when i was kid i thought skiing was something rich people did, as my family was quite poor (not saying we didn't live well though! who doesn't like to milk a cow every morning?). but that is just half of it...there is also that i didn't know anyone(adults either) that skied out on the Oly Pen.
good for you dane. i'd say that most youngsters need a mentor to teach them good climbing practices too, which would go along with that gear.