By sarah carter

Like any first day pupil I was a little apprehensive, however, I knew I would be in the hands of trained professionals who would provide me with the skills I so very much desired.  Skiing had long been a secret dream of mine, but I had never acted on it.  Now approaching middle age, I felt if I didn't act soon the opportunity would soon pass me by forever.

The initial steps are rather easy, look up a ski school in your area, stop in for an informative one-on-one with an instructor, and sign up. Rental equipment is available and beginner slopes abound. Classes or personal lessons are available upon the student's request. I opted for the class and soon found myself standing at the foot of the beginner slope surrounded by other novices like myself but equally enthusiastic.

Class begins with a knowledgeable instructor giving an impromptu hands-on run through the proper way to put on skis, body positioning and basic recovery techniques in the event of a spill. Our instructor was Jean-Pierre and he had a wonderful habit of playfully knocking students down and watching their tumbling skills. "You have to get used to the idea of falling"  he would say "and then you get used to the idea of not falling. That is where skiing begins."

After a short intermission to warm up or grab a hot coffee it's back up the slope for a trial run. Look out below! The first run was exhilarating. I made it to the bottom in one piece, albeit on the beginner slope. Still the sense of accomplishment was empowering, today the baby slope, tomorrow the Matterhorn! Well, it's a nice dream anyway.

The afternoon session would find many of the students progressing to the intermediate slopes, and many of the younger and more athletically gifted gave no hint to the fact that they had only begun that very morning.

To begin ski school is like any other undertaking worth doing, it comes with a bit of risk and the promise of accomplishment when completed. Like any sport, there is a risk of injury, but with proper equipment and attention to the ski lanes and other skiers it can be minimized.  For most students, ski school is an enjoyable experience that will be remembered and cherished throughout the years. Some friendships begun in such innocent settings have stood the test of time throughout the years, much like summer camp. The key to any adventure is a sound decision to begin and then acting on that sound decision.  In other words, when ready to start, start!