Imperator Challenge. Will I ever be able to learn how to ski at 40?
“Do you know how to ski?” asked me Renate from Kaprun-Zell am See region tourism office from Austria. “No, I have never skied” is my answer given together with a somewhat troubled smile. “Well, then why don’t you come join us and learn how to?”. “Why not…”.
This words exchange occurred last summer in the garden of a hotel from Burgenland, Austria. Hmmm, I am 40 years old and I have never skied. As a child, I recall watching live ski competitions on TV which I enjoyed but for some reason, I have never found myself learning how to do that.
I returned from Austria and I got caught in other activities. I have not given too much thought to the idea in the last few months, but it remained stored there, in the corner of my brain…this, until a few weeks ago when talking with Cristina from Eximtur, I thought to myself that I should give it a try.
Now, honestly speaking, I wonder if this is not a crazy idea. I have never skied before and I hope I won’t end up breaking my legs. But in the end, this is something worth trying. For me, traveling is a collection of new and varied experiences that ranges from visiting spiritual places to remaining in awe at the sight of architectural or natural wonders of the world. From losing myself in stories with a guide from Kathmandu to flying in a hydroplane over the Rocky Mountains in Canada, I’d say giving this sport a try is not so hard, or is it?
In the end, I told Cristina that I’m in! Let’s see if a 40 year old guy that has never set foot on a ski track may learn how to ski. And I want to thank the ones from the Romanian travel agency for encouraging me to embrace this challenge.
Next step: where to start learning. “Well, have a look at our best offers”, said Cristina. I did have a look at the list of offers from Eximtur and found that there are good offers for every budget and desire. Obviously, Austria leads by far with no less than 569 vacation packages. Even here, in Romania there are 59 offers, but on the second position is Switzerland with 96 travel deals. Bulgaria would also be an idea since I haven’t been there in a long time and they have really low prices: I found something at 19 Euros per person in an apart-hotel from Pamporovo. Hard to choose from!
In the end, I said to myself that since Renate from Kaprun came with this idea, why not try to make my entrance on skis in the resort that is just a few tumbles away from Salzburg. It is a city that really impressed me and which I haven’t visited since 1992.
At the moment I am putting together the very last details. The Big Challenge will be sometime in February and most probably will take place in Austria, at Kaprun. Until that moment comes, I have to brace myself for this unique experience!
How about you, guys? Experienced ones or even amateurs, is it an amazing feeling? Is it hard to learn how to ski…even at the age of 40? Please, tell me. Thank you!
Hello! I saw your post on pinterest. I learned how to snowboard in the United States last year at age 33. And my roommate is learning downhill skiing at 34. I say go for it! It is fun! And a good, new challenge. I would highly recommend taking a lesson, because learning from an instructor can be much easier than trying to learn from a friend (or even significant other) who may not remember how challenging it can be in the beginning.
I’m excited to hear about the adventure!
Thank you ! Really encouraging
I will definitely have an instructor, I think this is a must when you don’t know anything about skiing. And I will certainly write about my experience ! Including how it is to be zero-starter !