Shotski

A Shotski is an instrument used for the drinking of hard liquor. Shotskis are usually found at or around ski resorts and alpine villages, but reports of shotskis used outside of the realm of winter sports are not uncommon. These typically include events such as horse races, or university parties. A shotski is quite simply a ski with a number of jiggers fixed upon it. In order to use the shotski a group of people stand in a line, with shotski in hand, and tilt back the shotski, with everyone drinking together. Those fond of shotskis, or those following "shotskiism" tend to count off, in German, before a shotski is taken, their standard drinking cheer being, "EINS! ZWEI! DREI! LOS!". The number of shot glasses varies, usually four or more, as the purpose of the shotski is to encourage bonding, promote friendships and enhance the après-ski atmosphere. By nature of the design, all spirits within the glasses of the shotski must be drunk simultaneously, and the shotski has gained a reputation for promoting heavy levels of intoxication, and being an effective tool for applying "peer pressure".

Shotski images

Origins of the Shotski

The history of shotskiism is not well documented, but is known to come from Austria, as does the sport of skiing, where it takes the traditional German name "Schnappski". It has been speculated the beginnings of shotskiism are not long after the advent of skiing itself. The traditional alpine shotski does not have jigger or "schnapp" glasses permanently affixed to it, as the American versions do, but instead simply place the glasses upon a ski, or within a small groove made for the glasses. This technique requires much more skill and coordination on behalf of the drinkers, but is considered by many to be the "true" or "correct" form of drinking from a shotski.

External links

* http://www.homeoftheshotski.com/