Help me out: School paper regarding skiing culture

E

EClay46

Active member
I am writing an ethnograpy on skiing. the general idea of my thesis is regarding how skiing is more than just a sport and is actually a culture with subgroups, religion, and it defines who people are.

i have some interview questions and i would appreciate it if you answered as many as you would like, but in doing so it would be great if you could reference the question your answering. these questions are pretty basic so they should all be pretty simple to answer.

1. How does skiing make you feel?

2.How would you describe skiing?

- its culture?

-its practice?

3. How does skiing provide for your physical and/or mental needs?

4. How often do you ski? and how far do you travel in order to ski?

5. What is some termonology?(this is being used to show that skiing has its own language, in order to deal with the linguistic area of anthropoly, im going to present it as if it is its own dialect)

6. Has skiing shaped your personality(has it changed you, does it define you)? if so in what ways has it done so?

7. Have you ever been injured skiing? if so, why do you continue skiing knowing the dangers first hand?

also if anyone would like to give some insight on their personal experience with skiing and how it effects you.

thanks for the help
 
mythreads for later.

but fo real people, this guy could be on to somthing with this, lets help him out and make a good report. ns is good at swaying contests, lets start helping fellow ns'ers with their homework.

post up

bump
 
So you don't enjoy reading interviews, being 'upto date' with whats happening in the industry, team updates, magazine articles, or even content on NS, seeing pictures of events, video blogs, or things of the such?

PM sent to the guy who started this thread, I'd love to help you out.
 
i dont see how this is a bad topic, or for retards. im writing about how skiing itself is a culture. do you know what an ethnography is? Book definition: A detailed description of a particular culture primarily based on fieldwork. Skiing is a great subject for this because it is a sport but it can be questioned as to whether or not it is a culture. please enlighten me on how this is a poor topic, and how it is for retards.

 
im not sure if you understand what an ethnography is, because if you did i dont see how this could seem illegitimate.

this is a small piece the qualitative part of my ethnography, i have been observing skiing and a case set of skiers in an analytical way over the past month.

I will also be using a more quantitative method by looking at the characteristics of culture and providing examples in skiing that demonstrate each of these characteristics.

however, i believe your input should be taken with a grain of salt because it seems you are one of if not the most negative members on NS
 
i wrote a 10 pager on the subculture of skiing for freshman english in college, it was pretty good too, i cant find it though
 
1. How does skiing make you feel?

I feel like I have complete control over where i am going and that Ive been set free. Basically it makes me feel awesome

2.How would you describe skiing?

-its culture? It brings people together because it is such a natural high

-its practice? A combination of intense thrill seeking (steeps, big hits) and calming sensations (deep pow, carving)

3. How does skiing provide for your physical and/or mental needs?

It gives me something to define myself by as I constantly define my own skiing. And it keeps my lazy ass in shape over the winter

4. How often do you ski? and how far do you travel in order to ski?

I ski as often as possible (usually 5-6 times a week if you count my job as a ski instuctor too). The farthest Ive gone is Colorado (Im an eastern kid), but if the opportunity presents itself, Id basically go anywhere.

5. What is some termonology?(this is being used to show that skiing has its own language, in order to deal with the linguistic area of anthropoly, im going to present it as if it is its own dialect)

I couldnt really list it, but skiing really does have its own language, and I always feel great when Im talking about skiing with friends

6. Has skiing shaped your personality(has it changed you, does it define you)? if so in what ways has it done so?

Most definetly. Like I already said, it defines me, and nearly everything I do outside of skiing I find a way to relate to skiing (This can happen to the point where it annoys some of my non-skier friends)

7. Have you ever been injured skiing? if so, why do you continue skiing knowing the dangers first hand?

I never been seriously hurt: my worst injuries were sprained wrists and sore backs. Plus a shitload of migranes from lack of sleep and exhaustion due to skiing.

Through skiing you can reach sort of a nirvana: you feel higher to God, or whatever you believe.
 
this has nothing to do with school projects and essays. of course we like reading articles about skiing and whatnot, that's one of the reasons we come to this site. but im with asian allen on this one, writing papers and shit about skiing for school is really stupid...and im also irritated by how often this is the subject of a thread, along with "OMG HALP ME ON MY BIOLOGY HW!!!!1"
 
thanks man, +K

o and guys i have a few other questions that i didnt add in the original post. one of them is the same question worded differently though

Does skiing affect what you do when you are not skiing?

Have you ever been injured skiing? Is it worth the injuries and the pain? Why do you ski knowing that you could get injured or possibly die?

Does skiing affect your friendships, family relations, and intimate relations?

Do you make sacrifices in order to ski? How so?

How did you get into skiing?

 
if im not mistaken i think he was just saying how writing a paper for school isnt much different than writing a magazine article or a blog. one is done because you have been instructed too and the other is more of a choice.

if you would like to, maybe think of it not so much as writing a report for school. think of me as an anthropologist writing a ethnography on skiing.

to clear things up im not asking people to help me write a paper or anything like that, im trying to interview the masses of NS as part of my observations to be used when writing the ethnography.
 
He had said:

writing papers or doing projects about skiing is for retards. unless you are an engineer.

I was just going off of what he said... I was just trying to say thats what many people do for a living and or a passion... and most of them aren't engineers.

I don't understand why theres all this hate, the dudes just trying to write a paper about our sport, which in turn is going to show others what our sport is sort of about, that its more than just a sport for many people... its a way of life.

I don't get sick of seeing memembers of our skiing community reach out for a response or some help... I do get sick of kids hating on dumb shit though.

I'm not trying to start a stupid e-battle or something... I just don't understand why theres all this hate in skiing. We're all here for the same reason... keep it that way.
 
1. How does skiing make you feel? sking, gives me such a great feeling of euphoria. it is a real high, when im skiing i feel as if everone is or could be a friend, and that everyone is out to do the same ting -ski. the connection that you have with other skiier, even if you dont know them, is awesome. you both realise that this is where its at, and i wouldent want to be doing anything else right now.
2.How would you describe skiing?
- its culture?- its a family. through and through. even if one skiier dosent like another skiiers personality, they will still respect an aspect of their skiing. there is no true hate in skiing. its all love and respect.
-its practice? ultimitely the best part about skiing, is, skiing. skiing is about knowing your limits, and constantly pushing them. its about learning about your body and how it moves and its about having fun
3. How does skiing provide for your physical and/or mental needs? physically, skiing puts me in GREAT shape. it takes a true athlete to perform to some of the tricks and manuevers getting put out threre by todays athletes. mental needs? sking for me is an escape from all the crap like girlfirends, parents, school. it lets me clear my head and focus on something truly special to me.
4. How often do you ski? and how far do you travel in order to ski? last season i skiied 100 days exactly. i live only about 20 minutes form my local mt. and i work there on park staff. but i usually take about 2 week long trips a season
5. What is some termonology?(this is being used to show that skiing has its own language, in order to deal with the linguistic area of anthropoly, im going to present it as if it is its own dialect) sick, steezy,dope,gnar,rad,extreme,butter,pretzel, and various trick names
6. Has skiing shaped your personality(has it changed you, does it define you)? if so in what ways has it done so? when im skiing, i always want to be a very postive individual, and this has just folowed from the ski hill to my social and school life. its realy awesome. like for instance; i will NEVER say that a skiiers style is goofy, or i dont like a trick that they do, and i waill NEVER say somebody sucks. i always find a way to bring out a positive aspect in their skiing. ex: if someone says oh jhonny sucks... ill be like.... naw dude, hes trying, and hes starting to get some real cool tricks down, its impressive how quickly hes progressing.
7. Have you ever been injured skiing? if so, why do you continue skiing knowing the dangers first hand? nope, knock on wood. skiing for me is an assumed rick, i know my limits, and i know how far i should be pushing myself with each trick. Does skiing affect what you do when you are not skiing? definately, sitting in school im always sketching features for the terrain park that i work in, im always visualising me doing new tricks, or one thats i have stomped. i am always thinking of new ways to film me and my pals, when im walking around, im looking for uniqe ideas to use for features in the park, or im just out looking for urbans. skiing is always on my mind.
Does skiing affect your friendships, family relations, and intimate relations? i am very thankful to have a family and a great girlfriend that realise that skiing really means alot to me, and it is what i want to do for a long time. friendships are not really affected, i have my school friends and my shred friends, i charish them both and love them all, and i get to spend time with both groups equally.
Do you make sacrifices in order to ski? How so? see above question - sometimes i will not be able to spend time with loved ones beacuse of work, or powderdays, all of those things. and they all understant teh sacrifice and realise that either way, i would be having tons of fun regadless
How did you get into skiing? thanks dad.
 
^ that wasent supposed to be all bold... only the questions. sorry if its tricky to read
 
I really should be writing a paper of my own right now but this sounds like an awesome paper and I would like to help you out.
1. How does skiing make you feel?
Skiing is the best natural high I have ever experienced. It can evoke feelings of fear and excitement, such as in trying new and challenging tricks in the park, to complete focus and serenity, like when skiing fresh untracked trees. Overall it just always makes me happy, even when the conditions are terrible or I am having an off day.
2.How would you describe skiing?
- its culture?Very complex with different subgroups. There is a specific style of dress, manner of speaking, and lifestyle that goes along with skiing, especially the younger "newschool" skiiers. Skiiers have many different rituals and practices that go along with its culture. For example, skiers are known to often drink Pabst, have burly beards, etc.
3. How does skiing provide for your physical and/or mental needs?
Skiing provides goals for me to achieve in my personal life, and also is a release from the stress of the real world. In the off season, skiing inspires me to hit the gym and stay in reasonable shape, stay active all summer jumping on trampolines or doing anything that could remotely benefit my skiing. During the season it is something enjoyable that i can set goals in and work at them. On top of that it is the best way to release my stress from school and such.
4. How often do you ski? and how far do you travel in order to ski?
During school i ski at least 2 days a week, on break i ski 4 or 5 days a week. I am pretty broke so the farthest I regularly travel to ski is 7 hrs from my school in CT to Jay Peak, VT.
5. What is some termonology?(this is being used to show that skiing has its own language, in order to deal with the linguistic area of anthropoly, im going to present it as if it is its own dialect)
Of course there are tons of terms specific to ski culture. Just a quick list:steeze, gaper, afterbang, trick/grab names (pretzel, k-fed, mute, critical, cork, bio, rodeo, lincoln loop, flatspin, etc.) also, more ski mountaineering specific terms like coulieur(sp?), slough, etc.also you could consider the snow terms that resorts sometimes use, like granular, powder, etc.
6. Has skiing shaped your personality(has it changed you, does it define you)? if so in what ways has it done so?
Yes, skiing does shape my personality and does define me. The way I act, the way I dress, the friends I have, are all in a huge way affected by my passion for skiing.
7. Have you ever been injured skiing? if so, why do you continue skiing knowing the dangers first hand?
Yes, i have permanent nerve damage in my lower back from a fall 2 seasons ago. I still ski because I cannot imagine myself living my life without skiing. For me the benefit of the natural high and being part of an awesome community and culture far outweighs the risk of injury.
 
Anyone on NS who argues that the skiing culture isn't subject to an ethnographic study is ignorant. Ethnicity is "a term which represents social groups with a shared history, sense of

identity, geography and cultural roots which may occur despite racial

difference". Do you value skiing as part of your definition of self? If you could pick five things about yourself that define you as a person, would "skier" be one of them? My answer for both of those things is "Yes". Boom, he's got an ethnographic study. Here you go, dude.

1. Independent, creative, excited, relaxed, and ecstatic all at once. It reduces stress, helps me cope with daily life, and provides some of the most exhilarating experiences of my life. I have more fun skiing than doing anything else. I'd give up sex before skiing.

2. Independent, but also very social. I have met very few fellow skiers that I don't get along with it, and nothing in the world is more fun to me than going up skiing with some of my best friends. It's independent in that you are entirely in control of what you do and the style you do it in, but social in that there is a energetic, generally supportive community that enhances the sport in every possible way. The culture is relaxed but enthusiastic, I love it.

3. As I already said, it's the second best stress reliever I'm aware of behind ganja, so that's what it does for me mentally. Physically, it's challenging but achievable, and therefore very rewarding. I get a ton of satisfaction from hitting a sick line or learning a new trick, and nothing wears me out like a full day busting through pow or lapping the park. It also motivates me to stay healthy and active all year long because I want to be in shape for skiing.

4. As often as I can. Previous seasons I've been up 50+ times a year, but I plan on hitting 75+ this year. I'm used to traveling about a half hour, this season I changed mountains so it's more like 45 minutes.

5. I would suggest any trick terminology that's unique to our sport... pretzel, switch up, broken grind, hippy killer, etc. Maybe some popular phrases like "juice banger"...? Haha.

6. Absolutely, one of the first things I try to find out about people is if they ski because it's an instant connection. If I listed ten things I'd like a stranger to know about me, skiing would be #1. I live to ski, I love it more than anything else, and it partly defines me because it's what I do. It isn't all I am, but it's a big part, and a lot of my attitudes and decisions about my life and the world around me are shaped by skiing and the culture that surrounds it.

7. Broke my arm once, but giving up skiing is possibly the most unacceptable thing I've ever put to thought. Definitely worth whatever dangers exist.

For establishing a culture around skiing definitely bring up NS and IF3, if you've been to it. Both are a big part of the skiing community, and although a community would definitely exist without them, they're very important in making it as widespread as it is. Good luck, man.

 
I was thinking of IF3 but i have never been before and i cant write about it without either attending or someone giving me a first hand description of their experience attending.
 
1. How does skiing make you feel?

It makes me feel awesome. I couldn't be any happyer when I land a new trick or when I'm just shredding out there with some friends.

2.How would you describe skiing?

- its culture?

It is a very special culture. Everyone is very nice and is out there to have fun. Everyone can show who he is in his own style And it's just great that way. Everyone is unique even if we all do and live for the same thing.

-its practice?

Awesome?

3. How does skiing provide for your physical and/or mental needs?

Skiing makes me forget about school and my problems. I just go out there to ski and have fun and get better. I stop thinking about anything else, it's way more than a drug. And I get a sick raccoon at the end of the year :D

4. How often do you ski? and how far do you travel in order to ski?

I ski every week end and I travel around 45 minutes to get there and 45 minutes to get back.

5. What is some termonology?(this is being used to show that skiing has its own language, in order to deal with the linguistic area of anthropoly, im going to present it as if it is its own dialect)

Jib, Cork, bio etc... , stocked, gang (as in cool), afterbang, steeze, There are more but I can't think of any other :/

6. Has skiing shaped your personality(has it changed you, does it define you)? if so in what ways has it done so?

It sure changed me. Now all I can think of is skiing. I even started to dress more baggy since I started freeskiing so it changed my style for sure. Every little thing makes me think of freesking. And my grades got better cause I want to ski so much and I need good grades to ski.

7. Have you ever been injured skiing? if so, why do you continue skiing knowing the dangers first hand?

Yes, I broke my arm and had a couple of minor injurys. I am always sore after a week end of skiing haha. I keep skiing cause it's the only thing I think about, it's the thing I like the most on earth and it's just way too sick. I can't picture myself not skiing.

Hopefully this helped sorry for the bad english!
 
There's a ton of threads, at least a couple articles, and several blogs... this one from snwbrdmilf is probably all you need, actually: Shenanigans, ya heard.

It's massive, but from what I've read (a few paragraphs) it's a great description of everything from the event to the people to the culture surrounding both.
 
in middle school, i did a physics video project on skiing. I took footage of me skiing and put freze frames where i show like how every reaction has an oposite reaction and stuff, i got a 110 for being creative and not just doing a powerpoint
 
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