Austria

Schladming January 2001

First attempts at skiing

Scary, fun, hard work, exhilarating, and a good cure for fear of . ....heights, falling over, losing your dignity, loss of control, unreality...and for having people laugh along with you.....or so they say!

"Put on one ski and follow me", said Andy our Ski Instructor who was unusually tall - perhaps a requirement of the job to be able to be everywhere at once picking up the fallen!  Around the children's playground we hopped, skidded and slid and the railing came in hand and then the same again on the opposite foot.  by then we were worn out already.

Then two skis together and we are introduced to the torturous sport of side stepping up a hill with sticks of plastic metal on our feet.  A very tiny  hill at that!  However after side stepping a quarter of away up it it suddenly seems to have the proportions of an enormously large hill. Experienced skiers skiing by stop to have a moments amusement at the beginners class as we fall like dominoes on this minute hill.

The skis slide on the snow as you side step uphill but then as we go one by one down the extremely flat surface of the very green run to practice our first attempts at snowplough they decide not to move!  Very ironic.  Our skis apparently (well mine in particular) haven't been waxed properly according to the instructor.

Next we learn to turn through the slalom poles although we're not supposed to pick them up and ski off with them.  

First day over and a good time was had by all and pretty amazing to see how quickly you learn the basics.

Second day

A lot of falling over while we try to follow the instructor.

Introduction to Button/drag lift

What ever you do don't lean back we are told....and remember to let go at the top and not too soon - immediately on them your struggling not to lean back!  Not as scary as they look and once you've fallen off them once you don't fall off them again!  Quite a pleasant way of getting up the hill after the side stepping.

.....follow me....what we're going down that slope already..it's too steep ...what it's an easy blue.....!

Introduction to Chair Lift

Fortunately it was  a nice super duper new modern six seater and after the first panic by the end of the week it was a nice rest back up the hill after skiing down it

Third day

How not to stop

Don't ski into a wooden fence!  Fortunately it was the fence that was damaged.

Introduction to going too fast

Nice flat area after small tunnel - hmm cruise control not on - not very wise for the novice....

Before going I wasn't sure I was going to like skiing not liking heights that brilliantly but by the end of the week I was really sorry to leave the slopes.

Karoake

Ouch!  Have plenty of Schladminger beer then you wont cringe in embarrassment when your partner gets up and sings.

Austria

The resort

Would go back no problem.  Austrians friendly, lovely food.  Beautiful scenery.  

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Last modified: January 04, 2005