It's no fun to catch an edge and do a body plant. Cross-country skiing is more relaxed, it's great exercise, and good to be in the snow with friends. When you downhill ski, you fly passed things and miss all the beauty. It's almost a spiritual thing, and I think life just doesn't get better than this. They strap skis on the roofs and pile wet boots and clothing in the trunks.
Most sport smiles as they pile in the vehicles and take off without so much as a glance back.