We've all seen the articles posted by people angry about others drinking and skiing. Are they against drinking, drinking and skiing, or do they feel like they don't fit in and lash out?
I read an article today from Outside that fits more into the latter. A person being overly dramatic and mad that locals seemed to be having fun, while her and her son were not. Complaining about anything and everyone. In a Powder article the writer was anti booze because they were recovering from addiction and felt that being salty to the world would help them. In this recent Outside post, the writer actually mentioned they'll have a beer or two after skiing which shows that it's more about other people having fun when you're not.
So before I go any farther, let's get into the route of this. Any sport and any place can feel a little overwhelming when you visit. Whether it's going to a new skate park or starting a new job. You see people in their groups chatting amongst themselves and that sense of comradery between them can make you feel like an outsider. Are they alienating you? Do they hate you? Or have you just not been introduced yet?
In these situations you can generally do two things. You can sit on the outside talking shit about what they're wearing, what they're doing, anything trivial you can find to mentally roast them. Or you can walk up to them or others and introduce yourself.
In a new work place these types of interactions can be especially stressful. You want to make a good first impression as these are people you may be working with for years or even the rest of your life. Maybe they're cool, maybe they aren't, maybe they'll like me, maybe they won't. These thoughts race through many of our heads and have been sometimes as far back as saying hi to the “cool kids” or just kids in a new town on the playground.
Social interaction is important for us as humans. It can be scary to be in a new place feeling alone, and unsure. Instead of letting your brain go straight to talking shit and judging people you don't know, go up and introduce yourself. In many and sometimes all instances this can be a bit scary, but skiing is a friendly sport.
For the most part it comes down to not being an asshole and being respectful of the people around you. You go to a new skatepark, you don't know anyone, and you feel like everyone there is so much better than you. Most of the time it turns out, that when you drop in and start skating that nobody cares. If you're not snaking their line, you're waiting your turn, and you're having a good time pushing your ability levels people are stoked.
It's easier said than done, but maybe don't come out swinging next time you feel out of place and you see other people having some fun around you. People are people, and most people are pretty cool. Talk to the people next to you in that hour line, in the parking lot, wherever. Not everyone wants to chat, not everyone wants to be your friend, but for the most part all of your best friends were complete strangers at one point in your life.
So before you judge someone for having a beer, for having cheaper gloves than you, for having a good time, remember it's just skiing.
Get out there and have some fun. Don't take it too seriously. If you aren't having fun you're doing something wrong.
Obviously this season is a bit different with the weirdness that is Covid. Social distancing rules apply, but that doesn't mean you can't talk to people around you while waiting for a lift to open.
We're all weird but we're all out there trying to have a good time. Don't ruin your day by being salty that those people around you are having more fun than you. Instead let those vibes be infectious, let it slap you in the face like an early morning wave and wake you up. You're here, you're skiing, and this could be the best day ever.
Stay safe out there folks. Don't be a douche, and have yourselves some fun!
https://www.powder.com/stories/opinion/you-dont-have-to-drink-to-ski/
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