Park Rat Perfection

As the summer sun bathes the beautiful landscapes of Muskoka in a golden hue, most people find themselves drawn to the warm embrace of the outdoors, surrounded by lush green forests and pristine lakes. However, there's an undeniable chill in the air, even amid the sweltering heat. You see, ever since I became a two planker I have had a skiing obsession that transcends seasons and locations, and no amount of summer beauty can deter my mind from its frosty fixation.

While others find joy in warm-weather activities like wake surfing, swimming, or even pickleball, I find myself consumed by an overwhelming longing for the slopes, the icy East Coast descents, and, most of all, the park. I admit, It's peculiar to be so infatuated with skiing when all that surrounds me is a lush paradise. But the truth is, no matter where I am or what time of year it is, skiing is all I can think about.

Life outside the park is a mélange of interesting and mundane things, it can usually hold my attention just long enough to keep me sane. But I’m beginning to lose track, I’ve suddenly found myself drowning in retail therapy from ski brands to fill the void of being in the featureless, icy groomer that is real life.

With all these new purchases in mind, I’ve been inspired to write another article about outdoor clothing, but this time, the gear may not be as functional.

I was once a Jerry like you, maybe I still am and now I’m just “all gear no idea.” But, I eventually had enough. I skied one too many blue groomers. My hands were cold. I was slow and my friends were even slower. All the while I rode the lift over the terrain park, watching the park rats spin, grind, flip, and slide over features with an effortlessness I couldn’t even comprehend. I heard the sonorous clang of rails as the park rats disaster the double kink. I heard the satisfying thud of the park rats landing their cork five blunts to bolts. What I heard was the calling, the calling to slide on metal, get corked, and look damn good doing it.

The park community is distinguished by its diverse attire choices, which bring a unique and flavourful essence to the collective. Overall, the community’s defining attributes have allowed it to flourish. However, this very diversity sometimes fosters prejudice. Sadly, individuals within the community may have their abilities and contributions overlooked simply due to their distinct attire preferences. This unfortunate bias has even resulted in segregation, as its human nature to associate and befriend those who appear “normal.”

The root of style choices is not primarily based on the user’s attitude or character, but rather their inspirations and goals. Ultimately, the world park rats enter is, by nature, quite a strange one. What is it that compels us to defy our survival instincts and fly off of mounds of snow in all kinds of strange directions? I don’t think anybody knows. Do we really stop to ask? Luckily for us, there are no park-rat-philosophers. We ski the park because we like it and because we don’t care about the rules. Simple as.

What do park rats even wear? The defining feature would be baggy clothing, often sized XL or larger. One of the steeziest in the game, Swedish slopestyle rider, Henrik Harlaut requested his pants in size 6XL, but 4XL was the largest made for the Swedish Olympic uniform at the time.

The baggy style started as a fashion statement, differentiating the rats from regular skiers, the Jerrys, Gapers, and Groms. Though it started as counterculture, it has become sort of a standard in terrain parks. Wearing baggy clothes gives you a big advantage concerning style. Not only can you hide small, crooked movements that normally would be ugly as shit in front of a camera but the clothes also don’t slide up so easily, so less snow burn. Above all, you feel mentally more steezy skiing. Look good, feel good. Some park rats opt for hoodies, rugby sweaters, tall tees, or even Hawaiian shirts.

As we delve into the world of park fashion, it becomes clear that there's a unique breed of brands that have carved their niche in the industry. These are not your mainstream, widely advertised outdoor labels, but rather “hidden” gems cherished by passionate skiers and riders who appreciate the artistry and authenticity of their gear. With limited to no advertising and mostly relying on sponsored riders to spread the word, these brands have amassed a loyal following through their dedication to quality and innovation.

Discovering these elusive ski brands can feel like stumbling upon a secret treasure trove. You won't find them on flashy billboards or celebrity endorsements. Instead, their existence thrives within the confines of forums like Newschoolers and social media, where their dedicated followers become their most vocal advocates. With Instagram as their virtual runway, these brands showcase their meticulously crafted products to a select audience, often numbering fewer than 5,000 followers.

Unlike mass-produced ski wear that inundates the market, these niche labels choose quality over quantity (mostly). Their limited drops and sporadic releases turn each item into a coveted collectible, and those fortunate enough to own one flaunt it with pride on the slopes. It's the kind of exclusivity that adds to the allure, and park rats eagerly await each new release, like hunters anticipating a rare sighting in the wild.

Sponsored riders play a pivotal role in elevating the status of these brands. With their passion for the sport and a genuine love for the products, these athletes become living advertisements, showcasing the gear's performance and style in action. Their endorsement resonates deeply with fellow skiers, who value authenticity above all else.