Pastor Ken
My nephew recently traveled from Hong Kong to Japan for a ski trip, which got me thinking about the ski areas near my home in Minnesota. However, at my age, I can’t afford to risk getting injured, so I’ve chosen to stay away from the sport.
I first tried skiing when I was almost 40 at Park City, Utah, the site of the 2002 Winter Olympics. I used to imagine ski resorts as constantly snowy and windy. But when we arrived, it was a bright, sunny day with temperatures around 30 degrees Fahrenheit and no wind. I also learned that skiing isn’t a cheap hobby. Renting equipment and buying lift tickets can add up quickly. As a popular tourist destination, prices for food and drinks at the resort are higher than elsewhere, even in supermarkets.
Skiing is typically classified into two major categories: cross-country and downhill. For beginners, downhill skiing seems the preferred choice. With no prior experience in skiing, I enrolled in a beginner’s class. Initially, I struggled to even maintain my balance, often trying to mimic a walking stance, which proved ineffective. After a few tumbles, I eventually grasped the fundamentals of bending and spreading my legs, moving and stopping on the slopes. I felt the thrill of mastering a new skill akin to a child learning to walk. As I observed a group of young children effortlessly skiing down the slope without ski poles, I couldn’t help but feel envious of their agility. I later learned that in some mountainous regions of Northern Europe, children learn how to ski almost as soon as they learn to walk, which explains their natural aptitude for the sport.
Before long, I mastered the art of riding the ski lift and gliding down the slopes. The rush of achievement I felt was so exhilarating that I kept going back and forth, reluctant to end the experience. However, the following day, I woke up and found my legs sore and immobile, a clear sign I had pushed myself too hard the day before. It took some effort and aid from my hands before I could finally get out of bed.
In an attempt to give my legs a break, I opted to take the gondola lift that day and ascended to the mountain peak with my wife. Upon reaching a flat surface area, we stumbled upon another ski lift system that led even higher up the mountain. At that altitude, the crowds were thinner, and the snow was softer and more pristine. It became apparent why skilled skiers preferred skiing in the high mountains, even daring to venture down uncharted paths. The panoramic view from up there was simply breathtaking, making it a worthwhile visit, even for non-skiers.
As the years went by, I made a few sporadic skiing trips, which did little to improve my technique. I eventually gave up on the sport because I realized I wasn’t particularly interested in speed.
Our surroundings often influence our affinity for certain sports; whether it’s mountains, beaches, forests, or cities, our environment molds our preferences. Factors like climate, seasons, and natural elements further shape our inclinations. Despite not living near snowy slopes, I am grateful for the chance to try skiing and for the self-awareness it brought. The experience allowed me to make genuine choices aligned with my interests, free from societal expectations. I learned that it’s okay to break away from the crowd and pursue what truly resonates with me, rather than conforming to social norms.
