The slopes bring many exciting things to snow culture, and a Jerry is one of them. Of all the labels one can get out on the slopes, being called a jerry can be one the funniest things ever.
A Jerry is an absolute legend! And if you ever spot a jerry, make sure you take note of everything they are doing so that you don’t get called a jerry later!
But in all seriousness, a jerry adds so much more fun and entertainment to the average ski excursion.
You will have a great distraction watching them walk about in their absolute confidence, because a jerry is just that – an overconfident skier who makes VERY wrong or dumb decisions on the slopes.
In this post, I’ll explain what is a jerry in skiing in detail and show you how to spot a jerry the next time you go skiing.
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What Is A Jerry In Skiing?
A jerry, also called a gaper or gorb, is a skier who pays no heed to ski rules and regulations and has NO interest in doing so for whatever purpose.
But the cherry on top is that they have no reservations about it and are usually super confident about their skill set (LIMITED as it may be), and they tend to act like they are extremely competent in what they’re doing (which they are not).
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And it’s their overconfidence and how they overestimate their skill set that often lands them in the weirdest situations, making them very easy to spot on the slopes.
These characters are NOT similar to your first-time skiers who are trying to honestly get the hang of things.
A jerry will NEVER confess to their shortcomings, and instead revels in the very limited capabilities they have while trying to pass off as a pro skier.
History of the Term “Jerry” in Ski Culture
The term “Jerry” has been a staple in ski culture for some time now. Its origins trace back to ski communities where skiers began using it humorously to describe those whose skills were mismatched to their confidence. The term carries a playful connotation, emphasizing amusing behavior rather than any real malice. Over the years, it became a popular slang term on the slopes, reflecting both endearment and jest.
How To Spot A Jerry On The Slopes
Spotting a Jerry is easy and you’ll see them a lot. Here are a few ways to easily identify them:
Does Not Understand Ski Gear
Ski gear is necessary to the sport for a reason, and they have been modified and changed over time to fit the different needs of skiers and to give the best experience possible, but a jerry simply does not care about this fact.
The terrain and slopes are their platforms to show how ridiculous they can be – and you WILL see skiers wearing their goggles upside down or their helmets the other way around with zero fuss!
If you spot one, congratulations! You’ve spotted a jerry on the slopes.
And sometimes, you will see skiers letting go of ski gear altogether, and instead opting for regular clothes and boots to ski – and yup, you guessed it, another Jerry trying to make a statement.
Have No Idea How To Ski
Not to be confused with the novice skier who’s trying to get the hang of it, but a jerry has a ridiculously small amount of skill on the slopes, but will NOT admit to it.
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What a jerry lacks in skill, they make up for in faux confidence.
You will see skiers making THE most awful decisions movement-wise on the slopes, and ending up stumbling or falling on their faces.
And a jerry will most definitely try to ski above their skill level, and this will lead to the most disastrous results.
So if you see a ‘seasoned’ skier stumbling and their gear flying off into oblivion because they made some very obvious mistake – you’ve spotted a jerry again!
Differences Between a ‘Jerry’ and First-time Skiers
It’s important to note that ‘Jerries’ stand apart from first-time skiers. Beginners typically show a willingness to learn, acknowledge their limitations, and proceed with caution. Meanwhile, a “Jerry” may have similar skill levels but exudes excessive confidence, leading to their entertaining mishaps. Ski instructors often find first-timers eager to follow advice, while Jerries often sidestep guidance altogether, believing they can master the slopes their way.
Mountain Rules Do Not Apply To Them
Safety is not a prime concern for a jerry, not their own and CERTAINLY not anyone else’s. A jerry will wizz past skiers – novice or pro, with zero care for the safety of other skiers on the hill.
Their complete disregard for safety rules and warning on the slopes almost always put them in the most compromising positions, and danger to everyone around them.
Also read our guide on how to self arrest while skiing.
So it’s best to move out of the way and give them ample space for their tomfoolery if you manage to spot a jerry.
Potential Risks and Safety Concerns
Jerries may inadvertently pose safety risks on the slopes, both for themselves and others. Whether it’s ignoring the fundamental rules of skiing or choosing inappropriate trails for their skill level, these actions can lead to collisions or other hazards. Ski resorts emphasize awareness and caution, but the antics of a Jerry often attract unnecessary attention and potential danger, making it critical for others to stay vigilant around them.
All The Equipment Minus The Skills
When you see a skier decked in the finest of ski gear from head to toe head on to the slopes, and make a whole string of horrendous mistakes right from the start – you’ve come across another jerry.
A jerry will often opt for the most expensive, flashy ski gear, or the most advanced kinds of gear (which they have NO business wearing), and end up in jeopardy.
Certain types of gear are only to be used by pro skiers who know the sport very well, and have the capacity to make decisions on the spot.
But if a Jerry – who has little to no skill – ends up with those gear, they will make a spectacle of themselves, and that will make it easy for everyone to spot them in a matter of seconds.
How Controversial Is This Label?
The most important thing we must understand is that this label is not to discriminate or make anyone feel threatened, but simply for some light-hearted entertainment.
You can make fun of them of course and have some fun with your ski buddies by passing around a few jokes.
But a jerry can pose a bigger problem – which is, affecting everyone’s safety on the slopes. And for this, it’s best to spot them quickly and move out of the way.
Overall, a Jerry is a legend on the slopes, and other skiers often have some fun poking fun at them, to their face!
“Jerry of the Day” Phenomenon
The term “Jerry” has even found its way into social media, with platforms like “Jerry of the Day” capturing the hilarious exploits of these skiers. These accounts gather and showcase user-submitted videos and photos, celebrating the lighthearted side of skiing mishaps. They’ve become a cultural touchpoint for skiers worldwide, underlining how Jerries bring a unique and humorous angle to ski culture that many enjoy observing, often with a chuckle and an added layer of caution on the slopes.
