Back In The Mountains

Hi everybody, I hope you are all well. A few weeks ago I wrote an article on this blog page about how we can best describe the buzz of skiing to non-skiers. It proved to be a popular post, and one that has been mentioned to me by several people recently. Just under a week ago, my wife and I returned from a stunning visit to England's mini version of the Alps, the glorious Lake District. It was a fantastic holiday, and just perfect for me as a ski instructor to have some quality time with my wife before heading back to Méribel at the start of the winter.  Whilst we were there, and on the drive home, the above mentioned blog post came into my mind several times.

In summary, the post came to the conclusion that hobbies lead to happiness and often great feelings of achievement. Likewise wherever people go on holiday they are likely to come back with a sense of well-being. This is exactly what skiers experience in huge doses due to many things including seeing amazing scenery, the thrill of sliding on snow, hot chocolate stops, physical exercise, apres-ski, the list goes on because there are so many elements that make up a successful ski holiday.

Whilst Harriet and I were away on holiday we were looking forward to many things: looking at the scenery, taking a few hikes, going out on our bikes, enjoying a few pots of tea (and local ales). In fact this list was just as long as the ski holiday list mentioned a moment ago.

We were fortunate with the weather, particularly because in The Lakes it can be somewhat feisty at times in autumn. This meant we had reasonable flexibility with what we could do, and where we wanted to go. Just like weather can influence activities during a ski holiday.

We had some fantastic hikes and reached several peaks that we hadn't bagged before, both in the Langdale Valley and in Borrowdale. The sense of achievement in reaching the higher viewpoints and looking at extraordinary mountainous views was almost as moving as watching the final of Great British Bake Off TV programme. Just like on a ski holiday.

One thing that we realised was just how exhilarating and knackering it was, hiking all day long - just like skiing can be. Our eating habits changed such that we would have a hearty breakfast, a decent picnic lunch (with some naughty treats like pork pies) and then a substantial meal in the evening to refuel. Again, just like on a ski holiday.

In fact quite often after a bike ride or a hike, we would stop in a tea shop and have a pot of tea or strong coffee, accompanied by either a slab of carrot cake or a fruit scone with butter, jam AND clotted cream. Just like at the end of a ski day. Isn't it great that you have to refuel after an active day?

It was a fab holiday and I even kick-started a personal photography project on Facebook that commenced last winter in Méribel, called 'Humans of Méribel'. This project is where I talk to people, take a photo or two of them, and pick up an interesting story from them whilst chatting. An example is the couple below and their heart-warming story. It's a project that I find fascinating because of the diversity of human life and experience. Do click on the link for a taster. It's a project that I'll be running again this coming winter. 

It didn't take long for the final morning of the holiday to come round, and I tried to squeeze out as much fun as possible before heading home, just like a ski holiday. Our accommodation on the final night was on the shores of the majestic Buttermere area. It's a very special place, and exquisitely photogenic in the right light. I rushed out after an early breakfast to my chosen location. Sadly the light wasn't quite at its best, but memorable all the same. Oh those mountains. I remember walking back to pack up in preparation for returning to Leamington Spa. I suddenly sunk into a frothing foul mood, because I just didn't want to leave. It wasn't fair. It took a while to pull myself together, and then a cheeky smile fell across my face. I feel exactly like this at the end of every single ski season before coming home! It gets under your skin this skiing lark doesn't it?

I hope you enjoyed this latest post, do check out the 'Humans of Méribel' page on Facebook. Speaking of humans, over the next few weeks I'll be sharing with you some experiences with people I came across last winter whilst ski teaching. Some clues as to who they might be were hinted at in my previous blog post titled 'Ski Friends', click here for the link. Feel free to leave a comment below, or share away on Facebook, Twitter and Google+ by using the social media icons. Have a great week everyone, and don't forget - 'Live With Passion'. Martin.