And so it happened
I packed my car, two pairs of skis, camping gear and off I went. All I knew was that I was going to ski, and ski lots, in British Columbia. When and where and how and for how long? I didn't know. 9,000 kilometers, old and new friends, beautiful mountains and real champagne powder. I love to travel with serendipity
I discovered new meaning to word "skiing". It made me complete and I finally realized that I can't stop skiing. Actually, I am just starting. Sarah Burke, the Canadian skier who died just before I left on my trip once said: I’ll leave a guy in bed if the powder is fresh. Good sex is good sex, but powder days are seriously special. And that sums it up. Those who understand, understand. Those who don't, well, that's ok, we are all different. My trip was not just about skiing powder and endless staring over tops of the mountains. What made this trip special were people. I got to visit some of my old friends and I got to meet some of the most amazing strangers I ever met. Some of their names I don't even remember as I just joined them to ski that gnarly face. Some of them turned into friends for a few days or maybe for life. I would like to thank all of them. The guy who skied the North Bowl in Shames with me. The ladies from Nelson whom I joined in Whitewater. The guys from Rossland who broke trail up Mt.Plewman, the Terrace couchsurfing family whose couch I never used but the stew was delicious and many many others. My special thanks go to my friends in Coquitlam, Viki and Peter who let me stay in their cozy place and made me feel like part of their family. Andy, who showed me Whistler and Blackcomb backcountry. Andy is over 7 feet tall (I am 5'2) but somehow I managed to keep up with him. Vlad '"zlaticko" from the Kootenays who welcomed me to his little cabin and shared green smoothies and his feelings with me. It felt as if we had known each other for ever. And I would like to thank Patricia, Rudy and Darryl from Valemount, random paople who invited me on the trip to the Cariboos. I had such an amazing time with these wonderful people in the middle of gorgeous mountains. I don't know what else to say. I hope that one day, I will return what was given to me- hospitality, friendships, generosity. Life is good Milada 
"Whatever degree of skill a skier may possess, he should never forget that his skis are after all only an instrument, a means through which he can enjoy the winter in all its glory and ruggedness, can breathe clean fresh air, can meet human beings in their true character, and can forget all the petty troubles which beset our so-called civilization. These are a few of the reasons why skiing is not merely a sport - it is a way of life." -- Otto Schniebs -
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