This blog was written for us by Jane Knight of La Maison Fiardiere. It is a great tale of the trials, tribulations and rewards of learning to ski!
The Best Ever Ski Day!
Not sure where the saying “Life begins at 40” comes from, but in my case it started when I was 50.
As a woman who had just reached the half century mark I was determined to have a laugh on this special day with my partner of 14yrs, and my close ski chums. Yes, I am a late developer only being introduced to skiing in the last eleven years… the time when you could get a good deal at C & A for that snazzy cheap jacket!!
Sorry, but to create the scene and put you in the picture, I have to go back to that first day of skiing in Tremblant, Canada ( 1999 ) where the temperatures were -25% degrees centigrade. As a girl who used to follow the sun, used Hawaiian Tropic just to get that lovely glow, and smell like a coconut, this was a major challenge.
John had arranged for me to have a course of one to one skiing lessons with a Canadian ski instructor; “Instructor Bob”, my big ferocious cuddly ski instructor! Not being someone who takes instructions easily, John tells me that he could hear me swearing from the other side of the mountain. Told to go right, I’d go left, told to go left I’d go right and when I was told to go straight and pick up speed that was it, I definitely wasn’t having any of that.
However slowly but surely the message started to sink in and after a few “après-ski” drinks things became a lot clearer. Bob always used to tell me after I had had a few “early après ski drinks” at lunch time during the afternoon session I was always more relaxed. No longer needing that cigarette on the way up on the chair lifts!!! (Very health and safety)
Now, I know today it’s different, and care and attention on the slopes is paramount don’t worry I do not ski that fast just remember I am not too far away from my bus pass!!
We spent the first few days playing helicopters, soaring from left to right, so I could understand what he meant about my downhill ski. No matter what exercise he gave me, poles behind my knees, touching the alternative knee to steer me into that correct line….and worst of all ski with your boot straps undone and with no poles, “Scary or what”. He knew when to push me, and when I was too tired after a full day he would give me a piggy back, and I would squeal with glee, or fear as we sped down the mountain. As the days flew by that first week now seems like a distant memory. But I can remember the incredible feeling of achievement when it all came together and I at last felt that I belonged on skis and on a mountain.
Since then I have had several trips to Canada, France and Austria…taking in the scenery, which before I never could enjoy, because I was too busy concentrating on my feet; I never appreciated the beauty and magnitude of the mountains.
I have experienced staying in self catered chalets in Canada, in St Saveur where Instructor Bob, took us to a different mountain everyday to ensure that we had the best skiing conditions. Once I was comfortable with the pitch and light in one area I was taken out of my comfort zone and given another challenge. Now I can really appreciate “A DIFFERENT MOUNTAIN EVERY DAY”.
Have stayed in resort hotels in Banff (twice in one year) where I became quite a powder hound….it would take 30 to 60 minutes to get to Lake Louise or Sunshine Village but well worth the journey; have been exhilarated, on the Olympic Ladies Downhill run at Innsbruck …. by accident, and being so thrilled went up there twice to do it again. Skied the Stubai glacier at 12,000 ft, been dragged up on my bottom at La Tour in the Chamonix valley and skied all 4 of the 3 Vallees in a day!
So where was I to go with John for my 50th….we decided France, with four of our favourite ski chums Jane & Martin, Gill and Ian,…we were off to La Tania. I have spent 50% of my skiing in “Catered Ski Chalets” and John definitely knew how to push all the buttons to make my day something to remember….a cake, flowers in the room, an upgrade on the wine…..but that was not enough, it was in the hot tub after a great days skiing, whilst still wearing my daughters beenie rastafarian hat that he proposed ….
Well, that’s still not happened yet, we are now in France, and have just completed the renovation of our 1850 farmhouse with its individually designed gorgeous bedrooms!! What an experience, I have spent the last year researching antique auctions in Surrey, and with John’s 20 years in the hospitality industry we are now ready to open our new venture into the wild world of the ski industry!! Now its finished all that’s left is to make sure it is filled with laughter and enjoyment….
TAKE A LOOK AT THE PHOTGRAPHS I HAVE PROGRESSED FROM MY C & A JACKET TO A PAIR OF FUNKY TROUSERS!!!
To learn more about Jane & John's beautiful farmhouse, La Maison Fiardiere, in the French Alps, take a look at their Chalets Direct page. It is available for both winter and summer stays. Winter holidays give you the chance to explore and ski different ski areas such as The Three Valleys, the Valmorel area, Paradiski and Megeve.
