Today was our first ski trip to Jegersberg. This area is already known for us from previous trips, but there are still many paths and trails, that we are not familiar with. Today we were to try out various terrains for skiing there. Jegersberg was a great area to explore each of our individual skiing abilities, because of the uneven terrain and snow condition which made it a challenge even for those who was quite good on skis, because there was little traction and the wax couldn’t help much either. We applied wax to our skis right there in the field this time.

Our veileader Len guided us through these areas waiting for everybody and observing how we were all doing. He gave us enough time and didn’t push us anywhere so we could learn from our own experience and mistakes by taking our time to accomplish various terrain obstacles.

Our day trip consisted of two parts: the one that I just described and the second one – coordination and balance practice. After lunch we were to do some downhill skiing with turnings, squats, skiing on one leg and so on. This way we were to feel better in the future with these wooden planks attached to our feet. This challenge revealed what we need improving and for myself I discovered that my turning range was much wider than I would prefer and I also couldn’t get skating technique right. Len made comments on each of us: encouraging and advising of what we did or should do differently.

After this balance and coordination training we were free to do whatever we wanted so a part of our group decided to ski around the Jegersberg on a big lap made for skis and the rest just practiced in a small track lap. I joined the group that was heading for the big lap. This was a group of good skiers so I have learned a lot from them just by hanging out with them for an hour or so. This free time with fellow students made me realize that I can do quite well with skis on, although I fell down a couple of times.

Free run

I guess my motivation for today was to explore what can I do and what I can’t – to see where I still have limits and to find out if I was a valuable team member as a skier but most important to have fun and get some fresh air together with a good company. And I reached these goals today, I found out what are my weaknesses, what will I have to improve and just had a great time.

This is the greatest way to learn something – just going out there and doing it, this is what we’re missing in my home university.

P.S. Sorry for my English…