What Kind of Skier Are You? (And What To Do About It)

When you’re hitting the slopes as a novice, you may not be aware of it, but your identity as a skier is being born. This might seem like a strange idea – what? A skiing identity? – but you’d be surprised. For those of you professionals who have been hitting the slopes for quite some time, and those novices looking to break their way into the game, it could really help to understand what type of skier you are.

Knowing what “type” of skier you are is kind of like knowing what kind of golfer you are – do you need the big heavy artillery for your driving game, or lots of irons for your fairway shots? Your equipment, the slopes you choose, and other choices will be important distinctions to make when you keep going skiing.

Here are some different types of skiers and how they move through the world.

The Professional – If you’re a professional – or think you might be one – this article probably isn’t for you, because you already understand the ins and outs of skiing. You know the products, the brands, the best poles, boots, and equipment for making tough turns. In fact, your identity as a skier is already so well-developed that you don’t need me telling you what you know.
The rookie – If you’re a complete newbie to this sport, you might want to consider taking on the identity of “rookie,” even if it’s just for now. Rookies should be sponges for information – willing to ask questions and to take advice to heart. Look around you, watch the skiers who have the level of skill you want to reach, and embrace it all with a “student” mentality.
The daredevil – If you’re a daredevil, you might not necessarily be a professional, as well. But you don’t have to be a great skier to have the daredevil spirit in you – someone who bucks trends, throws caution to the wind and explores their own limits. For daredevils, you’ll want to make sure your equipment is as safe and reliable as possible, and you’ll also want to choose slopes that challenge your sense of adventure without challenging your sense of sanity.
The conservative – The conservative is on the opposite end of the spectrum as the daredevil; the antithesis to gut-wrenching adventure. However, if you’re a conservative at heart, you don’t have to limit your fun. Find equipment that takes much of the work out of skiing – including simple boots that are easy to step in. And be sure to ride the bunny hills, the less difficult hills, in order to build up a tolerance for how much danger you’re willing to expose yourself to.

There are many identities to skiing, just like other outdoor activities you might want to get involved with. Remember: ultimately it’s about finding your own niche, playing it safe, and having fun.

Originally posted 2008-12-16 04:55:59.

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