Member of the Month

abjectwoe
May, 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!

Discussion: Do Pipe Skiers Deserve More Respect?

profile picture
BagOTricks
Posts: 819 - Karma: 3,377
It seems like as a community, both skiers and snowboarders have lost a lot of love for pipe riders. Some even say pipe events should just be scrapped. Hell, look at what the Dew Tour did this year...

But after riding a superpipe this weekend, and having the living shit scared out of me while not even getting air out of the pipe, I think we are forgetting just how insane pipe riders really are. If you've never taken a run through a superpipe, I can understand why you may think pipe is lame. But I'm telling you, those things are no joke. They are wayyyyy taller and more gnarly than they look on TV/videos. I could never imagine boosting those things 20+ feet.

Pipe riders are absolutely mental, and have earned my respect forever. Hitting a 65 foot slopestyle booter for the first time was nowhere near as terrifying as hitting that damn superpipe. So to those who have never stepped foot inside one, and bash pipe, your opinion is irrelevant. To those who have, and still bash pipe, why?
6 years ago
29 1
profile picture
Park_Ranger
Posts: 3825 - Karma: 8,635
Because kids nowadays are clueless when it comes to pipe and it’s history in our sport. They only want to watch Magnus on IG and SLVSH games. Who cares if pipe is probably the gnarliest and riskiest thing you can do in skiing - it isn’t swervy boi!

**This post was edited on Mar 11th 2019 at 9:30:13am
6 years ago
36 12
profile picture
freeskibum82
Posts: 6355 - Karma: 5,056
Pipe skiers are definitely mental and deserve tons of respect for pushing the sport. Boosting 15' above the 22' pipe switch to land switch on an icy wall is bonkers. We've all seen the gnarly crashes that simon and others have taken pushing the sport. I unfortunately dont dabble with pipe much at all anymore since i live on the ice coast and many resorts are no longer putting up pipes or they are icy. Only fun time for pipe for me is spring sessions when its super soft and you can mess around in it with a lower risk.
6 years ago
22 0
profile picture
BagOTricks
Posts: 819 - Karma: 3,377
Park_RangerBecause kids nowadays are clueless when it comes to pipe and it’s history in our sport. They only want to watch Magnus on IG and SLVSH games. Who cares if pipe is probably the gnarliest and riskiest thing you do in skiing, it isn’t swervy boi!


Screw watching a guy boost to another dimension, let's see those swervy reverts!
6 years ago
13 9
profile picture
GrandThings
Posts: 3308 - Karma: 34,212
Anybody who has skied down an actual 18+ foot pipe knows exactly how fucked it is. Those dudes are gnarly af. Cant even imagine what its like to air out of a pipe
6 years ago
18 0
profile picture
Park_Ranger
Posts: 3825 - Karma: 8,635
GrandThingsCant even imagine what its like to air out of a pipe

How about boosting 17 feet out of it (35 feet off the ground) and doing a dub to switch landing, then before you know it you’re going up the opposite wall switch at a very high speed and are about to pop into another dub. I can’t imagine the nerve and focus that must take.

That shit is so intense and gnarly!
6 years ago
21 0
profile picture
GrandThings
Posts: 3308 - Karma: 34,212
Park_RangerHow about boosting 17 feet out of it (35 feet off the ground) and doing a dub to switch landing, then before you know it you’re going up the opposite wall switch at a very high speed and are about to pop into another dub. I can’t imagine the nerve and focus that must take.

That shit is so intense and gnarly!


Not to mention, competition pipes basically concrete-hard because they like it icy like racers. So not only are you falling 35+ feet, but its also onto snow thats solid af
6 years ago
9 0
profile picture
Park_Ranger
Posts: 3825 - Karma: 8,635
GrandThingsNot to mention, competition pipes basically concrete-hard because they like it icy like racers. So not only are you falling 35+ feet, but its also onto snow thats solid af


Yup that deck might as well just be a sidewalk
6 years ago
10 0
profile picture
Park_Ranger
Posts: 3825 - Karma: 8,635
I mean just look at the injuries that come out of the pipe scene. Literally every single season, at least one person gets majorly broken off. That doesn’t happen as frequently in other skiing disciplines.
6 years ago
0 0
profile picture
SPK_
Posts: 202 - Karma: 1,050
Park_RangerI mean just look at the injuries that come out of the pipe scene. Literally every single season, at least one person gets majorly broken off. That doesn’t happen as frequently in other skiing disciplines.


Yeah I mean Kevin Pearce and Sarah Burke are the proof that pipes want to, and will fuck you up harder than any other feature.
6 years ago
9 0
profile picture
hi_vis360
Posts: 5332 - Karma: 55,408
Park_RangerBecause kids nowadays are clueless when it comes to pipe and it’s history in our sport. They only want to watch Magnus on IG and SLVSH games. Who cares if pipe is probably the gnarliest and riskiest thing you can do in skiing - it isn’t swervy boi!

**This post was edited on Mar 11th 2019 at 9:30:13am

people are clueless about pipe skiing because there aren't any halfpipes anymore, and as you've pointed out, it's really dangerous. You can play SLVSH literally anywhere, even on the tiniest feature. People like Magnus and SLVSH cause it's relatable.
6 years ago
14 6
profile picture
Park_Ranger
Posts: 3825 - Karma: 8,635
pinkcamo1000people are clueless about pipe skiing because there aren't any halfpipes anymore, and as you've pointed out, it's really dangerous. You can play SLVSH literally anywhere, even on the tiniest feature. People like Magnus and SLVSH cause it's relatable.


I like anyone that can take a seat on a chairlift because it’s relatable!

The young generation couldn’t have a softer approach to skiing, and you can miss me with that bullshit.

And no, people aren’t clueless about pipe skiing. The 16 year olds that can’t put their phones down and weren’t even around to see Magnus ride with golden style during his come up... those are the kids that are clueless about pipe skiing. But you’re right, why learn the history of our sport or respect the gnarliest thing you can do in it, when you could just throw on some sweat pants and post a no style lip blind 2 to the gram? #swearvy
6 years ago
7 9
profile picture
BagOTricks
Posts: 819 - Karma: 3,377
pinkcamo1000people are clueless about pipe skiing because there aren't any halfpipes anymore, and as you've pointed out, it's really dangerous. You can play SLVSH literally anywhere, even on the tiniest feature. People like Magnus and SLVSH cause it's relatable.


Maybe it's less relatable, but shitting on pipe skiers and worshiping butter lords is pure disrespect to by far the most insane group of skiers on the planet.
6 years ago
11 2
profile picture
Demillsta
Posts: 395 - Karma: 1,214
I know that we all love bashing the bunch, but mango is also a halfpipe skier
6 years ago
22 0
profile picture
Park_Ranger
Posts: 3825 - Karma: 8,635
DemillstaI know that we all love bashing the bunch, but mango is also a halfpipe skier


Yeah for sure...

https://www.instagram.com/p/BoAuJsdgpfR/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=279v7d7no31whttps://www.instagram.com/p/BUr0qxRFlmM/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=136p5181oqeb1

Remeber when Henrik did perfect pipe dubs in Education of Style and had not been in a pipe for years/never trained for pipe?
6 years ago
6 2
profile picture
HaydenB
Posts: 1075 - Karma: 8,191


Only 1 pipe skier deserves more respect...
6 years ago
40 0
profile picture
skierman
Posts: 8604 - Karma: 9,560
Park_RangerYeah for sure...

https://www.instagram.com/p/BoAuJsdgpfR/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=279v7d7no31whttps://www.instagram.com/p/BUr0qxRFlmM/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=136p5181oqeb1

Remeber when Henrik did perfect pipe dubs in Education of Style and had not been in a pipe for years/never trained for pipe?


Hahahaha, sick swerving on a micro pipe.
6 years ago
5 8
profile picture
michael_rodick
Posts: 50 - Karma: 8
skiermanHahahaha, sick swerving on a micro pipe.


switch ten bb
6 years ago
7 0
profile picture
Park_Ranger
Posts: 3825 - Karma: 8,635
Sw pencil 10 with no grab or style in a practice pipe with walls made out of slush*****
6 years ago
7 9
profile picture
hi_vis360
Posts: 5332 - Karma: 55,408
Park_RangerI like anyone that can take a seat on a chairlift because it’s relatable!

The young generation couldn’t have a softer approach to skiing, and you can miss me with that bullshit.

And no, people aren’t clueless about pipe skiing. The 16 year olds that can’t put their phones down and weren’t even around to see Magnus ride with golden style during his come up... those are the kids that are clueless about pipe skiing. But you’re right, why learn the history of our sport or respect the gnarliest thing you can do in it, when you could just throw on some sweat pants and post a no style lip blind 2 to the gram? #swearvy


I agree there are a bunch of new wave fanboys out there who don't know the roots of the sport. When Jake didn't podium in real ski, there were a lot of super cringy whiners out there. Hating on them for being on their phones all the time makes you sound wicked old and jaded though, tons of middle aged people are glued to their phones these days.

I'm sorry people have a "soft approach to skiing" these days, but I think you're proving my point when you point out how gnarly pipe is. Why is people not wanting to sacrifice their bodies and potentially their lives for a specific discipline of skiing a bad thing? Guess we just can't be as gnarly and sick as you.

BagOTricksMaybe it's less relatable, but shitting on pipe skiers and worshiping butter lords is pure disrespect to by far the most insane group of skiers on the planet.


Both of yall are acting like mad people are hating on pipe skiing. Where are they? I just said it wasn't relatable, and thats facts. There are so few halfpipes anymore, so few people have access to a well built pipe. That's why it isn't as popular, it's not because of some trend. I think pipe skiing is sick, but blaming the new wave for the death of it is nonsense.
6 years ago
12 2
profile picture
Good_Deed
Posts: 1260 - Karma: 1,321
miss this guy
https://www.newschoolers.com/videos/watch/928014/Joffrey-Pollet-Villard---New-World-Record-Halfpipe-
6 years ago
17 0
profile picture
Biffbarf
Posts: 7453 - Karma: 79,912
Pipe is gnar. Too gnar maybe. It is kinda like the FWT, they're getting away from competitve uncontrollable sketchiness because people REALLY fuck themselves up. I have a family friend who is paraplegic from the golden era of pipe, not that that cant happen anywhere on the mountain but the margin for error is much less on vert.

I don't think it is a respect thing, I think it is such a liability that it is harder to promote than it use to be.
6 years ago
14 0
profile picture
JAlps
Posts: 555 - Karma: 1,939
pinkcamo1000Both of yall are acting like mad people are hating on pipe skiing. Where are they? I just said it wasn't relatable, and thats facts. There are so few halfpipes anymore, so few people have access to a well built pipe. That's why it isn't as popular, it's not because of some trend. I think pipe skiing is sick, but blaming the new wave for the death of it is nonsense.

Gotta agree here. Nobody in this thread has yet to disrespect pipe in any degree, and I think it's losing popularity among our demographic specifically because it's so hard to relate to. The buy in and consequence for learning even basic tricks on the pipe is so high that not many are ready to go grind it out on their own, and I don't necessarily think that's a bad thing... continuing to push creativity all over the mountain (in both a casual and competitive sense) is still awesome, especially considering pipe as a competitive discipline has pigeon hole'd itself in a spin to win mindset.


I love watching and even learning a bit of pipe, but the closest thing I can relate it to is those skinny's that were being built in the late 90's to early 2000's for downhill biking. They're super technical and gnarly, but when the progression gets pushed so far that you are riding something narrower than a 2x4 25+ feet off the ground... on your fucking bike..... well most people just aren't willing to accept that level of risk for the reward, and because of that we saw them slowly disappear from the scene.
6 years ago
7 1
profile picture
BagOTricks
Posts: 819 - Karma: 3,377
pinkcamo1000I agree there are a bunch of new wave fanboys out there who don't know the roots of the sport. When Jake didn't podium in real ski, there were a lot of super cringy whiners out there. Hating on them for being on their phones all the time makes you sound wicked old and jaded though, tons of middle aged people are glued to their phones these days.

I'm sorry people have a "soft approach to skiing" these days, but I think you're proving my point when you point out how gnarly pipe is. Why is people not wanting to sacrifice their bodies and potentially their lives for a specific discipline of skiing a bad thing? Guess we just can't be as gnarly and sick as you.



Both of yall are acting like mad people are hating on pipe skiing. Where are they? I just said it wasn't relatable, and thats facts. There are so few halfpipes anymore, so few people have access to a well built pipe. That's why it isn't as popular, it's not because of some trend. I think pipe skiing is sick, but blaming the new wave for the death of it is nonsense.


Maybe a ton of people aren't hating, but nobody watches it anymore. Idek what time ski pipe is on during X-Games week, it's barely advertised. Pipe deserves to be the most hyped event along with big air.

I'm also not saying anyone is soft for not riding pipe. I just mean if you've never seen one in person, you honestly have no idea how sketchy it truly is. You need to ride one to appreciate what these people are actually doing.

I've heard a lot of young riders say pipe is boring, lame, nerdy, whatever. NS as a whole ignores pipe for the most part. Park riders deserve more recognition than what they get.
6 years ago
1 1
profile picture
hi_vis360
Posts: 5332 - Karma: 55,408
BagOTricksMaybe a ton of people aren't hating, but nobody watches it anymore. Idek what time ski pipe is on during X-Games week, it's barely advertised. Pipe deserves to be the most hyped event along with big air.

I'm also not saying anyone is soft for not riding pipe. I just mean if you've never seen one in person, you honestly have no idea how sketchy it truly is. You need to ride one to appreciate what these people are actually doing.

I've heard a lot of young riders say pipe is boring, lame, nerdy, whatever. NS as a whole ignores pipe for the most part. Park riders deserve more recognition than what they get.


I kinda agree with what you're saying here. The thing is, most young skiers now haven't seen a pipe in person or ridden one. Pipes used to be wayy more common. So as you said, younger skiers have no idea how sketchy it truly is. That's why when they go watch it on TV, it seems boring cause they can't understand how sick it is. The same applies to Aerials and Ski Jumping. Both of those sports are undeniably gnarly and crazy, especially ski jumping. But most people have never seen or ridden a ski jump or an aerials jump, so they have no frame of reference. It seems to me that ski disciplines that require highly specialized facilities and are super dangerous have a hard time sticking around. Would it be sick if more people were into pipe and it was more popular? Yes. If you want to change that, you should encourage your local mountain to build a pipe. That's the only way you'll grow the discipline.

As far as people saying its lame etc, I think the French coaches are to blame for that. Apparently those guys were/are super aggro at pipe comps, yelling at the skiers, being crazy competitive, etc. One of the L1P movies (Sunny?) has clips of them yelling. That definitely put a bad taste in a lot of people's mouths and made them shy away from pipe skiing.
6 years ago
1 2
profile picture
freeskibum82
Posts: 6355 - Karma: 5,056
Park_RangerSw pencil 10 with no grab or style in a practice pipe with walls made out of slush*****


amen. glad someone responded to it. slushy pipe is waaaay different than the comp pipe the competitors ski. slushy pipe is fun for people like me..
6 years ago
3 1
profile picture
skierman
Posts: 8604 - Karma: 9,560
NightFantasiesespecially considering pipe as a competitive discipline has pigeon hole'd itself in a spin to win mindset.


A perfect example of someone paying zero attention to pipe. You may want to tell that to Taylor Seaton or Aaron Blunck
6 years ago
4 1
profile picture
sal_krekorian
Posts: 5 - Karma: 24
They should get lots of respect, after watching Torin- Yater fuck up huge it takes some serious balls to fuck with that
6 years ago
0 0
profile picture
theabortionator
Posts: 52632 - Karma: 174,695
I think so considering your average park rider probably doesnt even get to the top of the wall in a pipe.

I love pipes. Rip
6 years ago
5 0
profile picture
Twig
Posts: 6469 - Karma: 62,452
theabortionatorI think so considering your average park rider probably doesnt even get to the top of the wall in a pipe.

I love pipes. Rip


In fairness, the average park skier coming up now probably never sees a pipe in real life either.
6 years ago
13 0
profile picture
roddy116
Posts: 10657 - Karma: 7,745
the halfpipe is fun, I grew up with them, and my home hill still has a small one. I love going to ride them at other resorts, but there hard to find now outside of the big park hubs in the rockies.
6 years ago
0 0
profile picture
hootsquad
Posts: 272 - Karma: 1,351
Park_RangerSw pencil 10 with no grab or style in a practice pipe with walls made out of slush*****


Just to put it out there, in his NS interview it said he was on the US ski team for pipe. Not sure what level team but I'm sure he can throw down heavier shit if he chooses to
6 years ago
6 0
profile picture
Redrobin
Posts: 196 - Karma: 936
Steamboat has two pipes for some reason even though their parks are nothing to write home about. I can count on my hands the number of skiers I have seen actually air out of the superpipe. The mini pipe is fun af tho but it tends to become a Jerry ditch cause its located right at the base of the mountain.
6 years ago
2 0
profile picture
JAlps
Posts: 555 - Karma: 1,939
skiermanA perfect example of someone paying zero attention to pipe. You may want to tell that to Taylor Seaton or Aaron Blunck


I mean you aren't totally wrong, I generally only watch X games or olympic pipe..... more of a movie guy than a comp watcher. But I will say this, Blunck's X games run still had 3 dubs in it..... steezy ones ;) .

How many average skiers do you know that can throw a dub... and how many of them can even come close to doing it in pipe. I'm not arguing that pipe is turning into future spin big air..... but to the random kid on NS watching (insert new waver here) gives a lot more inspiration to go ski than dubs in the park.
6 years ago
4 0
profile picture
labubu-craze
Posts: 860 - Karma: 2,970
I don't think I have seen anyone not respecting pipe skiiers/boarders. You have to be in peak physical condition while you can still swerve it up after blasting a joint and carrying a beer-gut.
6 years ago
0 0
profile picture
suup
Posts: 1485 - Karma: 4,370
BagOTricksHitting a 65 foot slopestyle booter for the first time


/Claim
6 years ago
4 0
profile picture
BagOTricks
Posts: 819 - Karma: 3,377
suup/Claim


Comparing a superpipe to a slopestyle level jump is a claim? I just wanted to add my opinion on the fear level of comp level features
6 years ago
1 1
profile picture
suup
Posts: 1485 - Karma: 4,370
BagOTricksComparing a superpipe to a slopestyle level jump is a claim? I just wanted to add my opinion on the fear level of comp level features

no,
vids of hitting the 65' jump or it didn't happen.
6 years ago
0 2
profile picture
mmccarthy81
Posts: 415 - Karma: 761
Park_RangerYeah for sure...

https://www.newschoolers.com/videos/watch/928076/Jake-Mageau-USASA-Nationals-Half-Pipe-2012
6 years ago
2 0
profile picture
bolake
Posts: 419 - Karma: 1,053
only torin and alex
6 years ago
0 0
profile picture
xxACIDTRIPxx
Posts: 5980 - Karma: 8,185
https://www.newschoolers.com/videos/watch/928080/2008-Tanner-Hall-X-Games-half-pipe-run-ESPN
6 years ago
1 0
profile picture
tsingtaofanatic
Posts: 3350 - Karma: 4,593
No
6 years ago
1 2
profile picture
SKRockies
Posts: 606 - Karma: 1,690
We have a full size pipe at my hill and i ride every chance i get. My fave thing as a coach is challenging the athletes spinning 55+ foot booters to come do a lap in the pipe and watch them barely air out. Takes them completely out of their element and brings a new passion and appreciation to most athletes
6 years ago
1 0
profile picture
tsingtaofanatic
Posts: 3350 - Karma: 4,593
I'm just kidding btw i have tons of respect. I barely get any air and still feel like im bout to die.
6 years ago
1 4
profile picture
BagOTricks
Posts: 819 - Karma: 3,377
suupno,
vids of hitting the 65' jump or it didn't happen.


https://www.newschoolers.com/videos/watch/928090/Best-Terrain-Parks-In-The-East----2017-Ski-Edit2:25 lol. Vids of you skiing or it didn't happen :D

**This post was edited on Mar 12th 2019 at 9:07:24am
6 years ago
0 0
profile picture
freeskibum82
Posts: 6355 - Karma: 5,056
BagOTrickshttps://www.newschoolers.com/videos/watch/928090/Best-Terrain-Parks-In-The-East----2017-Ski-Edit2:25 lol. Vids of you skiing or it didn't happen :D

**This post was edited on Mar 12th 2019 at 9:07:24am

i dont have a tape measure but thats not 65'. At best the jump you hit was 40'

even the inferno jumps at mount snow right now are not even 65'
6 years ago
1 0
profile picture
BagOTricks
Posts: 819 - Karma: 3,377
freeskibum82i dont have a tape measure but thats not 65'. At best the jump you hit was 40'

even the inferno jumps at mount snow right now are not even 65'


I don't have a tape measure, but MSLM has 65' on their site, and painted on the jump. Camera didn't do it justice. Either way, that isn't even comparable to trying to air a 22' superpipe.
6 years ago
0 0
profile picture
skierman
Posts: 8604 - Karma: 9,560
BagOTricksI don't have a tape measure, but MSLM has 65' on their site, and painted on the jump. Camera didn't do it justice. Either way, that isn't even comparable to trying to air a 22' superpipe.


"The resort's website said so and they painted it on the jump."

You can't argue with science, people.
6 years ago
7 2
profile picture
BagOTricks
Posts: 819 - Karma: 3,377
https://www.newschoolers.com/videos/watch/928098/Mount-St--Louis-Moonstone---Terrain-ParkThis does it justice.
6 years ago
0 0
profile picture
milo-mcsenderson
Posts: 661 - Karma: 9,542
pinkcamo1000people are clueless about pipe skiing because there aren't any halfpipes anymore, and as you've pointed out, it's really dangerous. You can play SLVSH literally anywhere, even on the tiniest feature. People like Magnus and SLVSH cause it's relatable.


People like Coldplay and voted for the Nazis, you can't trust people
6 years ago
3 1
All times are Eastern (-4); Currently it's 8:08AM