Ski Addiction

So how does ski addiction work? Some might say, that the ski bum gives up a lot to get the ski fix on a regular basis. If they're not skiing, they're jonesing for a fix and as soon as they get the fix, everything's fine again. Many just don't understand what a good ski high is all about and unless they're that small percentage that knows what it's like to have the needle in their arm, they'll never understand. You're either a ski addict or your not.

In our observations, we've seen numerous examples of ski addiction. On a recent day of spring skiing, a young man said he slept in his car overnight to save on gas and be able to ski again that day. A fifty year old supermarket checkout guy had that skier tanned face from being out all season. He was working evenings, so he could ski all day. He had a big smile and his life centered around skiing. Obviously, he had little responsibility in life; no wife, children or job that interferes with time on the mountain. Now, being off the mountain for a while, the endorphin receptors are apt to be more responsive than later in the season, when it takes all day to get the same buzz. The true addict may sometimes say to themselves that they don't really want to go skiing, but they suddenly find themselves riding a chairlift up and asking themselves if they were crazy even letting the thought of not skiing into their mind. What else would they rather be doing than skiing right now?

In summary, ski addiction is a condition that doesn't affect a substantial portion of the population. Those that are ski addicts know it and experience a wonderful phenomenon as soon as they're on the mountain. For example, many addicts are irritable on the drive to the mountain and little things annoy them. On the drive back, nothing matters and they have a sense of peace, frequently accompanied by a wonderful euphoria. Relax, you're not alone and you will run into a few here and there up on the mountain and in ski resort communities. When you start talking about skiing, it'll be easy to spot and will respond with equal enthusiasm.