hairpin turns
Sharp road bends
Hairpin turns are extremely sharp U-shaped bends in a road, typically found on steep mountain routes where the road must double back on itself to manage elevation.
The name comes from the shape of a hairpin—a tight curve that reverses direction almost completely.
The mountain pass was notorious for its hairpin turns.
Figuratively, a hairpin turn can describe any abrupt reversal: The plot takes a hairpin turn in the third act.
- curvesBends in a line
- blind curveBend with obstructed view
- switchbackReversing mountain path
- bendCurve or flex
- twistRotating motion or surprise
chicane · serpentine · oversteer · zigzag · white-knuckle · spin · alpine · apex · motorsport · corkscrew · mountain pass · elevation gain · grip · winding · braking · road · camber · cornering
- HillclimbingPikes Peak, Prescott, steep grades, switchbacks, elevation gain
- ski racingslalom, gates, giant slalom, downhill, combined
- hill climbsPikes Peak, ascent, gradient, elevation gain, steep grades
- slot carsslot cars, chassis, controllers, lanes, motors
- Mountain Passesmountain pass, alpine pass, low pass, notch, gap
- road typesdirt road, gravel road, paved road, country road, back road