If you’ve ever shivered in the pre-dawn chill, clicked into your bindings, and stared down a horde of eager skiers vying for first chair on a pow day, you know the stakes are high. That sacred spot at the front of the line? It’s earned through frostbitten toes and questionable life choices—like skipping the lodge latte to avoid the dreaded “ski placeholder” drama.
But what happens when someone drops their gear like it’s a towel on a beach lounger and dashes inside for warmth? Is it fair game, or a powder-day felony? That’s exactly what Unofficial Networks sparked on their Facebook page with a photo of unattended skis hogging prime real estate. The post blew up, racking up hundreds of fiery responses from skiers, boarders, lifties, and resort vets. We dove into the chaos (over 600 comments analyzed) to break it down—with charts, quotes, and a whole lot of “no friends on a powder day” vibes.
The Verdict: Skis Don’t Ski (But People Sure Yell About It)
Spoiler: The ski community is not here for it. Out of 445 parsed comments, a whopping 90% flat-out rejected the idea of unattended skis as spot-savers. A small sliver (7%) said it depends on the context—like a quick bathroom break. And just 3% were pro-placeholder, often with caveats (or jokes).
Here’s the sentiment breakdown in a pie chart—because nothing says “data viz” like slicing up opinions on frozen feet:
It’s clear: This isn’t just etiquette—it’s a hill (pun intended) the community won’t die on. But why the rage? Many drew parallels to other line-cutting sins, like Europeans towel-hoarding pool chairs or grocery cart squatters. As one commenter put it, “Skis don’t ski. Skiers do.” (Shoutout to Troy Buggle for the mic drop.)
Voices from the Line: Quotes That Hit Like a Face Shot
The comments were a goldmine of salty wisdom, Warren Miller references, and outright threats to your quiver. We pulled the best (or worst?) from each camp:
The Hard No’s: “Toss ‘Em and Ride On”
- Tyler Stockinger: “When it was snobby adults saving their spots in line we chuck their skis outside the lane. They’d go get their fancy coffee or something and away their gear would go. Lifties were all in favor of it.”
- Aaron Mester: “Good way to get your skis tossed. I’ve tossed them right in front of the owners, whatta you wanna do about it, fite me, good luck ..”
- Tom Buzbee (channeling the legend): “Like Warren Miller once said, ‘Want your skis? Go get em’ as the lifty did a shotput toss into the far blue yonder.”
- Cory Stoffko: “We throw those skis so fuckin far its not funny. One ski to one side, one to the other. If you want first chair you stand an wait for it. Period.”
- Nathan Badgley: “Skis don’t save your spot in line while you drink hot cocoa in the lodge. Proper etiquette and Mtn policy is to toss these skis out of the line.”
These folks aren’t mincing words—or movements. The “no friends on a powder day” mantra echoed loud, with 13 comments invoking it directly as a code of the slopes.
The Maybes: “Only If You’re Buying Burritos”
A few cooler heads (or hungrier ones) allowed for nuance, but even they drew lines:
- Linda Vaughn Heeney: “If just to run to the bathroom, fine. Otherwise we walk over them when the lift opens.”
- Eric Krantz: “Depends if you’re getting burritos for everyone.”
- Earth Storm Jacobs: “It depends. If you’re in the front row and you get there early, hanging with your friends, yes. Click out and talk to your friends, run to the bathroom, getting a breakfast burrito, etc.”
- Kata Polano: “Ya, it’s fine for a quick step out of line for the bathroom, a coffee, to drop or grab something at the car, etc, and until the line moves.”
- Chad Taylor: “As long as someone in the group is there with the gear and those that are gone are only getting a coffee or a snack or using then bathroom.”
Pro tip: If you’re dipping out, bring treats. Or better yet, tag a buddy to hold the fort.
The Rare Yes’s: “Finders Keepers?”
These were outliers, often tongue-in-cheek:
- Rik Gray: “If you are bringing me a bacon sandwich. Sure.”
- Lojza Xaver Hejduk: “Oh look free demos.”
- Jeremy Snader: “This has always been acceptable/a locals thing at Lift 8 (Oak St.) in Telluride… Drop yer skis, run for a burrito..”
Even the yes-votes felt like traps. (And let’s be real—free demos? That’s just ski-bum Darwinism.)
What Happens to Those Rogue Skis? A Retaliation Rundown
If sentiment is the “why,” actions are the “how.” Commenters got creative with vigilante justice, from yeets into the woods to groomer-assisted relocations. We tallied the top threats (excluding the vague “other” rants):
Tossing reigns supreme—because nothing says “earn your turns” like a mid-air ski separation. Walk-overs and stomps clock in strong for the petty points, while “lost and found” feels like the polite passive-aggressive option. And yes, a few straight-up eyed those skis as upgrades.
Final Tracks: Stand Your Ground (Literally)
This Facebook frenzy proves one thing: On the mountain, respect is as precious as fresh tracks. Leaving your skis solo? It’s a fast track to side-eye, snowball fights, or worse—your quiver in a snowbank. The consensus? Show up early, stay clicked in, and if nature calls, send a scout. (Or bribe the line with burritos.)
What’s your take—lifelong line-stander or secret spot-saver? Drop it in the comments below, and may your next pow day be friend-filled (but line-empty). Shred safe!
Data analyzed via Python sentiment parsing on 445 comments. Charts powered by Chart.js. All quotes used with attribution for that authentic UN vibe.
