We have just finished our first week teaching English groups. There were a lot of families here, as it was Christmas week. The weather was not kind to them. We had cloud and snow most days and a horrible wet Christmas Eve. On the positive side Christmas Days was a glorious sunny day and the snow was in good condition. We all had a great day, which washed away the memory of the previous day’s soaking..
I should mention the social side of Christmas; EL CAU held a Christmas Party, aimed mainly at families. A more grown up party was in full swing in the QUO VADIS bar when I left. Christmas day was a working day for instructors, most of whom had a class at 9.
STUART (BBA) bribed me into dressing as Santa Claus and distributing presents to the guest having Christmas lunch. The bribe consisted of unlimited beer in the bar of the PALARINE, whilst dressed as Santa. I made the most of this offer until I realised that I maybe disillusioning the younger guests, into thinking that Santa Claus was an alco-junky. I decided to retire to my room, with a very soggy beard.
On Boxing Day morning there was a fresh fall of snow in the village. I am looking forward to seeing the new arrivals tomorrow. These lucky guests will enjoy a fabulous fancy dress party, on New Year’s Eve, with drinks included at the PALARINE. Sadly New Year’s day is a normal working day for instructors. It is a great lifebeing an instructor but sometime, it has disadvantages.
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Saturday, December 19, 2009
GREAT EXPECTATIONS.
We had a big snow fall at the beginning of November and again during the first week of December, so we had great expectations for a great season. Most of that snow disappear during a warm spell but for the last week it has been very cold, so the snow cannons have been on and the pistes are now in good condition. On the night of Friday 19th we had a small dusting of snow. It was just enough to brighten up things. However there was just about enough to bring London to a complete stand still.
We are all expecting an increase of number of guests this season. Last year, like most other resorts, we had few visitors due to the world financial situation. Tomorrow, Sunday 20th December, we will see the arrival of our first British groups of the season. Some instructors may be in the bars, observing the new arrivals, looking out for the fit ones. It is not good if you have some unfit ones in their group. They are more prone to hurt themselves and find it difficult keeping up with the rest of the group.
Skiing is a physically demanding sport. I must admit that after my first few days of skiing this season, my poor little Scottish legs had very stiff and tender thighs. I did try to get as much exercise as I could before the start of the season. Even then I felt slight discomfort in the evenings.
I have found that guest who are reasonably fit tend to enjoy their skiing more. I realise that not everyone has the time or inclination to visit one of the many gyms that have sprung up all over towns. Those who go should consult the professional trainers, for advice on suitable exercises for skiers. For the rest of you, who will be the vast majority, I would suggest taking part in any exercise that you enjoy will improve your skiing. One of the simplest exercises is just walking up stairs. I really do believe that any extra activity will benefit your safety and comfort.
I hope to meet lots of you,+ fit or not, in the near future and feel sure that you will thoroughly enjoy Arinsal.
We are all expecting an increase of number of guests this season. Last year, like most other resorts, we had few visitors due to the world financial situation. Tomorrow, Sunday 20th December, we will see the arrival of our first British groups of the season. Some instructors may be in the bars, observing the new arrivals, looking out for the fit ones. It is not good if you have some unfit ones in their group. They are more prone to hurt themselves and find it difficult keeping up with the rest of the group.
Skiing is a physically demanding sport. I must admit that after my first few days of skiing this season, my poor little Scottish legs had very stiff and tender thighs. I did try to get as much exercise as I could before the start of the season. Even then I felt slight discomfort in the evenings.
I have found that guest who are reasonably fit tend to enjoy their skiing more. I realise that not everyone has the time or inclination to visit one of the many gyms that have sprung up all over towns. Those who go should consult the professional trainers, for advice on suitable exercises for skiers. For the rest of you, who will be the vast majority, I would suggest taking part in any exercise that you enjoy will improve your skiing. One of the simplest exercises is just walking up stairs. I really do believe that any extra activity will benefit your safety and comfort.
I hope to meet lots of you,+ fit or not, in the near future and feel sure that you will thoroughly enjoy Arinsal.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Blog 1
Saturday 12th December and I have just had my first run of the season.. I arrived in Arinsal on Thursday night and received my usual friendly welcome from Maria and Graham at the Palarine Hotel. Stuart (Best Barman in Andorra) was not his usual cheerful self, he supports Liverpool therefore it is understandable. On Friday I started my bureaucratic paper chase to get my work permit.
Saturday was cold, bright and clear, so I went up to the ski station. The air was cold and the snow canons were making snow until after lunch. The sky was that deep intense blue that we do not get at home, so everything looked great. There had been good snowfalls earlier, but these were followed by a warm spell, therefore lot of the earlier snow had gone, leaving a good firm base. There were a few bare patches but with such good visibility they were easy to spot.
It is quite usual for me to fall on my first run. I am so keen to have my first run that. I often forget to tighten my ski bindings. (It is a good practice to loosen the springs for the summer.) I have often sprung out off my bindings on the first sharp turn. I am certain that all my readers are delighted to hear, that this did not happen this year. I tightened the bindings before going on the fast six seat chairlift.. However without my glasses, my degenerating eyes could not see on what level I had set them. The consequence was that my first run was a very slow tentative one. Just as well that I was not in uniform but wearing an old nondescript jacket. Eventually, when I felt that my skis were not going to fall off, I had a very enjoyable day.
We have another week to play before the first arrival of British groups. The weather has turned colder and there is a rumour that we may have snow this week. H
Saturday was cold, bright and clear, so I went up to the ski station. The air was cold and the snow canons were making snow until after lunch. The sky was that deep intense blue that we do not get at home, so everything looked great. There had been good snowfalls earlier, but these were followed by a warm spell, therefore lot of the earlier snow had gone, leaving a good firm base. There were a few bare patches but with such good visibility they were easy to spot.
It is quite usual for me to fall on my first run. I am so keen to have my first run that. I often forget to tighten my ski bindings. (It is a good practice to loosen the springs for the summer.) I have often sprung out off my bindings on the first sharp turn. I am certain that all my readers are delighted to hear, that this did not happen this year. I tightened the bindings before going on the fast six seat chairlift.. However without my glasses, my degenerating eyes could not see on what level I had set them. The consequence was that my first run was a very slow tentative one. Just as well that I was not in uniform but wearing an old nondescript jacket. Eventually, when I felt that my skis were not going to fall off, I had a very enjoyable day.
We have another week to play before the first arrival of British groups. The weather has turned colder and there is a rumour that we may have snow this week. H
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