The Epistle of Q — Chapter Eight

Q #1
Ought skiing and/or other winter sports to be publicly supported form of winter exercise?

On Monday I returned to my favourite ski hill and managed in the short time I had available, to get in eight runs and over four thousand vertical metres of skiing. There were a wide assortment of people on the hill, including more than a few people over the age of 65. There was one moment when the group of four I was skiing with stopped after getting off the lift and looked out on a glorious sight — mountains in the distance, the Thompson Plateau below us on one side and the Okanagan Valley below us on the other side and some wispy clouds floating around. It was inspiring with greens, blues, whites of nature balancing the multiple colours of ski clothes. And that was before we again headed down one of our favourite runs for four minutes of wonderful turning and gliding and laughing and for some of us, even singing. I know my mental health was reinforced and probably enhanced by the experience. And one of my good friends, who is battling an illness, certainly was on top of his sense of humour.

It got me thinking about the state of our community, in fact of our country. And I wondered if it might not help overcome some of the winter blues and blahs if every citizen was to be given three day passes throughout the season to go to a mountain, to get above the clouds, even if only to ride the chair up and back down. On our hill we have a number of skiers who are well north of 80, including one who is an instructor emeritus and will still offer his services to the older set to help them learn to ski, if only on the bunny hill. I’m sure similar people could be found on almost any ski hill.

For those thinking that downhill skiing is too dangerous or at least too scary, maybe alternatives such as cross-country skiing, tobogganing, snow-shoeing, tubing could be substituted. The idea is that people are encouraged in the summer to go out and walk the trails in their cities or towns, to bike, to swim in lakes or rivers… all open and at no direct cost — we see this as a way to improve the well-being of the populace. But, come winter, even walking can be difficult if the trails are not cleaned. Yet oft-times wintertime sees less sunshine and has an increase in depression. Getting people out into nature might be just the antidote needed!!

So I’m suggesting we push our departments of health to consider ways to facilitate getting everyone up onto the hills or into the woods or at least out onto the trails on skis or snowshoes. By providing a three day pass, not to be used consecutively it would give each Canadian one day each winter month to leave home and try something outdoors. Eventually, as it toughens people up a bit it might even cut down on colds and flu bugs; in the meantime it will brighten their outlook and perk up their spirits. And it might even get families to try an outing together.

Just musing, after a wonderful day of seeing beauty and serenity away from the madding crowd and getting some fresh air and healthy exercise in the process. Would have been even better if you had been with us…

g.w.