• Forums
  • Ski Gabber
  • Remember when you could tell how good somebody was by how they looked?

Member of the Month

GayWolf420
June, 2025

Online

Welcome to the Newschoolers forums! You may read the forums as a guest, however you must be a registered member to post. Register to become a member today!

Remember when you could tell how good somebody was by how they looked?

profile picture
theabortionator
Posts: 52702 - Karma: 175,232
I remember peoples twins and there outerwear and knowing they were a park skier. Sometimes you could even pick out the best kids just looking at them.

Now some kids start out day one on a pair of twins with $400+ worth of outerwear. You can buy fucking hello kitty twin tips.
12 years ago
210 64
profile picture
adrian191
Posts: 144 - Karma: 425
Whats the point of making this?
12 years ago
20 4
profile picture
The_Polock
Posts: 345 - Karma: 1,280
I dont remember being able to tell how good people where based on how they dress.  You could however guess what kind of skiing they were into doing(I.E. groomer vs park skier).   Now everyone has outerware like a park skier.  Its the cool thing.  Is that what you meant Wanker?
12 years ago
2 9
profile picture
SamMcChesney
Posts: 2905 - Karma: 2,199
because jimmies rustled.
12 years ago
27 1
profile picture
theabortionator
Posts: 52702 - Karma: 175,232
I mean it would always be an assumption but at one point noobs looked like noobs and steezy people looked steezy.


But yeah you could tell the park people from the regular skiers. Especially when there weren't a shit ton of people skiing park. Was shoveling out the rails this weekend and saw some people coming up the lift on twins and decked out in nice outerwear. Luckily I was almost done because I didn't want to keep them from being able to hit the stuff. Then I realized they could barely ski.

12 years ago
16 1
profile picture
stickski
Posts: 1938 - Karma: 1,529
If people are going to suck at skiing and snake you on groomers, they might as well buy expensive stuff and support the industry! My ego isn't hurt.
12 years ago
9 0
profile picture
theabortionator
Posts: 52702 - Karma: 175,232
I'm not hating I just forget about that and sometimes think that everyone on twins is a park skier.

They look a lot better than I did learning to ski in my one piece snow suit and my sick red atomic straight skis. If I was learning today I'd rep the good shit.
12 years ago
3 1
profile picture
FuckAllOfYou
Posts: 3864 - Karma: 2,518
I totally see what you mean. Skiing, more than any other sport (even snowboarding) has an odd obsession with outerwear and look... It always has. must be the rich part of it "leaking in" so to speak.

And now everyone sees the best skiers dressed well so they do also. I am guilty of this too, but at least I feel like (not trying to sound like a douchecanoe) I can ski and ski pretty well, in park and out of park.

I think it's always been this way, but since the styles are changing to a more park oriented look, more people look like the park skiers that are good.
12 years ago
7 1
profile picture
Chubz.
Posts: 13918 - Karma: 25,673
Because my hill is so small, you can still pick out the kids that are really good by the way they look.
I get what you mean OP.
12 years ago
5 1
profile picture
Apresbang
Posts: 618 - Karma: 276
I'd rock a pair!!
12 years ago
5 0
profile picture
freeskibum82
Posts: 6355 - Karma: 5,056
i hear ya bud. style is everything now a days. doesnt matter the ability level. if you cant ski might as well look good. Thats what im going for.. old man in the park doing my thing on dem der boxes and rails.
12 years ago
2 0
profile picture
Session
Posts: 5408 - Karma: 22,546
Why is it always people who ski at shitty little dirt hills who make these threads?
12 years ago
2 24
profile picture
theabortionator
Posts: 52702 - Karma: 175,232
Who wouldn't? That shit's on my christmas list
12 years ago
2 0
profile picture
DaneKirk
Posts: 366 - Karma: 2,056
i remember these days too from when i was younger but for me i think it was mostly due to me being a far worse skier so everyone skiing in the park looked sick.
12 years ago
0 0
profile picture
theabortionator
Posts: 52702 - Karma: 175,232
I go to some of the biggest mountains in the east regularly. I've been driving all over to them for almost 10 years. I'm working at a small mountain now but it's not like I've never ridden anything bigger.

And what I was talking about years back was not last year or the season before.

Also why do you have to be a douche? Place has more going for it than a lot of mountains. One of my friends has been building a whole network of DH mtn bike trails, I've been building a ton of park features, and a bunch of other stuff is happening. And if you want to find dirt you're going to have to dig through almost 2 feet of fresh powder. I chose to be at this place. So it doesn't have a ton of vertical I don't care.


I thought about not even replying to this post but whatever. It's kind of lame when people on a forum about park skiing hate on some of the mountains that are actually making an effort to do something productive. With a very limited budget the mtn bike park and terrain park have come out of nowhere at this place. People have been putting in ridiculous a amount of hours of hard volunteer work trying to make it succeed. No sponsors outside of local businesses within the small community.

Your profile says you're sponsored by hard work, but what do you even know about that?
12 years ago
28 1
profile picture
special-J
Posts: 1572 - Karma: 4,477
Maybe not solely based on how they dress but I think you can still get a general sense of someone's ability based on how they look and stand on their skis.

Besides, a kid decked out in saga/ full tilts/ the newest goggles and skis these days probably isn't very good.
12 years ago
1 0
profile picture
TheTristanator
Posts: 1015 - Karma: 820
way too many wankers out there
12 years ago
0 0
profile picture
theabortionator
Posts: 52702 - Karma: 175,232
Yeah you can def get some idea by the way they carry themselves. It might not be 100% accurate but it def holds true in many cases.

12 years ago
0 0
profile picture
GuacamoleMane
Posts: 1421 - Karma: 2,013
i completely understand what you mean and personally i "overdress" my ability level in the park, but not for the rest of the mountain.You can definitely tell a real park skier tho versus a joey. Shmedium saga and full tilts give that away pretty quick
12 years ago
7 0
profile picture
Mr.Mitten
Posts: 1341 - Karma: 4,132
I know exactly where you're coming from. But I can recognize a lot of kids at my hill by how they dress so I know if they're good. Also this is the first time Saga has really hit my hill hard. And by that I mean like 1/3 of the kids are wearing saga... Some head to toe. I never thought it would happen haha
12 years ago
0 0
profile picture
OregonDead
Posts: 7089 - Karma: 26,776
I actually don't remember this. I do remember being a kid and thinking gear was a lot more important than it is. One of the best skiers I know currently skis on Head Yahoos because they are the only skis he hasn't broke yet. This guy skis impossible lines and skis switch etc. His skis are older than most people on here and you probably wouldn't know how good he is based on his gear.
12 years ago
0 0
profile picture
SKI.ING
Posts: 2695 - Karma: 2,536
Whenever people make these threads it just illustrates that the OP is jealous of what other skiers have. That he isn't content with where he is in life. Because if you really enjoyed your job/career/lifestyle you wouldn't have made this thread. But its upsetting to you that people are enjoying their gear whereas you may be stuck with what you have. Don't try to disguise it as "oh now I can't tell who is a true park skier".

All of these types of threads are saying the same thing, but trying to cover it up with some random fixation.
12 years ago
1 4
profile picture
theabortionator
Posts: 52702 - Karma: 175,232
God damn it you found out the truth! My parents won't buy me twin tips because I failed math again :(


But what if it the thread was really just as simple as it sounded and not a complex twist of inadequacy, anxieties, and jealousy weaved together with years of botched therapy and self hatred.

Then again, what if it isn't?
12 years ago
8 1
profile picture
RubberSoul
Posts: 11249 - Karma: 14,642
if it's any consolation, you can still tell how badass i am by how badass i look
12 years ago
0 0
profile picture
Dr.Dealgood
Posts: 2587 - Karma: 1,352
That middle paragraph cracked me right up.

I hate pulling this card, but I think some people haven't been in parks long enough to get WankerTanker's point.

I remember skiing parks when jumps look like crudely bulldozed monster truck ramps. And seeing someone with twins meant instant friendship. I'm not trying to win the most nostalgic in this thread award, it's just there's some truth to what Wanker's getting at.

I can usually tell, or guestimate someone's skill level by checking out their stance and how they stand on their skis. The body language of getting on the lift can be pretty telling, even if you've got 16 yards of saga fabric hanging off you. If gear's worn, especially gloves and pant cuffs that's a good indicator.
12 years ago
1 0
profile picture
Twerk
Posts: 252 - Karma: 1,059
I like seeing the skier wearing four 4xl shirts, pants that are beat up, and skis that are 4 years old slaying the park. Those were the days I was clueless about the snowboard park.
12 years ago
1 0
profile picture
OGHolliday
Posts: 2390 - Karma: 2,430
I feel ya. Back in the day seeing jiberish some fresh crowbars and some AR3's meant a good skier (obviously there were some outliers). I still believe clothing can help determine skill. To me typically someone wearing things slightly different are those who end up slaying. Well that doesn't really make any sense, but an example might help. A XXXL LoHi at my hill typically means a lot of front 2's and safety 3's, while a more underground/ more beat up hoodie in the same style from say TAF or Surface means someone more involved in the industry, aka spent more time skiing AKA ends up being a better skier.

/adderall riddled finals procrastination rant
12 years ago
2 0
profile picture
SKI.ING
Posts: 2695 - Karma: 2,536
Yeah but he is commenting on new gear, not the abundance of twin tip skiers as opposed to other skiers. Plus, that guy with the ratty gear slaying the park, his gear was probably new at some point.
12 years ago
0 0
profile picture
Dr.Dealgood
Posts: 2587 - Karma: 1,352
Someone slathered in this year's gear ... my first reaction is why? Why did you unload all your shit, which I imagine is still perfectly usable, in order to freshen up the full-kit? It just strikes me as unnecessary. But that's just me, I like investing in gear that I can use for years.

But who knows, maybe your house burnt down and you lost all your gear.

Clothes can be partially telling, and the newness can be telling as well. But how telling is relative and subjective. I might be able to guess something but unless I actually ride the lift with you I'll never know.

These days even with the general explosion of twin tips and freestyle culture, still, as always, the most telling thing is how you ski and how you carry yourself. Your gear can come into play, but it's never definitive.


12 years ago
0 0
profile picture
TheClap.
Posts: 21685 - Karma: 4,254
Why is it a snowboarder making these shitty ass threads about skiers
12 years ago
2 2
profile picture
Nacho+
Posts: 3748 - Karma: 7,792
I totally see what you mean. I'm too young to really remember the 08/09 ski season as far as the park scene goes, but I definitely understand what you mean. The number of people wearing "park" clothing has doubled since last year. The park scene at my mountain is pretty small, so there were only about 20 or so kids who actually knew what they were doing in the park, and everyone knew everyone pretty well. This year, you see swarms of 11/12 year olds riding around on their 145 afterbangs and their medium saga hoodies.

I certainly "overdress" my park ablility, but I think that you can still see the difference between who is good, and who is bad in the park. Even though the number of kids wear park gear has gone up a lot, I can still see who is who in their ability levels. That may just because there aren't as many kids as my mountian as you would get a pc or breck. Just my thoughts
12 years ago
2 0
profile picture
mski
Posts: 4791 - Karma: 3,802
rock a starter jacket and some clear lens googles, come out of nowhere!
12 years ago
2 0
profile picture
life_is_hood
Posts: 503 - Karma: 1,993
so someone is only good if they have old youth armadas?
12 years ago
1 1
profile picture
theabortionator
Posts: 52702 - Karma: 175,232
"I remember peoples twins"
12 years ago
0 0
profile picture
closeyetfar11
Posts: 387 - Karma: 1,079
Back in those days I feel we basically became friends through having twin tips.

 The stoke level went through the roof when meeting someone who poached snowboard parks & pipes, and had sick pow-airs/mad-trix/darksides/1080s/etc..
12 years ago
0 0
profile picture
SKI.ING
Posts: 2695 - Karma: 2,536
Okay I'll agree with you there. That makes a lot more sense. For me I've had my current skis, bindings, poles, pants/jacket for the past 4 years. Newest thing I've bought are boots this season and goggles 2 seasons ago.
12 years ago
0 0
profile picture
Shlogan
Posts: 4942 - Karma: 430
I ski around a much different crowd at bridger bowl that most people here are considering "good skiers." I look at someone with Flylow, Trew, Arc'teryx type gear and think they are most likely a good skier. Its been a long time since i saw someone in recent saga that i would have guessed to be good overall. i think some have pretty accurately hit on more used gear, and i think sometimes good skiers will learn what needs to be replaced and whats OK. EG a good park skier may have thrashed hoodie by a company not many have heard of, but nice boots for control and longer skies regarless of condition for stability.
12 years ago
0 0
profile picture
AceleTerrie
Posts: 257 - Karma: 36
because they all suck and dont actually know shit about skiing
12 years ago
0 2
profile picture
PKchu
Posts: 1158 - Karma: 5,943
Awww shit. I have saga, full tilts, and I/OX's. I probably suck. :'(
12 years ago
1 0
profile picture
hippy.
Posts: 3106 - Karma: 14,374
Click for larger image
12 years ago
5 0
profile picture
RockNRollNghtClb
Posts: 2013 - Karma: 2,509
i can stil soooo easily tell who is good/bad that rides at pc
12 years ago
1 0
profile picture
ryanleslie
Posts: 136 - Karma: 75
no i saw a dude with full saga crown jewel and he sucked and looked pretty gay
12 years ago
0 0
profile picture
dani_
Posts: 72 - Karma: 146
boooooooooo
12 years ago
0 0
profile picture
skiierman
Posts: 28699 - Karma: -5,563
Yeahhh it kinda sucks because you can no longer tell who your friends are. WEAR THE SAME SHIT EVERY YEAR YOU FUCKS! They disappear among the seas of fanboys gapers and other crews.
12 years ago
1 0
profile picture
eheath
Posts: 61964 - Karma: 126,873
Ns member of the month everyone...
12 years ago
6 1
profile picture
theabortionator
Posts: 52702 - Karma: 175,232
For sure. It's also weird when you've skied with somebody a ton and then you see them off the mountain and don't recognize them without all their gear.

Why is life so confusing skiierman?
12 years ago
3 0
profile picture
last_tango
Posts: 2635 - Karma: 2,665
legit skis with kitten faces on them
Click for larger image
12 years ago
1 0
profile picture
K-Dot.
Posts: 3790 - Karma: 8,349
I saw a guy like that too, exact same suit and he side hit the lips of everything
12 years ago
0 0
profile picture
blindside
Posts: 5619 - Karma: 1,201
I can usually still tell who throws down and who doesn't, I think most of us who've been around long enough have an eye for it. Even if someone is fully decked out in whatever the latest trend is, you can tell something is just off.. partly in their body language and just the way everything is put together..
12 years ago
0 0
profile picture
KingTaco
Posts: 2510 - Karma: 2,830
you used to be able to tell 100%. I remember back in the day at royal mountain in new york, i would watch all the steezy park kids throw switch 1s and my mind was blown.

now you can still tell whos good and whos not but as people were saying its totally the opposite. the more decked out in saga they are, the more likely it is they suck. it really helps to see them ski a couple feet before you can be certain, but some people have one serious part of the outfit wrong (like goggles wayyy too small), or are standing there like the equivalent of a bender in hockey and you just know they suck. Also the kids who suck wait for a half an hour at the top of the park before dropping.
12 years ago
1 0
All times are Eastern (-4); Currently it's 9:12PM