[Life On The Slopes] When To Wait

“No friends on a powder day” is a common mantra shared on repeat by Whistler locals throughout the winter months.

To an outsider, who doesn’t ski, this phrase might suggest that skiing is a pastime better enjoyed in solitude, or perhaps that skiers are so annoyingly excitable about skiing powder that nobody wants to be friends with them. In fact, its meaning, to me at least, is more about having the right friends who share similar levels of energy and ability in order to make the most out of a powder day.

Of course there are times when waiting for people on the slopes is essential. I’m sure fledgling relationships have been tested to their limits on ski holidays. It is probably good to employ some patience with a potential husband or wife on their trip to the snow! Maybe treat them to some lessons if waiting is too much to bear; also remember that beginners rarely enjoy being the one at the back flailing down the slopes and sweating to keep up. I’m sure that people learn best with others in a tangible ski range. So it is good to ski with friends who are at a similar level. Employing this logic surely results in the most progression and helps to avoid arguments!

Waiting is also crucial in the backcountry, where you are relying on those around you to survive the elements. These friends have made it this far by investing in the knowledge and equipment for safe backcountry skiing, and they’ve hauled themselves up a mountain together. Staying as a group in backcountry situations is also essential for safety reasons.

Whistler is one of the busiest resorts in the world and the competition to get first tracks on powder days is a bit of a race. This is why “no friends on a powder day” is so applicable here and it can make for some slightly selfish decision making! To put this into perspective, I have made a list of scenarios when waiting for someone is not an ideal option:

1. When a friend wakes up too late. This is a weak excuse, especially if they are too hungover. Good snow is always a priority over drinking!
2. On the first chairlift of the day, if a friend is at the back of the long lift queue and asks me to wait at the top. This means missing the best lines of the day and can be very frustrating!
3. If someone wants to stop skiing for coffee or food at any time in the morning. Hunger can wait!
4. If someone wants to stop for a toilet break to go inside a restaurant – such actions can be performed out in the open to save precious time !

Of course it is important not to let these scenarios ruin your friendships, and nobody wants to be skiing alone! So it’s best to use “no friends on a powder day” as a friendly jibe to hurry up those who may be faffing around more than necessary. Overall this should help with progression and ensure that the best powder days are enjoyed by all !

Credits – Whistler