I was skiing at the hill where they host the state championship races in Minnesota. Me and my buddies found a pack of racers and we challenged them to a reckless free for all race down a ski cross style trail. It was a damn good time and we ended up ripping a few more runs with them!
The heart of it all is located in the enjoyment of sliding down a slope on pieces of wood. Park rats shouldn't put themselves above racers for thinking that we're perfect, there's a ton of park rats who are absolute cocks. It's not a debate of park rat vs racer, it's determined completely by the individual on the skis. The major key to enjoying skiing with anyone is finding that mutual love for the sport you share, don't try to find the things that set us apart.
I do have to admit though, what he said was pretty douchy but that's probably because he's never spent time riding with a park rat. It's skiing's version of prejudice. With that being said...
I have a dream that one day on the white slopes of Whistler, the sons of former park rats and the sons of former racers will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.
I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their tall tees but by the content of their character.