Why Midwestern Skiing and Snowboarding Rocks
In pursuit of a different topic, I came across an interesting discussion on the site EpicSki.com, titled “Why do we ski in the Midwest?” It’s a great question for anyone who skis or rides. I’m not one of those riders who gets insulted when someone asks “Did you go skiing this weekend?” So when you read “ski,” read it to include “snowboarding” as well.
Here are some of the answers that people submitted. I’ve slightly edited a few responses for grammar and presentation, and grouped them into categories.
CAMARADERIE
– You are seldom more than a minute or two away from the bar.
– If you get on the lift with a real a**hole, don’t worry, you’ll be off the lift in just a few minutes.
– Because 30 chair rides gives you 30 chances to meet new friends.
– You do get to know the other “regulars” because on many weekdays you are the only skiers there.
– The joy of teaching a new skier [or rider].
– Because even 400′ gives you time with your family and friends building memories that will last forever.
SAFETY
– You can’t get lost.
– Good place to ski if you are scared of heights.
– If you get hurt, it is a short toboggan ride to the Ski Patrol room.
– The saving grace of Midwest skiing is kids love it and parents can let them have the run of the hill without them getting into trouble.
CONVENIENCE
– Of course the main reason we ski in the Midwest is because it is close to home.
– I am content to make the most out of what is in easy driving distance.
– I may not ski Mountains, but I ski 3-4 times a week and have a smile on my face all the time I’m doing it. That smile on my face is reason enough!
– We tend to ski out-west or in Vermont now, but our ski trips to Michigan were more pure fun and less headache than our “better” trips to larger resorts.
– Because it is fun and accessible.
MAKING THE MOST OF TECHNIQUES
– I think that Midwest skiing really teaches skiers to love the sport and every turn possible.
– Skiing in the Midwest teaches you to turn. If you don’t make turns, the ride is short and boring.
– Because it’s fun to see how many times you can turn in one run.
– You can refine techniques to perfection on a small hill just as you can anywhere else.
IT BEATS THE MOST LIKELY ALTERNATIVES
– Because it’s better than working.
– Because it’s more fun than ice fishing.
– What else is there to do outside in the winter in Minnesota.
IT’S ALL GOOD
– I’ve never had a bad day on skis, regardless of location.
– Because it’s better than not skiing.
– The overall level of fun has never seemed higher to me at a big mountain; it’s just interrupted less frequently.
MY OWN TAKE
I agree with many of statements above. I would add a few more.
– Skiing can occur in some beautiful places, even in the Midwest. I must admit that skiing and snowboarding in the Midwest can occur at places that aren’t as pleasant as many places in the Rockies. The dozen or so Midwestern ski areas I’ve been to are, in addition to being relatively flat and short, tend to be cut from less impressive forests, have fewer trees, and generally have less visual beauty. But if you use your imagination, you can visit vast forests while riding up the chairlift. And a gentle snowfall can be beautiful, no matter where you are.
– Skiing and riding are a way of giving a big “says you” to big, bad winter. Winter becomes something to enjoy, not dread.
– There’s a special joy to be found in skiing or snowboarding during an extremely cold day. Once you get over the initial shock, you think “Good Lord, I’m ALIVE!”
– Setting skiing and riding goals and achieving them can be personally satisfying. Learn a new trick. Manage your fear of steeps or of ice. Set a new personal best in racing. If you’re a skier, try snowboarding. If you’re a snowboarder, try racing. And so on.
– Even on a small hill, you can get the rhythm and dance on the snow.