What Pisses You Off.

Last spring, we asked a provocative question in our annual SeniorsSkiing.com Subscriber Survey. We asked, “Thinking back on the 2018-19 season, tell us what pissed you off the most about the following…” Then we listed “On the slopes”, “In the lodge”, “Tickets and passes,” “Restaurant”, “Other skiers”. We also asked what delighted skiers the most, but let’s look at the opposite first. Based on the language in the responses, it is certainly where the passion lies.

We were surprised that so many respondents made comments like the following sample of many more:

Rude and dangerous skiers and boarders
Inconsiderate skiers and snowboarders
Lack of ski etiquette
Out of control skiers
Dangerous skiers
Beginners on advanced trails
Careless riding and skiing
Skiing too fast and too close to other skiers
Not skiing in control
Some are dangerously fast and reckless
Skiing and riding too fast
A few jerks skiing dangerously
Not following safe skiing rules
Risk takers who don’t turn on groomers
Straight-lining on easy slopes
Complete disregard for slower skiers

Respondents also mentioned high lift and pass prices, lousy cafeteria food, long walks from parking lots, and other grievances. However, the out-of-control skier situation is the most disturbing. Why? Because you probably thought that the Ski Patrol would be enforcing the Skier’s Code of Responsibility. Or that the resort’s Ski Ambassadors would be chiding characters acting dangerously. As we have learned from your comments, that apparently isn’t happening much.

Let’s be clear. There is a difference between skiing fast in control and skiing fast out of control. We know many of our readers like the former, but, as we have seen, many are intimidated by the latter.

As a result, SeniorsSkiing.com believes we have shone a light on a key area of ski resort management that needs improvement. The chain of consequences that dangerous, out-of-control skiers brings is significant: the risk of injury from collisions, turning off beginners, seniors returning to skiing, or the occasional skier who spends several hundred dollars for a once-a-season ski weekend, and creating anxiety in grandparents who fear for their grandchildren.

This week, we hear from SeniorsSkiing.com correspondent Roger Lohr about his own close encounter with an out-of-control skier and his thoughts about what to do about the situation.

Let’s hear from you. What can be done to slow down the jerks who can potentially ruin a senior skier’s season? What can we do to influence the industry?

Also This Week

SeniorsSkiing.com correspondent Don Burch offers a clever “Analogy Test”, that challenges your skiing knowledge and your ability to figure out analogies. Be advised, this is not a creme puff test; pay attention.

Herb “The Skiing Weatherman” Stevens follows up last week’s debut article as a SeniorsSkiing.com correspondent with a clear explanation of how the Northwest got whammed with a mega storm at the end of September.

Finally, we are reprising the third in a series of articles on shaping up for the season. This final set of exercises raises the challenge level. Remember, the key to fitness is a consistent routine. Dashing around the gym once a week, pumping as much iron as you can ain’t gonna do it.

Next week look for our first Mystery Glimpse feature of the new season. If you have story ideas or would like to comment, please scroll to the bottom of the page and enter your thoughts in the comment box.

We hope you’re getting ready to go to the ski shows. We know we are. See the discount for SeniorsSkiing.com subscribers at the top banner ad or click below.

Remember to please tell your friends about SeniorsSkiing.com. As usual, there are more of us every day, and we aren’t going away.