On your left or right

[raisingarizona]

We are starting to get into defensive skiing rather than call outs, but here goes:

I almost always pass someone when they reach the apex of their turn and are starting to turn the other way. That way, even if they deviate from their cadence (I assume people will, most people aren't that consistent), I can't possibly cause a collision because I have timed my pass with their change in direction. I also frequently check my six before expanding my turn radius and stop if I am caught up in traffic.

Relying on someone to call out an unexpected pass isn't the best strategy. Someone skiing poorly enough to cause a collision probably doesn't know that "on your right" is even a thing. Best not to rely on that from someone making a dangerous pass. Downhill skier always has the right of way, but I ski with the assumption that the uphill skier thinks they do.

I can't ever remember being hit or having a close call while moving.

Yup. If you hit someone coming in from behind it’s your fault. The “on your right” is just a heads up and hopefully helps.

 

[witch hobble]

“On your left” is a simple courtesy that comes from an earlier time.

The responsibility code merely states that the downhill skier has the right of way, and that it is your responsibility, as the uphill skier, to avoid them. It would seem to me that stating your location in relation to the person you are trying to overtake is helpful in avoiding them and avoiding a crash.

I sometimes feel like people avoid any verbal interaction with their fellow skiers and riders these days.

Everyone waits for the lifty to pair them up in line instead of initiating it themselves.
People look at you with dread if you ask to use the empty end of their table they are sprawled out on at the lodge. Hardly anyone thanks the lifty who is bumping chairs.

 

[Low Angle Life]

I sometimes feel like people avoid any verbal interaction with their fellow skiers and riders these days.

Everyone waits for the lifty to pair them up in line instead of initiating it themselves.
People look at you with dread if you ask to use the empty end of their table they are sprawled out on at the lodge. Hardly anyone thanks the lifty who is bumping chairs.

People are too used to hiding behind screens, I'm a pretty quiet person but for some reason love chatting it up with people on the lift. You've got a total stranger cornered with no where to go and something in common, pretty great opportunity to learn something new or just get a laugh in.

FYI the chattiest people on lifts interviewing you about how your day is going are usually industry insiders. This was the Win Smith move back when he owned Sugarbush.

 

[MarzNC]

I sometimes feel like people avoid any verbal interaction with their fellow skiers and riders these days.

Everyone waits for the lifty to pair them up in line instead of initiating it themselves.
People look at you with dread if you ask to use the empty end of their table they are sprawled out on at the lodge. Hardly anyone thanks the lifty who is bumping chairs.

Per usual, it depends. Having been checking out smaller mountains in recent years in more than one region, there are ski areas where the locals aren't acting much differently than 15-20 years ago. One reason my ski buddies and I chose Wolf Creek for our early season trip was the vibe was really friendly. We checked it out in Feb 2021. The lifties don't have to manage the singles line that come in from either side of the Treasure lift because everyone pretty much knows how to pair up or join a smaller group for the next chair.

Seems clear that the vibe at some ski areas/resorts in the northeast have changed more in the last decade than others.

 

[witch hobble]

Per usual, it depends. Having been checking out smaller mountains in recent years in more than one region, there are ski areas where the locals aren't acting much differently than 15-20 years ago. One reason my ski buddies and I chose Wolf Creek for our early season trip was the vibe was really friendly. We checked it out in Feb 2021. The lifties don't have to manage the singles line that come in from either side of the Treasure lift because everyone pretty much knows how to pair up or join a smaller group for the next chair.

Seems clear that the vibe at some ski areas/resorts in the northeast have changed more in the last decade than others.

Of course, there are always outliers and external factors that are variables. Northeasterners generally are thought to have a “me first” mentality (particularly the closer you are to Boston) and many bring that attitude to the slopes with them. Senses of entitlement are stronger and more prevalent than ever.

 

[raisingarizona]

People are too used to hiding behind screens, I'm a pretty quiet person but for some reason love chatting it up with people on the lift. You've got a total stranger cornered with no where to go and something in common, pretty great opportunity to learn something new or just get a laugh in.

FYI the chattiest people on lifts interviewing you about how your day is going are usually industry insiders. This was the Win Smith move back when he owned Sugarbush.

“Puff puff pass, don’t fuck with the rotation!”

I’m mostly quiet but I don’t mess with the rotation, or the downhill skier and I’m happy to break my silence to move forward and load the chairs as well as thank the lifties. Heck, if I’m there super early for first chair on a powder day I’ll sometimes grab a shovel and help em dig out.

 

[tirolski]

I sometimes feel like people avoid any verbal interaction with their fellow skiers and riders these days.

We sometimes yell from the lift “Stay outta there!” as a joke to folks hittin nice snow we wanna get on.

Hardly anyone thanks the lifty who is bumping chairs.

I always say "thank you" to the loading lifty and give some type of sign to the shackster at the top.
They typically respond in kind.

 

[Brownski]

We sometimes yell from the lift “Stay outta there!” as a joke to folks hittin nice snow we wanna get on.

People at Jiminy used to yell out scores for wipeouts from the lift

I always say "thank you" to the loading lifty and give some type of sign to the shackster at the top.
They typically respond in kind.

Me too

 

[Brownski]

Looks like ya got yourself a happy kid with some huge hands there Bski

thanks. I think his gloves were big on him. That was a while ago. As of this year, we wear the same size ski boots.

 

[BRLKED]

Really? Whens the last time you had a conversation while moving downhill with your buddy?
Yelling! Yes maybe someone will here you yelling ON YOUR LEFT.
at skiing speeds? What? is everyone slowing down to be that courteous?