Back on the Piste!
The next day, I feel refreshed after a great night’s sleep. So much physical exertion after sitting behind a computer has done wonders for my usual insomnia. We’re off to the slopes of Corviglia. You can get to Corviglia using the funicular from St Moritz centre. On Corviglia, you are surrounded by mountain vistas bathed in sunshine. North-facing Corvatsch is very easy to reach directly from the hotel. It has the highest lift in the valley on a glacier and the runs are long and great for free-riding.
Today, I am feeling more confident, as we head onto the beginners slope. I practise all that I learnt yesterday and try and improve on the techniques before attempting the ski down to the bottom of the slope. Looking downwards, I can’t see how steep the drop is at the end of the slope, I know that it’s a gentle slope, but the fear factor kicks in and I get a bit nervous. Time for more practice before attempting to ski down the winding slopes. I fall over a bit more today as I’m now moving much quicker across the snow, but luckily the snow is softer now and Peter is on hand to help me get up, not easy on skis. I’m not falling quite as much though as the snowboarder next to us, learning to stay upright as well as snowboard. I’m glad I have two skis attached, not one. On the slope I can see a ramp and some small children leaping off and skiing very confidently down a much steeper slope than this one.
After a couple of hours practising on the gentle beginning of the slope, I’m ready. Peter stays slightly ahead of me, so I can see the gradient before moving off. I manage to ski from side to side down a good portion of the slope before falling over. I think I was doing great at this point, and started thinking too much about what I was doing. When the movements are done correctly, it feels like something clicks, and the skiing is wonderful. Amazingly enough, after only two short days skiing, I have made it all the way down to the bottom of the beginners slope. I’m really pleased, and the last time I fall over seems like it’s in slow motion coming off the end of the ski lift getting back to the top.
I feel as though I have learned some valuable techniques which I will use more confidently next time I ski (Yes, there will definitely be a next time!). After a quick bite to eat, Ski Cool take me to Colombo Training and Nutrition in Champfèr.
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