powder monkey

plural powder monkeys

1. informalAn explosives expert; a person who sets explosives.
2. nauticalA person employed to carry gun powder from the ship's magazine to the gun deck during a battle; in the 18th century Royal British and U.S. Navies, this task (also carrying water) during battles became a permanent nickname for the ship's cabin boys and apprentice seamen.
3. informalhobbiesA skier or snowboarder who avidly seeks out the “powder” (light, dry, fluffy snow).

   There are lots of fine cutovers into untouched sugar for powder monkeys (snow permitting, of course).

   2008, Charles Leocha, Charlie Leocha's Ski Snowboard Europe, 16th edition, World Leisure Corporation, →ISBN, 978-0-915009-86-2, page 86

   4 more examples

   Snowbird has been amending its reputation as a destination primarily for the steep-and-deep skiers and powder monkeys. Off the Baby Thunder lift in 1995, the resort has a largely protected area that has gentle slopes great for less experienced skiers.

   2000, Charles Leocha et al., Ski America and Canada, World Leisure Corporation, →ISBN, page 218

   How's about this then me little powder monkeys... A chance to WIN A SNOWBOARD OF YOUR CHOICE up to the value of £350.

   2002 September 9, denise&bryn, “www Snowboard 25/12”, in uk.rec.competitions (Usenet)

   On the opposite, western boundary, the blue fingers under the Timberline Express are training grounds for powder monkeys, flanked by mellow glades and blessed with small natural hits and stashes of deep snow.

   2003, Tam Leach et al., The Rough Guide to Skiing & Snowboarding in North America, Rough Guides, →ISBN, page 146

   Yes, getting up the mountain is more of a hassle — powder monkeys will probably yelp in frustration because of the extra minutes involved each morning. But if you want a more laid-back holiday, […] you’ll love it.

   2006 November 19, Sean Newsom, “Europe's poshest ski chalets”, in The Sunday Times

   Synonyms: powder hound