Wow! What a week. It sounds a little indulgent but we'll probably only say (and do) it once in our lives:
"just returned from a week's skiing in Italy". Incredible. One way to really appreciate living in the northern hemisphere. We stayed in the village of Madonna di Campiglio, part of the Italian Alps (the Dolomites) approx 2.5hrs drive from Milan. Our self-contained apartment was right near two main cable cars and from there we had access to 3 different ski resorts with a total of 118 runs. The weather was a great mix of sun, snow and white-outs allowing the kids to see how changeable the mountains can be.
Jessie and Angus both do well on skis and snowboard, but for Sam and Anna it was their first experience of being on skis. They had lessons each morning for 6 days and in the afternoons (after Day 3) we managed to take off all together down the slopes. It was a great moment for Ross and I to see all four of our kids skiing/boarding down the mountain. No broken arms, no massive melt-downs (except when it was truly warranted), and only a teensy bit of sibling rivalry as Sam's 'technique' tried to compete with Anna's 'speed'. I have never smiled so much at seeing Anna gunning it down an intermediate slope in her little red ski suit and her look of confusion when I call out "turn! Anna, turn!". Lets face it, why would she want to turn? It seems that her skiing style is similar to the Italians....they ski like they drive!
Since all the lessons were in a foreign language and Gus and Jess were having a ball just hanging out together we let them off ski school and gave them each a private lesson mid-way through the week. Gus' instructor was John; a big goggles, small face kind of guy who taught him some new tricks at the snow park. Jessie skied with a blonde Italian uni student named Lara who really increased her confidence on the steeper slopes. By the end of the week they were looking everywhere for the best powder side tracks and jumps. Lucky it was compulsory for all kids under 14yrs to wear helmets, especially when Gus bumped his head trying to ride a rail. Ross enjoyed cruising the slopes with all the kids, and for me it was simply great to be skiing in such a majestic place. One of these days I'm going to get myself a lesson on how to look less clumsy on bumps.
There was one day when the weather changed and we had quite an adventure. Remarkably we came out of it unscathed. So memorable in fact it was worth trying to pen a few verses about it. Forgive the lack of rhythm....and enjoy the story!
PIPERS IN A MESS
It started out fine, Day 4 of skiing,
The Dolomites, they were a-singing,
We were on the first lift, Jess, Gus and Mum,
Whilst the little ones to Dad, were a-clinging.
Our morning exploring in a brand new resort,
A snowboard and skis, all we need,
Snowflakes adrift on our gloves in Pinzola,
With Gus constantly taking the lead.
Sam & Anna to lessons with Italian friends to make,
Dad now had 3 hours on his own,
No time to lose with the powder building up,
Get out on the slopes, forget the phone!
Cafe Viviani was the lunch spot place to meet,
All six of us together now, with stories that would keep,
The sun had gone behind a cloud and fog it was a-forming,
The afternoon's adventure was a memory in the dawning.
We took to the slopes - nice and slow
A Piper family snake
Falling snow and pea soup fog
Our 10yr old calling "you're late!"
Mr Impatient was Gus you see,
His snowboard was too quick,
"Stay on this run, don't drift away,
the snow is getting thick".
Jess was happy, leading the turns,
Sam just loved to follow,
Anna charged down on pizza skis
As if there was no tomorrow.
Whilst Sarah was there to catch the slides,
Ross was reading the map,
A fork in the run, so hard to see,
Oh no, we're on the wrong track!
Not long after that and what do we find?
The steepest, longest slope ever,
"Is that run a red? I'm sure it's a black",
Not something we'd planned to endeavour.
But there's no going back at the top of a slope,
So the little ones just had to brave it,
Between our legs, they slipped and they slide-d,
If we'd seen a skidoo, we'd have waved it.
A Dutchman came along, saw us not having fun,
And kindly offered his help to Mum,
He took Anna's skis and delivered them to Ross,
Whilst Anna slid down on her bum.
With Gus now lost, on the slope next door,
Sam & Jessie waiting - WHAT A BORE,
Dad carrying Mum's poles and Anna's skis as well,
And Mum holding Anna who was crying loud as hell.
Ross says "lets keep moving, the chair-lift is not far",
"Not far?" says Sarah, eyes ablaze,"we'll need a ruddy car!"
Amidst all Anna's moaning, Ross comes upon a plan,
He's going to drag 2 kids up hill, like Clarke Kent-Superman.
Sarah takes a minute to think these actions through,
"Our daughter's hypothermic Ross, there's only one thing to do,
I'll get Anna into someplace warm whilst you take Sam up the hill,
Jessie can join me with Anna; I'll pay the hot chocolate bill".
The cafe was more of a restaurant, a ritzy one at that,
But they were kind to Anna, sympathy they did not lack,
Ross returned from his trudge up the hill to find Anna on Mum's lap,
Wrapped in a blanket, noisily drinking, no longer in a flap.
Thank goodness for the Italian man, who drove Anna & Dad up the hill,
Jess & Mum were keen to ski home, hoping to find Gus "yes we will".
The weather was cold and the fog still around with Mum warning Jess against stunts,
But to her surprise she had gone down the slope with her skis in reverse back to front!
As the last lifts closed we found Gus outside home,
No key and needing a wee,
In no time at all the others returned, the little ones cold I confess,
We took a hot bath and remembered the day that the Piper clan got in a mess!
Thanks for persevering right to the end. Here's a much easier work of art to enjoy: A short family ski video kindly produced by Jessie!
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Anna and Sam receive their trophies after races on the
final day of lessons |
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| Stunning scenery in the Dolomites |
