|
The lifts are closing, but I don’t want to stop. One more quick run. I scramble for the
lift line, but an attendant quickly draws a cord across my way, preventing me from
entering. It’s just as well; my legs are burning with exhaustion from the day’s
efforts, and the second half of my ski day is just beginning. To the lodge I go,
looking forward to catching up with friends I lost during the day, having a cold beer
on the sun-drenched deck, and watching the other skiers pile off the slopes.
There might not be a more social environment than on or around the ski slopes. From
the days of piling on the school bus for ski club to today’s lounging around the bars
for an apres-ski party, I think of skiing as being as much about spending time with
friends as it is about carving down the slopes. Hang around any lift line, and you’ll
see one high five after another, exhilarated faces brewing with talk of their last
run, their last wipeout, and where they want to go next. And it’s no coincidence that
ski towns around the world are rated as much for their night life, ski bars, and
restaurants, as they are for terrain. Here’s a few tips on how to get the most out of
your skiing experience.
- Relax and have fun.
Taking yourself too seriously on the slopes is a recipe for disaster that will chase
your friends away faster than a warm rain. It’s easy to get bogged down in the
frustrations of skiing technique, but don’t. Whether you’re skiing with old buddies
or new acquaintances, a cheerful demeanor will invite camaraderie and add dimension
to your own ski experience.
- Take advantage of the after-ski scene.
Whatever resort you’re visiting will be hopping soon after the lifts close. Take
advantage of this opportunity to meet new friends, share the best parts of your day,
and get to know the culture of a new town. Skiers are a laid-back and inviting bunch,
and you might just find talking with fellow downhillers more natural than your
average encounter.
- Take a lesson, even if you don’t think you need it.
Besides helping your skiing immeasurably, a lesson will place you in a group of other
skiers of the same ability. What better way to get to know new people than to share
four hours of embarrassment, frustration, laughs, and achievement? You might just
find a partner for post-lesson jaunts too.
- Hop in the singles line.
The double entendre of this lift-line name has always brought a smirk to my face;
it’s an easy opportunity to meet people. Whether you’re hoping to find a
new mate, a plain old good conversation, or just want to avoid the long lift lines,
this is the place to do it. Next? Fifteen minutes of sitting shoulder to shoulder
with someone you’ve never met before with no way out but a 60-foot drop to the
slopes below. I challenge you not to meet them!
- Join a ski club.
In most cities you’ll find a variety of ski organizations. Maybe a racing team, an
outing club, or a carpool network. No matter the shape and form, you’ll meet other
skiers and make new friends. Ask around at your local ski shop, ski area, or online
chat rooms.
|
