Changing Times: The Evolution of Skiing (and Where ALL SZN Fits In)

Ah, once upon a time, we were just skiers. And not just any skiers—we were retro skiers. Wooden skis with metal edges that needed a good ol' screwdriver, long poles, and zero grooming. We were out there with nothing, but Mother Nature’s snowy scraps, feeling like heroes every time we made it down the hill without snapping an ankle. And speaking of retro, let’s not forget the true 90's spirit: baggy snow pants, questionable hairdos, and that carefree attitude that screamed, "It’s all good, dude."

Back then, we measured our skis like we measured our dreams—by how high we could reach. We rode rope tows and single-chair lifts that were so slow, you had time to contemplate life's deepest questions (like, “Why was Clueless so iconic?”). But hey, those slow lifts kept the crowds thin. Unlike the chaos today, we didn’t mind waiting in line—mostly because we were just excited to get another run in. No complaints. Just fresh air, long lift lines, and endless good vibes.

Single Chair Lifts and 90's Throwbacks

Remember when the Poma lifts were the height of luxury? You'd grab that metal platter, and if you didn’t lose your balance, you’d get yanked up the hill like a Rad BMX bike gone wrong. And then there was the "Jigback Lift"—yeah, that name might sound like a dance move Vanilla Ice would pull, but it was actually the only way up Headwall, giving just a dozen brave souls a ride at a time. No heated gondolas, no WiFi. Just 12 skiers freezing their butts off, sharing a blanket, and pretending it was the height of sophistication.

Image courtesy of Coronet Peak.

And speaking of freezing, let’s talk clothing. No Gore-Tex, no waterproof anything. Just wool, layers, and a lot of regret every time the weather turned. I remember being so cold, I’d swear that even a marathon viewing of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air wouldn’t thaw me out. Today’s clothing? All about that warmth and comfort, like they took a cue from a snug 90's hoodie—perfect for skiing without feeling like an ice pop.

When the Dream Became Real—And A Little Crowded

When people skied opening day at Alpine Meadows back in ’61, there were no fancy lifts, just Chair 1—now known as Summit Chair—rising above us like some majestic unicorn. The line? It was long, reaching up to the second or third tower. But did we care? Nah. My dad used to say we needed at least 10 runs for it to count as a proper ski day. It was like Home Alone without Kevin—we had to hustle if we wanted to make it happen before dark.

And let me tell you, back then, skiing was all about the spiritual connection to the mountain. We weren’t just sliding on snow—we were connecting with nature. Standing at the top of KT22, looking out at pristine, untouched snow, felt like stepping into another world—like the first time you watched Jurassic Park and realized things could get wild. Development? We weren’t too worried back then. In fact, when skiers heard about Alpine Meadows getting a lodge and lifts, they were stoked—kind of like finding out Lisa Frank was releasing a new line of school supplies. Just pure excitement.

Embracing (and Resisting) Change: ALL SZN Keeps It Real

So, let’s talk about change. The skiing back then versus now is like comparing the Walkman to Spotify. The original vibe was a little rough, a little unpredictable—but man, it was cool. Now? It’s all about tech, comfort, and style. And honestly, I’m here for it—especially with brands like ALL SZN making sure that even as skiing changes, we don’t lose that love for the mountain.

ALL SZN monographic goggles are like the perfect combo of modern-day tech and 90's spirit. They give you crystal-clear views—unlike my old scratched-up lenses that were about as clear as those mystery VHS tapes with no labels. They’re sharp, stylish, and ready for any weather condition—whether you’re cruising groomers or blasting through moguls like you’re in a Mighty Ducks montage.

Now, we won't lie, some of us weren't exactly thrilled when snowboarding showed up. It felt like the 90's equivalent of introducing New Coke—suddenly, there were these boarders taking over the mountain, moving in ways we just didn’t get. But times change, and eventually, even our ALL SZN skiers had to admit that it was all part of the sport we love.

When to Embrace Change and When to Stay Old-School

Here’s the thing. Change is inevitable—just like neon windbreakers and Saved by the Bell reruns, it’s part of the cycle. We got faster skis, better lifts, and yes, more crowded mountains. It makes us scratch our head sometimes, but then we remember why we do this. It’s not just about the runs, or the lift lines, or the tech. It’s about that moment you get to the top, look out over untouched powder, and feel like you’re in a scene from The Matrix—you know, that perfect “Whoa” moment.

So yeah, sometimes we worry about the future of skiing. We miss those days when the mountain felt like a secret club, just us and nature. But as long as we keep the spirit alive—respecting the environment, taking care of the mountain, and sharing it with others—we’re doing alright.

And with ALL SZN goggles on, I’ll keep my eyes open for whatever comes next. Whether it’s a throwback single-chair ride, a double backflip snowboarder, or just another epic powder day, We are ready. Let’s keep it real, keep it golden, and most importantly—keep it fun. Because if the 90's taught us anything, it’s that life’s too short to take too seriously, especially when there’s a mountain to shred.