Do you think winter is the most boring season? Unfortunately, many people would agree. Luckily, there is a way to escape this boredom: snow sports! These activities can turn a winter of laying in bed all day and doing close to nothing, into a season you wait all year for! It sounds like a dream come true, but like most things, there are a few issues with getting into these sports
Let’s start with why people don’t do snow sports. Most people don’t engage in snowsports because of low access to mountains, and equipment. Some, if not most of the people that I talked to really wanted to, but because of issues with accessibility, they couldn’t. “All the equipment is getting very expensive.” Jorgensen (staff) Most snow gear (Jackets, pants, gloves, etc.) is getting a lot more expensive than it used to be, with a brand new North Face jacket going for around $100 in the 2010’s, to now going for over $200. The prices have almost doubled and that has turned a lot of people away from snow sports.
One way to get around the big prices is to shop secondhand. Offerup and Facebook marketplace are both great places where you can find good condition brand name equipment for well under $100 if you search enough.
Now, gear isn’t the only expense to deal with when it comes to snow sports, with most mountain areas almost doubling their lift prices due to overcrowding, for example, Crystal Mountain’s day passes have gone from $80 for one adult ticket to nearly $200 for one day! Snoqualmie mountain has tried its best to keep its lift prices the same, with a one-day pass costing around $75! Now, not everyone wants to drop $70-80 on a one-day pass. Luckily, Snoqualmie came up with a solution! They now offer $30 lift tickets every Thursday Night so people can go hit the slopes without breaking the bank!
Next, let’s talk about why people who do snow sports do them. A few big reasons that I found were: the thrill of going fast, good scenery, and it’s also just a great way to get away from their busy lives. Snow sports are growing fast. According to the newsgroup SGB media, nearly 10% of the American population participated in snow sports in 2023. One reason for this large increase in participation is people who already ski or snowboard want to teach their friends because: “It’s fun to go up with my friends,” Sprunger (10).
Snow sports have gained widespread popularity because of their appeal to large groups, there is so much stuff to do on the mountain that most people (If not everyone) can find something that they enjoy, whether that’s cruising down a groomed run, learning new skills in the park, or getting some fresh turns on the off-piste terrain. You don’t even have to participate in snow sports to enjoy being on the mountain, with most mountains having a small town at the base of the resort area with live music, shops, and more!
It’s not just about the vibes though, snow sports are amazing ways to get exercise! The quick movement forces your body to work harder to keep its balance. Making your day on the mountain not just a great time, but a great leg workout too, with downhill skiing and snowboarding both burning 300-600 calories per hour.
Snow sports are very exciting activities that can make your boring winter into your favorite season! Whether you’re skiing, snowboarding, or just hanging out on the mountain, there is something for everyone! Unfortunately, most people don’t participate in these activities due to high prices or fear of getting injured.
