The Wisconsin Skier

M—N—P—R

Mogul: noun A mogul is a bump formed either by the action of skiers making short turns or created deliberately by ski resort operators. They form in fields as skiers negotiate down the run and will grow in size and depth. Wow, that ski run was full of moguls; I wonder whent they last groomed that run?

NASTAR: acronym — noun NAtional STAndard Race. NASTAR is an amateur ski racing league set up and run by Ski Magazine. You pay a small fee, fill out a form, sign a waiver, and race. Results are determined on a handicap basis and the best skiers in each category are invited to ski at the NASTAR national competion. I regularly earn silver medals at the local NASTAR course.

Pole:

1. noun. A Skiers usually ski with a set of two poles. They are often used to assist in turning, assist in maintaining balance, help to propel the skier on flat terrain, or help with a skier’s timing. I usually use my poles to help me get to that chair lift!
2. verb. To push oneself along by using ski poles. You usually do not have enough speed after skiing that trail and you have to pole yourself to get to the chair.

Powder: noun Powder is generally used to mean fresh fallen snow. However, many skiers and boarders will use the term powder to refer to fine and dry snow. Fresh powder is highly sought after by many skiers and boarders. Sometimes referred to as pow Skiing on powder is like floating!

Ropetow: noun. A ropetow is a loop of heavy rope driven by a motor or an engine used to pull skiers up to the top of a hill. Used to be common and now are usually only used on bunny runs. Ropetows are becoming rarer by the year.