It’s a new world we’re living in, and we’re all still reeling at the abrupt end to the ski season. We’ll try to keep the stoke alive here on the Liftopia Blog by rounding up interesting and relevant news and articles.
To ski or not to ski?
Over the past week or so, we’ve been hearing about people still attempting to ski. And… one could argue that it makes sense. You’re out in the open air, your eyes and face are generally covered, and when you’re skiing or riding, you are most certainly more than 6 feet away from others. That’s one side of the argument.
But on the other hand, there have simply been too many people backcountry skiing. Donny O’Neil at Powder admits Berthoud Pass was the busiest he had seen in years with skiers hanging out in close proximity. He explains how ski towns are increasingly susceptible to outbreaks such as COVID-19.
Moreover, going out and engaging in an intense activity goes completely against a shelter-in-place order. Megan Michelson at Outside makes the case: “If you hurt yourself, you’re straining a health care system that’s desperately needed for other patients right now.”
Heather Hansman at Outside also points out: “Decisions that I’ve previously considered safe—like ski touring on mellow, low-angle terrain—suddenly aren’t anymore. The calculations are different now that public health is our only priority.” In her op ed, she goes on to offer advice on how to stay active and sane. A recommended read.
Our take? Not surprisingly, stay home. Go outside for some fresh air.
A bright spot
Meanwhile, in feel-good, awesome-people news, Shaggy’s Skis in Michigan has transitioned from manufacturing skis to manufacturing protective face shields for healthcare workers. Contact them if you’re a healthcare worker who needs face shields or if you want to help.
Other outdoor brands have stepped up to help as well. Pacific Northwest company Casual Industrees is making reusable cloth masks – for every two masks sold, they’re donating one to a local medical facility or someone in need. (C’mon, we all need a ‘F*ck COVID-19’ mask.)
Minnesota-based Frost River, will stop producing outdoor gear and start making personal protective equipment (PPE) for healthcare workers. Kitsbow started making disposable face shields and reusable face masks for first responders and healthcare workers.
Keen gave away 100,000 pairs of shoes to front-line workers and families. And though not outdoor-specific, it’s worth noting that various distilleries have committed to making hand sanitizer as well.
Did we miss anyone, especially any independent ski brands/shops? Give us a shout in the comments.
Some fun stuff
Trew put together an epic reading list for outdoor enthusiasts, including reads for skiers and riders.
Of course we all want to be out on the slopes. Powder rounded up a bunch of epic photos so you can “ski from your couch.”
InTheSnow’s top 10 ski movies for socially distancing.
And finally, Unofficial Networks is all of us right now:
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