New in Andorra, and to the forum, looking for ski buddies

Hi all,

I moved from Barcelona to La Massana, Andorra on a permanent basis in October of last year. Quite a change from the hustle and bustle (incl noise and pollution) of the city to the serenity of mountain living. So far both my wife and I enjoy it a lot.

A short bit on my ski background. Being Swedish, snow and cold was part of growing up and I was fortunate that my parents first put me on skis at four years old. From then on we went to the mountains, mainly Hemsedal, Norway, one week each year. It was my favorite week of the year and I started checking snow depths in November of each year. :) This went on until I was about 20 years old until my career took over and skiing became a thing of the "past" due to mainly living in various warm weather countries around the world. However, getting back to the slopes was always on my mind.

22 years later I finally made it back. As a kid I had a dream of living in a ski resort, and last year I finally realized that dream by moving to Andorra. I spent 14 days on skiis in December and it almost felt unreal leaving my place on foot and five minutes later being in the telecabina on the way up to the slopes.

Prior to my "break" from skiing my skis were dead straight and 212 cm long, so the concept of carving was new to me. At times I still have a tendency to lift the heels of the skis up a bit in the turns, but I got a pretty good hang of the carving technique rather quickly. Can't wait!! I plan on buying a second pair of ski, freeriders, as I was really envious of those on wider skiis when the powder was accumulating making my Dynastars a bit on the slim side. I hope to be able to find a pair of Head Kore 105's as they have raving reviews online. With those in hand I will be fully ready for a heavy dump of pow.

Due to work I have been in Dubai for the entire month of January and it has been painful sitting in the desert, and to some extent self torture, viewing the webcam shots where the snow has been crisp, the skies mainly blue and a couple of good snowfalls. Luckily I'm on the home stretch and will be back home at the end of this week for another month on the slopes.

So, with that being said, if anyone is in Andorra, permanently or on vacation, and looking for an ski buddy (I'm advanced level) feel free to PM me.

Also, we have bought a rental property in a basically brand new complex (google Ribasol) in Arinsal only a 100 meter walk from the chairlift taking you up to the ski area of Arinsal/Pal Vallnord. At the end of the day you can ski all the way down and after a two minute walk you will be "home" again. It's a two bedroom, fully equipped apartment with parking and ski storage, and once I have furnished it in the next couple of weeks it will be available for rent. It will have one queen bed, two singles and one sofa bed good for one adult or two smaller kids. Again, send me a PM if there's any interest in renting it.

Wishing you all safe skiing,

Michael