Overview
ISO 6289:2025 - Skis - Vocabulary (3rd edition) is an International Organization for Standardization vocabulary standard that defines the terms used to specify the important characteristics of alpine skis, cross‑country (XC) skis and snowboards. Published in 2025 and prepared by ISO/TC 83 (Sports and other recreational facilities and equipment), this document standardizes names and definitions for ski parts, geometry, design features, physical properties and performance descriptors to ensure consistent technical communication across the snowsports sector.
Key technical topics and defined terms
ISO 6289:2025 is organized to cover the full terminology needed when describing skis and snowboards. Major topic areas include:
- General terms: core definitions such as ski, alpine ski, cross‑country ski, snowboard, monoski and related age categories (children’s, junior, adult).
- Design features and functional elements: top surface, side surface, bottom (running) surface, bottom groove, shovel, tail and other ski sections.
- Geometry and dimensions: length, width and height definitions, camber and residual camber concepts, contact lines, and position of functional areas (e.g., kicking‑aid length for XC skis).
- Construction types and ski elements: terminology for construction methods and functional components used in alpine, XC and freeride equipment.
- Physical properties: general and discipline‑specific properties that are commonly referenced in specification and testing.
- Binding‑mounting vocabulary: terms for mounting areas, screws and accessories.
- Performance terms: descriptors for straight running, traversing, turning and general performance for alpine, XC skis and snowboards.
Note: ISO 6289:2025 is a vocabulary standard (no normative references) - it harmonizes language rather than prescribing performance limits.
Practical applications and who uses it
ISO 6289:2025 is essential for stakeholders needing precise, shared terminology:
- Manufacturers and product designers - for drafting technical specifications, CAD models and production documents.
- Test laboratories and certification bodies - for clear reporting and comparison of test results.
- Retailers, fitters and ski technicians - to communicate product features, mounting positions and performance expectations.
- Standards writers, translators and technical writers - for consistent terminology in manuals, labels and multilingual documentation.
- Sport governing bodies and event organizers - to ensure uniform descriptions in rules and equipment lists.
Related standards and reference notes
- Prepared by ISO/TC 83, and drafted according to ISO/IEC Directives (editorial rules). The document states no normative references.
- Use ISO 6289:2025 alongside discipline‑specific testing and safety standards where exact vocabulary improves interoperability, product data sheets and regulatory compliance.
Keywords: ISO 6289:2025, skis vocabulary, ski terminology, alpine ski, cross‑country ski, snowboard, ski geometry, camber, rocker, binding mounting, ski performance.
