Backcountry skiing's profound benefits justify continuing despite deadly risks
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/by/christopher-van-tilburg. "Opinion | It’s Dangerous. Sometimes Deadly. I Won’t Stop. - The New York Times." February 20, 2026. www.nytimes.com
The Gist
The author argues that backcountry skiing should continue despite being potentially deadly because it provides irreplaceable mental health benefits and spiritual connection to nature. He believes the risks can be managed well enough, and that many daily activities are equally dangerous anyway.
Conclusion
Despite the serious dangers including potential death, backcountry skiing should continue because its physical, psychological, and spiritual benefits are essential and irreplaceable
Premises
- Backcountry skiing provides essential mental health benefits including solace, flow state, and escape from modern stressors
- The activity offers unique connection to wild lands and natural beauty that cannot be replicated elsewhere
- Risks can be significantly mitigated through proper equipment, training, and decision-making about conditions and terrain
- Many everyday activities (driving while distracted, using ladders) carry comparable or higher risks that people routinely accept
- The psychological and spiritual rewards are so profound they could potentially change people's worldview and perspective
- Backcountry skiing has deep historical roots and growing popularity as resort skiing becomes more crowded and expensive
Assumptions
- Some activities are worth pursuing despite significant risk of death
- The psychological and spiritual benefits described are genuinely essential rather than merely recreational preferences
- Risk mitigation strategies are effective enough to make the activity reasonably safe
- The comparison between backcountry skiing risks and everyday risks is valid and relevant
- Personal fulfillment and connection to nature justify accepting life-threatening risks