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trip in new country, where not only is the topography unknown, but also the snow conditions vary remarkably. In a run of several thousand feet off a high peak the skier may, in addition to perfect open slopes, encounter wind-cut snow, ice, the two combined at intervals of a few feet, deep powder, heavy snow, wind and sun crust that is breakable at times, wet snow, thin snow, sticky snow, and slush. Visibility may be superb, it may be zero. Character of the snow may be indistinguishable in the flat light of a muggy day. This variety of conditions is the skier's curse. But it is more. It is his challenge. It becomes as fascinating as it is important to learn how to handle these handicaps, and to like them. There is some pleasure in executing a series of beautifully linked christianias on a practice slope, but that satisfaction is diminished by the fact that, in this day of proficiency, nearly every other practice-slope skier can execute them as well. But to make, with few falls, a descent of the myriad snow surfaces the ordinary high mountain provides is more than a satisfaction. It is a triumph. It is the ski mountaineer's meat. |
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