Advantages/Disadvantages of Skiing by Yourself

[kcyanks1]

Advantages:
- I can ski what I want (except for things I won't ski alone -- see disadvantages)
- I can take breaks when I want to (e.g., not feel guilty about having to stop for a bathroom break) or not take breaks when I don't want to
- I can ski at the pace I want to

Disadvantages:
- Lonely on the lifts
- Not as fun on the trails, at least when the others are at the same level and have the same interests in trails
- While I probably do a lot more tree skiing than I should alone, there is some limit to my willingness to explore alone that is below my willingness to explore when with others
- Like having someone push me to ski better

 

[tcharron]

I much perfer skiing with others, but sometimes I like going it alone for part of the day.

Advantage

With the family, alone ski time is like a godsend.

Disadvantage

I like to have someone to talk to

We're not sure what you mean, we never have an issue with that..

But another disadvantage is, when skiing alone, you look awefully creepy being alone in the bar having a beer at lunch..

 

[riverc0il]

Others have wrapped up the most prevalent points. For myself, I would echo the distinction between enjoying skiing with others versus calling all your own shots.

One step further in a disadvantage for skiing with others is that it is easy to get sucked into stuff that you might otherwise not consider for the sake of keeping up with the group. No one wants to be the fuddy duddy of the group saying "I don't think this is a good idea, I am going to pass." So it is important to be in the "right" group.

I am much more inclined to go solo when conditions are at their best and I have an agenda. Which is a bummer because I would rather enjoy my agenda with others. But that goes back to finding the right group. Skiing is always best when you have a small group of like minded skiers that share the ability to do what everyone in the group wants to do. If you deviate from the formula, usually someone ends up in the wrong spot or wanting to be in other spots.

All that said, all things being equal, I would rather ski with others than without whenever possible and would really like to change my majority of days from solo to group if possible. Though I won't sacrifice fun and conditions to do so.

 

[GrilledSteezeSandwich]

But another disadvantage is, when skiing alone, you look awefully creepy being alone in the bar having a beer at lunch..

that's not creepy unless it's AndyZee

 

[mondeo]

One step further in a disadvantage for skiing with others is that it is easy to get sucked into stuff that you might otherwise not consider for the sake of keeping up with the group. No one wants to be the fuddy duddy of the group saying "I don't think this is a good idea, I am going to pass." So it is important to be in the "right" group.

Flip side being if the group is just the right amount ahead of you skill wise and gets you to do stuff you have the ability to do but would otherwise chicken out on. I was with a group that was launching some of the big jumps at Killington last year. I had tried one once earlier in the year but speed checked way too much and ended up shorting bad. That time, almost didn't do it but said what the heck, and launched it. Did fine.

 

[Tyrolean_skier]

Advantage: As others have already said you can ski whatever you want, don't have to wait for others, ski faster and get more runs in.

Disadvantage: Long lift rides by yourself; you should always go in trees with a partner (I've gone in alone on occasion) because if something happens they can get help; I tend not to push myself to try more challenging stuff when skiing alone.

 

[skiadikt]

advantage: in my case, since i've been skiing w/ the same group for nearly 25 yrs and we're all pretty much the same skill level, i don't necessarily find myself challenged by them. there are times when i do want to slow it down to work on technique etc. also when i find a run i like, particularly a good bump run, i'm fine with doing it multiple times. generally we don't do that in my regular ski group as the emphasis is on skiing as much of the mtn as possible.

disadvantage: it's great sharing the mtn experience with good friends, talking about the runs etc.

 

[Riverskier]

Advantages: I get up when I want in the morning, leave when I want in the afternoon, ski as many or as few runs as I am in the mood for, and I always get to pick the trail. Not to mention (and this is tough to verbalize), there is a certain peace and serenity being out in nature alone. Plenty of time to think.

Disadvantages: As many have mentioned, skiing with somebody pushes my limits, and causes me to ski harder and try things I might not try on my own. The biggest disadvantage would be the overall experience. It is fun to have someone to ride up with, talk to on the lifts, take more breaks, drink more beer. The day becomes more of an event, as opposed to a mission.

Bottom line, I love skiing alone and I love skiing with people. If I am on the mountain and skiing, I am happy!

 

[billski]

Advantage - if the day is a beauty, it's all your fault.
Disadvantage If the day is a bust, it's all your fault!

 

[billski]

...sometimes the singles line is longer than the quads...

Where do you ski? Most days in Northern VT our group goes in the single line to get more runs in. Singles line is great way to meet some cool folks, a few odd ducks, and a few pimply jerks... :dunce:

 

[GrilledSteezeSandwich]

Where do you ski? Most days in Northern VT our group goes in the single line to get more runs in. Singles line is great way to meet some cool folks, a few odd ducks, and a few pimply jerks... :dunce:

times 2..singles line at the forerunner quad is like a box of chocolates..you never know what your gonna get

 

[Riverskier]

Where do you ski? Most days in Northern VT our group goes in the single line to get more runs in. Singles line is great way to meet some cool folks, a few odd ducks, and a few pimply jerks... :dunce:

Singles line is usually quicker and often mandatory for me, as I often ski alone. However, I have noticed in recent years at Sunday River, the singles line sometimes being HUGE, and much longer than the rest of the line. I think more and more groups are realizing that hitting the singles line is quicker, at least in theory, and the result can be huge lines.

 

[4aprice]

I used to ski solo 99% of the time, then I met my wife. I actually do still ski alone at Camelback where I know the mountain blindfolded. At larger resorts though If alone, I tend to at my age, shy away from things I used to just dive down. Ex. Back in the day I skied Steeple Chase at Aspen Highlands alone and I would never go down it today alone. Fortunately for me my son at age 13 is quite an accomplished skier/racer and accompanies me.

Alex

Lake Hopatcong, NJ

 

[Warp Daddy]

about half the time i ski alone -- its fine except now after this heart attack thing i doubt very much that i will ever ski alone again for obvious reasons .

skiing with my buds i have 5 regulars all the same ability and zest for the sport is as good as it gets . Skiing with the sons and grandboyz -- ditto they are all very good skiers now . Skiing withthe entire family is really 2 days in one ( gentle cruising on easier blues followed by rippin wid da boyz )

 

[billski]

Singles line is usually quicker and often mandatory for me, as I often ski alone. However, I have noticed in recent years at Sunday River, the singles line sometimes being HUGE, and much longer than the rest of the line. I think more and more groups are realizing that hitting the singles line is quicker, at least in theory, and the result can be huge lines.

It really depends how the lifties manage the situation. At some resorts, the liftie will take a group of singles to make one chair occassionally, or sometimes take two. That's being a little bit creative.

Longer doesn't always map directly to slower. I've seen some singles lines longer than the rest of the mass, but I still get on a chair faster than those ahead of me in the doubles+ lines.

In general, I move around from lift to lift, depending on the time of day, that usually helps a lot.