A Memorable Ski Trip to Park City
Please let the record reflect that I have been to Park City before—twice. But for whatever reason, I had never skied the behemoth that is its namesake ski resort. When a group of seven friends decided to take an early February ski trip, I made the executive decision to saddle up and ski the 7,300 skiable acres that makeup North America’s second largest ski resort. A Memorable Ski Trip to Park City
The Mountain
Park City attracts thousands of visitors every year because there is truly something for everyone. After the expansion with Canyon’s Village in 2014, the resort became the country’s largest, and second in North America with a whopping 43 lifts and 341 runs. Since my group has a diverse range of abilities, Park City was a perfect choice because we were able to ride almost every lift together, take whatever run we liked best down, and then do it all over again.
Several weeks before arriving in Park City, all skiers in the group purchased a three-day Epic Pass which made the daily cost around $100. You can always buy a three-day pass directly from the window, but you’ll pay significantly more for the same thing. The full Epic Pass provides unlimited days at Park City, but if you have an Epic Local pass, you’ll need to make sure that you are not planning to ski over holidays or other blackout dates.
One of the best parts about skiing Park City with friends is that everyone can ride the lift together and then ski a run that best fits their ability. I was given plenty of suggestions as to where to ski, eat, and avoid crowds, and I’m so grateful, and I’m passing my wisdom to you. As we quickly learned, when you ski in Park City, it’s important to have a plan, or you’ll spend a good deal of time traversing back and forth to get to different lifts.
There are two distinct sides to the resort. You can ski from one to the other, ride the gondola, traverse across, or take a shuttle. We did none of the above and stuck to one side a day, as we would have done if we were skiing in two different resorts.
Our first day started on the Park City side, where we headed up the Crescent Express, took a warmup run down to the Silverload Express, stopped by Lamont Joseph White’s on-mountain art exhibit, and spent the majority of the morning around the Summit House.
Later on, as the group settled into our ski legs, we trekked up and over to the Bonanza Express where we had our first (and thankfully only) lost member of the group incident (don’t worry, we found him). We finished the day lapping McConkey’s Bowl, which offered steep bumps for the more advanced skiers and scenic and cruisy groomers for the lesser. We all enjoyed skiing through the trees on Powder Monkey and reconvened at the base of the lift to do it over again.
Canyons Experience
On day two, we flipped to the other side for our Canyons experience. We had a friend drop us off at the 7/11 right by the base of the Cabriolet, a lift that takes skiers from one parking lot to the base area (this is a little hack to avoid parking lot funnels). There are also bathrooms outside the loading area—always a perk!
Admittedly, we should have either gotten an earlier or later start on the bright bluebird Sunday as we waited about 45 minutes to get out of the base area. There are only two main lifts to bring skiers up the mountain, and lines do form. Nevertheless, we again had a plan, courtesy of our waiter from the previous night’s dinner at Dos Olas.
We took the Orange Bubble Express and then began our journey skier’s left toward the Dreamcatcher, Dreamscape, and DayBreak areas. This is a solid area with smaller crowds, and it offers the variety of trails we were seeking. This is not the zone to hit on a work break or if you have somewhere to be because it takes about four or five lifts to get there, but for us, it was perfect.
The lifts in this area are incontestably slower, another reason crowds stay away. The runs are not super steep, but there are a lot of cut-ins to ski in the trees, which is always a win for me. The unanimous favorite in the area was Upper Crowning Glory, and we finished the day by seeing a female moose grazing at trees below us on the Over And Out lift, which for a group of New Yorkers, was the highlight of the trip.
Our Final Day
On our final day skiing in Park City, we felt we knew our way around. Since we had an evening flight, we decided to keep ourselves positioned where we could easily get back to the parking lot for a quick escape, and the 42-minute drive back to the Salt Lake City airport. We went back to McConkey’s Bowl. Since the resort had been covered overnight by about eight inches of the legendary Utah snow, many of the bumps we had skied two days prior had transformed, giving us a totally different experience.
The Town
Part of the reason for choosing Park City as the group ski trip location was because it offers many activities both on and off the mountain. Two members of my group didn’t ski and still enjoyed all of the splendor of a ski trip. Park City’s main drag, aka Main Street, is lined with shops, restaurants, a theatre, and a museum. Exploring the town is a day by itself. In addition, there’s also the Olympic Museum, and on any given day, visitors can watch Olympic hopefuls training at the facilities. It’s also less than an hour’s drive to Salt Lake City, so there is no shortage of things to do.
We did rent a car (a sleek-looking minivan, might I add) because it made the most sense for our group of seven. There are many different free public bus lines across Park City, so if we weren’t driving, we always had a reliable ride, even with gear.
Getting There
Most ski resorts require either a flight to a small airport or a long drive. Park City is an exception. We flew from New York City on a very early 6:30 a.m. flight and arrived in Salt Lake around 9:30 a.m. While we chose not to ski the day we arrived in favor of acclimating and doing a grocery run, we easily could have. This flight path is famous for having skiers on the lifts by noon.
Where To Stay
We rented an AirBnB to accommodate the group’s needs (and we also love to cook). Park City is a big resort town, so there were plenty of options that fit our budget of $450 total per person for four nights, and we even had a small hot tub. We weren’t staying slopeside or walking distance to town but we were about a five-minute walk to the bus stop, or a seven-minute drive to town, and about the same to either resort.
If a hotel is more your speed, Pendry Park City is a ski-in/ski-out resort at the base of The Canyons. The Pendry offers a mix of rooms and suites, so if you are traveling with a group, you won’t feel squished. The Pendry has all of the proper ski resort amenities like gear lockers, rental shops on premises, and plenty of cozy spaces to curl up with a book by a fireplace, but perhaps the biggest perk of all is the rooftop pool and hot tub—the only of its kind in Park City.
Where To Eat
Hands down, my favorite place to eat in Park City is the Australian-inspired Five5eeds. Here, you can enjoy açaí bowls, shakshouka, and some pretty memorable pancakes for breakfast or lunch. They also offer orders to-go, and don’t forget to grab a latte, their matcha is my all-time favorite.
For dinner, check out Dos Olas right outside the Pendry Hotel. Chips and guac are my favorite things to eat after skiing, and you will get your fill here. Dos Olas also makes great tacos, and they have three tortilla options so it’s very friendly to dietary restrictions and allergies. Save room for the signature arroz con leche for dessert.
Where To Après
The ski town vibe in Park City gives way to an après scene that makes strangers feel like friends. If you’re from out of town, keep in mind some of the state’s rules surrounding alcohol may differ from what you’re used to like beer on tap must be 5% ABV or lower (no IPAs) and restaurants are only allowed to serve alcohol with food.
For a classic beer or hot toddy, stop by the Red Tail Grill at the base of Canyons Village. You can’t beat the location or the french fries.
In the heart of town is the famed No Name Saloon, “the bar that made Park City famous.” If you’re looking for a fun place to grab a drink that’s part dive bar, part saloon, and part western hideaway, then this is the place. The No Name does tend to garner a crowd on weekends, so prepare to stand in line outside or hit it later in the evening.
Sidequests
If you’re in town for more than a weekend, then the obvious answer is more skiing. Deer Valley is also located in Park City, which makes it easily accessible for a day or two of skiing (and you can take the free town buses to the base). Whether or not you ski Deer Valley, the resort is well worth a quest for a famous hot chocolate or chocolate chip cookie.
One of the many advantages of skiing in Utah is the proximity of world-class resorts, so if you can, I urge you to add on a visit to a second ski area. If you have a car, your options are practically endless.
The National Indigenous Cultural Centre (NICC) is an Indigenous home.
We provide Indigenous products, music, art and news.
If you want Indigenous gifts and merchandise, bush tucker food at your next event or Indigenous entertainment at your next party, expo or conference, feel free to contact us!
Visit our page: https://nicc.org.au/
Tony Clemenger.
Chief Executive Officer.
Tel: 0419431649.
Level 1 397 Chapel Street South Yarra 3141.
Source: https://www.skimag.com/ski-resort-life/first-time-park-city/
U.S. Paralympics Nordic Skiing Announces 2024-25 National Team Roster with Promising New Talent
COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO – U.S. Paralympics Nordic Skiing has unveiled the seven athletes selected for its 2024-25 national team roster. Additionally, four athletes, including three newcomers, have secured spots on the team’s development roster.
Following a successful 2023-24 season where Team USA’s Para Nordic skiers won eight medals at the 2024 IBU Para Biathlon World Championships, the athletes are gearing up for a full slate of competitions in the 2024-25 campaign as they prepare for the Paralympic Winter Games in Milan Cortina 2026.
“We have so many incredible veterans of the sport on this team, and we will be looking to them to lead the way for some of our up-and-coming athletes as we approach another Games,” said Eileen Carey, director of U.S. Paralympics Nordic Skiing. “As a program, we are excited about the depth of talent and work ethic within this group of individuals.”
Returning to the National A team are dual-sport Paralympic medalists Oksana Masters (Louisville, Kentucky) and Kendall Gretsch (Downers Grove, Illinois), who together accounted for seven of the team’s eight biathlon world championship medals in March. Masters, a 17-time Paralympic medalist and the most decorated U.S. Winter Paralympian, is currently aiming for a spot in the summer Paralympic Games in cycling. Gretsch, the reigning paratriathlon Paralympic gold medalist, is also heading to Paris for her summer sport. Masters and Gretsch previously won the first-ever biathlon world championship team sprint in Prince George.
Paralympic medalists Jake Adicoff (Sun Valley, Idaho) and Sydney Peterson (Lake Elmo, Minnesota) also earned spots on the National A team. Both are cross-country skiing specialists and Paralympic champions from Beijing. They both reached the podium at the most recent FIS Para Nordic Skiing World Championships in Sweden. Adicoff also claimed the men’s visually impaired cross-country overall world cup title last season.
World champion Aaron Pike (Park Rapids, Minnesota) qualified for Paris after an outstanding performance at the 2023 TCS New York City Marathon, where he became one of the first four Para athletes to qualify for Team USA. Pike, who won a bronze medal in biathlon sprint pursuit in March, will be competing in his seventh Paralympic Games this summer.
Paralympians Dan Cnossen (Topeka, Kansas) and Dani Aravich (Boise, Idaho) return to the National C team. Cnossen, a seven-time Paralympic medalist, is aiming for his fourth Paralympic Games in Milan Cortina. Aravich, who has competed in both the Summer and Winter Paralympic Games in track and field and Nordic skiing, respectively, is seeking her third berth.
Paralympian Max Nelson (Mahtomedi, Minnesota) leads a group of four athletes named to the 2024-25 development team. This marks the first roster inclusion for sit skiers Nicole Zaino (Brookfield, Connecticut) and Michael Kneeland (Bozeman, Montana), and standing skier Jack Berry (Missoula, Montana).
Source:
Learn more: https://www.adventurefilm.academy/
Men’s Slalom Team Gears Up for New Season with Revamped Coaching Staff
Following their history-making exploits last season, the Men’s Slalom team of Billy Major, Dave Ryding, and Laurie Taylor lead the charge as the World Cup Squad, supported by a refreshed coaching and support team that features former Olympian and World Cup racer Alain Baxter alongside longstanding team member Jai Geyer, and TJ Baldwin who joins the team for the coming season in coaching and support roles.
The team, who finished sixth in the Slalom Nations Cup standings in 2023/24, enter the season in fine shape, looking to build on a number of historic results and personal bests over the past twelve months.
A 12-athlete Europa Cup Squad sees four new faces with Abi Bruce and Molly Butler both promoted from the FIS Squad, and Freddy Carrick-Smith and Zak Carrick-Smith both also selected, joining their brother Luca, with Freddy and Zak the youngest athletes in the British EC Squad set-up. Joining them are 2023/24 NorAm Slalom Cup champion Victoria Palla, alongside Reece Bell, Ed Guigonnet, Robert Holmes, Jack Irving, Calum Langmuir, and Owen Vinter.
The FIS Squad boasts 26 athletes, including George Brown, Lewis Parton, Ryan Pye, Toby Stephen, and Dante Adam Vidri all making their selection debut.
The World Cup Squad are first slated for action at the Levi Slalom World Cup in Levi, Finland, on 16-17 November, with pre-season training already underway.
Source:
https://gbsnowsport.com/seven-new-names-join-41-athlete-2024-25-british-alpine-squad/
Learn more: https://www.adventurefilm.academy/
Tragic Drowning at Irvin Pitts Memorial Park Sparks Community Reflection on Water Safety
The recent drowning at Irvin Pitts Memorial Park in Ware Shoals has prompted a community-wide reflection on water safety and the importance of vigilance near natural water bodies.
Juan Otoniel Antonio Simon, 23, was identified as the victim who tragically drowned in the Saluda River near Irvin Pitts Park on Sunday. The incident has underscored the unpredictable dangers of natural waterways, even for those who are proficient swimmers.
The Ware Shoals Police Department responded to a call about a possible drowning at around 4:30 p.m. on Sunday. Dive and rescue teams from Laurens and Abbeville counties were quickly dispatched to the scene. Despite their prompt response, Simon’s body was recovered from about nine feet of water around 7:30 p.m. and identified by his family, according to the Ware Shoals Police Department.
Simon’s family informed officials that he was a capable swimmer, but the strong currents in the Saluda River proved to be overwhelming. “My heart breaks for the family,” said Ware Shoals Police Chief Bryan Louis. “It’s tragic and unfortunately has been happening a lot.”
Chief Louis emphasized that Irvin Pitts Memorial Park is a “swim at your own risk” area with no lifeguards on duty. He highlighted the presence of deep spots and underwater holes that can pose significant dangers to swimmers, regardless of their experience level. The chief also pointed out the community’s efforts to enhance water safety by providing life jackets, throw ropes, and preservers for public use. However, these safety items often go missing, which diminishes their effectiveness in preventing such tragedies.
Louis urged the public to exercise caution and to return safety equipment after use to ensure it is available for others. “We need everyone’s cooperation to maintain these safety measures and protect our community,” he added.
The incident has sparked a conversation in Ware Shoals about the need for increased awareness and education on water safety, particularly in natural water bodies where conditions can change rapidly. Community members are calling for more resources and support to prevent future tragedies and to honor the memory of Juan Otoniel Antonio Simon.
As the community grieves this loss, the focus remains on preventing similar incidents and ensuring that everyone enjoys the beauty of natural parks like Irvin Pitts Memorial Park safely.
World Cup Speed Skier Jean Daniel Pession Killed in Backcountry Skiing Accident
Italian speed skier Jean Daniel Pession (28) and his girlfriend, Elisa Arlian (27), have tragically lost their lives in a backcountry skiing accident in Italy’s Aosta Valley. The news was confirmed yesterday by the Italian Winter Sports Federation (FISI) in an official statement.
Experienced Athletes, Lost in the Mountains
Pession, a rising star in World Cup speed skiing, and Arlian, a cross-country ski instructor, were reportedly traversing a ridge on the north face of Monte Zerbion near Champoluc when the accident occurred. Champoluc, the largest resort in the Monterosa area, is known for its breathtaking scenery and off-piste skiing opportunities.
Search and Rescue Efforts
The couple was reported missing after failing to return as planned. A Guardia di Finanza helicopter crew, utilizing cell phone signal detection technology, located their bodies on the mountain’s north face. A doctor onboard the helicopter sadly confirmed their deaths at the scene.
The Skiing Community Mourns
The skiing community is in mourning following this devastating loss. Flavio Roda, President of the FISI, expressed his deepest condolences: “This is a terrible tragedy for the world of winter sports, especially speed skiing. On behalf of the entire Federation, I extend our deepest condolences to the Pession family during this unimaginable time of grief.”
A Reminder of Mountain Risks
Pession’s impressive career included a 15th-place finish in the 2021 World Cup final standings and a 22nd-place finish at the 2022 World Championships. This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent dangers of mountain activities, even for experienced athletes.
Investigation Continues
The cause of the accident is still under investigation. As details emerge, SnowBrains will continue to follow this developing story.
Source: https://www.skimag.com/ski-resort-life/first-time-park-city/
World Cup Speed Skier Jean Daniel Pession Killed in Backcountry Skiing Accident
Italian speed skier Jean Daniel Pession (28) and his girlfriend, Elisa Arlian (27), have tragically lost their lives in a backcountry skiing accident in Italy’s Aosta Valley. The news was confirmed yesterday by the Italian Winter Sports Federation (FISI) in an official statement.
Experienced Athletes, Lost in the Mountains
Pession, a rising star in World Cup speed skiing, and Arlian, a cross-country ski instructor, were reportedly traversing a ridge on the north face of Monte Zerbion near Champoluc when the accident occurred. Champoluc, the largest resort in the Monterosa area, is known for its breathtaking scenery and off-piste skiing opportunities.
Search and Rescue Efforts
The couple was reported missing after failing to return as planned. A Guardia di Finanza helicopter crew, utilizing cell phone signal detection technology, located their bodies on the mountain’s north face. A doctor onboard the helicopter sadly confirmed their deaths at the scene.
The Skiing Community Mourns
The skiing community is in mourning following this devastating loss. Flavio Roda, President of the FISI, expressed his deepest condolences: “This is a terrible tragedy for the world of winter sports, especially speed skiing. On behalf of the entire Federation, I extend our deepest condolences to the Pession family during this unimaginable time of grief.”
A Reminder of Mountain Risks
Pession’s impressive career included a 15th-place finish in the 2021 World Cup final standings and a 22nd-place finish at the 2022 World Championships. This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent dangers of mountain activities, even for experienced athletes.
Investigation Continues
The cause of the accident is still under investigation. As details emerge, SnowBrains will continue to follow this developing story.
Late Season Snow: The Best Luxury Ski Resorts For Spring Skiing
For skiing enthusiasts, spring is the ideal time to hit the slopes. While you might naturally assume that winter would be the best time for the sport (it is a winter sport after all), during the spring the days are longer, the sun is warmer, and the slopes are less crowded.
Beyond the thrilling runs, spring skiing also offers a vibrant après-ski scene, romantic outings, and a variety of off-slope activities that make for truly unforgettable ski holidays. Of course, not all resorts are best placed to offer an ideal experience from March to June, but we’ve settled on five locations that absolutely are!
Remember, choosing the ideal ski resort for your spring getaway involves more than just great snow. Look for resorts that provide a variety of experiences, both on and off the slopes. The perfect resort caters to everyone, from families and beginners to seasoned skiers and even those who just enjoy the atmosphere and want to sip cocktails by the fire.
1. Tignes-Val d’Isère, France
Tignes-Val d’Isère, located in the French Alps, is renowned for its extensive ski area and reliable spring snow. This resort offers over 300 kilometres of pistes and an array of activities for all skill levels. The high altitude ensures excellent snow conditions even in the warmer months. Off the slopes, the après-ski scene is vibrant, with numerous bars, restaurants, and nightclubs to explore.
For accommodation, you’ll find everything from cosy chalets to luxurious hotels. Most properties are also strategically located to offer easy access to the slopes and local amenities, ensuring a hassle-free ski holiday.
2. Obergurgl, Austria
Nestled in the Ötztal Alps, Obergurgl is one of Austria’s highest and most snow-sure resorts. Its high altitude and north-facing slopes guarantee great skiing conditions well into spring. Known as the “Diamond of the Alps,” Obergurgl boasts a charming village atmosphere with stunning alpine scenery.
Obergurgl offers a variety of accommodations, from traditional alpine lodges to modern hotels with wellness facilities. The resort is particularly family-friendly, offering excellent ski schools and gentle slopes for beginners.
3. Cervinia, Italy
Cervinia, located in the Aosta Valley, offers access to the Matterhorn Glacier, ensuring year-round skiing. The resort’s high-altitude slopes and long runs are ideal for spring skiing. Cervinia is also known for its sunny weather and breathtaking views of the Matterhorn.
Accommodations in Cervinia range from luxurious hotels to budget-friendly apartments. Many properties offer ski-in/ski-out access, making it easy to hit the slopes first thing in the morning. The vibrant town centre provides a range of dining and entertainment options, perfect for après-ski activities.
4. Sölden, Austria
Sölden is a premier ski resort in the Tyrol region, famous for its glacier skiing and lively après-ski scene. With two glaciers and numerous high-altitude slopes, Sölden offers reliable snow conditions and varied terrain for all skill levels. The resort also hosts the Electric Mountain Festival in spring, combining skiing with world-class music performances.
Sölden’s accommodations cater to all tastes and budgets, from luxury hotels with spas to quaint guesthouses. Many hotels offer direct access to the slopes and are located close to the resort’s bustling nightlife.
5. Banff, Canada
Banff, located in Alberta’s Rocky Mountains, is a stunning destination for spring skiing. The resort is part of the larger Banff-Lake Louise area, offering extensive terrain and spectacular mountain scenery. Banff is known for its long ski season, often extending into May.
Accommodation options in Banff range from historic hotels like the Fairmont Banff Springs to modern lodges. The town of Banff provides a lively après-ski scene with numerous bars, restaurants, and shops. Additionally, visitors can enjoy unique activities such as relaxing in the local hot springs, spotting moose on exotic wildlife tours, and taking some incredibly scenic hikes.
Learn more: https://www.adventurefilm.academy/
Jakara Anthony wins Snow Australia Female Athelete of the Year after stunning FIS World Cup moguls campaign
Rarely in the life of a professional athlete is there much time for rest and relaxation — not least in the midst of a record-breaking campaign.
So perhaps it was a surprise to some to see reigning Olympic moguls champion and Harry Potter fan Jakara Anthony wandering through Hogwarts at Universal Studios in Orlando between events.
“It’s fun when we get to do some more touristy things,” Anthony tells ABC Sport.
“The schedule can be pretty hectic, competing back-to-back and week-to-week, but we had a month’s break in the schedule so went to Universal Studios.
“It’s really cool to be able to have some experiences like that.”
Universal Studios proclaims the Harry Potter-themed amusement park “an experience unlike any other,” which is quite fitting.
It also promises a trip to the wizarding bank of Gringotts, which also fits nicely with Anthony’s year.
Because, aside from the obvious parallels of skiing with such grace and skill over the harsh, icy bumps of the world’s toughest moguls fields as if she were flying over them on a broomstick, Anthony has collected enough gold this season to fill an entire vault.
On Thursday night, Anthony capped a stunning season on snow by being crowned Female Athlete of the Year at the Snow Australia awards in Melbourne.
It was an accolade that is richly deserved after the 25-year-old completed a clean sweep of all three World Cup winner’s Crystal Globes on offer, for singles, duals and overall champion.
Anthony’s unprecedented season of dominance saw the Barwon Heads skier win 14 out of 16 World Cup moguls events.
Those 14 victories are the most by any moguls skier in history, three more than the previous mark held by American legend Hannah Kearney.
In fact, Anthony equalled an all time FIS World Cup record for ski and snowboard racers: Swiss alpine skiing superstar Vreni Schneider also recorded 14 victories during the 1989 season, in slalom and giant slalom competitions.
There is a very strong case to be made that she is currently Australia’s most in-form athlete in any sport.
Yet despite the enormity of that success, Anthony remains more focused on the process than the vagaries of the judges.
“I don’t try to take the approach where I’m focusing on the results,” Anthony said.
“Of course, I want to go out there and win every event but I think the majority of the field are out there trying to do that.
“Unfortunately the results are out of my control but for me it’s about going in and focusing on that process, doing all the little bits and pieces that I need to so I can ski the run I’m capable of.
“There were some events where I was having a bit more trouble navigating the course and it wasn’t necessarily my favourite skiing of the season, but I was still able to bring a really good performance there.
“I think I’m getting better at that in skiing the way that I do on more difficult courses rather than just trying to get up and down and survive.
“I had some performances where I was just like, that was one of the best runs I’ve ever completed, so that’s an incredible feeling too.”
On one of the only occasions Anthony didn’t claim gold on the circuit this year, she won a bronze medal in the Dual Moguls event at Idre Fjäll in Sweden in December.
The other time saw Anthony make a rare mistake — “just me misreading the conditions,” according to Anthony — at Deer Valley in February — although she recovered to take out the Dual event the following night.
“That Deer Valley [victory] was pretty special,” Anthony said.
“Every event was pretty cool, they all had different challenges but that duals final against Jaelen [Kauf] was some of the best skiing I’ve ever competed.”
It is not necessarily a surprise that coming back from adversity, however fleeting it was this season, was Anthony’s highlight of the year.
After all, the entire 2024 season was a comeback of sorts after the two-time Olympian took some time away from the slopes at the end of the 2023 campaign.
“I was in a pretty different place when I started this season compared to when last season finished,” Anthony said.
“Winning week-to-week always helps but I was out there having a lot of fun with the team and travelling with a really great crew.
Source: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-05-03/jakara-anthony-snow-australia-athlete-of-the-year/103450642
Learn more: https://www.adventurefilm.academy/
Pakistanis Take to the Slopes in ‘A Journey About Sharing’
Shred the gnar. Photo: Screenshot
Children in one of Pakistan’s isolated valleys enjoy downhill snowsports over their long winter break. Photo: Screenshot
Skinning up is hard without skins
Riding in Pakistan. Not bad! Photo: Screenshot
Having the right gear makes everything more fun. Photo: Screenshot
A meandering journey
Hard to beat these turns. Photo: Screenshot
Source: https://explorersweb.com/weekend-warmup-a-journey-about-sharing/
Learn more: https://www.adventurefilm.academy/
Embracing the First-Time Magic: A Journey to Mt. Buller
The memories stay with you forever. First guitar: Age eight, steel strings, bleeding fingers, quickly calloused—start of a lifelong affair. First surfboard: A much-repaired yellow twin fin, more like catching a small bus. Consequently, the first unbroken wave, fingers tracing along the face, then dumped but ecstatic. First oyster: What is that?
And then, the first time at the snow. Do I remember that? Only like it was yesterday.
We drove to Buller in my friend Tom’s Holden Kingswood. Tom was a skiing veteran. At 21, I was a late starter, and as we ascended the mountain, I got my first glimpse of snow. I asked Tom to stop the car, got out, and picked up a handful. A big personal moment. If Tom was rolling his eyes, he didn’t show it.
Discovering the Magic of Snow
Snow is surprisingly cold when you’ve never touched it before.
About two hours later, in radiant sunshine, with a sky so blue it seemed unique against the white backdrop, I was told off for going too fast down an intermediate run, arms and legs all over the place. I apologized and meant it, but I was also secretly chuffed, flushed with the majesty of sliding—quite rapidly—down a mountain for the first time.
Where had skiing been all my life?
Where it had been was nowhere. I was a hold-out, not wanting to go skiing in case I fell head over heels in love with it and then couldn’t afford to go. My cadet journalist’s wage was tricky financial terrain. Surfing was cheaper.
Turns out, I was right, because after that first trip, I was hooked.
Post-Lockdown Adventures
Post-lockdown, I went to Buller again, this time with my daughter and her partner, Will, who was at the snow for the first time. Will plays football, cricket, tennis—all well—and he found his feet straight away. In fact, he was awesome, tackling green runs in the morning, blue in the afternoon, no problem.
We skied all day, the runs getting ever more challenging, and Will coped well, navigating some icy sections and bigger crowds as we headed back at speed for a fireside vino.
It was a great day. You only get one chance at a first time, and Will certainly seized that chance. It’s brilliant to watch someone take to something so quickly and want to go again.
Savoring the Après-Ski
We were a happy crew that night, especially knowing we were heading to dinner at French restaurant The Villager (Buller Central, Village Square), flushed with the thrill of the day. The roast duck and the pinot tasted even better than usual after being on the mountain, breathing in all that high-altitude air.
Skiing is more than just a sport. It’s a perfect community activity, where you’re talking, laughing, and enjoying each other’s company.
Making Skiing Accessible
A trip to the snow sounds complicated and expensive, but it needn’t be. Stay at a lodge instead of a hotel. You meet people and cook your own meals: Who needs a restaurant every night?
