Depends who you ask. In Europe, it is a normal activity to do, especially in countries with mountains, and it does not have to be the Alps. Why does tennis be elitist nowadays? There are free courts everywhere.

Skiing is definitely for rich people.

Anonymous wrote:Is horseback riding elitist?

Golf?

Tennis?

Sailing?

Same thing.

Tennis is pretty cheap if you buy a $50 racquet and use public courts. The rest, ya.

No. Because “elitist” doesn’t mean “for rich people.” I can’t believe how many people on here apparently don’t know this.

PP. forgot to add bindings ... another few hundred...

I have older kids than yours & live in New England but here’s an estimate based on new gear. Of course you can get used stuff more cheaply if you know what you’re looking for.

Seasons pass $500-$1200
Weekend race program Dec - Mar $1800
New race skis $500-$1000 each, need at least 2 pair, GS & slalom
New poles $100-$150 each, need 2 (GS & slalom)
Race boots $300-$500
Race helmet $200-$250
Chin guard for slalom $60
Shin guards for slalom $100-$150
Pole guards for slalom $50-$100
Goggles $50-$200
New race suit $300-$600
Jacket, ski pants, mittens
Race entry fees $25-150/race
US ski & snowboard membership $150
State ski association membership

Anonymous wrote:Yes, unless you live in a small village in the alps or the Pyrenees or another mountain range with regular natural snow.

Like New England or the adirondacks?

Yes, unless you live in a small village in the alps or the Pyrenees or another mountain range with regular natural snow.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is horseback riding elitist?

Golf?

Tennis?

Sailing?

Same thing.

Yep. But even more so if you live in Missouri and take up Carrie an sailing. It’s much to do than say someone who lives in Annapolis. It’s still expensive though.

What the hell are you saying?

Anything can be elitist but as many of the posts above show - in another situation they are just part of the fabric of life. My very best friend in college was from a family barely making by but they owned a cross country ski camp that some of the wealthiest people you hear about would rent out every winter for exclusive parties. The rest of the time it was open to everyone in the small town for basically pennies an hour. My cousins have student passes in Albuquerque, New Mexico take the city bus and tram to the ski slope that others pay 100's of $$$ to enjoy the 10,000' elevation.

Anonymous wrote:Ski racing is elitist. Damn expensive.

How expensive? Our 5 year old DS is already good at skiing and DH found a ski racing team that he can join at Bryce Mountain. However, he'd have to drive from Fairfax to Bryce every weekend to do it. We really want to make sure DS has at least one sport he can excel in, so I'd guess I'd be willing to pay a few thousand a season for ski team.

Anonymous wrote:Is Africa elitist? Cause it's expensive to get there.

Well, the only people I know who ever went to Africa are all rich, so... yes?

Skiing, golf, dressage, polo and sailing are THE most elitist pursuits there are

Ski racing is elitist. Damn expensive.

Anonymous wrote:My brother lives in Maine. Skiing is the after school activity. The mountain is one of the school bus stops. At the mountain, the kids receive a snack and homework help. And then they go skiing with their friends for the afternoon. It costs $80 per child for Jan-March. Their local mountain is not Sugarbush. They laugh at me when I talk about skiing there. It’s expensive and crowded. They like their local mountain more.

Skiing can be expensive but it doesn’t have to be.

Sugarbush is in VT, not ME. What mountain do your bothers kids ski at? Maybe a small one like titcomb or the Camden snow bowl?