Well, it's been awhile since I've been to the slopes. With my canceled Arrowsmith climbing trip (avalanche danger), I decided to head to the slopes with some acquaintances from Christchurch. I've never actually downhill skied before and have only been a snowboard. I decided that since my snowboard was still hanging out in the U.S. in the middle of a hot summer, that I'd try out this whole "ski" thing. First, I'd like to say that ski poles are a beautiful thing. It is so nice to make movements on flat surfaces... which is very different from a snowboard.
Also, one can face forward on skis.. which is great. On a snowboard, one has to consistently torque their neck to one direction. Lastly, I felt like James Bond. I just needed a little Union Jack parachute in my backpack. I spent a fair amount of time eating snow and burying myself in snow during my first two days skiing. However, I did progress to blue runs within 2 trips down the mountain. I was doing blue-blacks without much trouble on the last day.... except for some icy patches. All self-promoting aside, I had a really fun time with some beautiful views of the Southern Alps and Christchurch. I may be converting myself from a snowboard to skis. There is just something right about facing forward and being able to move on flat ground.
Good decision on the climb, at least from a parents perspective. Where's the helmet? Sounds like you and the snow became good friends. ;)
ReplyDeletePS Kitty still likes the snowboard.
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