One day 'till I move ... Should I stay or should I go?

It's around now whenever I have made a huge decision that I begin to have highly irrational thoughts about the future I am creating.  

The resounding support I have received from others, some of which I hardly know, (a lovely lady from boot camp added me as a Facebook friend to track my journey) suggests that lots of people think I can do this. 

But can I? Am I really good enough to become a PROFESSIONAL ski instructor? Is it really possible to turn your hobby into a career? What if I suddenly realize, actually I'm not that bothered about skiing? 

A couple of days ago I had to sign a form that stated I was an Austrian resident. As I shakily scribbled something that resembles a signature I suddenly understood...this is actually happening. 

So to bury my head in the sand for a tad longer I 'researched' some historical ski attire. Some of these are brilliant...

The 50's...

The 60's...

The 70's... Your eyes may begin to hurt from now on!

The 80's...

The 90's... Lady Diana showing us how it's done. 

And little old me, showing you how its done in the noughties...

Now that I felt suitably distracted- this is an ongoing process- I began to think about why I am doing this. 

I look at the picture of four year old McKenzie and remember the magical times I had in ski-school. Now a more experienced skier I can offer and create these memories for other little (and big) people and that concept fills me with excitement. 

My goal of being one of the 'greatest' ski instructors may be a tad unrealistic. A goal of being a happy and memorable one, I think I can achieve. 

Now it is time to stop philosophically writing and start making these dreams come true. 

-Today we're starting by getting food shopping and loo roll for my new home. 

Not so glamorous and magical hey!

Will be back soon writing from my new home!
One girl, Two skis xox 

Three days to go... Am I really ready to be a mountain girl?

When we arrived in Austria, I was greeted by a few droppings left from a little mouse. Having previously found a dead mouse snuggled in the blankets of our sofa (I screamed so loud, I think I caused an avalanche)  I cautiously searched the house (bed and slippers included) for the culprit of these dirty droppings. 

My Mum chuckled at me, I was going to have to get used to this if I was going to be living here all the time. 

So, Am I really ready to be a mountain girl? 

I'm not sure. Back home in England, I'm a notoriously 'girly, girl'. I take great pleasure in meticulously applying my make-up/ war paint. I enjoy spending hours over my correctly placed hair. My rather extensive collection of MAC Cosmetics will confirm these statements. 

I am aware I'm going to have to switch my Kurt Geiger's for a pair of mountain climbers, but I'm not sure I'm ready to take the plunge yet. I like to wear ballgowns...

...And Party Dresses... 

...And wear hat's and go to the races!

Perhaps there's somewhere in the middle... A mountain dress for a mountain girl?

I'm not sure. Maybe it's okay to be both. As long as I manage to avoid the mascara mountain smudges and overworking the hair, perhaps a sneaky bit of lippy and a swish of blusher will be alright? 

Let me know what you think...

One girl, Two skis xox

  

Boot Camp... Austria Style

On Sunday we arrived in Austria, Embach. Our journey took two days longer than expected, but it was worth every second. 

Arriving here reminded me why I decided to move. The air, the mountains, the tranquility. However I can become very lazy. 

My motivational Mummy set up an Austrian style boot camp, that consisted of me carrying the logs for our fire to the house; sit-ups; skipping and running. All in walking boots and jeans. 

Here's what happened...

That's all for today. Only four days until I move to Kaprun and begin training! Exciting times!!

One girl, Two Skis xox

And we're off!... Just

Today my adventure began. In the wise words of my parents 'You're adventure starts once you've passed Sainsbury's.'

However, my adventure was abruptly halted as my car Rita decided to have a tantrum and break down. 

She kindly decided to do this at midnight, when we were tired and frustrated... this led to us abandoning our ferry crossing and calling the trusty AA. 

Unlike our usual journeys, we booked a hotel and had a lovely big breakfast whilst Rita revived the TLC she needed. Thanks to my brilliant Daddy the car parts were found and she was hopefully fixed! 

Now we have sleepily crawled on to the ferry and hope that Rita will get us across France, Belgium, Germany and Austria- a big ask of any car, never mind a 12 year old corsa!

Will let you know how it goes...

One girl, Two ski's xox

If the boot fits...

Finding boots, that don't cause me any pain has been very difficult. This video will show you some of the annoying comments skiers make who have ill fitting boots. 

The guy who made this is pretty bang on...However I can assure you, that build up of lactic acid down the side of your 'too wide' feet is bloomin' painful after an eight hour day. And yes 'my arches do hurt!' 

Having high arches means that there is little support under your foot and again can be very painful. 

To solve this, after much research I found the guys at backcountry UK. Based in Ilkley, their fantastic boot fitting service means that extra support can be added in areas such as the arch and ankle bones. 

.backcountryuk

A massive thank you goes to Phil, who worked so hard to get the boots in time for when I moved. The boot fitting process itself is amazing.

All boots are heated and molded to make them wider and more comfortable. They pinpoint the key areas that needed to be made wider and areas that need extra support. 

....And this is what you end up with! These boots are incomparable to my last pair and I can honestly say that a good fit will make the world of difference. Once again a massive thank you to the team at Backcountry! 

My Mum, My Mountain, My Manager!

My Mummy is the awesomest. She shouts at the sidelines, she gives the best cuddles and mostly she is the cinnamon to my bun. 

For my Birthday she has employed a good family friend to create a logo and merchandise for the One girl, Two skis blog. 

These include T-Shirts, Mugs, Key Rings... You name it she'll make it and I'm so pleased with the overall finish!

A massive thank you to Mark, who has created these. Would definitely recommend his work. The link for his details is below! 

MC Power Panels

Adios Amigos
One Girl, Two skis. 

One Door Closes, Another one opens...

It's my last day working with the amazing VS team at Nostell Priory. I have been there for the last three years, starting as a volunteer and then becoming an employee. 

I'm a little bit gutted to be leaving. My friends on the team have watched me grow from the 'blue haired, crazy fifteen year old' to the 'adult adventurer' I am today. 

Until about 10 seconds ago leaving hadn't felt real. It's only now, when I've got a cracking hangover and I don't have to scramble in my room for the rota, to see what time I've got to be at work! 

My Nostell Family have given me the best send of. Their generous gifts, cards and best wishes are so thoughtful and just highlight how much they know me. Again the Nostell induced hangover I have suggests a great time was had... 

But to VS... I will miss you so much. Struggling not to howl in front of visitors; all the inside jokes 'I don't drink tea'; the daft games we play to keep ourselves amused... SHARK!! Are just a sentence's worth of memories I will cherish. 

Thank you so much Nostell for having me. I've been very lucky to have worked here, it's been such a perfect first job. As I move on to my next adventure, I will never forget you. I will be back for tea.

Love, 

no longer the 'blue haired girl'...

One girl, Two skis.