“Schuss” belongs to a category of words specific to the sport of skiing. It comes from German, where it means “shot,” and on the mountain, it refers to a straight downhill run on skis. If you’re going on a ski trip for socializing, remember the term “après-ski” — that’s the drinks and entertainment after a day on the slopes. If you want to know more technical terms, “snowplow” is a beginner technique; “plunge” is similar to “schuss” in that it’s a fast, steep descent; and “sideslip” means “sliding down sideways instead of facing forward.” Just try to avoid bombing, which means “to ski at high speeds with little regard for control or turns.”