What's the objective of skiing? - Page 4

The objective of skiing for me is to be here now in every sense of that statement, mentally, physically, and emotionally  engaged in right now. It is the easiest way for me to achieve that state of being. Everything I do while skiing: learning, improving, sharing are aspects of that objectives, tools, methods, if you will. As soon as I start to move I must be here now. Sometimes I enjoy, sometimes not as much. Sometimes I learn and improve, sometimes I regress. I seek to find that perfect synergy that brings a smile and a sense of well being but even if I do not achieve that euphoria, nirvana, exalted oneness,spiritual bliss, ultimate success.Whatever you want to call that feeling, I must still be in the moment or I will fall down.

So maybe the objective is not to fall? 

Quote:

Originally Posted by mdf 

Do good skiers have more fun?  Or is it the other way around.  People who really enjoy skiing tend to get better at it over time?

Bingo!

I think the amount of fun has nothing to do with skill. It's just when it's fun, you tend to do it often and eventually you get better (either by yourself or via instruction).

Better skill does open up more terrain and mode of enjoyment. But that's not for everybody. Quite many people are perfectly happy enjoying one aspect of skiing. Just ask the park rat if it's more fun in the park than on the race course. I'm pretty sure the answer is yes. Then ask the racer the same question... Or ask either group about powder? It just got in the way of the jumps or the course!

Some of us actually find learning fun! That, is an entirely different aspec of skiing... :D

I don't know but maybe skiing IS the objective. All that other stuff comes from obtaining/attaining the objective. I've got things set up in a way that lets me ski a lot. I love the mountains, brutal weather, bluebird days, the travel, the commaradiere, refining my skills, exploring the mountain and by making skiing the objective i get to enjoy all those things. Last Tuesday 7 Springs in PA opened for the day after a freaky foot of snow. It would have been WAY EASIER to just go to work that day but the objective is skiing. Free hotdogs and cheap beer were just icing on the cake.