General
dust on crust
What does dust on crust mean?
A disappointing surface where only a thin dusting of fresh snow lies over a hard, frozen base, so it looks soft but rides hard. Riders bemoan a dust-on-crust day.
"It looked like pow from the lift but it was just dust on crust."
Origin
Ski/snowboard slang for the thin-snow-over-ice condition.
Frequently asked questions
What does dust on crust mean?
A surface where only a thin dusting of fresh snow lies over a hard, frozen base, so it looks soft but rides hard.
Why do riders dislike dust on crust?
It fools you into expecting soft powder, but underneath it's icy and unforgiving, making for a disappointing ride.
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