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July, 2025

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Why I want to leave the midwest

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Dobber
Posts: 1698 - Karma: 9,832
You can't hit a rail? Gaper.
You don't wear a cotton hoodie? Gaper.
You wear a nice Patagonia jacket? Gaper.
You are really good at everything except park? Gaper.

I feel like people here in Wisconsin don't understand the whole "freeskiing" thing. These kids look down on me like I'm nothing. If you can ski park good, you are considered a good skier. If you can shred pow, huck cliffs, do moguls, and carve...Nobody really cares. I would fit right in at most Western resorts. I don't let this stuff get to my head, but I want to see if anybody else agrees.
11 years ago
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TheOrigin
Posts: 51 - Karma: 109
Ryan_HansenI don't let this stuff get to my head, but I want to see if anybody else agrees.

Are your sure? Kinda seems like you do.

That being said, fuck what other people think. As long as you're out there having fun, it doesn't matter.
11 years ago
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JGWI
Posts: 2842 - Karma: 7,812
Who honestly cares what others think? This isn't high-school. I'm out there for me, not everyone else.

I want to leave the Midwest because I'm tired of 15 second runs and 20 degree black runs.
11 years ago
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Blurst
Posts: 13577 - Karma: 10,169
just get better at park and then you will be cool and fit in.
11 years ago
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Daski
Posts: 661 - Karma: 2,396
I kinda get what you're saying. There's one hill by me where everyone acts like hot shit cause they can do both way 2s, and they're all assholes. But theres another place nearby where there are nice people that are really encouraging and want you to have as much fun as possible. Maybe find better people to ski with? That's what I did, and I love skiing in Michigan cause of that
11 years ago
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John18_6
Posts: 7313 - Karma: 49,171
It might be better in Minnesota, but only if the vert at the resort is over 300ft. The smaller the hill the worse it is because let's face it, park is the hardest thing to ride on a 150ft hill. The reason there isn't much respect for big mountain skiers at small midwest hills is because there isn't anything big to ride. That being said, if you're a big mountain skier, don't sell yourself short, move out west.
11 years ago
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life_is_hood
Posts: 503 - Karma: 1,993
No, we are still judgmental as fuck out west. We only accept humble migrants who throw down in the park, cliffs are locals only
11 years ago
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BianKarrett
Posts: 360 - Karma: 2,111
do you ski trollhaugen at all
11 years ago
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BROLF
Posts: 1598 - Karma: 5,099
I'm from the midwest too, just wondering, how are you so good at pow, cliffs, big mountain etc if you're from Wisconsin? All types of skiing take a lot of practice to get good.
11 years ago
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JTCasper540_MN
Posts: 742 - Karma: 3,700
john18061806It might be better in Minnesota, but only if the vert at the resort is over 300ft. The smaller the hill the worse it is because let's face it, park is the hardest thing to ride on a 150ft hill. The reason there isn't much respect for big mountain skiers at small midwest hills is because there isn't anything big to ride. That being said, if you're a big mountain skier, don't sell yourself short, move out west.


preach!
11 years ago
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Crispy.
Posts: 6127 - Karma: 7,764
I'm from Granite Peak too. I don't even know you, but if you can't ski park that's probably why. YOU ARE NOTHING!
11 years ago
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oldworld_newlife
Posts: 1013 - Karma: 5,251
Ryan_HansenYou can't hit a rail? Gaper.
You don't wear a cotton hoodie? Gaper.
You wear a nice Patagonia jacket? Gaper.
You are really good at everything except park? Gaper.

I feel like people here in Wisconsin don't understand the whole "freeskiing" thing. These kids look down on me like I'm nothing. If you can ski park good, you are considered a good skier. If you can shred pow, huck cliffs, do moguls, and carve...Nobody really cares. I would fit right in at most Western resorts. I don't let this stuff get to my head, but I want to see if anybody else agrees.


As someone in the Midwest I know how you feel and I want to leave too. I am certainly more talented outside of the park but I still love the park and do whatever I can to progress but in the end I really don't give a shit. I grab my gear and put on my tall t and put on some good music and have fun no matter if I'm ripping groomers or practicing simple rails or jumps. Freeskiing to me means freedom, so do whatever you want and don't worry what others think. Besides, everyone is at a different level, we can't all be the same and I think that difference is what makes skiing interesting
11 years ago
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GNARSHRALPER
Posts: 71 - Karma: 97
TheOriginThat being said, fuck what other people think. As long as you're out there having fun, it doesn't matter.

People always say fuck what everyone else says, but after a while you can't. If people laugh at you and make fun of you you lose all of your confidence and can't stomp anything.
11 years ago
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Dobber
Posts: 1698 - Karma: 9,832
Crispy.I'm from Granite Peak too. I don't even know you, but if you can't ski park that's probably why. YOU ARE NOTHING!


I'm something. I'm a better all mountain skier than park skiers.
11 years ago
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Noha
Posts: 1281 - Karma: 2,684
Ryan_HansenI'm something. I'm a better all mountain skier than park skiers.


Real skiing mon. The best days are spent ripping all mtn and hucking natural terrain in my opinion. Just do you.
11 years ago
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FuckAllOfYou
Posts: 3864 - Karma: 2,518
Ryan_HansenI'm something. I'm a better all mountain skier than park skiers.


don't be elitist about it, just flow
11 years ago
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.Hugo.
Posts: 17360 - Karma: 28,494
Ryan_HansenI'm something. I'm a better all mountain skier than park skiers.


im better at all mountain and park than you
11 years ago
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Mkvackay
Posts: 1903 - Karma: 5,453
oh come on man i grew up going to Wilmot and Alpine with the occasional trip to Granite Peak or Chestnut.

its not that bad, you're overreacting
11 years ago
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caucasian_chad
Posts: 4078 - Karma: 3,625
BROLFI'm from the midwest too, just wondering, how are you so good at pow, cliffs, big mountain etc if you're from Wisconsin? All types of skiing take a lot of practice to get good.


I bet he's not.

Ryan_HansenI'm something. I'm a better all mountain skier than park skiers.


I think you'll be surprised at how mediocre of a big mountain skier you are when you move out West. You might be better than you Midwest friends when you go out West, but when you start shredding with locals you'll realize you aren't that good. I noticed it for sure, and I'Ve improved a lot in just 1 season of big mountain skiing.

That being said, if you don't like park, why not race? The skills you learn racing will make you a better skier for when you do move, and it'll make skiing boring flat hills a lot more fun.
11 years ago
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Crispy.
Posts: 6127 - Karma: 7,764
Ryan_HansenI'm something. I'm a better all mountain skier than park skiers.


Calm down man, you have to learn how to take a joke if you want to internet.
11 years ago
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Hornbeck
Posts: 367 - Karma: 3,171
I moved back to the midwest. Its dope!
11 years ago
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Rusticles
Posts: 2180 - Karma: 1,337
Ryan_HansenI'm something. I'm a better all mountain skier than park skiers.


Sounds to me like you're just seeking some approval for your fragile ego
11 years ago
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quixotic
Posts: 6937 - Karma: 2,982
i skied for 10 years in wisconsin and live in tahoe now. it's the same shit everywhere... there are nice people and assholes. ski for yourself and don't let some stranger dictate how you feel.
11 years ago
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Dobber
Posts: 1698 - Karma: 9,832
.Hugo.im better at all mountain and park than you


Crispy.Calm down man, you have to learn how to take a joke if you want to internet.


RusticlesSounds to me like you're just seeking some approval for your fragile ego


I'm getting roasted. Have a good day fuckers. lol
11 years ago
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grantwhitty
Posts: 854 - Karma: 9,380
I ski at Snowstar in Illinois (really small hill), I don't know about you but I think the Midwest is awesome, It feels like a big family, everyone knows everyone. Just being there makes be happy. The midwest is weird in a good way. I ski both park and pow. Park at home (that's all we got) and pow, backcountry, etc. out west (because we don't have that). I am moving to Colorado for college this fall, and I feel like I am going to miss the Midwest, but don't get me wrong, Colorado is awesome, just a different kind of awesome.
11 years ago
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zwilly
Posts: 635 - Karma: 1,908
If you dont like it in the midwest get out. Save whatever money you have and find a new job in the west or whatever. Ya, its not that easy but complaining isnt easier. For pow or all mountain skiing midwest isnt the best, ya its obvious. But I think the vibes in the park are almost always good when Im skiing. To top it off the midwest has some of the best urban in the world.
11 years ago
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losh
Posts: 1126 - Karma: 4,707
john18061806It might be better in Minnesota, but only if the vert at the resort is over 300ft. The smaller the hill the worse it is because let's face it, park is the hardest thing to ride on a 150ft hill. The reason there isn't much respect for big mountain skiers at small midwest hills is because there isn't anything big to ride. That being said, if you're a big mountain skier, don't sell yourself short, move out west.


shit, i thought western new york was vertically challenged. the most vert we have is like 750ft. but 150-300ft shit thats rough gtfo as soon as possible
11 years ago
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Rusticles
Posts: 2180 - Karma: 1,337
RusticlesSounds to me like you're just seeking some approval for your fragile ego


Ryan_HansenI'm getting roasted. Have a good day fuckers. LOL


Don't give a fuck about what other people think. Go out and have fun, nobody needs approval from others to have fun. Who gives a shit what the park rats think. It's also not much different out west.
11 years ago
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UilyJeff
Posts: 394 - Karma: 1,482
Next time a park rat kid is being an ass, remind him that you can take your skis off and fuck his whole DC wearing world all to shit. The worst in MI is the the grouping of douches in front of a feature just sitting in the way. Spray them and stomp it like no other. I get the same thing as you but then I remember I'm 36 years old shredding park still and wasn't an asshole as a teenager to other skiers. Most of them are O'doyles anyway.
11 years ago
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roddy116
Posts: 10662 - Karma: 7,824
but then you get as much as four inches of snow on the ground and their heads explode.
11 years ago
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John18_6
Posts: 7313 - Karma: 49,171
jlens05shit, i thought western new york was vertically challenged. the most vert we have is like 750ft. but 150-300ft shit thats rough gtfo as soon as possible


Minnesota does have Lutsen which has a 1088ft glacial hill filled with tree runs and the steepest groomed terrain in the midwest (45+ degrees no exaggeration, groomed with a winch), it's a beautiful 4-5 hour drive from Minneapolis. Spirit Mountain at 700ft, and Giants ridge at 500ft. Everything else is 300 or less. Including a few hills under 100ft like Elm Creek- which is really fun by the way. I usually ski at Hyland because it's closest with maybe 150ft vert in the park.
11 years ago
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JGWI
Posts: 2842 - Karma: 7,812
john18061806Minnesota does have Lutsen which has a 1088ft glacial hill filled with tree runs and the steepest groomed terrain in the midwest (45+ degrees no exaggeration, groomed with a winch), it's a beautiful 4-5 hour drive from Minneapolis. Spirit Mountain at 700ft, and Giants ridge at 500ft. Everything else is 300 or less. Including a few hills under 100ft like Elm Creek- which is really fun by the way. I usually ski at Hyland because it's closest with maybe 150ft vert in the park.


I heard they are building a new $7 million gondala and adding a ton of new terrain on moose to the east of the park.
11 years ago
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ChadThundercock
Posts: 3071 - Karma: 835
Who the fuck cares what these guys think? If you are going to take other people's opinion so seriously then just up and dont ski
11 years ago
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John18_6
Posts: 7313 - Karma: 49,171
Just.Go.With.ItI heard they are building a new $7 million gondala and adding a ton of new terrain on moose to the east of the park.


and their jumps still look like this
11 years ago
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RubberSoul
Posts: 11249 - Karma: 14,642
john18061806and their jumps still look like this


hahaha that cracks me up. i have no problem admitting i would probably only straight air that thing

don't people get hurt on it and make the crew realize it makes no sense? does the landing ever roll over and get steep? even if it does that wedge is so short for that deck length..
11 years ago
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Heart
Posts: 6156 - Karma: 3,464
john18061806and their jumps still look like this


Their park crew is hands down the worst in Minnesota. They consistently create terrible features that are borderline unhittable. Last time I was there they had a an up flat rail with a kicker that was maybe a foot wide leading up to it, and the trajectory launched you right into the rail, rather than on top of it. I don't think I've ever seen a jump at Lutsen I'd dare to call well built either.
11 years ago
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percs
Posts: 2280 - Karma: 5,823
john18061806and their jumps still look like this


Perfect side tranny.
11 years ago
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JGWI
Posts: 2842 - Karma: 7,812
john18061806and their jumps still look like this


They should just give up on the park thing.
11 years ago
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John18_6
Posts: 7313 - Karma: 49,171
RubberSouldon't people get hurt on it and make the crew realize it makes no sense?


Park skiers don't exist at Lutsen, although sometimes the most daring skiers may ski over the lip.
here's a showcasing of their best features such as the majestic up-flat. and the step down to nowhere.

11 years ago
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fresh_prince
Posts: 993 - Karma: 11,916
every ones a hypocrite...
11 years ago
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caucasian_chad
Posts: 4078 - Karma: 3,625
john18061806Park skiers don't exist at Lutsen, although sometimes the most daring skiers may ski over the lip.
here's a showcasing of their best features such as the majestic up-flat. and the step down to nowhere.


I remember there was 1 season, I think 2010-11, where they had someone who knew what they were doing in charge of the park and it was actually pretty decent. That person must've quit though because the next year it was back to being crappy again.
11 years ago
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bgeskior
Posts: 463 - Karma: 1,552
midwest is the best!
11 years ago
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Heart
Posts: 6156 - Karma: 3,464
john18061806Park skiers don't exist at Lutsen, although sometimes the most daring skiers may ski over the lip.
here's a showcasing of their best features such as the majestic up-flat. and the step down to nowhere.



Ahh yes, that's the up flat i was talking about. You nearly had to hockey stop before the feature to make it hittable.
11 years ago
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UilyJeff
Posts: 394 - Karma: 1,482
My setup in the back of my property has a better landing than that haha!
11 years ago
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John18_6
Posts: 7313 - Karma: 49,171
caucasian_chadI remember there was 1 season, I think 2010-11, where they had someone who knew what they were doing in charge of the park and it was actually pretty decent.


That year was so tight! I remember hitting the jumps there and them being some of the smoothest ones I had ever hit, especially the step up/step over. I couldn't even do a 3 then but hell I was stoked to hit those.
11 years ago
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joshua
Posts: 5046 - Karma: 1,280
ObeseBunnyTheir park crew is hands down the worst in Minnesota. They consistently create terrible features that are borderline unhittable. Last time I was there they had a an up flat rail with a kicker that was maybe a foot wide leading up to it, and the trajectory launched you right into the rail, rather than on top of it. I don't think I've ever seen a jump at Lutsen I'd dare to call well built either.


caucasian_chadI remember there was 1 season, I think 2010-11, where they had someone who knew what they were doing in charge of the park and it was actually pretty decent. That person must've quit though because the next year it was back to being crappy again.


Agreed. I remember the park being pretty good a number of years ago, back when it was on the mystery. Since they moved it, it has just been going from bad to worse, and I have zero plans on making a trip there this year.
11 years ago
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JGWI
Posts: 2842 - Karma: 7,812
joshuaAgreed. I remember the park being pretty good a number of years ago, back when it was on the mystery. Since they moved it, it has just been going from bad to worse, and I have zero plans on making a trip there this year.


I honestly feel it would be best to ditch the park thing all together. Who honestly drives 2+ hours north of Spirit (Which has an awesome park) to go and ski something that is offered all around the state? Lutsen is unique because it has terrain that is honestly hard to find in MN and it is absolutely huge in midwest standards. They should work to improve their infrastructure such as replacing that god awfully slow lift from the base to the top of Eagle instead of wasting money on a half ass park that no one even uses.
11 years ago
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John18_6
Posts: 7313 - Karma: 49,171
Just.Go.With.ItThey should work to improve their infrastructure such as replacing that god awfully slow lift from the base to the top of Eagle instead of wasting money on a half ass park that no one even uses.


That is literally what they are doing. Seriously. A ton of more runs and more high speed lifts. Lutsen is trying to draw people within a 700 mile radius.
http://www.lutsen.com/forestpermit/

http://www.lutsen.com/gondola/
11 years ago
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JGWI
Posts: 2842 - Karma: 7,812
john18061806That is literally what they are doing. Seriously. A ton of more runs and more high speed lifts. Lutsen is trying to draw people within a 700 mile radius.
http://www.lutsen.com/forestpermit/

http://www.lutsen.com/gondola/

Forget moving west, I might aswell just move north.

Thats big
11 years ago
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cp_7
Posts: 372 - Karma: 1,301
john18061806and their jumps still look like this


can we all take a minute to admire the fact that you can just ditch the park and ski the trees next to it. Can't find casual tree runs like that in New England
11 years ago
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