Snow of Tomorrow | Why skiing is political

This was actually supposed to be a post about sustainable down. And I don't really like texts that start with "actually". Sounds like a slacker. But it's not even meant to be. Because as I stood at the Fridays for Future demo on Munich's Königsplatz on Friday afternoon, still without a hook for my next text for this column, I asked myself why it should be about equipment again. After all, I've written about PFCs and eco-labels the last two times. Skiing isn't just about equipment and clothing. That's not why we do it. To put it bluntly, we do it to have a good time in the mountains. To escape from everyday life. To clear our heads. Preferably in untouched nature, at least that's the ideal, and above all with lots and lots of snow.

However, in view of the current climate debates, this seems to be in danger. Climate change is difficult to stop and we may be left behind or at least have to adapt a little. But because people are worried about future snowfall, should skiing be political? Please don't, I think to myself at first. Because I'm good at ignoring. Ignoring. Hiding away in ski movies and powder runs. Seeing the beautiful things in sport. Is that why I set up petitions, write emails to politicians or organize demonstrations? I don't necessarily see myself there.

Of course, it's difficult when we break it down to the individual level every time. When it seems that only the average winter sports enthusiast has to restrict themselves, while politicians and the industry do nothing and simply carry on as before. This quickly provokes the defiant reaction "Why should I restrict myself when others don't". Understandable. And after all, we want to escape these things by skiing. Just to waste our thoughts on where to make the next powder turn. I feel the same way. Until I become a victim too. Then I no longer voluntarily limit myself in my actions, but become a reactor. And every time I think to myself: "Maybe I could have prevented it." Perhaps we should counteract the disenchantment with politics among skiers soon enough. Mutate into actors instead of reactors - not only when deciding on the next turn. But also in deciding where we put our cross in the next election and which vote we give our money in the winter sports industry.

PS: The article on fair down will of course still be available.