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Skiing alone?

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dUbzee
Posts: 5 - Karma: 742
Hey friends! My usual friend that I ski with is at college 2 hours away for the season and I don't really have anyone else to ski with. I'm kind of a shy person so it's hard to make friends on the hill. Any advice on skiing alone and what I can do to keep my skiing enjoyable for the season while I'm away from my friend?
Nov 18 2013 1:32PM
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JAHBRADOR
Posts: 3004 - Karma: 17,069
Im not your friend.
Nov 18 2013 1:32PM
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esotericjive
Posts: 1889 - Karma: 1,445
Ypu're not the only dude on the hill, probably. Going in the singles line is a great way to make friends. Just chat people up on the chair, we're all pretty chill.
Nov 18 2013 1:35PM
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TheLastMohican
Posts: 26 - Karma: 135
you always know someone by name at the hill, jack daniels
Nov 18 2013 1:38PM
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ejm
Posts: 794 - Karma: 196
if you want to meet people just be friendly and talk to people.
I ski by myself 90% of the time and have just as much fun by myself as I do when i'm with friends. Throw both ear buds in and get to do whatever you want.
Nov 18 2013 1:51PM
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Austin.ski
Posts: 1034 - Karma: 2,582
im not your friend, guy.
Nov 18 2013 1:55PM
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LoathesRaisins
Posts: 3612 - Karma: 4,735
I ski alone just about every time I go skiing. Just listen to music.
Nov 18 2013 1:59PM
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first_rodeo
Posts: 2385 - Karma: 7,781
i ski alone during the midweek,

SINGLES LINE
SMALL TALK ABOUT CONDITIONS
Comment and praise everyone in the park
Take laps with any group of chill dudes
SMOKE MARIJUANA and share your beers

also being alone----much more successful making small talk with snow bunnies than when you are with your wild and out crew 

Nov 18 2013 2:00PM
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kung_powpow
Posts: 1990 - Karma: 3,671
Ride singles line and smoke up homies on the lift. Instant way to make friends and find people to ride with
Nov 18 2013 2:02PM
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CMYK
Posts: 1101 - Karma: 336
Throw some headphones in, take em out when you're on the chairlift. Lap singles line for funny conversations, and super quick laps. Motivation to try new tricks might be a bit hard, but it's always super easy to ask someone "hey what's the speed on this jump?" or "hey, I'm thinking about trying a cork 5, any tips?"
Nov 18 2013 2:04PM
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AlexFogo85
Posts: 572 - Karma: 7,471
Definitely try and find some people to ride with quickly; if you're trying to progress then it'll be easier with a group of people around you who push your limits to make you better. Just see if anyone at school likes skiing or even find people on NS. I know if you see a group of people who are always shredding the mountain they would have no problem including you as well if you're friendly
Nov 18 2013 5:33PM
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Caleb.E
Posts: 3556 - Karma: 1,015
skiing alone can help you connect with ur self and realize what u really what to do.
Nov 18 2013 5:38PM
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gotti
Posts: 4269 - Karma: 4,550
dude im all about friends and all but sometimes you just gotta bump your headphones and take hot laps all day without waiting for anyone. Honestly I have just as much fun doing both.
Nov 18 2013 5:43PM
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GrahamGould
Posts: 713 - Karma: 2,439
when i ski alone i usually get in more skiing than when im with other people. Just try to get as much vert as possible, and you will have fun. But, you should probably try to find people to ski with, because you will definately enjoy that more
Nov 18 2013 6:10PM
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CaptainObvious.
Posts: 5712 - Karma: 20,638
Put on headphones, wear a distinct outfit (the uglier the better), and be as unfriendly as possible. The goal is to become notoriously unpleasant on the days you ski alone. Save your distinct outfit for the days you ski alone and you'll soon be known as the ski troll. Utilize your new-found title to camp out underneath cattracks and charge a toll for all who want to cross. When people challenge you, beat them with your balaclava and ravage their women's legs over their ski clothes. As ski patrol approaches, get a dazed look and explain to them that you've been living on this mountain for hundreds of years, and though they pose a certain illusion of authority of the guests of the resort, no living man can hold power over the Mountain Troll. When they look at one another in befuddled amusement, pull your pants down and straightline to the bottom, screaming the whole way.
Nov 18 2013 6:19PM
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first_rodeo
Posts: 2385 - Karma: 7,781
made my day
Nov 18 2013 6:22PM
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louie.mirags
Posts: 6015 - Karma: 5,029
You can try posting in the new ride and chair forum or regionals to meet some ride buddies as well
Nov 18 2013 6:40PM
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Hodor
Posts: 503 - Karma: 2,578
In ancient Native American culture boys made the transition into adulthood through venturing into the wilderness alone on what they call a "vision quest" for up to a week. This provides time for deep communion with the fundamental forces and spiritual energies of creation and self-identity. During this time of intense spiritual communication a person can receive profound insight into themselves and the world. This insight, typically in the form of a dream of Vision, relates directly to their purpose and destiny in life.

This is why my friends and I refer to skiing alone as "going on a Vision Quest". embrace this mentality and your day on the mountain will become a fucking spiritual journey.
Nov 18 2013 6:48PM
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DaffyDaDak
Posts: 864 - Karma: 433
lol'd
Nov 18 2013 6:51PM
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humpty
Posts: 1190 - Karma: 3,162
Taking some hot laps in the singles line alone with some music is always fun, but skiing pow with friends makes it so much better
Nov 18 2013 9:48PM
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gapers4life
Posts: 282 - Karma: 783
I find it relatively easy to strike up conversations in the park such as, "damn, that was smooth man, how much speed do I need for that jump?" or after they hit a specific rail, "How is that today, yesterday it was a little sticky?". Really just a bunch of crap like that, eventually you'll see the same regulars a lot so talk to them more. Or just put headphone in.
Nov 18 2013 9:51PM
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Mr.DarthVader
Posts: 1322 - Karma: 556
ill be skiing alone most of the winter at killington. anyone got a crew i can join
Nov 18 2013 9:52PM
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Shredsterr
Posts: 2090 - Karma: 6,930
Skiing alone is underrated. It gives you the chance to progress tricks and work on your style, or if you really want to, pull your dick out of you pants and just
Nov 18 2013 9:56PM
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gapers4life
Posts: 282 - Karma: 783
AND JUST WHAT? DONT LEAVE ME HANGING
Nov 18 2013 10:07PM
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Rybak
Posts: 30 - Karma: 36
i like you. Lets be friends.
Nov 18 2013 10:18PM
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FreeRangeWeesal
Posts: 30 - Karma: 39
more like dont leave it hanging!
Nov 18 2013 10:30PM
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Labattski
Posts: 201 - Karma: 74
This. One of the best post I've seen
Nov 18 2013 10:30PM
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seanflynnoh
Posts: 121 - Karma: 910
definetly the greatest and most humorous post i have read ever!! -hail satin-
Nov 18 2013 11:01PM
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jimmydar
Posts: 852 - Karma: 1,628
I'm usually not the one to start the conversation but I love it when some random dude starts talking with me on the lift, just ride with others on the lift and they will usually say something but feel free to start the conversation with something simple like "hey man nice planks" or ask em about how long they've been skiing.
Nov 19 2013 12:16AM
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Skierra69
Posts: 14 - Karma: 151
There is literally nothing hotter than a guy in ski gear. If you're a dude and can shred the fuck out of something, you really shouldn't have issues making friends (with girls anyways). That being said, you do actually have to talk to people. In my experience skiers are the chillest of chill people, most of them like finding people that get stoked on the slopes. Now stop being awkward and go make some friends young grasshopper.
Nov 19 2013 12:38AM
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j.var
Posts: 591 - Karma: 215
yah everyone in this post seems spot on! I like to ski by myself a lot too and if you don't want to talk to anyone just make a dope mix of some music you like and keep that shit on repeat all day. but if your looking to meet some new people just use the singles line, make small talk on the lift, hang out in the park, (if you drink or smoke) find some people your age and ask them if they smoke or want a beer.
Nov 19 2013 2:10AM
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GaperKing
Posts: 31 - Karma: 667
Join the race team, friends for life.
Nov 19 2013 2:26AM
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Mr.Bishop
Posts: 22708 - Karma: 76,635
I LOVE skiing alone at a resort. When I do it, I always consider it my 'Soul Skiing' time. I put on some super good music and just ski however I want to ski. Skiing alone can be sweet, because you can just express yourself without trying to show off.

Its also a great time to lose yourself in thought and do some zen meditation. Nothing clears your head like a good day of solo soul skiing.

Nov 19 2013 8:52AM
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onLINE
Posts: 1013 - Karma: 423

Get a pair of Heart Carver skis and profit.

Nov 19 2013 9:40AM
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Dibs
Posts: 496 - Karma: 86
couldn't agree more. i used to hate skiing alone but i grew to love it, now I can't wait to get back to some of those "Soul Skiing" laps once the mountains open
Nov 19 2013 9:45AM
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Bastian.
Posts: 187 - Karma: 227
When i ski alone, i usually blaze by myself, an just enjoy the day on a whole different level. Its niccee
Nov 19 2013 10:07AM
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Ginger_Drew
Posts: 649 - Karma: 2,528
There is no reason to be shy on the hill. Everyone is out there just trying to have a good time just like you so it's usually pretty easy to hop into a conversation
Nov 19 2013 10:54AM
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TimRiley
Posts: 1873 - Karma: 1,327
Skiing alone is great. Ski for yourself, nothing to prove. If you want to meet some new people, just talk to them and be honest. "Hey, I came to the hill on my own today, mind if I join you guys for a few laps"
Nov 19 2013 12:06PM
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rareison
Posts: 10263 - Karma: 219
Skiing alone is kinda lame
Nov 19 2013 12:20PM
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thesatanist
Posts: 413 - Karma: 1,760
Beer. Bring beer. People will come if you have beer
Nov 19 2013 12:31PM
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D-40
Posts: 6050 - Karma: 100
If you are a recovering alcoholic and cannot afford to drink beer or you will end up dead or in jail, try passing out condoms.
Nov 19 2013 2:51PM
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FroesenSkeeze
Posts: 638 - Karma: 673
I live an hour and a half from the nearest decent hill. It is definitely nice to drive with someone, especially coming back because I'm tired from a full day of skiing, it's dark out, and I drive through a park so there's tons of deer and other animals.

Other than that, I find that I progress more in a group, as I see what they do, and I want to match it or do better. I find I'm less confident by myself, but that's just my own preference.

In my own experience, I find it is easier to find someone to ride with before you go to the resort. At least where I live, a lot of the boarders/skiers already have their groups and aren't usually looking for extras.
Nov 19 2013 3:33PM
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YoungJ
Posts: 447 - Karma: 883
when i go skiing with my family i end up skiing by myself and listening to music

Nov 19 2013 4:17PM
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ThaLorax
Posts: 21083 - Karma: 8,455
What would you like me to shred?
Nov 19 2013 4:49PM
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Heart
Posts: 6156 - Karma: 3,462
-Ask people how to do x trick
-Talk about conditions (snow, speed for jumps, sticky rails, etc)
-Play some SKATE with randoms. I've played plenty of SKATE with random people and it can be a lot of fun. Generally it ends with somebody getting hurt and pussying out though haha.
-Compliment people on skis/gnarly trick/cliff hit/etc.

The only thing I dislike about skiing by myself is that I tend to not throw down as hard. It's tough to find motivation for tricks sometimes.
Nov 19 2013 5:49PM
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C-Wal
Posts: 185 - Karma: 1,370
if you don't want to lap on your own, try and find people that are you level if not a bit better and ski with them, it will make you progress so much more whilst being fun at the same time
Nov 19 2013 6:21PM
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ABalls
Posts: 2091 - Karma: 3,754
Just make a great playlist and enjoy it. I love skiing alone at night, the vibes are sweet.
Nov 19 2013 6:29PM
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stupendous-man
Posts: 8637 - Karma: 13,293
all about skiing with friends. even if they are just learning or suck in the park (@coopers) i would still rather ride with friends than alone.
Nov 19 2013 6:35PM
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Bensun
Posts: 480 - Karma: 1,654
I feel that struggle. I lost one of my main ski buddies but the best thing to do is hit up friends of friends and it may be a tad awkward but when u share a love for a sport its pretty easy to relate. Skiing alone is dope I do it all the time but its easy to get tired of it. skiing with a crew is always the most the fun and creates hilarious memories.
Nov 19 2013 6:52PM
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Lick
Posts: 1927 - Karma: 518
This is what I was going to say. I find that skiing by myself, I just work on tricks I'm already able to do
Nov 19 2013 6:52PM
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WU-sconsin
Posts: 565 - Karma: 1,301
I ski by myself much of the time and its still fun as hell. However, when I ski with other people that are pretty good, I end up learning more tricks. Otherwise I fall into that routine of doing the same thing a lot. I front flipped for the first time because some dude I met said I should try it. I did and suddenly I could flip so, it helps. Just be chill and friendly.
Nov 19 2013 7:03PM
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