Snow joke – unless you’re in Andorra

Amazing how a little skiff of snow can paralyse life in Northern Ireland.  Living in Moira this morning I was late in for work because … I couldn’t get my car out of the driveway!

What a contrast to the little Principality of Andorra and the many other skiing resorts throughout Europe and the rest of the world where the roads are kept safe by diligent local authorities while the slopes are kept manicured for the visiting tourists.

We had our first ever family ski holiday last week in Andorra. We didn’t quite know what to expect and borrowed a shed load of ski gear  (just in case we never went again).

While the coach trip from Toulouse to Andorra was a little taxing (and scary) the scenery was simply stunning.

So what does a 40 something do when you arrive on the first day and feel like giving up?  Sore limbs, rickety knee, impatience summed up my experience on day one. Contemplating giving up, hitting the hotel internet cafe and doing some work, I decided to chill a little for a day or two before hitting the slopes for the rest of the week (without the benefits of ski school). And you know what? I did alright!

One of the highlights was the night’s craic we had doing Arinsal by night and bombing down the slopes on sledges.  Boy does that bring out the child in you.

As usual, while parents struggle coming to terms with something very different, our three boys thrived with the eldest two managing black runs by day 4.

So would I recommend a winter ski hol?  Absolutely.  I can’t remember how long ago it is since we had such good fun, enjoyed so much healthy fresh air and releaxed so much …. except walking up those darn hills in the resort!

DMcC

The joys of ski school