March 25, 2009 E-MAIL PRINT

Kids say the funniest things about skiing

by Heather Burke/

Children have a fun attitude about the alpine sport. They laugh when they fall and they aren’t afraid to take a little air. (photo: Greg Burke)

Children have a fun attitude about the alpine sport. They laugh when they fall and they aren’t afraid to take a little air. (photo: Greg Burke)

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Kids see skiing and snowboarding differently than adults do. We could learn a thing or two from their cue. To them it’s a funny sport and a good time on snow. There is nothing serious or technical about it.

When I tire of interviewing intense adult skiers and snowboarders, I turn to kids for their refreshing romp on winter’s wackiest sport of snow sliding.

Their last names are omitted for privacy and protection. Here are their delightful downhill definitions and impressions.

What is vertical drop?

“Vertical drop is when you try to go straight down without stopping, it’s very fast,” said 6-year-old Jacquelyn from Scituate, Mass.

“Vertical drop is when you fall off the chairlift,” said 11-year-old snowboarder Michael from Boston.

“No it’s not silly,” replied his 6-year-old sister Katryn, “it means black diamond.”

“Vertical drop, it’s like so steep, almost straight down,” said 8-year-old Sam from Kittery, Maine.

How much does skiing cost?

“I have no clue,” said 7-year-old Burton (yes, that’s really his name, but he’s a skier).

“It’s super expensive, a lot more than my allowance,” said Katryn.

“It’s like $50, but when you stay overnight in a hotel by the ski mountain, then it gets really to be a lot, like $1,000 and something,” said 9-year-old Ethan from Portland.

“Skiing cost like $50, but 5-year-olds ski free, even if you’re not really 5,” said 10-year-old Holly from Falmouth, Maine.

“I’m glad I don’t have to pay,” said Michael.

“My dad is on the ski patrol so we ski free. He does, too — well, kind of, he has to talk on a radio thing and sit in the top shack if people get hurt,” said 7-year-old James from Farmington, Maine.

What do ski patrol do?

“They make sure people don’t kill themselves,” said Michael.

“If someone is going way too fast they pull them over and give them a ticket,” said 7-year-old Bradley from Kittery.

“No,” said big brother Sam, “that’s when they take your ticket away.”

What don’t you like about skiing?

Ryan, a 4-year-old from Boston, said: “I hate when my Mom tells me to do pizza pies, that just makes me go slower.”

“I hate falling, but it’s cool when I fall and slide and spin on my butt. I end up laughing,” said Kristin.

“I hate it when I wipe out and get snow everywhere,” said Katryn.

“I hate flats,” said her snowboarder brother Michael.

Most embarrassing moment on skis?

“My father practically killed himself on a mogul,” said Jacquelyn.

“My grandpa knocked me off the lift, then he fell off trying to save me. That was embarrassing,” said Ethan.

“When my dad goes “Yeehaa” on the chairlift and everyone looks at us,” said 8-year-old Ashley of Gray, Maine.

So take a hint from this hip height skiers and riders, and remember the real spirit of the sport is fun.

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