Ski Culture Needs to Change

I’ve posted more ski content than normal lately and I’ve also been receiving some of the most judgemental and rude comments. It’s honestly disheartening.

Did you know that less than 9% of Colorado residents ski? That’s it. I was shocked when I learned this and thought it would be closer to 25-30% of residents. The stats are older, from a 2013-2014 economic impact survey, but they’re still likely directionally accurate.

I’m not sure that folks who grow up skiing know exactly how lucky they are. People don’t realize how a lot of people didn’t physically grow up near the mountains (myself included) or how socioeconomic status really plays a role in the skiing industry. It’s a privilege to even be able to ski because it’s not an accessible sport - especially financially. Learning as a kid also takes the fear out of it, so by the time you’re in your 30’s, you've had decades of experience. You probably grew up with parents who paid for your clothing and gear, even if it’s used or hand me downs, which helps tremendously. If your family went skiing, you likely are more well off than a lot of Americans.

I grew up in the midwest, was raised by a single mom, and skiing wasn’t something we did as a family (even though my mom grew up in Denver and has skied since she was a kid). I think there were a lot of variables in this.

I moved to Colorado 4+ years ago and had only been skiing twice (once in high school and once in my mid 20’s). It did not go well either time and I was the girl crying on the mountain because I was scared. I didn’t start skiing until last winter (January 2023) when something finally clicked, I actually enjoyed it, and wanted to get better. This winter (2023-2024) is the first time I’ve had a season pass and woof, it was spendy. I bought the Ikon Pass when it first came out (in the spring) and did the 6 month, 0% interest, payment plan. I think one of the largest barriers to entry is the sheer cost of even gaining access to the mountains.

I want to chat, from my perspective, on the inaccessibility to skiing.

All around cost:

This one is pretty self explanatory, but let’s break it down further.

A full Ikon Pass was $1,159 for the 2023-2024 season (oof) but day passes range from $150-$200 on average, so if you go 5-6x, it “pays” for itself. If you are new to skiing and need gear, here are some averages, of what you can expect to pay:

Ski Boots: $150-$300
Ski Poles: $30-$100
Skis: $300-$500
Bindings: $200-$300
Ski Coat + Pants: $150-$600
Base Layers: $50- $100
Mittens, Balaclava, Helmet, Goggles, etc: $150-$200

You’re looking at $2100-$3200 in total, if you want “decent” gear.

I thankfully, paid the following for my set up:

Rossignol Skis + Bindings: $45 (but y’all, they’re from 2008)
Nordica Boots: $10 (thrifted)
Ski Poles: $0 (I’m using my snowshoeing poles - I paid $45 for a set of snowshoes and poles a couple years ago)
Ski Coat + Pants, Base Layers, Mittens, Balaclava, Helmet, Goggles, etc: I already had a lot of this stuff, due to snowshoeing, and doing outdoor activities. I bought my helmet on Amazon (it’s not MIPS, so I would like to upgrade it soon) and I admittedly, will spend more on Coats + Bibs/Pants, because I like fashion and higher quality gear (so it lasts me longer). But, there are some more affordable Amazon and discount options, if you’re willing to search for deals, and potentially get some lesser quality (which there is NOTHING wrong with) gear.
2023-2024 Ikon Pass: $1,159

Total Cost: $1214 and my miscellaneous gear I already owned.

Here’s a great article that breaks down that an average family of four, who spends a week in Colorado, will spend around $10,000 to ski. TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS - FOR ONE TRIP. That is the price of a used car.

Here’s an article about the price of lift tickets in Colorado.

Lack of skills and inability to afford a proper lesson(s):

Ski lessons are expensive. While I think they would be extremely beneficial, the reality is, not everyone can afford them (even group lessons). I haven’t had a lesson, but wish I could take one, honestly.

Skiing takes more skills than something like hiking or snowshoeing, and it’s also intimidating. Not having the confidence, or knowledge, while sliding around on skis, can be less than appealing. If people have someone in their life (a parent, partner, or friend) who already skis, that can be the boost they need to take that first step and decide to try it too.

I can speak for myself and say I was terrified the first 2 times I tried skiing. On the 3rd try, something finally clicked, it felt fun, and I wanted to do it more. The chairlift also scared me. I still don’t love it, because I’m scared of heights, but most of the time I do fine on it.

Price of gear:

The cost of gear and ski passes is absurd. Even if you get used gear, it is still expensive. The reality is that not everyone can afford it, and I wish that was different. It’s not an entry level sport.

Ski culture is not always welcoming or friendly:

Sadly, ski bros are some of the worst humans I’ve experienced (at least on Instagram) and they can be extremely entitled. It is wild to me that others will make fun of you, for skiing on a green or blue slope, when that’s your current skill level. One literally called me a Jerry and said I needed to work on my form. You don’t say? Don’t you think that that’s exactly what I’m trying to do? What would you prefer - that I go down a double black diamond, which I don't have the skills for yet, and injure myself or others? Would that make me less of a Jerry then?

You literally cannot “win” with some of these folks, so I just restrict their comments (thanks for the engagement), and block them. It doesn't impress me that you can do a double black diamond if you’re a jerk to others.

There is such a difference in genuinely trying to help others, give them advice, and shaming them. In one video that went pretty viral, there was literally only ONE man who was genuinely trying to help and explain things, vs be condescending. And trust me, you can tell the difference.

Why am I doing this?

Skiing is a sport that I’m excited to do more of and learn about, but I have to also admit, that as a content creator, working with ski brands can also be disappointing. It has been a very similar experience, for me, with mountain biking brands. Quick shout out to REI for actually believing in me and gifting me my first MTB. I’m so dang grateful and cannot wait to ride it more this spring once the weather is nice again!

I’ve reached out to multiple ski brands who don’t want to work with me and seem much more concerned about skill level. My goal in posting about skiing, is to take some of the intimidation out of skiing, encourage others to try it if it’s something they’ve been wanting to do, and have it be a fun activity in nature.

I don’t understand how working with someone who’s more entry level (and is honestly more relatable to the mass public) isn’t as appealing (in a different way) than someone who is a professional. We all know ex-Olympians can ski extremely well, but they’ve also been doing it their entire lives. I would much rather see someone trying new things, as an adult, conquering their fears, and putting themselves out there. That is much more inspiring to me. I hope to change the perception of this and hope that brands (and others) will stop only glorifying extreme athletes and ex-Olympians, because that is a slim part of the population.

Why do I care about mean comments on social media?

Rude comments piss me off because I feel protective of anyone who didn’t grow up skiing - which is a lot of folks. Some of us didn’t have anyone to teach us the basics. So while things like waxing your skis, every 3 times you ski, is “common sense” to someone, that doesn’t mean it is to someone who’s new to the sport.

When did it become cool to shame others for being beginners at something?
Why not celebrate that adults are trying new things and getting out of their comfort zones?
Why not help others and give them genuine advice, when you can tell they are new to a sport?
Why not encourage them and be a resource, if you’re such an “expert”?
Why poo poo on someone who’s sharing beginner tips, because we all have to start somewhere?

What’s my purpose in spending the time to write this?

I’m here to help folks who are new to hobbies, like skiing, learn the basics instead of being condescending and shame them. Sadly, the ski industry can honestly be a pretty exclusive, judgemental, and unfriendly bunch. I want to change that, even if it’s just one person at a time.

If anyone ever has a “dumb” question, about anything, please ask. This is a safe space and I will never, ever ridicule you for not knowing something. I want to be a resource for you. And if I don’t know the answer, I’ll try and research, to help you.