Crossword Genius

To be on the slopes is how many Russians finish (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ski

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'to be' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are verbs in their base form, I can't understand how one could define the other.

I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for ski that I've seen before include "Winter sports equipment" , "Winter sports item" , "Snow-runner" , "Winter sport attachment" , "Winter sport item" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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