Snowboarding
Riding Under the Influence
While I was in Banff, something occurred to me; it seems like some people really like to mix snowboarding with a bit of drinking or smoking herbs.
Now when I say drinking, I do not mean getting drunk. Two of my friends had flasks on them which some that were present shared. I must admit that when it is -20 degrees celcius (0 degrees is our freezing mark for my friends that are not down with the metric system), it might be nice to have a small, delicious swig of fireball whiskey. A convenient way to quickly warm up.
Many riders, like Adam, enjoy a beer with lunch while boarding. I try and avoid this since drinking beer means I have to use the washroom soon thereafter. Also, while beer is yummy, it does nothing to warm me up on a cold day.
When we were at Sunshine Village, a friend of a friend took us to a ‘Yeti Hut’. This is a small log cabin, often built by lift attendants. These huts are not visible from any runs and you have to walk a few minutes to find them. They are a nice way to find some shelter and privacy. I was impressed at how nice the hut was, although it could have used to a door to keep out the cold. The garbage bag and makeshift benches were nice touches. I hear some people smoke things there. Cuban cigars and Sherlock Holmes pipes, perhaps.
What expreiences have you had riding under the influence? Any preferences or suggestions?
I like to be clear minded when I’m snowboarding. I might reccommend a small flask of something strong and sweet, but share it or you’ll be hammered. It reminds me of those days when there were Saint Bernards with barrels of booze around their necks to save avalanche victims. At least that’s what old Bugs Bunny cartoons taught me things were once like.
Props to Adam for the title.
Discussion
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It can certainly be difficult to balance the two, but I must say that most days I’d rather be a bit “enhanced,” not only to enjoy the ride more but also in order to loosen me up and relax. Of course this will vary with tolerance levels and ability on the mountain!
Now when it comes down to weapon of choice, I do carry a flask but try not to overdo it (I find vodka works slightly better than whiskey, even though that’s the opposite of my preference at a bar). I’m still toying with the idea of beer in the hydration pack, but I’d be too lazy to put the extra effort into cleaning it afterwards.
I much prefer a more *herbal* remedy, but then again, I’m somehwat of an experienced user and have been mixing the two together since I got my first deck. In general, it’s easier to limit yourself this way, as opposed to booze, which can be a more slippery slope than what one will ride on the mountain (pardon the pun).
Now, I’m probably gonna come off as some kind of sober-phobic fiend, but certain Rx painkillers also have lovely effects, again depending on personal tolerance of course.
My preference is to relegate consumption to when I am in the hot tub after a long day on the slopes.
Personally I like to be clear-minded as well when riding. For the same reasons I don’t like listening to music while riding… I like to be aware of what is going on.
That being said, I have lots of friends who drink and get high while riding and that is perfectly fine with me!
I have frequented one of those so called “Yeti Huts” on various mountains. Considering most of my friends are keen to the herbal essence, they seem to all know the best spots. I like to smoke and I love to board. I have no problem mixing the two but it’s definitely not required.
However, I have never hit the flask while boarding, but I have had a beer or two at the lodge.
Here is Bozeman it seems to me “Under the Influence” is – if not standard – at least typical. A few cans of PBRs are standard issue in the backpack, along with a shovel and probe. Every ski area has multiple “shacks” and you’re likely to meet someone you know each time you visit.
I like to be a little more clear headed myself, but on one Spring Break in Whistler a friend and I slightly underestimated our buying power in Vancouver and I experienced my first multi-day, “over-crisp” experience. There IS something to be said for it… 
The real dangerous thing is drinking. You go too fast, and your ability to dodge trees and people drops to zero. And forget hitting anything – one friend of mine, on “closing day”, got so drunk she just up and passed out on the hill, and had to be carted off by patrol!
But there’s nothing like a crisp PBR at the top of the skin track.