Replying to Continuing to partake in "high risk" activities such a skiing, surfing, biking ex. during the pandemic?
I've been pondering the question of whether or not it's socially appropriate to partake in inherently "high risk" activities such a backcountry skiing, mountain biking, surfing, skating ex. during this time where we are being told to social distance and self quarantine.
This isn't necessarily an issue of whether or not you're properly social distancing, can you pass people on the trails / skin track and keep a safe distance? Sure.
The argument seems to be about how much risk are you willing to take. For example, you go backcountry skiing up at Tuckerman Ravine like the rest of the New Englanders who are home from work ( I currently live in Boston so it's most relevant) and have a long sliding fall that ultimately requires the use of resources at the hospital during this critical time (If you don't believe it's critical, listen to some podcasts, watch the news, get informed).
So as the rest of the country is making sacrifices to ease the burden on the hospitals, what do you think is appropriate as a member of the outdoor community?
There are pro's still posting shots of bagging big lines in the backcountry, while others are voicing strong opinions such as #staythefuckhome. Moab just announced they are prohibiting non-local visitors during this time and other companies such a SkiTheEast have clearly stated that now is not the time to be skiing.
Will I continue to mountain bike, surf and ski...? Probably, it seems to be pivotal to the mental health and well being of people in our community. I do think now is not the time to ski that crazy line, build that jump or generally "send it". Just my 0.02, but I posed this question on my Instagram story and got some really interesting responses, figured it could be an interesting thread.
Stay Safe, Much Love!
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