It seems that some readers of this blog are amazed that I persevered with skiing, despite my horrible experiences.  And to be perfectly honest, after reliving my “episodes” on the slopes – so am I.  And just so you know, the horror stories didn’t stop in New Zealand…but you’ll have to wait for Episode 4.  However, before I get to the next Episode, I’d like to share some valuable information with you, particularly anyone who is considering taking their wife skiing for the first time.

One of the things I love about skiing is getting on a chairlift and enjoying brief but enjoyable interludes with other skiers sharing the same chair.  It’s great finding out where people are from, what they do for a living, and generally chatting about the snow and skiing, or snowboarding.  (Actually, snowboarders don’t chat much, probably because they always have headphones plugged into their ears, which makes it almost impossible to strike up a conversation…as I found out just the other day when I said to the snowboarder beside me:  “so what’s the snow like?” End of conversation.)

But I digress (which my husband says I do a lot)!  Anyway,  on all the chairs I have ridden, I have yet to meet an unhappy skier.  Everyone I have had the joy of meeting on a chair lift or on the slopes has been happy, happy, happy, enjoying the elements, the views and the thrill of exercising all day in the “fresh” air (something I love, because it means I can pretty much eat anything!).

However, on several occasions, I have chatted with men who tell me that their wives won’t ski as they hated it after only one day, hence, they are skiing solo or with other male friends.  Upon further questioning, it appears that the reason their wives hated skiing was because said considerate husband, who was invited to a conference at a ski resort and who convinced his wife to go with him, subliminally thought he’d get some of his own back and terrify his beloved by taking her up to the top of the mountain and then telling her to “just ski down”!

This reinforces my theory discussed in Episode 3 in which I believe that people actually get some kind of sick satisfaction seeing someone else, even if you are married to them, frozen in fear! They must, because otherwise, why would anyone take anyone up to the top of a mountain and say “ski”?

Now listen up all you male skiers out there!  Here’s what you don’t appear to know.  Men do not have fear.  Women do!  I figure this is because if a man falls and breaks his leg, his wife/partner will take care of him, the children, the house etc. etc. like she always does – so nothing in his life changes much. Now, if a woman breaks her leg…..well, she’ll still have to do all those things, but on crutches!

So, if you want the woman in your life to enjoy the skiing experience as much as you do, put her in a lesson with other women, with a female ski instructor (because just in case you men didn’t know this either, women communicate entirely different to men…but I think you do know this), and let her take her time on a beginners slope.  Then, when she feels ready, take her to another beginners slope and ski “with” her, or if you ski ahead, wait for her every hundred yards or so.  Do NOT pressure her into going faster, or pretend that you are a ski instructor and give her a plethora of instructions on every turn.

And ladies, remember, don’t be too hard on yourselves.  Skiing is difficult and it takes patience and perseverance, but once you are able to turn and stop, and then enjoy the whole apres ski experience, you’ll begin to enjoy skiing, and eventually one day, even love it!

And if you need any encouragement, just re-read Episodes 1-3 of this blog and you’ll realize that we all have to start somewhere!

MC900231050 Sidebar: Be kind to the woman you love!

Skiing takes patience and perseverance

Postscript:  For anyone visiting Park City Mountain Resort, they are now offering a Ladies Club for ladies who want to ski with other women at the same level and taught by a female ski instructor.  Click here for more information.