Whiteout is when everything is white, just white. The white cloudy sky and the white snow grow together. The contours of the terrain become invisible. In some Winterlandic dialects, the word for whiteout is "snowdark". This is a very good and descriptive word, like in the dark, you see basically nothing; nothing but white, or sometimes a little grayish or blueish.Skiing in whiteout is an interesting experience. You need to ski somewhat differently, more precautious. When you can't see the terrain, you need to feel it, with your feet and your body. And you feel the terrain at the moment you're there, no pre-warning, no time to plan ahead, you must react immediately, and correctly. It's exciting and a little scary at the same time.
I would get so lost in a whiteout. I barely know snow, let alone a whiteout.
ReplyDeleteHelen
Straight From Hel
Snow is the "white gold", at least for those who love skiing.
ReplyDeleteA whiteout can be exciting, as I mentioned above, but it may be dangerous too, if you're up in the mountains and you cant't see the terrain. I like the term "snowdark" because it describes very well how it feels.
Brings back memories of skiing when we lived in Utah. And snowdark's a beautiful word for it.
ReplyDeleteLucky you! I have always wanted to ski Utah powder. Have been skiing a lot in Colorado, but never Utah.
ReplyDeleteUtah is a very facinating state; fantastic nature, and the Mormon organization of things is impressive. I read a book about the history of the Mormon church (LDS), very interesting. Think I need to write someting about this in my blog some time ...