Fast Friends

How to ski and be social at the same time

By Keegan Skidmore

s a person who met his first girlfriend several years after graduating from college, I like to think I know a thing or two about relationships. What it’s like to be in one. How before you even know there’s a problem it can end abruptly, leaving you sad and alone and wondering what you did wrong. How to start another one. It’s not easy, I’ll admit, but I think under the right circumstances you’ll find it’s not impossible.

One way to meet that special someone is via sports. Mia and Nomar, Laird Hamilton and Gabrielle Reece, Lindsey Vonn and whoever she’s married to … The list goes on. The point is, sports is a great way to find someone who likes to do what you do.

That’s a big part of the idea behind Boston Ski and Sports Club. For around 100 bucks, you get a lift ticket to a decent ski mountain with like-minded people, access to an après-ski party with a drink ticket, games, and transportation to and from the mountain. Even if you still come home sad and alone, it’s a good deal. If you don’t? Even better.

If this sounds like something you’re interested in here is some expert advice. Well, advice from me, anyway:

If you can’t ski, don’t try. Unless you’re looking for someone who finds wobbly-legged snowplowing attractive. Fake it. Put on your goggles, throw on some boots, but when everyone goes for a run, say you’ll catch up to them. Then head to the bar, grab a seat, and watch a game until it’s time to party. Alternatively, if you have spent enough on accessories such as goggles (Go here to look for snow safety eyewear) and a skiing suit, you can actually learn how to ski with the help of a tutor or a friend who’s pro in it.

Dress warm.

Fall at least once, as hard as humanly possible without hurting yourself. This will accomplish three things: One, it will show you’re tough. Two, it will make for a great story afterward. And three, you’ll get tons of sympathy.

Unbuckle your boots while riding up the lift. I saw some kids doing it at Bretton Woods in New Hampshire. It looked cool.

If you get a chance, buy someone a hot chocolate with peppermint schnapps. He/she will think he/she is eating a Junior Mint. You can eat a ton of Junior Mints.

Avoid the hot chocolate with peppermint schnapps. You’ve been skiing all day; the alcohol will make you do stupid things. And once you start drinking that stuff, do you realize how hard it is to stop?

Avoid the hot chocolate with peppermint schnapps. You’ve been skiing all day; the alcohol will make you do stupid things.

For more about the Boston Ski and Sports Club Get Social program (including mixers at local bars that don’t even require getting up early on the weekends to go skiing; I mean, how much easier can I make it for you?), click here.