Do you worry about skiing "burn-out"?

[Greg]

Sky521 brought up an interesting point in another thread. Obviously, many of us are seriously passionate about skiing; we eat, breathe and constantly think about skiing. Do you ever worry though that you will someday lose the passion for skiing? Has anyone here actually experienced this? I know of a few AZers that are easily bored of groomers; others that ski nothing but bumps; and yet others that are constantly looking to increase the challenge (trees, backcountry, etc.). This upcoming season will be my 13th season skiing, although I've only surpassed a dozen or so days probably only half of those years. I feel I have a long way to go and a lot to learn, so I'm not at all bored yet. I do worry a bit about losing the itch as I get older though. I suspect that teaching my kids to ski will keep the fire burning, but I'd be interested to hear others' thoughts on this, especially some of the guys that have been skiing 20, 30, 40 or more years.

 

[Charlie Schuessler]

...Do you ever worry though that you will someday lose the passion for skiing...

NO!

 

[JimG.]

Sky521 brought up an interesting point in another thread. Obviously, many of us are seriously passionate about skiing; we eat, breathe and constantly think about skiing. Do you ever worry though that you will someday lose the passion for skiing? Has anyone here actually experienced this? I know of a few AZers that are easily bored of groomers; others that ski nothing but bumps; and yet others that are constantly looking to increase the challenge (trees, backcountry, etc.). This upcoming season will be my 13th season skiing, although I've only surpassed a dozen or so days probably only half of those years. I feel I have a long way to go and a lot to learn, so I'm not at all bored yet. I do worry a bit about losing the itch as I get older though. I suspect that teaching my kids to ski will keep the fire burning, but I'd be interested to hear others' thoughts on this, especially some of the guys that have been skiing 20, 30, 40 or more years.

Other than my family, friends, fishing, camping, hiking, skiing and skiing related stuff, I'm pretty much burned out with life in general.

If it wasn't for the things I listed above, I'd probably buy a gun and start shooting at things. Many people's attitudes and sense of entitlement in life have really soured me on alot of things.

But I grin and bear it all because of my solid relationships and hobbies. I will never burn out on account of those things.

 

[Vortex]

I did once and won't do it again. I lost my job (ski related) just before my wedding took about 5 years an prodding from my wife to get my mind back into it.

 

[thetrailboss]

I will admit that at the end of the season, it seems to take more energy and effort to get up early, get the stuff in the car, and head up to the mtn. At the beginning of the season, stand back! I am so stoked. But late in the season, I do get a bit tired...so this is a nice break.

 

[Sky]

One of my Ski Pals (Cubco) finds it interesting that as a late-comer, I'm so amped by the sport. He always figured you'd have to be a life-long skier to be dedicated.

As for burn-out...I wonder about the potential for me. I'm not there yet. But I wasn't "there yet" either when suddently I stopped caring so much about Bass Fishing. Maybe it was the last toiurnament I was in that turned me off....6 or 8 hrs on the water...I cought one fish (a huge Pike that didn't count in a Bass tournament). I was one of about 20 guys who got skunked. Another 20 caught one. And a couple of guys caught their limit (5?). At around 2PM that day...I wanted to get off the water. I was tired of fishing. I continued non-competitively for several more years. But I think in the last 3 years, I've only gone a handfull of times.

Now Basketball...although I gave up the sport when I returned from Italy (sucked up too much time, I had two young sons and a new house to work on), I got back into it about 20 years ago when I started at this job (lunchtime opportunity). If it weren't for this opportunity though, I doubt I'd seek another venue.

 

[Greg]

I will admit that at the end of the season, it seems to take more energy and effort to get up early, get the stuff in the car, and head up to the mtn. At the beginning of the season, stand back! I am so stoked. But late in the season, I do get a bit tired...so this is a nice break.

Interesting point. I wonder if the off-season helps to preserve the passion over the years? If you could ski all year, would you be into it as much? "Distance makes the heart grow fonder" as they say...

 

[Sky]

If it wasn't for the things I listed above, I'd probably buy a gun and start shooting at things. Many people's attitudes and sense of entitlement in life have really soured me on alot of things.

An insightful assessment Jim. Sorry to hear that. Sorry too that I fell quite similar.

Sometimes it's just not worth biting through the leather straps in the morning *Emo Philips*

 

[Ski Diva]

Interesting point. I wonder if the off-season helps to preserve the passion over the years? If you could ski all year, would you be into it as much? "Distance makes the heart grow fonder" as they say...

I'd love the chance to try it to find out. As of right now, the season's way too short for me.

 

[dmc]

I got burned out skiing... So I started snowboarding..
I got burned out riding on piste - so I started riding off piste..
then I got burned out snowboarding... So I started telemarking..

Then I realized that i love snowboarding better then anything.. But I do the other stuff...

 

[JimG.]

An insightful assessment Jim. Sorry to hear that. Sorry too that I fell quite similar.

Sometimes it's just not worth biting through the leather straps in the morning *Emo Philips*

Thanks Sky, but don't feel sorry for me...I'm a happy camper; you sound like you've got your head in the right place too. I don't let others foul up my happiness. Only you can make you happy in the end.

I feel sorry for those other people because they're looking for happiness in the wrong places or at another's expense. They should look in the mirror.

 

[andyzee]

I've been worried about it a number of times, then as I start sliding into a rut, I find a new challenge, new companions, new mountains, etc..... This was only my fith season. Went out west for the first time, so looking forward to many more annual trips out there. I think I have a long way to go before burnout.

 

[ski_resort_observer]

I don't think the term would be "burned out" but to be honest after skiing for 45 years I still enjoy it but it's not my reason for living anymore. I have moved on. Sounds wierd but I am more passionate about the ski business than the actual skiing. I am referring to lift served skiing as I think places like Tucks is still an exciting adventure.

My last winter at the Bush I enjoyed spending more days off x-country skiing at Ole's than spending every free moment on the mountain. That's just me. I worked with a guy at the Bush who 75 yo who is as passionate about skiing as some of you guys. He didn't take up the sport until he retired.

Skiing is one of those sports which can take considerable effort before you plop your butt down on that chair. I feel once the kids are out of the house, 1 down, 2 to go, I will ski more.

 

[kcyanks1]

If I'm skiing with friends and have some fun trails open, I'm really into it. and have never gotten bored. When I'm skiing alone or having to split up with who I'm skiing with each run because we have different interests, I need the trails to be on average better for me to stay as happy. If there are only groomers open I can get somewhat bored, especially if I'm not skiing with friends. There have been times after I've had a couple days of skiing almost only groomers or in large part my self (i.e., meeting up with people after most runs) where I've been having fun, but at the same time I wonder whether how I can be completed obsessed with this sport ... and then if I have one day with a lot of fun trails and/or with friends, I realize why I am totally crazy about it, and everything is good again

 

[selski]

23 seasons and many ski days with friends, alone and now with my kids and every one as good as the last. For me and I would bet for most of the old timers (or should I say long timers?) it is more than just skiing that keeps it interesting. It is about getting out to the mountains and enjoying the people, the nature and time away from it all. Remember, the passion is in the person not the activity.

 

[JimG.]

I didn't learn to ride until after 50. I never skiied either. First time on a mountain I was 51 and I grew up in Maine, Go figure. Maybe in some ways it was a good thing from what I have read. But I am a long ways from burning out, I have so much to learn. This past season I took a few runs with a 79 year old gentleman. He said he wasn't ready to stop yet either. I feel for the guys who have troble getting up in the morning, been there.. done that.. Learning to ride has given me a whole outlook on life and I love it. I could use a few more buddies on the slopes but riding alone sometimes has it own rewards. But I hate drinking alone at the end of the day .. I need to find Marc or some other AZ'ers
:beer: :beer:

Nice...you really do get it.

There will be plenty of opportunity to hook up with fellow sliders next season.

 

[thaller1]

I can't even imagine burning out but I hear about it.... my guide at Powder Mountain has been skiing just about every day for 10 years and he told me that he's getting bored. I was mortified...but I guess if you work and play skiing... things start to blend and you need a diversion.

I think there are enough places to visit and things to see to keep me from burning out for quite some time..I started skiin only 4 years ago and took my first trips out west this year..so I've got a lot of travelling to do!

 

[2knees]

I started when i was 8. I started going ALOT when i got to middle school and kept that up right through college and a few years after. Since then, i've had an ebb and flow of interest but nothing i would call burn out. In total I think i have about 28 years of at least a few days under my belt with many years well above 40. When i was in my teens and early 20's, it was all i lived for. Now that it has been limited due to family obligations, i lament some of the years in the late 90s when i was single, had money but didnt pursue it as much as i could have. I guess, for me, is that i love skiing and i'll never tire of it but sometimes it isnt always front and center. I seem to be in a rebirth the last 5 or 6 years though. However, i also have come to terms with the former need to go 8/9-4 everytime to feel like i get my moneys worth. If i can get 7 or 8 great runs in, and feel satisfied, then so be it. I dont feel like i have to ski first to last chair, october to june count my runs etc etc. As long as i feel satisfied, thats all i can ask for.

 

[AdironRider]

I ride 40+ days a year and each and every day feels as good as the one before, regardless of the conditions. Usually by March my buddies here at school decide theyd rather nurse a hangover, but Im up at 6 ready to go. Doesnt matter if its raining or a pow day, Im just as excited.

I used to swim competitively though and I did burn out from that. It only took 13 years of swim practice 2 times a day 5 days a week to burn out though, so I think I dont have to worry about burning out from snowboarding.

 

[marcski]

Live to ski. Ski to live.

I've been skiing 30+ years. 6 years ago, I started boarding because I found myself skiing more with the wife and less with my buddies. Started skiing again 2 seasons ago and haven't snowboarded since, however, I do think I will snowboard again. I also want to try telemarking, especially, once my kids get on skis to keep me more occupied while skiing easier terrain with them. (Hopefully get the oldest on skis next year). Which is basically why I started boarding.

But, when push comes to shove....I'm a skier and will never get board with it.