Brains
We often talk about skiing in terms of vertical feet and powder days, but what truly keeps us coming back is the amazing culture. We gravitate towards positivity and belonging, exactly what makes skiing the sport we love. To spread a little more of that positivity, let’s take a look at the acts of kindness you can expect to see while at a ski resort.
#9 Picking Up Litter
Skiers and snowboarders are more than just visitors to the mountain; we are its stewards. From renewable energy to waterless restrooms, sustainability is now a core value for resorts. That is why seeing trash on a pristine run feels like a personal affront.
That is why picking up litter on the slopes or in the lodge is such a huge deal. Skiing and snowboarding are small communities, and we can all do our share to make it a better experience for everyone. That includes keeping our slopes clean, and most importantly, we want to enjoy the sport in a way that future generations can enjoy as well.
#8 Loading/Unloading Assistance
Every lift is different, but for the experienced skier, it’s an afterthought. But for those trying the sport for the first time, or if it’s their first time riding a particular lift, it can be intimidating. That is why helping someone get on or off the lift safely is a significant act of kindness at the resort. Even just letting your fellow lift riders know which way you’re headed at offloading can help avoid an awkward or injury-prone situation.
It’s understood that there are no friends on a powder day, but does that mean we throw out the rules of common decency? We all want to keep the line moving, but for a beginner, that lift can be intimidating. That is why, if you see someone apprehensive when loading or getting antsy towards offloading, offer them some help or words of encouragement. You never know if it’s someone’s first time riding the gondola and they forget to grab their skis or board when exiting. A quick word of advice or a steadying hand doesn’t just prevent a ‘lift stop,’ it builds a skier’s confidence.
#7 Sharing Snacks or Buying a Drink
The ‘lifesaver’ is the person who appears with a snack or drink just when you need it. Whether you took a hard fall and they buy you a beer, give you a bite of that pb&j, or share a Fireball shooter, sharing snacks or a drink goes a long way on the act of kindness scale.
Chances are, sharing a snack can open the door for a fun lift ride or even lead to you making a new friend and joining each other for a run or two. You never know who or where you will meet someone, and always putting your best foot forward and assuming positive intentions is a great start. So, next time you’re riding that lift, offer that half a granola bar or pocket bacon to your lift mate, may just be a local that shows you that hidden powder run.
#6 Lending a Layer/Hand Warmer
Being cold is no fun when you are trying to stack vert or just simply enjoying your time at the resort. That is why lending a layer or sharing a hand warmer goes a long way. May just be for the lift or gondola ride, but it will be a lifeline for those who tend to get cold a little quicker or underestimate the wind for the day.
For many, the first thought when they get cold is, ‘Dang, I don’t want to have to walk all the way back to the car/room to grab another layer.’ Well, be that savior with an extra layer in your bag or that handwarmer in your pocket.
#5 Show Gratitude to Lifties
They facilitate our turns, provide us with tunes in the queue, and keep us safe on the lift—they deserve to be rewarded. That is why providing a lifty with a snack, coffee, beer, or gift card is such a profound act of kindness. Maybe up on top of the mountain it’s dumping powder, but down at the base it’s raining. That lifty has to endure whatever conditions are present, and oftentimes, it’s a thankless job.
Don’t be that person who makes the job any more stressful than it already is. Be that favorite rider who not only thanks the lifties, but perhaps spreads a little joy with a small token of gratitude.
#4 Cheering the Send!
Who doesn’t love to see someone send it from the cliffs or stomping a jump? We all do, which is why your support and cheering are not only wanted but encouraged. Whether you’re watching from the terrain park or bar at the base, let them know you appreciate the show they are providing.
But don’t stop there, compliment all on their skiing. If you see a beginner navigating some challenging terrain, let them know and give them a compliment. That’s afterall one of the reasons the sport of skiing is for everyone, we all find something about the sport for us. So if you see someone crushing groomers, navigating the glades, or hucking it off a cliff, celebrate it.
#3 Helping Someone Navigate the Mountain that’s Lost
Kindness has no cost, and that’s one of the reasons why helping someone navigate the mountain that is lost or trying to find the easiest way back to base is such a big deal. Not everyone can be an expert navigator or a regular at every resort. Not only can it be dangerous for a skier to get lost and get turned around, but it can also be dangerous for a beginner who takes a wrong turn and ends up on a trail they have no business being on.
I remember being humbled by the Washakie Glades at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. I was looking for the quickest way to base, and the Mangy Moose, to collect myself, but I didn’t know where to go. A local didn’t just point; he took a second to check my headspace and gave me the confidence I needed. The guy didn’t let me ride on his back or show me the path, but simply stopping, checking to see if I was good, and pointing out the easiest path to base was a very thoughtful act of kindness.
#2 Giving a beginner or Snowboarder a tow on a Cat Track
One of the highest risk/reward acts of kindness at a resort, I’d argue, is giving a tow on a cat track. One of the major advantages skiers have over boarders is navigating cat track, especially if it is flat. That is why offering a tow is so risky. You may slow yourself down to the point that now you have to work, but in the spirit of the mountain, it’s the right thing to do.
Now, the skiing crowd may turn up their noses at helping boarders, especially if they are avoiding them sitting in the middle of runs. But what about the young skiers without the bodyweight to build up speed enough to make it? I’d argue it’s one of the nicest ways to help beginners or young ones navigate the mountain or try to make it to base via the easiest route. So next time you find yourself on a cat track, extend your pole and give a tow to those struggling a bit to get going.
#1 Helping up Someone who’s fallen/yard-saled
Arguably, the most obvious and kindest things you can do at a resort are help someone after they have fallen or had an epic yard sale. There is nothing worse than losing a ski, pole, or glove 100 yards up the mountain and having to hike back up to get it. Not to mention if that person is injured from their fall.
It should be common practice that if you are in the vicinity of someone who has had a bad fall, or just any fall in general, you should stop and check on them to make sure they are ok. Bonus points if you pick up a ski and bring it down to them. Who knows, this could be your good Samaritan moment when you provide a boost of confidence to get back up and riding, or you could save a life.
If you take a step back, look at these acts of kindness you can perform at a ski resort, there is nothing that requires a ton of work. These are simple, kind things that we can do as an afterthought to improve each other’s experience on the mountain. So next time you head to the resort, keep these thoughts in the back of your mind and be that positive and kind person who helps rather than does nothing.
