In recent World Cup competitions and the Olympics in Livigno, some skiers have begun taping their pants in a bid to decrease air resistance and enhance speed for jumps. This method has sparked debate within the skiing community, especially among seasoned athletes who value style as part of the competition. Jesper Tjäder, a veteran skier, publicly criticized the trend, stating that such modifications diminish the aesthetic appeal and traditional aspects of the sport, suggesting that style is a crucial element of performance evaluation in skiing.

Prominent skiers such as Henrik Harlaut, currently recovering from a concussion and missing slopestyle events, share Tjäder's sentiment, expressing a reluctance to adopt taped pants. Harlaut prefers to maintain his personal style, which he describes as "baggy and nice," arguing that while he might gain speed with taped pants, he would lose the ability to execute his tricks as he envisions them. This highlights a broader concern among athletes about compromising personal expression for marginal performance gains in competitive skiing, as many have built their identities around specific styles over years of practice.

The debate over taped pants touches on deeper issues within the sport, raising questions about the balance between innovation and tradition. As skiing evolves, the push for technological advancements in competitive gear may clash with long-held values of aesthetics and individuality. This ongoing discussion reflects the tension between seeking performance advantages and preserving the unique culture that defines the sport of skiing.