If you’ve ever hit the ski slopes, you’ve probably encountered a “Jerry” or a “Gaper”—even if you didn’t know what to call them. These terms describe skiers or snowboarders who stand out for their lack of experience, poor technique, or goofy behavior on the mountain. But don’t worry—everyone starts as a beginner, and even the best riders were once Jerries themselves! In this guide, we’ll dive into what Jerries and Gapers are, how to spot them, how to avoid becoming one, and some funny fails that every skier or snowboarder can relate to.
What Does “Jerries” and “Gapers” Mean?
The terms “Jerry” and “Gaper” are often used interchangeably, but they have slight differences in meaning.
- A Jerry is someone who lacks skill, awareness, or proper gear but still attempts advanced moves without knowing what they’re doing. They might have mismatched equipment, flail their arms wildly, or ski out of control.
- A Gaper is someone who looks completely out of place on the mountain, often wearing odd clothing or having no clue about ski etiquette. The name comes from the “gaper gap”—the noticeable space between a skier’s helmet and goggles.
Both Jerries and Gapers are common on ski slopes, and while they might cause some laughs, they also serve as a reminder that everyone has to start somewhere.
How to Spot a Jerry on the Slopes?
You can recognize a Jerry from miles away. Whether it’s their out-of-control skiing or their awkward stances, here are some common giveaways:
- Wearing rental gear but acting like a pro – They claim to be expert skiers but can’t even keep their balance.
- Going way too fast (with zero control) – Speeding down black diamond runs with arms flailing.
- Wiping out in spectacular fashion – Frequent crashes, usually at the most embarrassing moments.
- Stopping in the worst possible places – Right in the middle of a run, blocking the path for everyone else.
- Struggling with basic ski lifts – Either missing their turn, falling off, or dropping their poles.
Most Jerries don’t realize how bad they look, but their presence makes the slopes more entertaining!
Common Signs of a Gaper
A Gaper is more about looking out of place rather than just being unskilled. Some clear signs include:

- The “Gaper Gap” – A big space between their helmet and goggles, leaving their forehead exposed.
- Wearing jeans or casual clothes on the slopes – Instead of proper ski gear, they show up in denim and hoodies.
- Holding ski poles awkwardly – Sometimes even backward!
- Trying to ski with rental boots undone – Struggling to walk properly because their boots are too loose.
- Stopping to take pictures in the worst spots – Right in the middle of a busy ski run.
Gapers often don’t realize they’re doing anything wrong—they’re just there to have fun!
The Gaper Gap – What Is It?
The Gaper Gap is the ultimate sign of a newbie skier or snowboarder. It’s the visible space between a person’s helmet and goggles, leaving their forehead exposed. This gap is not only a fashion crime in ski culture but also a recipe for an ice-cold forehead and sunburn. Experienced skiers always make sure their goggles fit snugly against their helmet.
Why Do Gapers Wear Jeans on the Slopes?
One of the funniest and most baffling things about Gapers is their choice of clothing—jeans on the slopes! Why do they do this? Some possible reasons include:
- They’re first-timers – They didn’t know they needed waterproof ski pants.
- They think it looks cool – Maybe they’ve seen old ski movies where people wore denim.
- They’re just unprepared – They rented skis but didn’t think about proper clothing.
Skiing in jeans is a bad idea—denim absorbs water, making the skier cold, wet, and miserable.
Do Gapers Know They Are Gapers?
Most Gapers have no clue that they stand out on the mountain. They think they’re just having a fun day on the slopes, unaware that experienced skiers are chuckling at their outfit choices and awkward movements. But the good news? Every expert skier was once a Gaper too!
How to Avoid Being a Jerry or Gaper?
If you want to blend in and avoid being labeled as a Jerry or Gaper, follow these tips:
- Wear the right gear – Get waterproof ski pants, a proper jacket, and make sure your helmet and goggles fit correctly.
- Take lessons – A few beginner lessons will help you ski with confidence and avoid looking clueless.
- Control your speed – Going fast doesn’t make you look cool if you’re out of control.
- Don’t stop in the middle of the run – Always pull off to the side to rest or take photos.
- Respect ski etiquette – Yield to downhill skiers and be aware of your surroundings.
Learning the basics and practicing good ski etiquette will help you avoid being “that guy” on the mountain.
Funny Jerry & Gaper Fails (You Might Relate!)
Skiing and snowboarding are full of hilarious moments, and we’ve all had our fair share of Jerry and Gaper fails. Here are some classic ones:
The Classic Faceplant
This is the ultimate beginner fail—a skier or snowboarder loses balance and falls face-first into the snow. Sometimes, they even leave an imprint of their goggles and helmet!

The Lift Struggle
Ski lifts can be confusing for beginners, leading to:
- Missing the chair – Walking forward too late and watching the lift pass by.
- Falling while getting off – Wiping out at the top of the lift while everyone watches.
- Dropping gear – Losing a ski pole or glove mid-ride and watching it disappear below.
The Backward Slide
Nothing is funnier than watching a skier accidentally slide backward down a slope, unable to stop themselves. This happens when beginners panic and lean the wrong way!
Pro Tips to Improve Your Skiing
If you want to improve and avoid embarrassing mistakes, here are some pro tips:
- Bend your knees – Helps with balance and control.
- Look ahead, not down – Looking down makes you lose control.
- Practice stopping – Knowing how to stop is more important than going fast.
- Take it slow – Master the basics before attempting harder slopes.
The more you practice, the less likely you’ll be a Jerry or Gaper on the slopes!
Thoughts – It’s Okay to Be a Beginner!
While we joke about Jerries and Gapers, remember—everyone starts somewhere. Even the best skiers and snowboarders were once clueless beginners. The key is to have fun, be safe, and keep learning. Instead of worrying about looking silly, enjoy the experience and improve at your own pace.
The Bottom Line
Being a Jerry or Gaper is part of the learning process in skiing and snowboarding. While their funny mistakes and questionable fashion choices make for great entertainment, they’re also a reminder that everyone starts as a beginner. If you want to avoid being one, wear the right gear, take some lessons, and practice good ski etiquette. But most importantly, have fun on the mountain!
So, whether you’re an expert or a total newbie, enjoy your time on the slopes—just don’t wear jeans!