole world of snowboarding slang that adds an extra level of excitement to the sport. Whether you’re a seasoned shredder or just getting started, we’ve got you covered with a list of the top snowboarding slang terms that will have you speaking the language of the mountains in no time. Get ready to shred and impress your friends with your newfound knowledge!

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1. Bro

This term is used to refer to a close friend or companion, often someone who is also a snowboarder. It signifies camaraderie and a sense of belonging within the snowboarding community.

For example, “Hey bro, let’s hit the slopes together this weekend!”
A snowboarder might say, “I love riding with my bros. It’s always a good time.”
When someone successfully lands a difficult trick, their friends might shout, “Nice job, bro!”

2. Grom

This slang term is used to describe a young, talented snowboarder who shows promise and skill beyond their age. It is often used affectionately and with admiration.

For instance, “That grom is only 12 years old but already pulling off insane tricks!”
A seasoned snowboarder might take a younger rider under their wing and say, “Keep it up, grom. You’ve got a bright future in this sport.”
When a grom lands a difficult trick, their friends might cheer, “Way to go, little shredder!”

3. Shredder

This term is used to describe a highly skilled and experienced snowboarder who can ride with style and precision. It is a compliment that acknowledges their ability to “shred” or carve through the snow with ease.

For example, “Check out that shredder hitting the halfpipe with insane tricks!”
A snowboarder might say, “I aspire to be as good as the shredders in the X Games.”
When someone executes a flawless run, their friends might exclaim, “You’re a true shredder!”

4. Kook

This term is used to describe someone who is new to snowboarding or lacks skill and style on the slopes. It can also refer to someone who is acting foolishly or making mistakes while snowboarding.

For instance, “That kook keeps falling on every turn.”
A more experienced snowboarder might say, “Don’t be a kook, learn the basics before trying advanced tricks.”
When someone makes a beginner’s mistake, their friends might tease, “Nice wipeout, kook!”

5. Powder

This term refers to freshly fallen, untouched snow on the slopes. It is highly sought after by snowboarders for its fluffy and soft texture, which provides a smoother ride and allows for more challenging maneuvers.

For example, “Let’s go ride the powder in the backcountry!”
A snowboarder might say, “There’s nothing like carving through knee-deep powder.”
When someone finds a great spot with fresh powder, their friends might say, “This is the best powder day ever!”

6. Bail

Bailing refers to the act of falling or crashing while snowboarding. It can happen when attempting a trick or maneuver and failing to land it successfully.

For example, “I tried to do a backflip off the jump, but I bailed halfway through.”
Another example, “He went for a rail slide but lost his balance and bailed.”
A snowboarder might say, “I bailed hard on that icy patch.”

7. Freeride

Freeriding refers to the act of snowboarding in ungroomed terrain, such as powder or backcountry areas. It emphasizes the freedom and creativity of exploring natural features and terrain.

For instance, “I love freeriding in the deep powder after a snowstorm.”
A snowboarder might say, “I’m heading to the mountain to freeride this weekend.”
Another example, “Freeriding allows you to discover new lines and challenge yourself.”

8. Gnarly

Gnarly is a slang term used to describe something that is extreme, impressive, or difficult. In the context of snowboarding, it often refers to challenging or risky terrain or tricks.

For example, “That double black diamond run was gnarly!”
A snowboarder might say, “He pulled off a gnarly trick in the halfpipe.”
Another example, “The conditions were gnarly with high winds and icy patches.”

9. Shredding

Shredding refers to the act of riding aggressively and skillfully on a snowboard. It often involves performing tricks, jumps, and maneuvers with style and precision.

For instance, “He’s been shredding it on the slopes all day.”
A snowboarder might say, “I love the feeling of shredding down a steep run.”
Another example, “She’s known for her smooth shredding style in the terrain park.”

10. Ski bum

A ski bum is a term used to describe someone who spends a significant amount of time skiing or snowboarding. It often refers to individuals who prioritize their passion for snow sports over other aspects of life, such as work or responsibilities.

For example, “He’s a true ski bum, living in a mountain town and hitting the slopes every day.”
A snowboarder might say, “I used to be a ski bum, working odd jobs to support my snowboarding addiction.”
Another example, “She’s a ski bum at heart, always chasing the next powder day.”

11. Sick

Used to describe something that is really cool or impressive in the context of snowboarding.

For example, “That trick was sick!”
Another usage could be, “The snow conditions were sick today.”
A snowboarder might say, “I just landed a sick jump!”

12. Spin rotations

Refers to the act of rotating in the air while snowboarding.

For instance, “He did three spin rotations on that jump.”
A snowboarder might say, “I need to work on my spin rotations.”
Another example could be, “She has mastered the art of spin rotations.”

13. 50/50

Refers to a snowboarding trick where the rider slides down a rail or box with equal weight distribution on both feet.

For example, “He nailed the 50/50 on that rail.”
A snowboarder might say, “I’m working on my 50/50s.”
Another usage could be, “She struggled with the balance in her 50/50.”

14. Air

Refers to the act of getting airborne while snowboarding.

For instance, “He caught some big air on that jump.”
A snowboarder might say, “I love the feeling of being in the air.”
Another example could be, “She went for maximum air on that jump.”

15. Air-to-Fakie

Refers to a snowboarding trick where the rider jumps off a feature and lands in a switch or fakie stance.

For example, “He executed a perfect air-to-fakie.”
A snowboarder might say, “I’m practicing my air-to-fakie technique.”
Another usage could be, “She struggled with the landing in her air-to-fakie.”

16. All-Mountain

Refers to a type of snowboard that is designed to perform well in various snow conditions and terrain types. An all-mountain board is suitable for riding on groomed slopes, powder, and even in the park.

For example, “I prefer an all-mountain board because I like to switch it up between carving and hitting jumps.”
A snowboarder might say, “I took my all-mountain board out for some fresh powder today.”
Another might comment, “An all-mountain board is a great choice for riders who want to explore different parts of the mountain.”

17. Alley-Oop

In snowboarding, an alley-oop refers to a trick where the rider rotates in the opposite direction of their natural stance. It involves riding up the halfpipe wall, rotating 180 or more degrees, and landing in the opposite direction.

For instance, “He nailed an alley-oop 540 in the halfpipe competition.”
A snowboarder might say, “I’ve been working on my alley-oop spins, they add style to my runs.”
Another might comment, “The alley-oop is a challenging trick that requires good body control and timing.”

18. Backcountry

Refers to areas of untracked and undeveloped snow away from the groomed slopes and designated trails. Backcountry snowboarding involves exploring remote and less accessible areas of the mountain.

For example, “I love the thrill of riding in the backcountry, it’s like being in nature’s playground.”
A snowboarder might say, “We hiked up the mountain to reach the backcountry and found some amazing powder.”
Another might comment, “Backcountry snowboarding requires proper safety gear and knowledge of avalanche conditions.”

19. Bitchin’ calf dick

This slang term is used to describe a difficult or impressive trick performed on a snowboard. It implies that the trick requires a high level of skill and control.

For instance, “He pulled off a bitchin’ calf dick on the big jump.”
A snowboarder might say, “I’ve been practicing that calf dick trick all season, it’s so satisfying to land.”
Another might comment, “The calf dick is a crowd-pleaser, it always gets a reaction from the spectators.”

20. Boned out

In snowboarding, “boned out” refers to extending the legs while in the air during a trick or jump. This technique adds style and grabs attention from onlookers.

For example, “She boned out her grab on that jump, it looked so stylish.”
A snowboarder might say, “I love the feeling of floating in the air when I bone out my grabs.”
Another might comment, “Boning out a trick requires good balance and control to maintain stability in the air.”

21. Front

Refers to performing a trick or riding with the front of the body facing downhill. It involves rotating or spinning in the direction of the rider’s toeside edge.

For example, “He landed a clean frontside 360 off the jump.”
A snowboarder might say, “I prefer riding frontside because it feels more natural.”
In a snowboarding competition, a judge might comment, “That was a stylish frontside grab.”

22. Ripper

A term used to describe a highly skilled and talented snowboarder. It is often used to praise someone’s ability and style on the slopes.

For instance, “She’s a ripper, always pushing the limits with her tricks.”
A snowboarding enthusiast might say, “I aspire to become a ripper like him.”
In a snowboarding video, a commentator might exclaim, “Check out this young ripper tearing up the park!”

23. Chicken-feed

Refers to a small amount of money, usually insignificant or not worth much. It is often used in the context of expenses related to snowboarding.

For example, “The lift ticket prices are just chicken-feed compared to the cost of renting equipment.”
A snowboarder might say, “I’m always on a tight budget, so I try to find cheap accommodations and save on chicken-feed expenses.”
In a conversation about the cost of snowboarding, someone might mention, “It’s not just the gear and lift tickets, but all the chicken-feed expenses that add up.”

24. Moolah

A slang term for money, often used in a casual or playful manner. It can refer to the funds needed for snowboarding-related expenses.

For instance, “I need to save up some moolah for my snowboarding trip.”
A snowboarder might say, “I wish I had more moolah to buy that new board.”
In a discussion about the cost of snowboarding, someone might mention, “It’s all about balancing the moolah with the passion for the sport.”

25. Prawn

A term used to describe a beginner or inexperienced snowboarder. It is often used in a light-hearted or teasing manner.

For example, “He’s still a prawn on the slopes, but he’s improving.”
A more experienced snowboarder might say, “I remember when I was a prawn and struggled to link turns.”
In a snowboarding lesson, an instructor might say, “Don’t worry if you feel like a prawn at first, everyone starts somewhere.”

26. Fam

This term is used to refer to a close group of friends or fellow snowboarders. It signifies a sense of camaraderie and shared experiences on the slopes.

For example, a snowboarder might say, “Heading up to the mountain with the fam this weekend!”
Someone might post a photo of their snowboarding crew with the caption, “Love shredding with my fam.”
In a conversation about favorite snowboarding spots, a rider might mention, “My fam and I always go to this awesome resort in Colorado.”

27. Brother from another mother

This phrase is used to describe someone who is not a biological sibling but is considered to be like a brother due to a strong bond or shared interests, such as snowboarding.

For instance, a snowboarder might say, “John and I have been riding together for years. He’s like a brother from another mother.”
When introducing a friend to their snowboarding crew, someone might say, “Meet Steve, my brother from another mother.”
In a conversation about the snowboarding community, a rider might comment, “We’re all brothers from another mother on the mountain.”

28. Partner in crime

This phrase refers to someone who is a trusted and reliable companion in snowboarding adventures. It implies a shared love for the sport and a willingness to take risks together.

For example, a snowboarder might say, “Heading out with my partner in crime to hit some gnarly jumps.”
When planning a snowboarding trip, someone might ask, “Who wants to be my partner in crime for this epic powder day?”
In a discussion about memorable snowboarding experiences, a rider might recall, “My partner in crime and I tackled a challenging backcountry run last season.”

29. Shred

This term is used to describe the action of snowboarding with skill and intensity. It signifies riding in a fast and aggressive manner, often performing tricks or maneuvers.

For instance, a snowboarder might say, “I’m going to shred the mountain today!”
When describing a great run, someone might comment, “I shredded the slopes and landed some sick tricks.”
In a conversation about favorite snowboarders, a rider might say, “I love watching pro athletes shred the halfpipe.”

30. Pow

This term refers to fresh, untouched snow that is ideal for snowboarding. It signifies the soft, fluffy texture of the snow and the exhilarating feeling of riding through it.

For example, a snowboarder might say, “I can’t wait to hit the pow in the backcountry.”
When sharing a photo of a snowy landscape, someone might caption it, “Powder paradise!”
In a discussion about favorite snowboarding conditions, a rider might say, “Nothing beats riding through knee-deep pow.”

31. Stoked

To be extremely enthusiastic or excited about something, especially in relation to snowboarding.

For example, “I’m so stoked to hit the slopes this weekend!”
A snowboarder might say, “I’m stoked for the fresh powder that just came in.”
Another might exclaim, “I’m stoked to try out this new trick I learned!”

32. Park rat

A slang term used to describe someone who spends a significant amount of time in the terrain park, focusing on tricks and jumps rather than other aspects of snowboarding.

For instance, “He’s a total park rat. You’ll always find him in the terrain park.”
A snowboarder might say, “I used to be a park rat, but now I prefer riding in the backcountry.”
Another might comment, “Park rats are fearless when it comes to hitting big jumps.”

33. Face shot

When a snowboarder rides through deep powder and the snow sprays up into their face, often creating a dramatic visual effect.

For example, “I got a massive face shot on that last run!”
A snowboarder might say, “The best part about riding in deep powder is getting face shots.”
Another might exclaim, “I love the feeling of a face shot, it’s like being completely immersed in the snow!”

34. Butter

A term used to describe the action of performing smooth and stylish tricks on a snowboard, often involving rotations and slides.

For instance, “He buttered that rail with ease.”
A snowboarder might say, “I’ve been practicing my buttering skills all season.”
Another might comment, “Buttering is a great way to add style to your riding.”

35. Jib

To ride or perform tricks on non-snow surfaces, such as rails, boxes, or other obstacles.

For example, “He’s really good at jibbing on urban features.”
A snowboarder might say, “I love finding creative jib spots in the city.”
Another might comment, “Jibbing is all about balance and control.”