hit the slopes

USAGE SUMMARY

"hit the slopes" is a correct and common phrase that can be used in written English.
It means to go skiing or snowboarding on a mountain. Example: After a long week of work, I can't wait to hit the slopes and spend a day on the mountain with my friends.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Some were heading out West to hit the slopes.

The New York Times

In short, street wear has hit the slopes.

The New York Times

All this before you've even "hit the slopes".

The Guardian - Travel

Your relative did not die in vain — I can hit the slopes again!

The New York Times

Hit the slopes This weekend is a great time to find a cheap ski deal.

Independent

So if you're a star performer at work, you can hit the slopes guilt free? A.

The New York Times

Next morning, after a breakfast of birchermüesli, we're ready to hit the slopes.

The Guardian - Travel

Rodriguez and Kwiatkowski hit the slopes of La Planche des Belles Filles together.

The Guardian - Sport

Within a day of getting the first favorable snow report, Mr. Turgeon hit the slopes.

The New York Times - Travel

Rejoice, then, when your little ones reach the age when they, too, can hit the slopes.

The Guardian - Travel

INTEREST GUIDE: SKIING Hit the slopes one more time before ski season is over.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about winter activities, use "hit the slopes" to convey excitement and anticipation. It's an idiomatic expression that adds a touch of informality and enthusiasm to your text.

Common error

Don't take the phrase "hit the slopes" literally, as in physically striking the snow. It's an idiom that means going skiing or snowboarding. Using it in a context where physical impact is implied would be incorrect.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "hit the slopes" is as a verb phrase, acting as an idiomatic expression. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms it's a common phrase that means to go skiing or snowboarding.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hit the slopes" is a common and grammatically correct idiomatic expression meaning to go skiing or snowboarding. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely used, particularly in news and media contexts, to express the intention of engaging in winter sports. While generally neutral in register, it adds a touch of informality and enthusiasm. For more formal writing, alternatives like "engage in winter sports" may be more appropriate. Remember, the expression should not be taken literally; it's about enjoying time skiing and snowboarding. The phrase is prevalent across authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, reinforcing its reliability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

go skiing

Focuses specifically on skiing, omitting snowboarding or other snow sports.

go snowboarding

Emphasizes snowboarding instead of skiing.

ski down the mountain

More descriptive, specifying the direction of the skiing activity.

shred the slopes

Informal and emphasizes skillful skiing or snowboarding.

carve the slopes

Similar to shred, but more about making clean turns.

spend a day skiing

Focuses on the duration of the activity.

enjoy a ski trip

Highlights the entire trip experience, not just the skiing itself.

take to the mountain

A more general phrase implying any mountain activity.

brave the slopes

Implies the activity may be challenging or dangerous.

visit a ski resort

Focuses on the location rather than the activity itself.

FAQs

What does "hit the slopes" mean?

The phrase "hit the slopes" means to go skiing or snowboarding. It's an idiomatic expression used to describe the act of engaging in these winter sports activities.

What can I say instead of "hit the slopes"?

You can use alternatives like "go skiing", "go snowboarding", or "ski down the mountain" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "hit the slopes" in formal writing?

While "hit the slopes" is widely understood, it's best suited for informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider more descriptive alternatives like "engage in winter sports" or "ski at a resort".

How do I use "hit the slopes" in a sentence?

You can use "hit the slopes" in sentences like: "After a long week, I can't wait to hit the slopes" or "They decided to hit the slopes during their winter vacation".