By, Tim Konrad | September 15, 2025 | Unofficial Networks
As the first hints of winter 2025 start to show on the mountains, skiers are already thinking about hitting the slopes. But what if you could share those moments with absolutely anyone? This week, we asked a simple question – “If you could go skiing with anyone, who would it be?” – which sparked nearly 500 responses on Unofficial Networks’ FB page. The answers? A heartwarming mix of nostalgia, admiration, and outright humor that captures the soul of skiing culture.
From tear-jerking tributes to lost loved ones to cheeky picks like orthopedic surgeons (just in case!), these responses paint a vivid picture of why skiing isn’t just a sport – it’s a bond-builder. Below, we will look into the top trends, pull out some standout quotes, crunch the data with a graph, and share some fascinating skiing facts.
The Overwhelming Favorite: Family First on the Slopes
Skiing often starts as a family affair, and these responses prove it sticks for life. A whopping majority – over a third of all answers – chose family members, with “dad” being the most common pick. Many shared poignant stories of parents who introduced them to the sport, or kids they’ve watched grow into pros themselves. It’s a reminder that skiing’s beauty partially lies in shared memories, especially as we gear up for holiday seasons on the snow.
But it’s not all sentimental – some responses highlighted the practical side, like free coaching from a racer daughter or reliving old gear from the ’70s with grandpa.
Pull Quote:
“My dad. What I’d give for just one more run with him.” – Amber Grantham
Interesting observation: Many mentioned deceased family members, underscoring skiing’s role in preserving legacies. As one fact from skiing history notes, the sport has ancient roots – the Norse goddess Skadi is associated with skiing and hunting in winter landscapes, symbolizing endurance and family ties through harsh seasons.
Pros and Legends: Dreaming Big with Skiing Icons
Professional skiers were a hot choice, with names like Glen Plake, Mikaela Shiffrin, and Lindsey Vonn topping the list. Glen Plake, the ski icon with his signature Mohawk, appeared multiple times – perhaps because he’s not just a Hall of Famer but a symbol of freeride freedom. Plake, born in 1964, has starred in countless ski films and even excels in water skiing at speeds over 100 mph.
Mikaela Shiffrin, the American powerhouse, was another favorite. With 101 World Cup wins and 157 podiums (the most in history), she’s shattered records, including eight world championship golds. No wonder respondents dreamed of keeping up with her – or at least trying!
Pull Quote:
“Definitely Mikaela Shiffrin. (Though a good skier, I’d be had pressed to keep up lol!)” – David Blydenburgh
Fun fact: Skiing is one of the fastest non-motorized land sports. The record speed? A blistering 158 mph, set by Italian Ivan Origone in 2016 – faster than many cars on the highway!
Humor on the Hill: Doctors, Solo Runs, and Sonny Bono Jokes
Not everyone took the question seriously, and that’s where the fun ramps up. A notable chunk opted for “no one” or solo skiing, citing preferences like snowboarding or fireside hot chocolate. Others picked medical pros for post-run repairs, reflecting skiing’s notorious injury risk (did you know the patron saint of skiers is St. Bernard, famous for rescue dogs in the Alps?).
Then there’s Sonny Bono – the singer-turned-politician whose tragic 1998 skiing accident at Heavenly Mountain (he hit a tree, suffering fatal head injuries) inspired a wave of dark humor. Responses warned him about trees or outright avoided him for bad luck.
Pull Quote:
“With Sunny Bono and tell him to watch out for that Tree !!!!” – Kenny B Uzz
Observation: These witty and dark answers highlight skiing’s adventurous spirit, where laughter helps cope with the thrills and spills. Interestingly, skiing dates back over 5,000 years, with evidence from ancient rock carvings in Norway showing early humans using skis for hunting – no doctors needed back then!
Wild Cards: Celebrities, Historical Figures, and the Unexpected
From Elon Musk (for networking on the lift) to historical icons like Mozart or Alexander the Great, the “other” category was a wildcard wonderland. Celebrities like Chelsea Handler or Danny DeVito popped up for fun vibes, while figures like Jesus appeared for divine assistance on tricky runs.
Pull Quote:
“Probably Mozart. I’ve always wanted to say I slapped Mozart while skiing” – D.C. Minor
Fact tie-in: Skiing’s global appeal draws celebs too – Michael Jordan once hired a photographer for beginner lessons in Aspen, proving even legends start somewhere.
The Data Breakdown: A Visual Graph of Dream Partners
To make sense of the nearly 500 responses, we categorized them based on themes. Here’s a quick ASCII graph showing the distribution (scaled for clarity):
Family dominates, but the diversity shows skiing’s broad appeal – from emotional connections to aspirational idols.
What This Says About Skiing in 2025
As we head into another winter, these responses reveal skiing as more than recreation; it’s a canvas for dreams, regrets, and laughs. With climate change impacting snow seasons, cherishing these bonds feels timely. Whether you’re planning a family trip or solo adventure, remember: the best ski partner might just be the one who makes the day unforgettable.
