I’ve been writing Out There’s Ski Bum Advice column for several years now, and every so often I get asked, “Where in the heck do you come up with this stuff”? Well, it’s all based on actual experiences, mixed with a touch of exaggeration.
My latest tale is no different. I was at the EWU vs. Oregon football game in Eugene, Oregon, in fall 2022 and the Garth Brooks song “Friends in Low Places” was played at halftime. The entire crowd was singing along, which I thought was a little weird. (Ok, it was a lot weird, since it was, you know . . . Eugene.)
Rather than joining them, I came up with my own version, with a winter twist.
**Feel free to sing along in a twangy country voice.**
Blame it all on my gang, I showed up in Lange’s
And ruined your epic pow day.
The last one to burn, the last one to turn
I was the last one on the mountain to stay.
And I saw a look of disgrace and shock on his face
When I poached his line in the trees.
And I smirked at you, said, “Honey, we may be through
But you’ll never get my skis.”
‘Cause I’ve got friends in snow places,
Where the powder’s deep and the sun chases my blues away.
And I’ll be OK.
Yeah, I don’t dig on slower paces,
Think I’ll rip on down to the GS races,
Oh, I’ve got friends in snow places.
Well, I guess I was right, that tree run was tight,
But then, I ain’t no rookie.
Point ‘em straight down the hill, and try to stay chill
With the help of a magic cookie.
Hey, I didn’t see that your new man can’t ski.
Think he should stick to groomed snow.
Dude, get outta the back seat and turn pies into fries,
Then you wouldn’t blow.
‘Cause I’ve got friends in snow places,
Where the powder’s deep and the sun chases my blues away.
And I’ll be OK.
Yeah, I don’t dig on slower paces,
Think I’ll rip on down to the GS races,
Oh, I’ve got friends in snow places …
Brad Northrup is a former ski racer, coach, and ski industry professional. We don’t expect him to be invited to the Country Music Awards anytime soon.
Originally published in November-December 2022 print issue.
Find more of Brad’s tales in the Ski Bum Advice column archives.
