switchbacking
/ˈswɪtʃˌbækɪŋ/
verb
- To travel along a path or road that goes back and forth in sharp turns up a steep slope.
- We spent the afternoon switchbacking through the hills on our mountain bikes.
- The jeep was switchbacking up the narrow mountain road.
- The trail switchbacked steeply for the next two miles.
noun
- The act or process of moving along a zigzag path up a steep incline.
- The switchbacking made the climb longer but less steep.
- The driver's careful switchbacking kept us safe on the icy road.
- Switchbacking is common on hiking trails in the Alps.