Why Do Some Skiers Always Wear A Backpack On Resort?
There’s a bit of a debate out there in the world of skiing and snowboarding that’s come back up recently, and YouTuber Rise & Alpine took the time to address it and share his opinion. Essentially the question surrounds why some skiers/snowboarders ride on-resort with a backpack when most’s ski areas have every amenity well within reach, and it’s a pretty valid question.
Backpacks get in the way, can mess with your balance and form on the slopes, tend to be annoying on the chairlift, and, for plenty of people out there, just look plain old goofy. So why do so many people wear them every single day?
Rise & Alpine explored what he keeps inside his backpack, including avalanche safety gear, an extra goggle lens, backup gloves, hand warmers, sunscreen, a poncho for wet conditions, an extra layer, snacks, a water bottle, a whistle, ski straps, pain relievers, a face cover for frostbite prevention, paper towels, a neck buff, and various camera accessories.
He argues that backpacks are very valuable for carrying avalanche gear, drinks, or other equipment that makes the day easier. Personally I think it really depends on the resort. Unless your skiing a mountain that has gates into the backcountry or truly sketchy terrain (and plenty do), you probably don’t need to carry your avalanche gear.
Additionally most people don’t need to cary everything that Rise & Alpine carries on a single day of skiing, especially the camera gear. If you’re really worried about weather conditions changing quickly, then carrying extra layers, gloves, and goggles can certainly be helpful.
I’m very much anti-backpack on resort for myself. Instead I tend to carry an pair of extra goggle lenses, some sunscreen, and maybe some snacks in my pockets. The rest I leave in my car or in the lodge, where I can easily go grab them if it becomes necessary. Of course for plenty of people the main reason to have a backpack is to carry some beers or other drinks, and that’s certainly understandable (as long as you don’t drink too much on the mountain!).
The best option is to have a buddy that carries a backpack, that way you can dump all your drinks, snacks, and extra gear on him while you ski or snowboard without any added weight.
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