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A Doomed Ski Industry?

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WillKiker
Posts: 10 - Karma: -3
Recently, on a weekend trip to Whistler/Blackcomb I witnessed a small class of most likely 8-10 year olds throwing down some pretty stellar tricks in the park. At first I had the upmost respect for the little shredders, However later on, I saw the students talking to their instructors fairly aggressively, and when I put it all together, I realized that these kids, suited up with Helly Hansen and next years skis, were very wealthy, or atleast came from wealthy enough families. They had rude attitudes towards the people being paid thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars a year to make them good.
I grew up skiing occasionally with my family and now find myself, a freshman in highschool, finding a friend for a ride up to the mountain to work all day and freeski at night. I smoke pot and appreciate style over every other aspect of skiing. Watching edits from the beginning of park skiing til now. I’m convinced I’m making the right decision by playing into the ski industry this way. And after witnessing the same scenario with kids in Sun Peaks a month or two prior, I have come to the conclusion that money is playing into the ski industry like never before. Parents pay for their children to become good at throwing tricks and in this way I believe the ski industry will die. The appreciation for style and the ski bums that truly love the sport is deteriorating and eventually I belive that the concept of style, steez and individuality in skiing will die. I would like to offer up this discussion topic to maybe the greatest group discussion website on the internet. What do you all think? Will the ski industry fail to include the true ski lovers who have unknowingly been keeping the great sport alive?

**This thread was edited on Apr 15th 2018 at 3:01:58pm

**This thread was edited on Apr 15th 2018 at 3:04:34pm

**This thread was edited on Apr 15th 2018 at 3:10:02pm

**This thread was edited on Apr 15th 2018 at 3:11:31pm

**This thread was edited on Apr 15th 2018 at 3:13:14pm
Apr 15 2018 3:00PM
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sky_steezy
Posts: 125 - Karma: 404
Fuck Oystein Braten, pray that’s not our future.

**This post was edited on Apr 15th 2018 at 3:19:36pm
Apr 15 2018 3:02PM
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Record.
Posts: 65 - Karma: 62
Speaks to me on another level good looks will.
Apr 15 2018 3:32PM
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Mr.Front4
Posts: 164 - Karma: 184
sky_steezyFuck Oystein Braten, pray that’s not our future.

**This post was edited on Apr 15th 2018 at 3:19:36pm

Why cause you’re not as good as him?
Apr 15 2018 3:43PM
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pbs
Posts: 460 - Karma: 3,134
The referenced post has been removed.


You're
Apr 15 2018 4:38PM
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Kevski
Posts: 7056 - Karma: 2,790
This isn't new - people with money have always been the primary driver of the ski industry. They pay the resort day tickets, spend lots of money at the lodge, and buy new expensive gear all the time. And they pay money for their kids to develop their skills, just like in any other sport.
Didn't all the stept guys go through some expensive ski academy? Henrik's parents put him through racing and I bet he'd have been coached in park if he had the chance back then. These programs are basically daycare - some kids will carry on when they're not on their parents' coin and some won't. Money doesn't define a person's passion (or lack thereof) for skiing.

And don't worry, even if all the grom kids somehow turn into tech superstars there'll always be plenty of people who just wanna flow and do their own thing, and they'll spend enough money to have a place in the industry too.
Apr 15 2018 4:54PM
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Dunderflip
Posts: 535 - Karma: 2,446
anyone in this thread smoke weed?
Apr 15 2018 5:11PM
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pbs
Posts: 460 - Karma: 3,134
Dunderflipanyone in this thread smoke weed?


Woke
Apr 15 2018 5:25PM
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FruitBootPro
Posts: 3142 - Karma: 14,249
This really reminds me of the attitude the skateboarding community has towards “posers” or whatever. Just let people who want to ski ski no matter the background or focus. If they care about content creation over competitions, great. If they care about competitions the most, also great. Both are valid. The fact that NS is still going strong means that grassroots skiing isn’t going anywhere. But don’t bar people from recognition because of something other than their skiing skill and their involvement in the community. You don’t have to be a bum or whatever to be a legit skier.

As for the kids being rude, that sucks, but again, you can’t just blame the fact that they’re rich. It has to do with how they were raised and what values they were taught, not necessarily money.
Apr 15 2018 5:26PM
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mulchbrain
Posts: 132 - Karma: 413
Skiing has always been a rich persons sport ? I’d say if anything there’s more access for the average person now than ever before .

Also I think we all know that the only reason we all get to ski is because all the wealthy families spend money at all the ski fields . They sure as hell don’t make running costs back from the NS community
Apr 15 2018 5:51PM
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skiP.E.I.
Posts: 7860 - Karma: 22,349
I doubt there are fewer "hard core down to earth ski bums", it's just that the sport is growing and more people than ever are involved!
If you go to most smaller, out of the way local ski hills you'll notice more of the kind of community who's loss you lament.
Also when a group is being coached there can always be moments when tempers run short... Kids that age are looking for boundaries, get hungry, bored or tired easily.
Apr 15 2018 6:07PM
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Jon_Taffer
Posts: 1374 - Karma: 5,383
WillKiker"I realized that these kids, suited up with Helly Hansen and next years skis, were very wealthy, or atleast came from wealthy enough families."
good observation
" I smoke pot and appreciate style over every other aspect of skiing. "
that explains your closed-mindedness
"Parents pay for their children to become good at throwing tricks and in this way I believe the ski industry will die."
this is literally how the park skiing industry stays alive... parents paying

Things haven't changed as much as you think they have
Apr 15 2018 6:27PM
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a_burger
Posts: 5242 - Karma: 20,815
ski academy douchebags have always been a thing and always will, its just now a percentage of them do park instead of racing.

thats not to say anyone who went to an academy is a dick, a lot of people would probably be shocked how many of todays pros (new wave or comp skier) were in some kind of a program at one point, but that environment can fuel entitlement if it goes unchecked.
Apr 15 2018 6:42PM
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BrawnTrends
Posts: 1102 - Karma: 2,439
WillKikerThe appreciation for style and the ski bums that truly love the sport is deteriorating

You're probably still too young and too idealistic to understand, but if everyone was a ski bum then resorts would have to close because no one would actually spend any money.
Yes, rich entitled brats are annoying, but their parents are literally putting food on the table for all the ski bum lifties, shop workers, techs, boot fitters, shapers, etc, etc. You need those brats if you want to be able to ski park, or groomers, or buy new skis at a decent price.
Apr 15 2018 6:44PM
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will.mack
Posts: 46 - Karma: 135
having instructors seems super restricting like damn i’m just tryna go do fun shit not have to do crazy tech tricks
Apr 15 2018 7:15PM
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YawnPell
Posts: 503 - Karma: 1,367
U got some hella good points, but I really dont think it’s gonna kill the industry. There will always be people that are just stoked on the sport because it’s fun and something they truly love. I feel sorry for the ones that ski only for money or to win especially if they can’t enjoy the sport for how amazing and unique it is. But they will never flush out the real passionate people who ski because it’s what makes them happy
Apr 15 2018 7:34PM
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Kreech
Posts: 4178 - Karma: 3,024
WillKikerI smoke pot and appreciate style


but do you ride vishnu
Apr 15 2018 7:35PM
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theabortionator
Posts: 51926 - Karma: 165,749
yung_flatkinkU got some hella good points, but I really dont think it’s gonna kill the industry. There will always be people that are just stoked on the sport because it’s fun and something they truly love. I feel sorry for the ones that ski only for money or to win especially if they can’t enjoy the sport for how amazing and unique it is. But they will never flush out the real passionate people who ski because it’s what makes them happy



I don't think anyone really spends there life skiing even though they hate it just to get rich. Some people like to cruise around, some people are driven by competiion. Hell most if not all the people competing enjoy whipping around having fun in the park and outside of competition.
Apr 15 2018 7:52PM
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YawnPell
Posts: 503 - Karma: 1,367
theabortionatorI don't think anyone really spends there life skiing even though they hate it just to get rich. Some people like to cruise around, some people are driven by competiion. Hell most if not all the people competing enjoy whipping around having fun in the park and outside of competition.


Yeah you 100% right I guess what I’m getting at are the kids that are doing it because they’re parents make them and they can’t appreciate the sport because they’re to hung up on the “I have to get good so I can win and get sponsored and make money”
Apr 15 2018 7:57PM
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WillKiker
Posts: 10 - Karma: -3
BrawnTrendsYou're probably still too young and too idealistic to understand, but if everyone was a ski bum then resorts would have to close because no one would actually spend any money.
Yes, rich entitled brats are annoying, but their parents are literally putting food on the table for all the ski bum lifties, shop workers, techs, boot fitters, shapers, etc, etc. You need those brats if you want to be able to ski park, or groomers, or buy new skis at a decent price.


I more meant, based on a concept of park skiing, the goal is now to do as many flips as possible, straying far from the ideals many skiers hold at heart.
Apr 15 2018 8:12PM
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skiguy04
Posts: 1597 - Karma: 1,115
WillKikerI more meant, based on a concept of park skiing, the goal is now to do as many flips as possible, straying far from the ideals many skiers hold at heart.

What is this ideal you speak of?
Apr 15 2018 8:50PM
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WillKiker
Posts: 10 - Karma: -3
skiguy04What is this ideal you speak of?

To put it blunt-ly getting stoned and going skiing with friends. I dont know how popular this is outside of the PNW, but I cant imagine it’s very rare.
Apr 15 2018 8:55PM
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Cade2
Posts: 2124 - Karma: 2,707
You explaimed how almost every sport works
Apr 15 2018 9:11PM
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skiguy04
Posts: 1597 - Karma: 1,115
True there are these folks getting instructors and stuff but maybe there is hope for them to be core
Apr 15 2018 9:19PM
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Nickc88
Posts: 630 - Karma: 2,074
This has always been part of every sport. For instance linsey Vonn. yet still many of the best don't start out as the richest or fortunate, take tom Wallisch for example, he started skiing a whisp in Maryland rather than some expensive colorado resort like Vail.
Apr 15 2018 9:22PM
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steezy.sam
Posts: 20 - Karma: 11
This is at whilster tho, I feel like if you were to go to other more "ski-bum" places like Brighton, Kicking Horse, Red Mountain, or Stowe you woulld have a different thought..
Apr 15 2018 9:37PM
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ahshit
Posts: 1248 - Karma: 3,025
i bet my dad could beat up ur dad
Apr 15 2018 9:52PM
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vibe.crudo
Posts: 461 - Karma: 4,663
Something I think about a lot. At least Henrik is keeping the "steeze" alive. I miss the old baggy pants and afterbang era of skiing, when people still used words like "hyphy" and a local mountain was like a community. Kinda sick of all these young riders showing up literally everyone with future spins. Don't get wrong its incredible and probably brings more money into the sport, but at the same time skis and gear are so expensive now, so it's becoming less accessible for an average guy to get into it. Things were definitely super different 8 years ago, its hard to explain the change but I think I liked the entire skiing scene better when it was smaller and not so pay-to-win (if you know what I mean by that).
Apr 15 2018 11:24PM
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sky_steezy
Posts: 125 - Karma: 404
Vincent.CrudoSomething I think about a lot. At least Henrik is keeping the "steeze" alive. I miss the old baggy pants and afterbang era of skiing, when people still used words like "hyphy" and a local mountain was like a community. Kinda sick of all these young riders showing up literally everyone with future spins. Don't get wrong its incredible and probably brings more money into the sport, but at the same time skis and gear are so expensive now, so it's becoming less accessible for an average guy to get into it. Things were definitely super different 8 years ago, its hard to explain the change but I think I liked the entire skiing scene better when it was smaller and not so pay-to-win (if you know what I mean by that).


I think about this too, it seems the industry is moving towards less Steeze from clothing to skiing. It’s funny I was high last night and came to realize some shit when I was watching ski edits. I was watching some European skiers magnus and his gang and they ski and dress so differently. I’ve noticed that this style the Europeans are bringing is growing. It seems like it’s in reverse since the American baggy pants and long ass jackets influenced Europe, now they may be influencing us. Just an odd thing I found.
Apr 15 2018 11:53PM
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skiguy04
Posts: 1597 - Karma: 1,115
Dudes who compete should ride street too and then the new wave will have an abundance of street influence riders ; less robots in the mix though you can get crazy in the parks too
Apr 16 2018 12:03AM
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scottbanham
Posts: 26 - Karma: 178
That’s all sports unfortunately, but with freeskiing being a quieter sport with less public attention and money in it as is, when someone is willing to pay it becomes a big part of the system
Apr 16 2018 12:04AM
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vibe.crudo
Posts: 461 - Karma: 4,663
sky_steezyI think about this too, it seems the industry is moving towards less Steeze from clothing to skiing. It’s funny I was high last night and came to realize some shit when I was watching ski edits. I was watching some European skiers magnus and his gang and they ski and dress so differently. I’ve noticed that this style the Europeans are bringing is growing. It seems like it’s in reverse since the American baggy pants and long ass jackets influenced Europe, now they may be influencing us. Just an odd thing I found.


For sure. I mean personally I hate tight clothes and overalls but that's whatever, it's just my opinion. I'm not gonna hate on the bunch because I do find their style interesting and very impressive, but it's definitely not what I'd rather be seeing in my feed. Every now and then I watch an old Simon Dumont or Henrik, or TWall or something from the 2010 era and just reminisce. But I had this epiphany about how those super clean 2 pretz 2's all the pros were doing back in the day WERE technical is hell. A 450 on was HUGE and what I was watching to someone viewing back in 2010, was what Fabian Busch's future spin was to me. Really weird to think about.
Apr 16 2018 12:04AM
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andrewsmart
Posts: 273 - Karma: 2,584
I'm an instructor at whistler blackcomb, and while there is some truth to this, 90% of kids don't know they are rich. There are tons of cocky kids, but almost all of them have good hearts. Often in the park they just get super hyper.

**This post was edited on Apr 16th 2018 at 12:06:42am
Apr 16 2018 12:06AM
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mulchbrain
Posts: 132 - Karma: 413
andrewsmartI'm an instructor at whistler blackcomb, and while there is some truth to this, 90% of kids don't know they are rich. There are tons of cocky kids, but almost all of them have good hearts. Often in the park they just get super hyper.

**This post was edited on Apr 16th 2018 at 12:06:42am



This is 100% true. Kids don't understand its not cool to bag on people or laugh at them for not being good in the park. Especially kids in the 11 to 13 bracket. They don't know they are rich , they just realised they don't have to do everything they are told and are just flexing that freedom.

The entitled rich arse hole stage is more evident later in life when they still act like a child.
Apr 16 2018 12:57AM
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pbs
Posts: 460 - Karma: 3,134
The industry isn't doomed,why? Because skiing will always be fucking fun, and thats what it's about, having fun
Apr 16 2018 1:17AM
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WillKiker
Posts: 10 - Karma: -3
Just thought I would add the concept I’m speaking of as far as steez is concerned is best represented in “Simon Dumont’s Slumdog illionaire.” I really do appreciate some newish skiers, however. Dylan Sondrup’s clips in “The Hungry Crew : Shut it down” is definitely worth your time, as well as others in that edit. I still imagine the ski industry will thrive, I would just like to see at least a few pros who can keep it real.

**This post was edited on Apr 16th 2018 at 1:21:02am
Apr 16 2018 1:19AM
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matt_720
Posts: 345 - Karma: 515
Funny enough, Sun Peaks is my home mountain and I can say what you are talking about is 100% true and I totally agree with it.
Apr 16 2018 1:46AM
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Cade2
Posts: 2124 - Karma: 2,707
WillKikerJust thought I would add the concept I’m speaking of as far as steez is concerned is best represented in “Simon Dumont’s Slumdog illionaire.” I really do appreciate some newish skiers, however. Dylan Sondrup’s clips in “The Hungry Crew : Shut it down” is definitely worth your time, as well as others in that edit. I still imagine the ski industry will thrive, I would just like to see at least a few pros who can keep it real.

**This post was edited on Apr 16th 2018 at 1:21:02am


id like to hear what pros you think arnt keeping it real?
Apr 16 2018 1:47AM
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mulchbrain
Posts: 132 - Karma: 413
Yeah what pro isn't keeping it real? Id say keeping it real amounts to be fucken good at skiing , and if they are pro theeeeeeen?
Apr 16 2018 4:24AM
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theabortionator
Posts: 51926 - Karma: 165,749
skiguy04True there are these folks getting instructors and stuff but maybe there is hope for them to be core


I ain't core, I don't pack that rum by the liter. Most of y'all park skiers ain't core neither. Whoever get mad then I'm talkin bout you, claim you fear no rail but never lap with my crew.

Where I'm from, your reputation don't mean jack. So what you park rats shred in friend packs? You ain't big time. My man, you ain't no different from the next cat in the park filming lines.
Apr 16 2018 4:45AM
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JmckR
Posts: 1302 - Karma: 5,841
How many more times is this same thread gonna be reposted...
Apr 16 2018 5:47AM
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@LANTASKI
Posts: 600 - Karma: 1,593
Dunderflipanyone in this thread smoke weed?

Yo dude you got that bombassDankass ??
Apr 16 2018 8:59AM
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-olives
Posts: 545 - Karma: 2,819
Vincent.CrudoSomething I think about a lot. At least Henrik is keeping the "steeze" alive. I miss the old baggy pants and afterbang era of skiing, when people still used words like "hyphy" and a local mountain was like a community. Kinda sick of all these young riders showing up literally everyone with future spins. Don't get wrong its incredible and probably brings more money into the sport, but at the same time skis and gear are so expensive now, so it's becoming less accessible for an average guy to get into it. Things were definitely super different 8 years ago, its hard to explain the change but I think I liked the entire skiing scene better when it was smaller and not so pay-to-win (if you know what I mean by that).


if your not saying hyphy every other sentance, your skiing wrong.
Apr 16 2018 9:06AM
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SkiCzar
Posts: 8 - Karma: 29
remember when snowboarding was gonna be the death of skiing? or global warming? big industry maybe? nah, there's always gonna be snow and there's always gonna be maniacs like us to git on it
Apr 16 2018 11:02AM
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Pipe_Munky
Posts: 10888 - Karma: 2,184
So parents are spending money for their kids to become good skiers...this is nothing new. This has been happening for years in racing, moguls, aerials and any other sport that requires intense training. What you likely saw was the Whistler Freestyle Club athletes. It's programs like these that produce top end talent that will eventually stand on World Cup and Olympic podiums. These are the same types of programs that developed Evan McEachran, Dara Howell, Cassie Sharpe, etc...

Not quite sure how you think this will be the "death of the ski industry". Like it or not, the ski industry thrives on money. Ski manufacturers need money to stay in business, ski resorts need money to stay open. The ski industry isn't going anywhere until the snow is gone and we can't ski anymore. The industry as a whole will change and adapt the way it needs to in order to survive as it has for the past 100+ years. You haven't seen enough evolution of this sport like a lot of us have. Many of us can remember a time when skiers weren't allowed in the "snowboard park" and jumping wasn't allowed. Skiing isn't just hitting jumps and rails just so you know.

You're pretty cool though, smoking pot as a highschool freshman... like it has to do with being able to appreciate style in skiing or sometihng
Apr 16 2018 2:07PM
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SofaKingSick
Posts: 9389 - Karma: 61,858
a_burgerski academy douchebags have always been a thing and always will, its just now a percentage of them do park instead of racing.

thats not to say anyone who went to an academy is a dick, a lot of people would probably be shocked how many of todays pros (new wave or comp skier) were in some kind of a program at one point, but that environment can fuel entitlement if it goes unchecked.


yeah i won't pretend i think academies are cool, but theyve been around for a while already. off the top of my head i can think of corey vanular and the stept dudes as examples of well-liked skiers who were academy products. pretty sure CV went to CVA and clayton and others went to waterville
Apr 16 2018 2:20PM
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kootenayklaus
Posts: 3914 - Karma: 2,179
Pipe_MunkyYou're pretty cool though, smoking pot as a highschool freshman... like it has to do with being able to appreciate style in skiing or sometihng


Just came here to say this hahaha.
Apr 16 2018 2:35PM
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SEABURN
Posts: 4859 - Karma: 2,762
myself, a freshman in highschool

[/quote]

You're young. Skiing has always had rich, entitled kids. You're especially going to find them at big resorts. At least they're out there giving you something to avoid becoming... some people's biggest value is existing as a bad example. My wife and I have spent our recent ski trips exploring small ski areas near us, and have found the ski bum vibe will always exist somewhere. Skiing really has to worry about corporate consolidation, real estate bubbles, national park monetization, and most importantly: global warming.
Apr 16 2018 2:38PM
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Finbawwr
Posts: 55 - Karma: 774
Those who are have the ability to pay their way to the top will be present in everything in life, not just sports - look at your president for example. It’s kinda sad to see it happening in skiing. But fuck them, skiing will always be fun and that’s all that matters and if the average dude is going skiing and having a great time, skiing will continue.
Apr 16 2018 3:45PM
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GayWolf420
Posts: 37681 - Karma: 123,646
You took a weekend trip to Whistler and are making a thread complaining about how rich people are killing the sport? I don't see what point you are trying to make, and I don't know any highschool freshman that can afford a weekend getaway to a major resort like that, but thats just me.

How is the industry going to die by parents paying for their kids to be good skiers? Its how we got some of the best skiers on earth, some of our favorite skiers grew up in these grass-roots programs. Youth involvement keeps things alive. Definitely something we should never discourage with sports and activities. Thats insane thinking to have.

Its just another "fuck rich people" thread because someone rubbed you the wrong way. This sport isnt going anywhere, it already includes every type of skier from friends mobbing around together to millionaires taking their annual ski trips and dropping a fortune to ski with their families.
Apr 16 2018 3:49PM
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