Crossword Genius

Runners on less firm terrain here — fine, in spite of stumbling (3,5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

off-piste

'runners on less firm terrain here' is the definition.
('runner' could refer to a 'ski')

'fine in spite of stumbling' is the wordplay.
'fine' becomes 'f' (abbreviation).
'in' indicates putting letters inside.
'stumbling' indicates anagramming the letters.
'spite'+'of'='spiteof'
'spiteof' with letters rearranged gives 'ofpiste'.
'f' inserted within 'ofpiste' is 'OFF-PISTE'.

(Other definitions for off-piste that I've seen before include "On unauthorised ski slope" , "Away from prepared ski runs" , "Away from the regular runs in skiing" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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