Skiing, a recreational sport and mode of transportation that involves moving over snow by the use of a pair of long, flat, thin boards called skis, attached and bound to shoes or boots. Austin Kimber, a science teacher at Delta High School, Has been skiing for around three years.
“I’m very excited about this season. I feel it will go well. I’m also excited about the Powderhorn and Telluride opening because that’s my favorite place to ski.”
Kimber had decided to take time to really find a good way to find out where to ski and if skiing or snowboarding is a better option for him.
“I can’t really answer if skiing or snowboarding is better truthfully because I’ve never snowboarded before so I guess skiing is my favorite because that’s what I really do. But I’m pretty good at it. I can ski almost every terrain at Powderhorn but there definitely is stuff beyond my skill level.”
This season will be Austin Kimber’s third season and he feels he’s getting better and better every season. He first learned to ski two years ago at Powderhorn and it was the main place he goes to ski today.
“As far as equipment, it’s really important to get fitted well, especially for boots. You need to have boots that fit really well.I think pushing yourself is really important and getting used to it will make you better,” Kimber said.
“My favorite place to ski is Telluride. It is super expensive but it’s really cool and I get deals to go down there from friends. My least favorite place to ski is ski cooper probably because of the time I went because it was early in the season and it was just a sheet of ice. What makes a good skier is the efficiency of movement, but what makes skiing fun and special is the thrill, speed and the connection with nature.” Kimber said.
Thomas Neil is a choir director who teaches at Delta High School who also enjoys the thrill of skiing on the slopes.
Neil has been skiing for six years and has an important opinion about the fine sport known as skiing.
“I have been skiing for six years now and I started right after graduating high school.” Neil said.
He learned at Powderhorn from his uncle who gave him lessons for the whole first season he started skiing.
“It was crucial for me and I highly recommend everyone who wants to learn fast to take lessons of some kind because it will help you get better and faster.’ Neil said.
The saying goes that skiing is easier to pick up but harder to master whereas snowboarding is easier to pick up but easier to master.
“ The meaning of the saying about skiing is that skiing is easier to pick up but all of the technical things can make it quite difficult to become advanced whereas a snowboard is hard to start with but once you figure it out you start to progress quicker.” Kimber said.
It’s important for beginners to take lessons and be patient. Most good skiers started when they were kids and they may have a lot more experience than someone just starting off.
“I am considered an intermediate skier which means my bindings are set a little tighter so my skis don’t pop off as easily in case of a crash or such. I ski blues and blacks.” Neil said.
Neil has great love and passion for the slopes but has certain opinions on what terrain and place is his favorite.
“I really love to ski in the glades, which is when you are out in the trees and the deep powder. These can and are tricky to navigate, but it is so peaceful in a glade and there is so much terrain that will oftentimes remain untouched by other skiers. My least favorite thing to ski is when it is really cold and icy and windy, because my skis are not really made for those conditions and it can become a lot more difficult to navigate the mountain when there is a lot of ice.”
Neil was really stoked for the season, especially after coming off an injury at the end of last season.
“I had a partially torn MCL last winter after skiing into some trees and my leg got twisted up with my skis. I’ve always had bad knees and at first, dealt with them in high school during track and cross country. It’s Just a nasty recurring injury that I keep having to deal with. The only way to recover is to take time off and do some knee exercises.” Neil said
Some skiers say,
Skis are not just a piece of wood, steel and fiberglass. They are tools to escape, a medium for personal expression, a way to challenge fears, push limits and share incredible experiences with your friends and family.
