Editor’s note:  This month begins author Stacy Gold’s tips for those determined to move to a ski town AND date to find true love. 

So, you’re in your twenties and have moved to a ski town – congratulations! Or, maybe you’re just thinking about it. Either way, if you’re single, you may wonder about the dating scene. Maybe you’ve heard about the high percentage of men to women. Or guys sporting Goretex shells and enough merino to keep a sheared sheep warm turn you on.

Far more men than women indeed exist in most ski towns.  However, far more women than men, percentage-wise, actually show an interest in going out on a real date or (gasp) even a relationship.  Why?  Because men in their twenties are inherently self-centered, and men who move to ski towns are more self-centered than most.

I don’t mean that in a bad way.  It’s just, these guys have managed to ignore all the naysayers and family members likely telling them what they’re supposed to be doing with their lives.  Instead, they opt to take crap jobs in order to ski every day.  Such men are, first and foremost, more concerned about their own immediate happiness.  Sure, there are always exceptions to the rules, but if you’re in your twenties, chances are you’re going to date ski bums who fall into one of the following categories:

1. Just here for a season

This guy is taking a break from “real life”, maybe a year off before or after college. He might be fun to date for a while, but he won’t stay with you any longer than he’ll stay in that town.

2.  No friends on a powder day

We also call this guy the Maximizer.   His sole focus is skiing (or boarding), as much and as fast as he can.  That means no girlfriends on a powder day, either (even if you keep up just fine). This guy might be good for a date and a night (or assorted days/nights) of fun, but don’t expect more.

3.  You’re cramping my style

This guy wants to do exactly what he wants to do, and he doesn’t wasn’t a woman interfering, making demands, or inserting herself into his friend group (even if you rip).  Could have maximizer/loner traits as well.

4.  The player

He’s out for a good time, and in this guy’s mind, relationships are NOT a good time. Sleep with him if you want a fling, but don’t expect anything more.

5.  Figuring himself out

Whether you live in a ski town or a big city, this guy is always poor relationship material. Give him five years and try again.

6.  True loner

He might be sexy. He might be an amazing skier, and charming to boot. But if he spends most of his time by himself, even when he’s chasing big/dangerous lines, he’s never going to be that into you.

7.  The braggart

This guy is always talking about his sick lines and big air. Even if you aren’t intimate with him, chances are good he’ll brag about it anyway. Avoid this insecure dude at all costs.

After reading this article, maybe you’re thinking the single, ski bum life isn’t for you. Don’t despair!  Most guys, even ski bums, eventually grow up and decide they want more out of life—a wife, kids, a house.  Just recognize they may never give up their season pass.

Stay tuned: If you’re still determined to move to a ski town AND find true love, next month Stacy will be back to profile “7 Types of Ski Bums You’ll Date in a Ski Town If You’re in Your Thirties or Older.”

About the Author

Stacy Gold is an avid telemark skier who spent the better part of her twenties ski-bumming in Breckenridge, Whitefish, and Jackson Hole. She’s owned 23 season passes, still skis 40 days a year, and insisted her husband learn to ski as a condition of marriage. In 2014, Stacy gave up her day job as Communications Director of a nonprofit mountain biking organization to write sassy, steamy, contemporary romance novels.

Stacy’s stories are packed with strong, independent women finding love and adventure in the great outdoors. In Deep, the second novella in her steamy Emerald Mountain ski series comes out January 31^st, 2018.