When the days get longer and the weather warmer, the time has come. Most people would be dusting off their lawn chairs and pulling out the summer wardrobe. They’re already dreaming of fresh cut grass, terrace-hopping and skinny dipping. While the summer worshippers come out of their winter induced stupors, skiers and riders ask themselves: is it really over?
My answer is this: not if you don’t want it to be! Come in a little closer and I’ll tell you a secret: some people live in forever winter. I’m not talking about some magical, mystical wonderland. No, I’m referring to the wonderful possibilities offered by back-to-back winters. Sadly, my five year stint is currently on hiatus as I embark on a new journey, but they were some of the most exciting times of my life. With it comes new friends, revolving employment, stunning settings and, of course, endless skiing and riding.
WARNING! Back-to-back winters are not recommended for people that:
- Have a fear of being so pasty white they become a new shade of pale: transparent
- Prefer air-conditioning to fresh mountain air
- Dread cozy, woollen socks and wood burning fires
- Gasp at the very thought of skipping a summer season
- Hate any of the following activities: snowball fights, snow angels, sledding, retro ski parties, bar hopping and snow slashing
I may be bound for sticky, sweltering summer days, but delving into memories of my endless winter will keep me going. Queenstown, New Zealand woke up to some very early snow this past week, a precursor to what looks like a great ski season to come. This and many other destinations will be the subject of many snow-deprived-ski-gypsy contemplations to come.
Winter is coming,
K