Ski

Went skiing last week with my former Delft roommates Rombout and Aiko. Warned by the warm start of the winter we had chosen a ski resort at higher altitude than the one we had visited the previous three years. La Plagne appeared to be a good choice. And we were lucky with the weather too, as the week 'enjoyed' winterly weather with cold temperatures and regular snowfall. Nevertheless, the sun managed to tan my face through the rare  holes in the cloud cover. I had a great week.

I love skiing. Can I say that as a professional sustainability consultant? The speed-thrill, the elegance of the technique, day-long activity, the fresh air and mountain scenery all make skiing one of the best things to do. On the other hand, skiing areas are raping the mountains. From the 'telesiege' you can see ski-lifts and pistes everywhere. You can go up and down rugged terrain in a few hours that would normally require several days to cross on foot. And where has the wildlife gone? Does it hide during the days in the isolated pieces of forest surrounded by clear-cut slopes called pistes, or has it gone hibernating, heads under pillows, to wait until spring puts an end to the season? And those skiresorts in the French mountains. Giant appartment blocks built around après-ski bars and shopping malls dominate the scenery; city life lifted onto the mountain. Everything being consumed here must have been transported up the 20 km long mountain road in smokey trucks.

I have ambiguous feelings about skiing. Shall I try tour skiing nex time?