Introduction
There are few pleasures as complete as a clear morning on a mountain after fresh snow.
For Ismail Bhai, skiing combines the things he values most: discipline, the outdoors and time with family. These notes are for anyone drawn to the mountains, whether on a first lesson or a fortieth season.
On a mountain in winter, the world becomes very quiet, and very clear.
Why the Mountains
A day on skis asks for full attention. The cold air, the rhythm of turns and the scale of the landscape leave little room for anything else, and that is its gift. Skiers often speak of returning to the city with their thoughts reordered.
Technique
- Stance. Ankles flexed, hands forward, weight centred over the feet.
- Look ahead. Eyes down the hill, not at the skis.
- Edges. Turns are made by rolling the skis onto their edges, not by twisting.
- Rhythm. A steady pole plant sets the tempo for each turn.
Preparation
Strong legs and a steady core make every day on the mountain better and safer. Squats, lunges and balance work in the weeks before a trip pay off on the first run. Dress in layers, protect against the sun at altitude, drink plenty of water and wear a helmet.
Safety
The Skier Responsibility Code, followed at resorts across the United States, is simple: stay in control, give way to people ahead of you, stop where you are visible, look uphill before starting, observe every sign and closure, and know how to use the lifts safely. Respect for others is the first rule of the mountain.
A Family Pursuit
Skiing is one of the rare sports a family can share across generations. Ismail's wife, Rozmeen Bhai, is a skier as well, and the mountains have long been a place for the family to be together. More at rozmeenbhai.com.
The Author
Ismail Bhai lives in Dallas, Texas, with his family. He is a lifelong cricket enthusiast, a wildlife photographer, a skier and a member of the Shia Ismaili Muslim community, and he writes on insurance and the management of risk. More at ismailbhai.com.