Tony_H wrote:So, I open the curtains and see the sun is poking through and theres plenty of snow. The rush of excitement fills me top to bottom. I wake Mrs H up who never seems to get that excited about it all, and dive into the shower. No point sorting out my gear, as I would have done that on arrival the night before - always!
Get out of the shower, get dressed in sallos and fleece, and wander out to the balcony with a coffee/tea hopefully, spend ages admiring the views, telling everyone else who might be up by now what a fantastic view it is, how lucky we all are to be here, and what a fabulous day is in store for us. Maybe even take some early morning scenic photos.
Sit down for a good breakfast, plenty of hot drinks too, and then start to get ready. Normally its a case of slipping into the boots, making sure I have the right layers on, putting on a bit of sun cream (I love the smell of Piz Buin face cream, always makes me think of skiing), packing everything needed into the small rucksack including 2 bottles of water and 4 mars bars, camera, money, etc.
By now, I am usually bursting with adrenalin and probably starting to sweat what with being layered up, getting into my boots, and being indoors!
Time to head outside, and the cold crisp air is like an oxygen supply. Gloves on, hat on, hopefully sunnies on too, and a short walk to the lift to be there when it opens (depending on where we are and what time that is). I do like to be there for opening time. Onto the lift and up into the whiteness, and I get an immense feeling of pride, excitement and something else I have never quite been able to put a name to, but its something that makes me feel like a special and lucky person.
Off the lift at the top, assuming it to be a gondola, clip into the skis and really start to feel it now, and the sensation of pushing off with the sticks for what for a minute feels like the very first time and you ask yourself "can I still do this?" before sliding nicely down into the fresh cord and grinning like an idiot........
I was there then! All those feelings, I LOVE IT!
Am also slightly distured by the thought of Tino in a dress...
