Alpine


Pertaining to high mountains.

Alpine Skiing


Downhill skiing.

Backcountry


Remote, undeveloped, wild areas far from civilization.

Basecamp


A main encampment providing supplies, shelter, and communications for people engaged in wide-ranging activities, like exploring, reconnaissance, hunting, or mountain climbing.

Base Layer


The layer of clothing that goes directly on the skin also known as long underwear or thermals.

Bib


A type of ski pants that extends up over the chest and has suspenders: They look similar to overalls. When made for skiing they are usually insulated.

Bear Bag/Bear canister

A bag used to hang food and other scented items out of reach of bears and other wildlife.

Belay


A rope management technique used in climbing to exert tension on the rope in order to catch a falling climber.

Bivy (Bivouac)


A temporary camp without tents or cover.

Bouldering


Climbing without a rope on boulders or at the base of cliffs with a crash pad to protect against falls.

Bushwhacking


Hiking off-trail through dense vegetation.

Cache


A hiding place used to store provisions, gear, or food.

Cairn


A human-made pile of stones marking a trail.

Crag


A steep rugged rock or cliff.

Fire Ring


A barrier used to contain a campfire and prevent it from spreading.

Free Soloing


Climbing without the use of ropes or protection.

Glissading


Sliding down a steep slope of snow or ice, usually while seated, as a shortcut and a quick way to descend.

Guyline


A cord used to stabilize a tent by anchoring it to the ground.

Leave No Trace (LNT)


A set of guidelines for outdoor ethics promoting conservation in the outdoors.

Multi-day Hike

A hike that takes several days to complete, often involving camping overnight.

Pack Out

A principle urging visitors to carry out whatever they carried in, to keep places clean.

Pitch

In rock climbing, a section of a route that is climbed between two belay points.

Rappel

The method of descending a rock face or other surface using a rope.

Ridgeline

A long, narrow high section of mountain terrain, with substantially lower ground on either side.

Route Finding

The skill of choosing a route to a particular destination or along a particular course, often used in the context of off-trail hiking or climbing.

Scrambling

Moving quickly up or over terrain too steep to walk easily, but not steep enough to require climbing equipment.

Summit

The highest point of a mountain or hill.

Switchback

A zigzag path, road, or trail up a steep incline.

Thru-Hiking

Hiking an established long-distance hiking trail end-to-end within one hiking season.

Topo Map (Topographic Map)

A type of map characterized by large-scale detail and quantitative representation of relief, using contour lines.

Trailhead

The point at which a trail begins.

Trek

A long arduous journey, especially one made on foot.

Water Source

A natural or man-made site from which to obtain water, especially while hiking or camping