Why do you love to ski?

Whilst getting the train in to central London this morning it was really foggy, so much so that as I walked over tower bridge I could not see the south bank from the north. Reminded me of those moments as you rise up the chair lift in heavy snowfall, it's all foggy and silent apart from the noise of the chair passing the support columns. I love that feeling of isolation and silence. It makes for a welcome change of lifestyle from the normal hustle and bustle of a city centre, in fact its one of the main reasons I love snowboarding so much.

So my question to you is, apart from our love for the sport why else do you love to ski/snowboard?

I'm lucky 'cause I live in the Peak District and my commute to work is 10 minutes through the Derbyshire countryside! However, the hills, and the views still don't come close to the spectacular scenery in the Dolomites (my favourite ski area)it's hard to beat! I would take a ski holiday over a beach one any day.

Booked with TC for Feb so fingers crossed.

PS so are the toes for the snow! :thumbup:

I think this is a wonderful question Andy,
I love reading other peoples responses as well as thinking of my own reasons.
My sister started skiing a few years before meand loved it.
I first went when I was let down by a girlfriend over a planned holiday and just wanted to get away.
Loved it! Went again, loved it, again etc.
Realised at Easter one year that I had skied for 5 weeks and had no more holiday available until the following year ....
Gave up!
Went to France :mrgreen:
And then totally fell in love with the mountains summer and winter.
Skiing nowadays for a week or two a season has a big part of recapturing this "history" for me, nostalgia and memories - which is why I keep going back again and again to the Tarentaise (3V, Paradiski, Espace Killy) where I lived and worked - there is a big bit of coming home.
Why I fell in love with skiing and maintained that passion for some many years is harder to answer.
Mountains - yes. Something about the space, views, far horizons. This is similar to what I get in Africa (my other passion is wildlife).
Movement has to be right up there on the reasons list.
This is similar to the freedom I got on a windsurfer years ago and small boat sailing. It is physical sensations that absorb and enthrall me. I find skiing mentally absorbing.
Freedom is linked to both the above for me. This is about doing what I want, under my control, and enjoying it. Fast, slow, steep, tranquil,long and tiring, short and sweet, sitting in the sun, braving the weather ......
Whatever I feel like .....
I reckon this prety much sums up my enduring passion for skiing.

Its the whole package for me there is nothing better in winter sitting at the top of the mountain admiring the breathtaking scenery then clipping on the planks and gliding down the mountain side,
shouting at the snowboarders to get out of the way as they seem to spend most of their time on their backsides in the middle of piste hidden in hollows :D

TowerBridge Andy wrote: Reminded me of those moments as you rise up the chair lift in heavy snowfall, it's all foggy and silent apart from the noise of the chair passing the support columns. I love that feeling of isolation and silence. .

The views and the freedom. :) :thumbup:

I agree that there is nothing that really compares to how you feel when your flying down the mountain side, just thinking about it brings a huge grin across my face. When I talk to friends about skiing/snowboarding to try and get them interested it's really hard to give an explanation that will do it justice.

I have always been more of a winter fan for as far back as I can remember. Don't get me wrong I like a nice relaxing summer holiday but given the choice of the two it would be snow all the way.

TowerBridge Andy wrote:When I talk to friends about skiing/snowboarding to try and get them interested it's really hard to give an explanation that will do it justice.

Don't you just love the blank look that you get back that shows that they really just don't understand?

I think OldAndy hit the nail on the head, something about the combination of the space, movement and freedom that snowboarding brings, it is a truly amazing experience.

Ooo great question!

I have a million reasons, but some of my favourite include:

Skiing in really cold snowy weather and finding a great little hut with a roaring fire for a warm and a nice hot drink.

When there's been a big storm and the sun comes out and everything twinkles.

At the end of the day when it gets REALLY cold and the mountains go red.

Being so tired from a great day and looking forward to some great food.

Sitting on a chair lift in silence and admiring the view.

Being with like minded people for a whole week so people don't look at you like you're mad when you harp on about how great skiing is.

Even before the holiday when I get so excited a bit of wee comes out.

I just LOVE everthing about ski holidays :D

More will follow I'm sure.