Piste

A 'piste' (pronounced 'peest') primarily refers to a marked and maintained ski run or slope on a mountain, typically prepared by snow-grooming machines. The term originates from French, where it broadly translates to 'track' or 'path'. While most commonly associated with skiing, 'piste' can also loosely apply to marked courses for other winter sports like snowboarding or cross-country skiing. A well-maintained piste provides a controlled environment for skiers of varying skill levels, from beginners to advanced, allowing them to enjoy a safe and predictable descent. The quality of a piste is influenced by snow conditions, grooming techniques, and the gradient of the slope.

Piste meaning with examples

• The beginner skiers enjoyed the wide, gently sloped pistes, perfect for practicing their turns and building confidence. The groomed snow made the descent smooth and predictable.
• Experienced skiers preferred the challenging black pistes, which offered steep gradients and exciting, varied terrain, testing their skills and stamina.
• After a fresh snowfall, the ski resort quickly groomed the pistes, providing pristine conditions for the next day's skiing, drawing a large crowd of eager skiers.
• Despite the heavy snowfall, the resort managed to maintain a good selection of open pistes, much to the joy of the vacationing families and the many avid skiers.