Ski Conditions

All of the students at my school get opportunities to try new activities.  Skiing (cross country and downhill) is one of these activities, and for students who come from countries with no snow or mountains or even real winter, it is a treat.  The bonus for us is that teachers have to drive the vans, and then get to ski (for free), too!


I started with a cross country trip in early January to Tarvisio.  The only problem was there was no snow.  Except for the fake snow that they made on a golf course.  Not the best conditions.  I skied around in circles for a few hours, then spent the rest of the day in the bar with a coffee and my kindle.  Not a bad day, but not the best ski conditions.


Last Saturday, Tom and I went along for the downhill trip to Zoncolan.  It was pouring rain when we left Duino, which meant it was snowing in the mountains.  And it snowed, and snowed, and snowed.  We had the slopes to ourselves, and the fresh powder kept things nice and slow for people like me.  The snow all day also made it quite wet, and kept us from seeing any of the mountains around us.  It didn't stop us from having fun, though!


The day ended with a long drive home through new snow (I got to drive with chains on for the first time, in a 9 passenger diesel van) which turned to rain by the time we got down the mountains.  Luckily, I stopped skiing a half hour early to warm up with a thick, rich cup of hot chocolate and make some progress in Flight Behavior while Tom enjoyed a few more runs.   We go again this Saturday, and I'm looking forward to that hot chocolate as much as I am the skiing!