Skiing B1st in 2006.Each year, we look forward to winter and, along with it, our preferred sport - alpine skiing. We do, of course, enjoy everything the other three seasons our temperate zone offers up, but our true passion lies among the folds of the snow-covered hills.
Spring reveals growth and renewal - an efflorescent season of rebirth, delivering possibilites and potential.
Summer settles into relaxed freedom - escorting a period of sultry peacefulness while fashioning maturity.
Autumn, spring's reverse counterpart, declares further change - with the achievement of growth, it dictates reaping and gathering, while heralding a period of slumber.
Winter, a span during which the land is in repose - bearing with it a blanket of colder temperatures - and snow.
As members of the ski industry, we depend upon it. Without snow we would be unable to satisfy our urge, and other's, to glide over the packed and sweep through the powder. Elements of physical fitness and a sense of well-being are addictive, as is the resulting adrenalin rush.
The social aspect of this mountain sport is important, as well. There is nothing quite like the muffled resonance of whoops and hollers from like-minded enthusiasts, as we make our way through the the trees on the backside (and, hopefully, not our backside) of the mountain. This is an individual sport but, to share it with a friend, or several, most certainly adds to the fun - and can be handy if one finds themself in a tight spot.
Once the lifts have closed, and the patrollers have done their final sweep, the communal feel will often spill over into apres ski. Stiff boots are replaced with comfortable hikers and bulky ski suits substituted by soft, warm woollies and fleece. Refreshments, hot and cold, are held high beside the fire in honour of the moment, followed by boasts and embellishments of the day's adventures. Tired and happy souls will soon make the trek down the mountain, home to warm dinners and snug beds.
Only the fortunate few get to rise early, braving the frigid morning air, to do it all again!
Well if you put it like that Dale, yes, I do understand WHY!
ReplyDeleteBeautifully written and argued dear Dale. I could almost want to have a go myself. I just know, though, that my life long fear of falling and being out of control would probably prevent me form taking to the hills and whooping and hollering with you. Sad really isn't it? I'll settle for sharing your enjoyment with you this way instead ;)
Ah, Val!
ReplyDeleteYou caught me editing. I seem to be able to do it better once I have published my post and the page is in front of me. Hence, I go back and forth more than several times!
How about I meet you at apres? Anyone can do that! ;)
xx
I love the way your write here about skiing. And the descriptions of the seasons.
ReplyDeleteI would love to meet you and Val for a day of skiing. It has been a few years, but I did get up to blue runs(probably lame for you)but even the beginner moguls. You could give me a refresher!
I understand the why as well, but never did forgive the ski hill for twisting my hip after the skating rink fractured it. Like Val, I am too afraid of the falls. This is why I embrace snow tubing- the thrill of the run, but safely sitting on my derriere.
ReplyDeleteI wish you a snowy winter- in fact, you can have all the Canadian snow. ;)
xx
AM
Hey, not so fast Anne Marie. I wanna go skiing and snow tubing this winter. However I hear it'll be an warm winter due to Il njno (or however you spell that weather system that brought the great ice storm to Central and Eastern Canada).
ReplyDeleteA lovely post Dale - and a story very familiar to me from you - nicely put in these words. Not sure I'll make it to our parent's mountains in a couple of weeks :-(
Grace, blue runs are good! As a matter of fact, I usually end up spending a lot of my time on the blues - as long as they are not groomed...
ReplyDeleteI will save a spot for you!
Anne-Marie, as an instructor, one of the important aspects of assessing a client is to get a feel for their level of fitness. If a student participates in another sport or activity, we can usually tap into that and make it work for them. There are people whom I have taught who are in far less shape than you. But I can certainly appreciate your caution, and also love that you have a good winter sport to fall back on - or, should I say, sit back on... ;)
I would love a warmer winter, Lesley! Last year we were doing our Level 1 in minus 32 degrees. That is far too cold, even for me! If it's warmer here, we usually get more snow, too.
Oh, I hope you can make it to Mum and Dads' - I'd love to see you!
xx
Oddly enough, my favourite season is Autumn.
ReplyDeletecool! I think it would take me a few runs on the greens to re-accaint myself! I like to to cruise though, not a fast skiier, don't like the speedy stuff. Oh, that would be so much fun.
ReplyDeleteMy favourite season is Autumn too. I love the crunch of leaves underfoot, the cool crisp air, the mist in the morning and the smell of wood burning from fireplaces. All this in the splendor of vibrant reds, golds and orange of the falling leaves!
ReplyDeleteI'm more of a cruiser, too, Grace. I also like to take the time to appreciate the scenery - any ski hill can boast a beautiful setting!
ReplyDeleteLet's hope we can kick through the leaves together in a couple of week, Lesley!
xx
It's all about being able to afford the trip. Things are VERY tight now - to put it lightly.
ReplyDeleteAh, I know the feeling, Lesley.
ReplyDeletexo
Times are a bit tough everywhere now aren't they? We are doing quite a bit of belt tightening here too.
ReplyDeleteI have the same thing with editing Dale. I nearly always have to go back again, and again...and even again..after I've published a post!