Alpine Life Lessons

I think I've finally turned the corner with downhill skiing! In the past few years have improved both my technique and my confidence with an upgrade to new boots and shape skis along with some instruction. I find I now begin runs with anticipation rather than apprehension. It's taken a while, but I'm finally developing a sense of rhythm, and occasionally even joining my family on the more difficult, black diamond, trails. Growing up in the South, I wasn‘t exposed to skiing until I moved to the Boston area in my late twenties. In contrast to my husband who's been skiing since he was five years old, I had a lot of catching up to do. As I review what I've learned so far on the slopes, I realize that many of these principles apply to other areas of life. I share these lessons with you in hopes that they'll help you smoothly navigate the varied terrain of your life--curving slopes, fresh powder, icy patches, moguls, and all!

FIND YOUR WAY We all make our way independently and often in very different manners. Some, like my daredevil sons, hurl themselves down the mountain at breakneck speed, enjoying the rush, skiing as close to the trees, if not in the woods, to add to the challenge. Others, like me, meander more slowly, stopping occasionally to admire the scenery, carving large looping S's that give trees and other obstacles a wide berth. Find the pace and style that works for you.

CHOOSE WISELY The #1 rule in skiing is to ski in control. This is to protect yourself and others. Know yourself and ski within your limits, pushing them occasionally to expand them. You get to select which trails to follow, when to let the skies run, when to carve a turn, and, most importantly, when to call it a day. Most ski injuries occur on the last run of the day, when the light is flat and legs are tired. Given the law of gravity, you are going to come down one way or the other, but your choices often determine whether you come down on your skis, on your behind, or on a ski patrol sled.

PAY ATTENTION While skiing, you have to be aware of what's ahead so you can make adjustments to avoid icy patches or to catch some air on a jump. You also want to celebrate spectacular runs. To get the most out of the experience, however, your attention needs to be, not in the future or the past, but in the here and now. On the chair lift, my mind and eyes wander, as I take in the mountain scenery and watch brightly outfitted skiers and snowboarders make their way down the mountain. When it's my turn on the trails, however, my focus is completely on the snow, my skis, my body and the skiers right around me. Moments like this are mindfulness meditation in motion.

BE WELL EQUIPPED For years I put up with boots that felt like vise grips. Getting in and out of them was torturous. While skiing, I always badly bruised my big toenails which later would turn purplish-black and would inevitably fall off at the beginning of sandal season. Yuck! When I was fitted for new boots, I recall the sales person commenting that my old boots were good ones, but were ideal for those with narrow feet-not wide ones like mine. Technology can make things easier or create more of a struggle-make sure you have the proper equipment and know how to use it.

BE RESILIENT One of the very first things they teach beginners is how to get back up from a fall. Falls are inevitable, though they become fewer and far between the more accomplished you become. What's important is that you are able to right yourself, and brush-the snow and your wounded pride-off and head back down the trail. Perseverance pays off.

LEARN FROM OTHERS You can improve your technique by observing how it's done, imitating, and eventually improvising, as you begin to synthesize and develop your own style. Watch the pros on TV, take lessons, and observe other skiers as you ride the chair lift. Mimic accomplished skiers, perhaps following someone down the trail, turning when they do. Eventually you'll develop your own natural rhythm and style.

ENJOY YOURSELF Skiing, like life, is meant to be enjoyed. If you find you are miserable-the light snow has turned to driving rain or pelting sleet, or temperatures drop and frostbite threatens--it's time for a change. Take a break by the fireplace in the lodge or move on to the après ski experience. As you stretch your legs, warm up with a hot drink, and share the day's highlights with friends and family, there's a satisfying glow in your cheeks and a heavy tiredness in your legs. With all of the exertion and fresh air, you'll sleep well tonight, and that's a good thing, because tomorrow, you'll have a chance to do it all over again.

This article provides insight for skiers and non-skiers alike on how to smoothly navigate life's varied terrain—curving slopes, fresh powder, icy patches, moguls, and all!

Grace Durfee, PCC, is an ICF certified coach, trainer, speaker, and writer who helps busy professionals, small business owners and career changers achieve professional success while enjoying more balanced lives. You can read her blog and subscribe to her newsletter at http://www.balancewithgrace.com

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