Wow, time genuinely flies! It feels like just yesterday I was setting off to kick off my NZSIA ski training, and now here I am, already reflecting on the first seven days.
It’s been a whirlwind of a week. Settling into my accommodation in Wanaka was pretty hectic, especially since it’s a hostel and it almost feels like I’m back to uni life. Thankfully, I have no roommates (so far), so having that private space has been a blessing – a quiet corner to decompress after a long day on the mountain.
I’ve also started to get to know my coursemates. It’s a really cool mix of people from New Zealand, Australia, the UK, and Asia. What’s been truly humbling is hearing everyone’s stories – from young kids on their school break to others who’ve quit their jobs to pursue a passion, and even experienced instructors aiming to improve their qualifications. It’s a powerful reminder of the diverse paths people take to chase what they love.
The ski training itself? It’s been extremely tough, yet incredibly humbling. From the moment we hit the slopes, it was clear this wasn’t just about gliding down a hill. It’s been about going back to the basics and relentlessly drilling those fundamentals. My muscles are definitely feeling it, but every ache is a sign of progress. It doesn’t exactly help that most of my group are young kids, between 16 to 18 years old, and they’re absolute speed demons! I initially found myself constantly trying to keep up, but I quickly learned to take my time and go at my own pace. It’s definitely not a race.
There were certainly moments of struggle early on, feeling a bit clumsy and uncoordinated. But thankfully, my instructor has been incredibly patient. His guidance has made a huge difference, breaking down complex movements into manageable steps, and I’ve gradually started to feel more comfortable and confident on the skis. I can already feel a noticeable improvement, though there’s still plenty of room to grow.
With two more weeks to go, I’m determined to keep pushing myself!