A world that used to be reserved for the rich and famous, has thankfully, become a lot more accessible for the masses, but with that comes an influx of ‘unique’ characters. Powder White, a specialist ski operator, has seen everything over the last decade; here is their rundown of the best, scariest and most amusing types of skier (and boarder) stalking the slopes and how to spot them.
80’s Throwback – It’s hard not to spot these skiers hurtling down the slopes. A true feast for the eyes, the bright colours and shiny fabrics are something to behold. Think Wham video with less subtlety.
Spot them: Easily. Try not to look directly at them. It may damage your eyesight.
Matching couples – You know the ones; they think their love for each other can only be shown to the outside world through a series of matching ski outfits. They spend hours posing for photos on the slopes pretending they are Kate and Wills on their annual ski break.
Spot them: Everywhere, you can’t escape it, love transcends all borders.
Piste Heads – The skiers whose happy hour often turns into a happy eight hours. These guys and girls know all the best places for après ski, sundowners and nightcaps.
Spot them: Wearing dark shades as they hit the slopes post 1pm, after a much-needed lie in.
Street Style – They’re the slope-side equivalent of hipsters. A collision of an American Apparel shop window and Dalston’s Kingsland Road on a Friday night, they’re cooler than the snow itself.
Spot them: Wearing skinny jeans on the slopes. It really doesn’t leave much room for manoeuvring and even less to the imagination.
Ski Snobs – They’ll turn their nose up at anything that’s not off-piste, they spend their time studying maps and buying up avalanche kit.
Spot them: Sloping off after the locals, in an attempt to discover the best hidden spots so they can scoff about it afterwards to anyone who (doesn’t) want to hear.
Gourmet Skiers – These skiers prefer to kick back and relax – the most strenuous exercise they do is moving from Michelin star restaurant to Michelin star restaurant. The day is broken up into meals. Breakfast, snacks, lunch, après ski, dinner and supper.
Spot them: Not on the slopes, they’re normally too full to ski.
Turbo Toddler – At the age of four they’ve already been skiing for two years and they’re a damn sight better than you.
Spot them: At knee height and well ahead of you. Eat their powder.
