Stuff that I´ve noticed:
1. People don´t like to ski when it´s snowing… Despite the fact that the snow is awesome! It was snowing for a few days and the ski area was deserted. Then the sun came out and everyone is out to play.
2. A lot of people don´t follow the FIS regulations. I´ve lost count of the number of times people have set off right in front of me without checking to see if anyone is coming. Normally you can see by the body language that someone is about to set off, however, yesterday a lady actually turned to look, looked directly at me, turned back and set off. Talking to motorcyclists, apparently this is a common phenomenon, people look but don´t see.
3. There are plenty of people skiing and snowboarding faster than would be recommended for their skill level. I watched a guy on a snowboard on a steeper section of the beginner slope try and make a turn. He couldn´t do it so instead of persevering he went straight down eventually slowing down on the flatter section. He was brave but not skilled!
4. After a late start to the season the ski area is starting to look more normal for the time of year. The snow condition is great and more snow is forecast for the beginning of next week.
5. The difference between children is remarkable. This week, I´ve been teaching several pairs of children, all between the ages of 8 and 12. They all have a similar amount of experience and they all have a similar technical standard. One pair are very cautious and only wants to ski on piste making slow, controlled turns. Another pair want to ski on piste but they want to ski fast and make long, sweeping turns. One pair want to go everywhere and do everything but aren´t interested in finding out how to do it better, so quite frequently crash in a heap. And, my favourite lesson, want to ski off piste, over bumps, through the trees, want to jump, want to ski forwards and backwards and play on their skis – quite simply a joy to teach.
 |
| Having fun in the trees! |
