Why We Ski

We Ski Because:

The earth pulls us downward and forward across its surface. As we slide over it we can feel our planet through our socks, boots, and skis. It lies silently while we make the moves. We hold it in reverence by adjusting to it and a beautiful sensation of unity flows through our bodies. Although work had to be done by a machine to move our bodies up the mountain, we now have that energy and feel free and powerful and able to move to where we please. As skiers we can spend that energy according to our needs. Some spend it on rearranging the snow as they make graceful turns -- slowing, accelerating, slowing in the most beautiful rhythm. Others invest it in attaining speed and feel the wind in their faces and the thrill of watching the trees come by like blades of grass in the snow. We are like the skydivers who can control their rate of descent and direction, only all is done with our centers of mass three feet above the snow. If we approach the lift line at excessive speed, we have no parachute to stop us. Rather, we deftly turn our skis sideways, dig in our edges, and throw a cloud of snow in front of us as we come to a stop. Then we slide forward into line, catch a ride on a chair going up and sit quietly as we ascend and take on a new load of energy and freedom.

It brings us together with our family and friends. We can share the sensation simultaneously. Everything is here and now for everybody and the next turn is your only reality. Children can see their successes and growth in skill from one day to the next. An old man can look up the mountainside and see his line down through the powder and appreciate that he is still alive so he can watch the children aspire to be able to ski that line. Later you can talk and reminisce about it and plan to meet again. Scattered, frenetic lives are connected for a day of complete togetherness now and then, but seldom often enough.

We meet people from various places and walks of life. Bonds and friendships are established between total strangers. Social, economic and political differences are swept away by the spell of the mountains. How well you can handle traveling down them is determined only by your skill, strength and health, not by what you are or were. Yet, if you are infirm or old and tired, you can still enjoy the descent – you just go slower and more carefully. While the youthful crowd rushes past, you can stop and take a break and admire lofty slopes with granite outcroppings and bristlecone pines. There is something for everybody.

The day is long and the mountains show their beauty in constantly changing lighting and weather conditions. Their crags, spires, and layers reveal their ancient past as we stare at them from the lifts or the slopes. We ski beneath huge rock headwalls that once had fish swimming above them. The afternoon sun casts long shadows. As you ski to the east, your shadow becomes long and you can watch your silhouette in motion and dance with it, using your pole plants and turns. Your shadow is you; what you see is what you are.

When the day is done, you are tired and can sleep in peace. A day skiing in the mountains makes thing right with the world and yourself.