Skiing with family or friends

Any time I ski with family and friends, my old ski instructor background and attitudes come to the fore. Here I am literally putting myself on the skis of my guests as long as they are a tad less proficient than myself, which, it seems to me, at least, continues to be the case. I pick runs and conditions that I feel are best adapted to them and that they will thoroughly enjoy in perfect safety.

As much as humanly possible, I always preselect the itinerary I chose beforehand to make sure it’s appropriate. This is my top priority. When we stop, I ask them how they do, if they’re hot or feel too cold, tired or are having any problem, if their equipment works okay for them and if everything feels great. 

As I precede them and ski down the mountain I turn my head around and look behind me as regularly as I can to make sure they’re still following and see how they’re doing. By doing so my enjoyment shifts from a personal one to a much greater, richer one as their welfare, safety and own enjoyment takes precedence over my little person. 

Call this the pleasure of sharing what I love, pleasing those I value, the true joy of giving!