Skiing is supposed to be an escape from everyday frustrations, but sharing the mountain with thousands of other people can occasionally test even the most patient folks. Between inconsiderate behavior in lift lines to dangerous decisions on crowded trails, there are plenty of ways to ruin someone else’s day on the slopes.
We recently asked our Facebook followers what they find most annoying about other skiers, and the responses covered everything from mountain etiquette to potentially dangerous habits. There were (of course) quite a few jokes about the biggest problem being other people simply showing up to the mountain, but there were quite a few real complaints that appeared repeatedly.
Here are the five most annoying things other skiers do, according to our readers.
1. Stopping In The Middle Of The Trail
One of the most common complaints involved skiers stopping in the middle of a run, particularly in areas where visibility is limited. Stopping just below a blind roll or near a jump can create a dangerous situation for anyone approaching from above. Several commenters also called out groups that gather across the entire width of a trail, leaving little room for others to pass safely.
Taking a break is perfectly acceptably, but moving to the side of the trail and avoiding blind spots is ncessary for safety.
2. Blocking The Lift Line
Lift lines generated plenty of complaints, especially when skiers attempted to save their spots by leaving equipment unattended. Some readers expressed frustration with people who leave their skis in line before heading inside for coffee, while others criticized groups that block the entrance gates while waiting for friends.
Cutting in line and refusing to fill empty chairlift seats were also mentioned quite frequently.
3. Playing Music Through Speakers
Backpack speakers and Bluetooth speakers were another major source of irritation. Multiple people complained about skiers playing music loudly enough for everyone nearby to hear, whether in lift lines, on chairlifts or while descending the mountain.
Skiing provides an opportunity to enjoy the sounds of nature or simply escape from noise. Having someone else’s playlist follow you around the resort defeats that purpose. Headphones can also create communication problems when skiers cannot hear people trying to speak to them.
4. Skiing Without Awareness Of Others
Many responses focused on skiers who appear unaware of their surroundings. Complaints included cutting people off, making wide turns across entire runs, traversing narrow trails at slow speeds and suddenly pulling away from a stop without checking uphill.
These habits create hazards, particularly on crowded slopes where skiers have limited room to react. Checking uphill before entering a trail or restarting after a stop, maintaining predictable movements and giving others enough space can make a significant difference.
5. Leaving Skis Lying Around The Base Area
Leaving skis flat on the ground instead of using designated racks was another recurring complaint. Commenters described equipment scattered around base areas, lodge entrances and other busy walkways. Besides looking untidy, unattended skis can become tripping hazards or obstruct pathways for other guests.
The problem is particularly frustrating when racks are available nearby. Putting equipment away properly takes only a few seconds and helps keep crowded resort areas safer and easier to navigate.
Better Mountain Etiquette Makes Skiing Better For Everyone
Most frustrations came down to a lack of awareness and consideration for other people sharing the mountain. Whether it means keeping music to yourself, leaving room in the lift line, or moving out of the middle of a trail before stopping, small decisions can improve or destroy the experience for everyone.
There were quite a few commenters that insisted that nothing other skiers do bothers them at all. Others claimed that the only truly annoying thing is someone else skiing their favorite powder run. What do you think is the most annoying thing other skiers do on the mountain?
