Winter sports aren’t for everyone.
Now that snow is beginning to fall at major ski resorts across the country, more people are heading off to the slopes. It’s estimated that 31 million Americans participate in winter sports, with a majority of those being either skiers or snowboarders.
No matter if you’re doing something epic or just cruising down the bunny hill, there’s a lot of fun to be had at a ski resort. That said, things can always go awry and, as recently learned by TikTok user Lakeisa (@thefashionoftravel), end your trip earlier than expected.
What Went Wrong During This Ski Trip?
In her video, which currently has over 828,000 views, Lakeisa announces that “snowboarding is not for us.”
“That’s why we see no Black people up here,” she adds.
According to Lakeisa’s friend, they decided to end their trip to Steamboat early after their other friend Gregory “fell off the cliff.”
“The snowboard went over the cliff,” Lakeisa adds. “Ambassadors had to help him go get his board and his body.”
The issue, Lakeisa speculates, is that Gregory tried to take the group on intermediate slopes when they were truly beginners.
“He tried to force us, which I told him wouldn’t be a good idea,” she shares. “So yeah, here we are.”
Is Gregory OK?
Later, Lakeisa posted another video filmed by Gregory showing that he was, in fact, OK.
“I’m not gonna lie, I love snowboarding,” he starts.
Gregory explains that he fell in love with the sport when he was a kid after being introduced to it by a friend. Since then, he’s been snowboarding “off and on” for “about a good 30 years.”
While he admits that he “ate s— all the way down” the previous day—the incident to which Lakeisa was referring—he says he’s not deterred. In fact, learning that the high-intermediate hills were too much for his current level encouraged him to book a lesson.
“I need to refresh, and either I’m gonna quit, [or] I’m gonna get better,” he explains. “If Lil Wayne could snowboard at like, 40—I mean he could skateboard at 40 and learn—I could be a professional or amazing snowboarder at my age, too.”
In an email to BroBible, Lakeisa confirmed that Gregory is, in fact, fine.
“I can confirm that Gregory is alive, well, and walking after what we are now officially referring to as his ‘brief but ambitious amateur action sports era,’” she wrote.
That said, Lakeisa isn’t too sure about hitting the hills again anytime soon.
“Let’s just say I’m not completely dissuaded… but I am open to being persuaded. Preferably by brands, lessons, protective gear, helmets, and maybe a little emotional support!” she shared. “If anyone is looking for a very honest comeback story, I’m your girl.”
For those wondering what exactly happened, Lakeisa offered some clarification.
“Gregory unintentionally found himself navigating terrain that exceeded his skill set and confidence level,” she explained. “The ‘cliff’ felt enormous in the moment (as most things do when gravity is involved), and it was definitely a reminder that lessons and proper guidance aren’t optional especially when enthusiasm outpaces experience. Thankfully, it ended with more humility than injury.”
“We didn’t know that bunny slopes were closed until after the madness walking back to our villa,” she continued. “If there’s one takeaway, it’s that ski safety matters, lessons matter, and knowing when to sit one out matters too. We laughed after, once we confirmed everyone had all their limbs and dignity (mostly) intact.”
The Importance Of Choosing The Right Level Of Ski Hill
No matter if you’re skiing or boarding, it’s important to know your ski level before heading down a hill.
While you’re on a ski hill, the biggest danger is often yourself. In fact, one study found that over 90% of skiing injuries in a given season were, in one way or another, self-inflicted. This often comes from skiers or snowboarders overestimating their abilities.
In order to make a trip to the ski resort as safe as possible, it’s best to take a few steps to lower the risk of injury.
First, familiarize yourself with the terrain. This includes not only studying the map but visually inspecting the hill while you’re on the ski lift to avoid any surprises.
Second, know your limits. If you’re not sure of your abilities, you can start on the lowest level of hill and slowly attempt more difficult slopes until you’ve reached your level of comfort.
Finally, you can wear proper safety equipment. At minimum, one should wear a helmet and goggles at all times. They should also thoroughly check all their gear to ensure it’s in proper working order.
Following all these steps will make crashes less likely—though you still might end up with the occasional face full of powder.
@thefashionoftravel Not today Jesus! #steamboat #snowboardtiktok
Commenters Have Stories
In the comments section, users shared their own tales of ski trips gone wrong.
“I once cried at the top of the slope bc I didn’t want to go down,” recalled a user. “The ski patrol strapped me in to a gurney and skied me down the mountain. 5 star service honestly.”
“Beginner lessons are so important. Learn how to fall and how to get back up,” advised another.
“Girl, you know we only go to sit by the fireplace enjoy hot coffee, or cocoa and people watch in tubing,” joked a third. “That’s it that’s all.”
We’ve reached out Gregory via TikTok and Instagram direct message.