When it comes to winter sports like skiing, it’s not enough to simply train and improve your skills. Since the activity involves interactions with natural environments like mountain slopes, skiers must also be aware of etiquette to not only earn respect within the community but also ensure health and safety on the slopes.
A previous post entitled ‘The Secret Etiquette of the Slopes’ provides examples of unwritten rules, starting with basic safety rules like observing trail signs and yielding to skiers going downhill at a faster speed. Additionally, skiing etiquette encompasses common faux pas to avoid, including smoking on the lifts or anywhere in the mountains.
Considering ski resorts and destinations have implemented smoke-free policies to prohibit tobacco use among winter sports enthusiasts and visitors, this article outlines tips to help those who smoke kick the habit and become more responsible skiers.
Ski resorts and destinations going smoke-free
Tobacco use not only harms the personal health of smokers but also exposes nonsmokers to similar health risks through secondhand smoke. Smoking on the lift and the slopes, in particular, can also lead to significant hazards, from lit cigarettes potentially causing fires and polluting the air to cigarette butts littering the environment.
In light of these adverse health and environmental consequences, the French ski resort Les Gets has enacted a smoking ban in its entire communal area and ski grounds, becoming the first ski resort in Europe to do so. Meanwhile, popular ski destinations in other countries like Japan, New Zealand, and Canada have also implemented smoke-free policies to welcome ski enthusiasts with healthier, cleaner environments.
Violating such prohibitions can lead to fines and compromise everyone’s skiing experience, making the tips in the next section helpful for skiers planning to quit smoking.
Respecting skiing etiquette by quitting smoking
Switch to smokeless alternatives
As smokers switch to tobacco alternatives to address intense urges and cravings, nicotine pouches have become a viable product due to their discreet oral delivery format. As such, ZYN nicotine pouches have become popular in public places like offices for delivering nicotine without emitting the same smoke or mess as chewing tobacco and cigarettes.
Similar to office workers, skiers can opt for ZYN pouches to ease cravings and withdrawal symptoms without the need for tobacco. Specifically, smokers can try the ZYN spearmint variety for a subtle yet satisfying and refreshing nicotine experience on the slopes. These tobacco-free pouches contain 6mg of nicotine, making them suitable for light to moderate smokers.
Consider nicotine replacement therapy
Besides next-generation nicotine products like pouches, skiers can also consider traditional pharmacological approaches like nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). NRT products have a similar mechanism of action since they deliver fixed, low doses of nicotine into the bloodstream for reduced cravings and withdrawals.
Among over-the-counter NRTs, skiers can use oral formats like Nicorette gums and lozenges for immediate nicotine relief, whether on the grounds or the slopes. Meanwhile, transdermal patches from Medline release nicotine gradually over 24 hours, which means skiers can apply them before a long day on the mountain to minimize smoking urges.
Adopt stress management techniques
Skiers who prefer to opt out of tobacco and nicotine altogether can also try adopting stress management techniques, as chronic stress and mood shifts are common withdrawal symptoms during smoking cessation. A popular stress management approach among smokers is yoga since it combines physical activity with meditation and mindfulness to mimic the effects of nicotine on the brain.
Interestingly, yoga also benefits your skiing performance through improved flexibility, mobility, and endurance. Certain yoga postures, like the forward bend, can help loosen the muscles in the hamstrings and calves, while the chair pose can warm up and build strength in the quads — which are all muscle groups crucial to skiing.
Overall, skiing involves respect for fellow skiers’ health and safety, and quitting smoking is one way to practice and adhere to etiquette.
