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alpine
[ al-pahyn, -pin ]
adjective
- of, pertaining to, on, or part of any lofty mountain.
- very high; elevated.
- Alpine, of, pertaining to, on, or part of the Alps.
- Botany. growing on mountains above the limit of tree growth:
alpine plants.
- Often Alpine. of or relating to downhill skiing or a competitive downhill skiing event. Compare Nordic ( def 3 ).
- Alpine, Anthropology. (no longer in technical use) having the features characteristic of an Alpine.
noun
- Alpine, Anthropology. (no longer in technical use) a member of a Caucasoid people found in central Europe and characterized by heavy body build, medium complexion, and straight to wavy hair.
alpine
1/ ˈælpaɪn /
adjective
- of or relating to high mountains
- (of plants) growing on mountains, esp above the limit for tree growth
- connected with or used in mountaineering in medium-sized glaciated mountain areas such as the Alps
- skiing of or relating to racing events on steep prepared slopes, such as the slalom and downhill Compare nordic
noun
- a plant that is native or suited to alpine conditions
Alpine
2/ ˈælpaɪn /
adjective
- of or relating to the Alps or their inhabitants
- geology
- of or relating to an episode of mountain building in the Tertiary period during which the Alps were formed
- of or relating to a high mountainous environment heavily modified by glacial erosion
alpine
/ ăl′pīn′ /
- Resembling or characteristic of the European Alps or any other high mountain system, especially one that has been shaped by intense glacial erosion.
Other Words From
- alpine·ly adverb
Word History and Origins
Example Sentences
“This party was beyond their skill level in these areas, both in terms of climbing and general alpine movement,” the organization said in an incident report.
Both parks feature massive granite mountains, gorgeous rivers and alpine meadows.
Tourists enjoying the picture postcard views of Lakes Lucerne, Thun or Lake Neuchatel might be surprised to learn what lies beneath those pristine alpine waters.
It’s dangerous for them, because many are not experienced hikers or climbers, but it’s worse for the alpine flora and fauna.
Enjoy a leisurely ramble through the beginning of the old-growth Heart O’ the Forest trail, or a more heart-pounding excursion to alpine wildflower meadows at Heather Park.
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More About Alpine Skiing
What is Alpine skiing?
Alpine is a classification in the sport of skiing that specifically refers to forms of what’s sometimes also called downhill skiing—events that take place on a downhill course with the objective of crossing the finish line in the shortest possible amount of time.
The terms Alpine and Alpine skiing are used in contrast with Nordic and Nordic skiing, which includes cross-country skiing and ski jumping. Both alpine and nordic are sometimes left uncapitalized.
Alpine events include the slalom, the giant slalom, the super giant slalom (popularly called Super G)—all of which involve a course marked by poles or gates—as well as the event straightforwardly known as downhill, which takes place on a relatively straight downhill course (without gates).
All of these are events in the Winter Olympics, grouped under the category officially called Alpine Skiing. There are also Alpine skiing events in the Paralympic Winter Games.
The skis used in Alpine skiing differ from those used in Nordic skiing in shape, size, and structure.
Example: Of all the Alpine events at the Winter Olympics, my favorite is giant slalom.
Where does Alpine skiing come from?
In general, the word Alpine is used in relation to things involving the European mountains known as the Alps, a popular location for skiing and other winter sports. The first records of the word Alpine in reference to skiing come from the early 1900s.
It was around that time that Alpine skiing began to be developed as a sport, gaining popularity in the 1920s. Before this time, most ski-based sporting events were of the Nordic variety.
Alpine skiing was introduced to the Winter Games in 1936 and has been featured at every Winter Olympics since, with various Alpine events like giant slalom and super giant slalom being added over the years.
Did you know ... ?
What are some synonyms for Alpine skiing?
What are some words that share a root or word element with Alpine skiing?
What are some words that often get used in discussing Alpine skiing?
How is Alpine used in the context of skiing?
Alpine skiing is the official name of the category of events in the Winter Olympics. It is sometimes casually called downhill skiing. The term Alpine is used in contrast with Nordic, which refers to other kinds of skiing, like cross-country skiing and ski jumping.
And apparently I’m the oldest female alpine Olympic medalist 🤷🏼♀️ kinda cool! #oldbutstillhip 😎#illtakeit
— lindsey vonn (@lindseyvonn) February 21, 2018
.@tedligety is the 1st U.S. man to win gold in GS & 2nd American with 2 Alpine skiing golds. (Andi Mead-Lawrence, 1952 GS/Slalom) #GoTeamUSA
— Team USA (@TeamUSA) February 20, 2014
Matthias Mayer became the first man to win gold medals in Alpine skiing at three straight Olympics (via @AP) https://t.co/aSPRatLDMn
— Bloomberg (@business) February 8, 2022
Try using Alpine!
Which of the following skiing events is NOT classified as an Alpine event?
A. Ski Jump
B. Downhill
C. Slalom
D. Giant Slalom
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