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Turner Reacts To "Hard-Wired Zoomies..."

By J.D. O'Connor
March 31, 2006

Slope safety and courtesy issues regarding personal sound systems (Industry Report; March 20, 2006) is a valid discussion, but J.D. O'Connor's positioning the topic as a skier vs. snowboarder issue is completely out of touch.

My personal observation is that headsets are more commonly crammed on the ears of freeriders and youth whether skiing or snowboarding.

As far as the ability of resorts to control or prohibit such behavior, it was a simple proposition when headsets looked like earmuffs and the Walkmans were the size of a lunch box. Today, an iPod can practically fit in a credit card holder and earbuds are invisible under a hat/helmet. Most resorts are reluctant to strip search guests.

That said, I loathe the devises (sic) and argue with my kid every weekend about their use.

Jack Turner Snow Monsters / Next Snow Search Durango, CO 81301 USA

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Your story on iPods really struck a chord with me if you'll pardon the bad pun. I've had several near misses with skiers of all ages who were plugged in to their sound systems. It's funny when you go up to someone and say something and you think they are ignoring you, but you find they're music is up and they can't hear a word you're saying! From the highways to the ski slopes, people are tuning out and it's not a good thing.

Posted by: Michael | March 27, 2006 11:18 AM

	Saw your iPod story and thought I'd write because I know that guy in the story... he hit me too! Good story, fun to read...
	Posted by: Marc | March 27, 2006 01:49 PM

I understand the merits of the argument made in this article. This article at first glimpse seems to make a lot of sense. First off on a bit of a side note, most helmet companies now make helmets with ear phones built in a relays switches to switch from your MP3 player to your cell phone. The fundamental flaw with the author argument is that skiing is visual not audible. It's like driving, you don't have to be able to hear but see. Try having a conversation when you're skiing or listening to people behind when you're skiing. It's hard to hear when you are skiing. (Wind noise) Skiing out of control, yes, that's a problem, but not listening to music. The wind created by skiing/snowboarding is more of a problem. (If hearing is what you are looking for, there are a lot of deaf skiers) For those who have never used MP3 players while skiing, try it you can hear people when they talk to you. Now I haven't written an excellent article here, this is half assed, just as the authors article is. Maybe the argument should be altered a bit, maybe the people moving down the hill looking at their Mp3 players switching songs is the problem, I'd buy that argument) I hope I didn't come off as a cynic, skiing is my life and livelihood and I am passionate about it. Thank you

Posted by: Jeff Condon | April 3, 2006 05:51 AM

	Hey, Jeff, thanks for reading... and writing. We appreciate your input and totally understand your position. We're grateful you chose to give your opinion in such a measured and thoughtful way. As for the half a**ed reference, well, we'll let that slide in the interest of free speech and furtherance of discussion! All best, J.D. O'Connnor Mountain News
	Posted by: JD | April 3, 2006 06:48 AM

	Hi J.D. Perhaps my reference was a bit disrespectful, and for that I am sorry. I own and operate ski shops and a ski school. I do take this very seriously and appreciate the chance to respond to articles. I am sorry to offend anyone, sometimes I get caught up in the moment. If you ever want me to contribute and give others to critique me let me know. Thanks again, Jeff Condon
	Posted by: Jeff Condon | April 3, 2006 08:45 AM

	No problem at all, Jeff. Really. Passion is good. Yours is recognizable. Part of the reason we built this little interactive forum is to expedite reaction to our stories and to encourage discussion. Hope to hear from you again soon. J.D. O'Connor Mountain News
	Posted by: JD | April 3, 2006 09:29 AM

Being violently ambivalent on this subject I'm going to weigh in on both sides. I don't fit any of the molds discussed here - I am 40+, and not a "freerider" per se - but personally use an MP3 player almost every time I ski. It definitely enhances my on-mountain experience when I can hear Lenny Kravitz wailing as I fly into my favorite glade on my monoski. On the other hand, music or no music, the real threat on the slopes is a lack of SITUATIONAL AWARENESS on the part of any snow slider. Just like on the freeways, some people are very aware of what is going on all around them (especially those who've ever ridden a motorcycle) while others seem totally oblivious. Tunes or no tunes, skier, boarder or mono-ripper, it is every snow-slider's responsibility to be aware of their surroundings, and to not place others in danger by their actions. IMHO, if resorts wanna take action, they should be targeting those who are skiing/boarding while impaired by alcohol or marijuana. Im my personal experience these much more commonly actually cause collisions than people listening to music... David Wells Founder, U.S. Monoski Association www.usmonoski.org

Posted by: David Wells | April 3, 2006 10:48 AM

	Great point, David, thanks for contributing... J.D. O'Connor Mountain News
	Posted by: JD | April 3, 2006 11:02 AM