The Magic of Skiing

What is it about skiing that unites, so intensely, such a large group of skiers from all walks of life? At least for me, I feel connected to people in a way that bonds us all so closely together. The PDG was one example of that. Sure, many folks don’t like the crowds and media generated by such an event. But to see coming together, all the different people from all over the world, from all different backgrounds and beliefs, really shows what a closely knit group of people we are. And talk about different ways of experiencing the thang we call skiing! From skiing a steep North Face in Spring, to floating through a winter forest while it’s absolutely dumping, from cruising perfect corn down Creblet, to touring up an isolated valley, nothing can really match the splendor and magic of skiing with friends.

I’m off to Greenland for my 10th season, to play in the glaciers and fjords along the West Coast near Maniitsoq.  The helis are in place, the fuel cached, the boats are organized, and the volcano in Iceland has stopped erupting. So it looks like we might pull it off again! Have a look at Greenland Heliskiing where I hope to send a few updates over the next 3 weeks.

With Verbier’s winter season coming to an end, I already miss my gorgeous community of clients and friends. I hope we get to experience more wonderful adventures in the hills soon again.

This entry was posted in Off Piste Skiing on by .

About Hans Solmssen

I am a professional mountain guide living in Verbier, Switzerland. I grew up on the Big Island of Hawaii after my father moved to Hawaii to teach at Hawaii Preparatory Academy. He created a horse program at this high school, located in the middle of the largest, privately owned cattle ranch in the US. Horses were a major part of my life, even playing polo for a few years. I moved to northern Vermont to go to school, and discovered skiing. Little did I know, this would become my life's passion: guiding friends and clients over the mountains around the world on skis and foot. I moved to Verbier, Switzerland in 1982, and entered the Swiss guide's program in '88. I received my UIAGM "pin" 3 years later in 1991. I have two kids, Anya and Kevin.

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