Après Skier
Ski Diva Extraordinaire
Another area where women are delegitimized in the ski community concerns our clothing. To be respected as a skier, our clothing must appear masculine (sober, utilitarian, lacking adornment...). Women who choose a more fashion-forward approach to skiwear are stigmatized and branded as attention-seekers. I have seen this opinion expressed by both women and men, in person and online. Obviously not all women are concerned with fashion. But as fashion is traditionally associated with femininity, it interesting how our clothing choices are shaped by masculine mountain culture.
Interestingly enough, in Europe the approach to skiwear is different... more stylish, more freedom to stand-out. I wonder to what extent the culture of mountain masculinity is a North American phenomenon?
Interestingly enough, in Europe the approach to skiwear is different... more stylish, more freedom to stand-out. I wonder to what extent the culture of mountain masculinity is a North American phenomenon?