Skiing is the Next Best Thing to Having Wings

A little more than ten years ago, listening to the nice experiences of others and wanting to try something new, skiing became a part of my life, giving me a fantastic experience. As I normally like sports, spending time in nature, having fun and spending time with dear people, all of this influenced me to be a regular guest on the snow trails.

Being on fresh air and sun on top of the mountain, even when it is cloudy makes the natural vitamin D effect on your body much stronger than any supplement that you may take. Spending time outdoors at high altitudes will rejuvenate and refresh you better than anything else.

Skiing means fitness for me, you become tougher and stronger version of yourself without even noticing it. Walking up a mountain, going down a trail, engage all your muscles. The aerobic and cardiovascular exercises you do while skiing have been proven to reduce stress levels in the body, while in turn stimulating the production of endorphins, the "hormone of happiness" that makes us calm and in a good mood.

Skiing is freedom for me, a form of meditation, you can focus only on that particular moment when you are on track, on top of the mountain, forget about all problems and enjoy the silence. Skiing provides not only sporting excitement, but also an absolute connection with nature. There is a saying that skiing is the next best thing to having wings. When you climb to the top of the mountain and stand on the fresh snow looking at the endless mountain peaks all around you, you feel like you are in a dream.

Skiing is friendship for me, there is no better way to connect with people and way to get to know somebody. It connects people regardless of their nationality, age or skiing skills. It is a journey in which you create unforgettable lasting memories and a chance to get to know interesting people from all around the world, different cultures and customs.

Skiing is an adaptable sport that you can do no matter how old you are, you need good will and a desire to try something new and once you learn you can ski even in your later years, just reducing and dosing the speed of descent down the mountain peaks. You have to prepare physically for skiing, i.e. you have to get your body in shape, especially if it's your first time on skis, when you'll spend a lot more strength and energy until you learn. It is recommendable to start preparations as soon as possible, even a several months before going to the mountain.

I am the president of the association of skiers „Snow Team Vršac“ which every year organizes skiing for our fellow citizens. Apart from ski centres in Serbia and neighbouring area (Kopaonik, Jahorina, Bansko, Krvavec), I would certainly single out incredible Alps and ski centres that I visited in France (Les 3 Vallées, Tignes, Val d'Iser, La Plagne, Les Arcs, Alpe d'Huez, Les 2 Alpes, Serre Chevalier, Montgenèvre, Val d'Allos), Italy (Sestriere, Cervinia) and Switzerland (Zermatt).

I carry a lot of good memories and good things that recreational skiing has brought me, which is why I would recommend it to everyone who is able to try it. It is impossible to describe the emotions that being on high mountain peaks causes with just words and pictures. If I could say it in one sentence, I would say that it is something that makes me smile and good humoured. Skiing is not just a hobby, it's a passion, it's not just a sport, it's a way of life.

Author: Dejan Manojlović, Operations Expert of Manufacturing Site Packaging Centre, Hemofarm A.D.

Source: Hemofarm Foundation - Skiing is the Next Best Thing to Having Wings (fondacijahemofarm.org.rs)