Reading. (B1+)

I used to feel perfectly at ease on the slopes. As an experienced skier, I had trust in my instincts and my equipment, and generally always felt in control. That all changed a few years ago, though. Now, my skis rest in my attic collecting dust, and they will remain there for the rest of my life – all because of one fateful day that nearly cost me my life.

The day started out like any other in the ski resorts where I used to train. There was a sunny sky and a cold mountain air swirling around me. I had been skiing with my friends for a few hours when I told them I was going back to the cabin for a break. Then, on my way back, I came across a very steep slope just outside the resort. I couldn’t resist the challenge! Alone and at the top of what looked like the most difficult ski slope I had ever seen, I was very excited. A quarter of the way down, however, my excitement turned to panic as I felt a low but steady rumble beneath me. The snow at my feet began to tremble and although I had never been the victim of an avalanche before, I could still recognise the signs.

The next thing I knew, I was screaming with pain on a helicopter flying towards a hospital. The snow had broken my leg and had knocked me unconscious and, miraculously, five hours later, I had been rescued. I was later told that the rescue team wasn’t even looking for survivors – even my friends thought I had just returned to the cabin and were calling my mobile phone to tell me about what happened. The team just happened to see my skis lying on top of the snow.

I still think about the foolish decision I made that day that almost cost me my life. First, I didn’t tell my friends where I was going when I wandered off and, second, I took on a slope that was far too dangerous. My need for excitement, that rush that only extreme sports can give, had got the better of me. Now, my children are advanced skiers and I’m quite sure they would never make the same mistake I did. As for me, I surprisingly don’t miss skiing that much.

I’m content to sip hot chocolate in a ski cabin rather than go out on the slopes.