Popular ski resorts still do not work. Goats graze on the verdant slopes ...
Where to go to our citizen, just starting to get involved in this style of a successful and healthy lifestyle, if the holidays in Courchevel are canceled?
With the onset of global warming, soon you will probably have to go to Siberia or move to the countries of Scandinavia to play snowballs. Of all the well-known northern ski resorts, I, as a beginner skier, have been lucky to visit only in Swedish, but, as they say, one of the best.
The journey from Stockholm to the cozy town of Ore took about 6 hours by train. But the trip did not tire at all, because the seats were soft and comfortable even in economy class, and I slept part of the road. In general, monotonous landscapes flashed through the window: a forest, frozen lakes, endless expanses of snow sparkling in the sun ... But the boring sands of the Emirate, diluted with wild saxaul and planted palm trees, taught to appreciate the real greatness of nature. You could call it Russian, if you do not pay attention to the sound and neat little houses that flicker along the train. Too well-groomed Swedish outback cannot afford this proud title, despite such familiar thin birches and dense furry spruce.
I finally got to this famous ski village. So far, it is popular, mainly, only among the Swedes and Norwegians themselves, who have country houses here. Very friendly and open people. In just 10 days of my lonely stay in an unfamiliar place, I managed not only to learn how to ski, manage sledges in a dog sled, but also found great company - a large friendly Norwegian family.
They have not yet learned Russian speech in Au, perhaps that is why the prices here for housing and food are still relatively democratic. The conditions for skiers and snowboarders are excellent for both beginners and experienced athletes. A professional instructor will put on ski any stupidity. A young fair-haired Swede, when I was afraid to step on my half-bent, clutched at my skis and walked squatting in front of me. If only I did not fall, and was pleased.
This could go on for a long time if the Australian had not taken up the matter. He immediately dragged me to the "black" track and forced me to go down, despite the shaking knees. Threw it like a puppy into the water. How much adrenaline I developed then!
But after a couple of such lessons, I was not afraid to climb one of the highest hills to a cozy restaurant stomping in the snow in the middle of fir trees to warm myself with a glass of fragrant mulled wine. And go down from there on your own.
We can say that my first experience with skiing was successful. Since then, I even fell in love with frost, snow, and of course, winter travel!
Irina Ivanova
