1. snow that has been compressed into a hard, dense mass, typically by repeated trampling or natural settling
Usage: common in skiing and winter sports contexts
2. a layer of hard, compacted soil or clay that is difficult to penetrate or dig through
Usage: geological or agricultural context

Examples

• The ski slope had turned to hardpack after days of warm weather and skier traffic.
• Skiers prefer fresh powder to hardpack because it offers better control.
• The farmer struggled to plow through the hardpack layer beneath the surface.
• After the freeze-thaw cycle, the ground became hardpack and difficult to work with.
• Snowboarders found the hardpack conditions challenging compared to the soft snow from yesterday.