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Originally Posted by deadheadskier  So when half the population looks at the sport and realizes that they have to give up a weeks pay just to get the cheapest possible equipment and clothing out there before they even set foot on the slopes, |
Excellent points. So let's knock off dumping on gaper clothing and gear - they're not clueless, just trying desparately to get into a sport they can ill-afford.
Even if they get cheap tix, the gear setup is hugely expensive for most people, it's a sport where most people don't know good gear from bad, it's actually used very little by most (where's the ROI? so they think) 400-500$ can be the cost of their summer vacation. Rentals ain't cheap and neither is the gas to get to and fro. The only way to really cut the costs is to go in with groups, and even that requires early commitments. Even then, you need to set aside an entire weekend day for the activity is difficult for all but the most passionate skier/boarders (look in the mirror please) to justify. Most people's weekends are filled with commitments of things they couldn't get done during the week - cleaning, fixing, attending functions, getting supplies, etcetera. And then there are young families, who sire the largest skiing populace - most can ill afford the time or expense. I think the notion that skiing is exclusive, is well-deserved.