Question to those who ski down snowy mountains: RE: straight-lining.

[Baitball Blogger]

Are straight-liners people who know what they're doing or are they people who just didn't learn the right techniques and so ski fast and furious down a mountain?


I know it's a way to get the attention from the ski patrol and lose privileges to ski because it is dangerous. But I imagine that there are good skiers who could do it without effort.

I'm just wondering about the history and evolution of community skiing. Did skiing side to side become a thing because it's safer on crowded mountains?

[ZZenith]

1. It became a thing because it's how you check your speed,

regardless of the number of others on the hill.

[secondwind]

2. There is more control with zigzagging. Also slows the descent. More fun!

[Lugnut]

3. I think they're idiots.

I got hit from behind by one of those jerks. I think they're just too cheap to take lessons to teach them how to ski properly.

[Ferryboat]

4. Straight lining or more properly tucking

Is a technique used in ski racing. When free skiing it usually practiced by those with no real skill.
Very dangerous in crowded conditions.

There are always exceptions such as carrying speed to cross large flat areas.