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Thoughts 'n Stuff

Skiing in Avoriaz, France

[more photos]

I wasn't quite sure what to expect from Kat's invitation to Avoriaz since I've only been skiing as a kid. Suffice to say: I didn't regret accepting it!




Since flights were cheaper on New Year Kat, Dave and I already arrived at this amazing ski resort on first of January 2011. The worst part of the trip was actually the S-Bahn trip at 3am that seemed like an eternity. Crowded with drunk people, meh.

Avoriaz welcomed us with nice sunshine. We got our equipment and I came to realize that I can't ski at all. The next day made that painfully clear when I went down a beginner's slope without being able to turn or break, only to stop myself through falling. Got some bruises but it were the ski boots that felt like medieval torture tools. I felt sick and decided that I had enough for one day. That's when I decided to take ski lectures offered by the école du ski français. The three different instructors I had were all great: calm, patient but also pushing you once they realized you weren't challenged. After my first two lessons I already knew enough of the basics so that I could explore the remaining beginners slopes in Avoriaz on my own. More importantly - I started to enjoy skiing!

The instructors were happy and promoted me from "bloody beginners" to next skill level. Then again, when seeing how quickly kids can pick up skiing, all my efforts were put to shame ;-)

The downside to this approach, of course: I spent most of my skiing time isolated from the rest of us, but the alternative wouldn't have been fun for me anyway, given the huge skill gap.

What I liked about Avoriaz with its horse-powered taxis is that you could focus on skiing; lifts and slopes formed a maze such that minimal walking was required. Restaurants were always nearby. Although everyone else pointed out the exclusive prices it didn't feel too expensive to me. The advantage of spending your last months in Helsinki, FI, I guess.

I think I already miss skiing ...

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