Harvard Study: Skiers, Riders May Share Common Ancestry

A graphic released with the university study diagrams the chronological phases leading to the evolutionary mutation. Creative Commons photo.

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — A groundbreaking academic study commissioned by Harvard University’s Department of Anthropology sent shockwaves through the action sports world Friday when preliminary findings confirmed what many have long suspected: Skiers and snowboarders share common ancestry — and have been interbreeding for over 45 years.

Co-funded by Harvard University and the Ski & Snowboard Reconciliation Foundation, the study traced the genetic divergence back to a particularly raucous 1977 wet t-shirt contest held in Northern Michigan, where an arcane mixture of booze, neon lycra and psychedelics catalyzed the freakish mutation.

RELATED: Leaked Report Reveals Where Ski Resorts Put Moguls In Summertime

“It all started with the love of sliding downhill — and drugs,” Harvard anthropology professor [and skier] Tim Davis told TGR during a Skype interview. “Skiers and snowboards have been estranged for much of their collective history, but the truth is, had it not been for the perfect combination of bad Grateful Dead cover music and debauchery that night in '77, we would likely all still be skiers.”

The professor hopes the findings will lay the foundation for a new era of understanding and compassion between skiers and riders, and believes that the time for tribalism, condescension and “sandbagging” should now finally be at an end.

Had it not been for the perfect combination of bad Grateful Dead cover music and debauchery that night in '77, we would likely all still be skiers.

The news sent the skiing and riding communities into crisis. Now bereft of a definitive tribal group, many on both sides were left to question their own identities. Study participant and 21-year-old research subject Marci Hannah, a snowboarder, discovered to her shame, that her grandparents were in fact, skiers.

“I don’t know who I am anymore,” Hannah said between sobs. “It turns out my uncle Ronny was part two-planker — I haven’t spoken to my parents yet — we haven’t had ‘the talk’ — but what if they want me to start skiing? It’s too much — I’m scared TGR!”

As of press time, mobs of skiers and snowboarders were protesting at Harvard University, but winter sport peace activists sought to dull the sharp edges, encouraging open dialogue and reinforcing the shared gratitude that “at least we’re not all snowbladers.”

From The Column: The Bumion

Magic Carpet Replaces Tram, Locals Are Pissed

Retired Ski Patrol Dog Seeks New Meaning, Purpose

Goat Becomes Latest Victim in Trademark Lawsuit

Mega Pass Holder Can’t Wait to Ski Your…

Whistleblower Alleges Marketing Director Shoveled…

Why I Gave Up Everything (Except My Trust Fund) to…

‘Gravity Still Pulling Down’ TGR Study Finds

Adopt a Dirtbag® Campaign Unveiled by Epic Resorts

Kid On Leash Slowly Building Need For Lifelong…

Epic Resorts Adds Everest to 2020 Ski Pass

‘Flaming Land Shark’ Discovered in Grand…

How To Talk With Your Family About Peter Pan…

Mom Says ‘F**k It,’ Reveals Kids’ Dirtbaggery at…

Ex Ski Bum Questions Point Of Career, Adulthood

NPS says “F&#k It,” renames iconic park…

TGR Uncovers Ski School Admissions Scandal

Dog Wishes Mom Would Hurry the F*** Up and Drop In…

Hot Tub Poacher Brought Down After Interstate…

Bromance Deepens During Wild Angling Mission

​River Rat Spotted Bathing In Ski Town Waterway

View All

About The Author

Follow

Check Out Sam Morse on Google+

stash member Sam Morse

TGR Editor-at-Large. author of The Ski Town Fairytale and creative behind The Bumion. Lover of steep-and-deep lines, long trails—and hot springs waiting in the distance.