Ah, you can only hope the first snowfall is in late November so you can kick-start your ski season. You pray the season extends until March so you can get in as much Spring skiing in as possible. At the start of each season, every skier pulls all their gear out of storage and checks to ensure all their equipment is still in good condition. The sheer sight of seeing the equipment gets any skier hyped for the season.
The time frame for each ski season seems to shrink every year as schedules get busier and it is challenging to find a weekend to make the trip. Similar to anything in life, all good things come with a few downsides. Whether it be the harsh cold or long lines to get on the lift, every skier complains a little.
However, dedicated skiers will do anything for FRESH POWDER!!!!
1. Walking in ski boots.
It is common knowledge that snowboarding boots are so much more comfortable than ski boots. Skiers get the short end of the stick for this one. Walking in ski boots all day puts your body in a permanent forward tilt and makes it hard for one to complete simple tasks such as walking up the stairs. Not to mention, physically putting on ski boots is an exercise within itself.
Once you buckle the last buckle on your ski boots, you sign a contract of discomfort. You have signed up for a day of your shins being strangled! But, the best part is taking your ski boots off at the end of the day. You can practically hear your feet saying, "THANK YOU!"
2. The price of tickets and equipment
Skiing is often referred to as an expensive sport. First, you have to pay for the equipment. The expensive prices of skis, ski boots, ski socks, snow pants, a winter jacket, goggles, helmet and neck warmer add up to a hefty price. I often joke that my ski outfit is the most expensive outfit I will ever wear.
Next, you must pay for tickets. At bigger mountains, a day pass can range between $80-$200 depending on the day. Then, you get sucked into everything the ski resort has to offer. You may get carried away by the Waffle Cabin or mountain coaster.
Lastly, lunch is the best part of the day. When your stomach is rumbling on the mountain, it is such a rewarding break to rest in the lodge. Ski resorts take advantage of the fact that the lodge is the only food place in a close proximity. Therefore, they jack up the prices of food. Before you know it, a soda, slice of pizza and bag of chips is $20.
3. When the view is so beautiful that you get distracted and fall on your face.
If you're in a good location like Vermont or Colorado, the views are absolutely breathtaking. Whether you are skiing down a trail or on top of the mountain, the beauty can be distracting. This positive distraction may lead skiers to fall flat on their face in embarrassment. Pro tip: do not try to take pictures/selfies while skiing.
4. Encountering a "Jerry of the day"
The worst type of skier... the Jerry. They are the skiers who wear flashy outfits as they try to bring attention to their weak tricks. Jerry's are skiers who think they are hot sh*t, but sadly, their confidence is all in their head. Normally, they wipe out after attempting a stunt and looking stupid on the mountain.
5. Goggle gap
The space between your goggles and helmet/hat is SACRED! That small sliver is skin should be a necessity to cover. That half inch of skin exposed on your face is called the "goggle gap" and should be avoided AT ALL COSTS! It can be easily burnt by wind or bitten by frost. Let's let the 2019 season be the end of goggle gap. Make sure your helmet and goggles fit together well!
6. Long lift lines
The worst sight on your first run of the day is a long line at the lifts. Waiting in lines all day takes the enjoyment out of skiing. Long lines cut into precious POWDER TIME! That is why it is important to try to stay away from the bottom of the mountain all day. I usually take the main lift up to the top of the mountain once and just use smaller lifts at the top of the mountain for the rest of the day.
7. Wind
This GIF accurately describes every skier's face as they glide down the mountain and get pelted with the wind. Not only is wind painful enough itself, but, it often throws around snow and ice in your face. At the top of any mountain, the wind is usually howling and makes the temperature feel a lot colder than it actually is.
8. Moguls
Maybe this one is just me. Whenever I see moguls, I STAY AWAY. I would much rather fly down a nice smooth trail than get bumped around by big humps in the snow. Once you get stuck in moguls, you get tossed around until you are finally free on an open trail.
9. Getting cut off
Getting "cut off" by other skiers is the worst feeling because you do not have time to yell at them. Similar to road rage, you will most likely not encounter the person again so you keep all the anger inside of you and try to move along with your day. Trying to avoid people while skiing proves to be a hassle when people come zipping from behind you. Peripheral vision goggles need to be an invention ASAP.
10. The flat stretch in a trail
Your flying down a nice steep trail and then all of the sudden it curves to the left and the trail becomes completely flat! You try a variety of different techniques to overcome this flat spot in the trail. You may rely on your poles to propel you forward, do that awkward shimmy thing or try to actually walk in the skis. Whatever technique you use, there is no easy way to overcome an annoying flat part.
