Definition: The word "alpine" can be translated to mean "mountainous or high-altitude." This term was originally used for the mountains, but as it spread, it came to encompass the lower elevations on either side of the mountain range, often referring to regions where snow and ice cover the ground. The word "alpine," in its modern form, can also refer to a type of Alpine ski slope or trail that is designed specifically for skiing at higher altitudes than the standard ski runs. So, if we combine "mountainous" (meaning mountains), "high-altitude" (the term originally used for mountain ranges, but later extended to include the lower elevations on either side of a mountain range), and "alpine" with "ski slope," we end up with the word "alpine." This term was widely used during the 20th century, especially in the Alpine region of Switzerland, France, Italy, Austria, Germany, Czech Republic, and parts of Russia, for skiing at higher altitudes.

alpinesque