There is the pristine snow white of the mountains, contrasted against intense dark blue. There are the majestic pine forests and plunging views down to the valleys. Its also all the more breathtaking after the dark grimy cities where most of us are stuck. We find ourselves uplifted into this brilliant winter landscape and its dazziling beauty straight from the pages of Narnia.
Then there is a sensual pleasure in arcing a perfect turn and with it the deep satisfaction that comes from aquiring and then honing a graceful skill. Unlike walking which we learned so long ago, as skiers we are continually learning and improving often in a new challenging environment, like our first black run or off-piste deep powder. Learning to ski is something we never stop doing. It is the ultimate control of our bodies as we slide under the force of gravity. In a sense it is controlled falling down a mountainside as we turn and brake to slow our descent. At the top of every piste there is a personal moment where we tame our fear. We dare ourselves, and accept an inner challenge. Then, we are off down the slope and trying to master the jedi-like force of nature with our destiny.
Finally and added to this, the Alps offers a concentration of food and wine culture that is unsurpassed. This extra dimension is easily savoured with the necessary daily replenishment of calories that comes from being exhausted from a full day on the slopes. This combination of heavy excercise in crisp thin mountain air, and relaxing food and wine breaks and resets us out of the spiral of the daily grind.
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