piste

American  

[peest] / pist /

noun

1. a track or trail, as a downhill ski run or a spoor made by a wild animal.

2. (in fencing) a regulation-size strip, usually 2 meters wide and 14 meters long, on which fencers compete.

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piste British  

/ piːst /

noun

1. a trail, slope, or course for skiing

2. a rectangular area for fencing bouts

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Etymology

Origin of piste

1720–30; < French: animal track < Italian pista, pesta, noun derivative of pestare to pound, crush < Vulgar Latin, frequentative of Latin pī ( n ) sere; pestle

Example Sentences

Last weekend a third official training session for the Para-alpine skiing downhill events was cancelled in a bid to maintain the piste conditions.

From BBC

As our pilot throws his rescue helicopter over one of the jagged ridges below us, we see ant-like skiers queueing at lifts or weaving down various pistes.

From BBC

"When she comes skiing, it's nice to get to the bottom of the piste, win or lose, and have this furry ball of love waiting for me."

From BBC

She was airlifted off the piste and diagnosed with a complex tibia fracture in her left leg.

From BBC

Way-marked pistes are generally protected by pre-emptive avalanche blasting, and their snow is flattened and compacted to further reduce the risk.

From BBC