Now I’m getting my Alpine gear together for my trip next month so a quick recap. Holiskis and don’ts and the frozen penis.
Yes frostbite can get you just when, and where, you don’t expect.
And that for Olympic 50km cross country skier Remi Lindholm, in the -26C chills of Beijing, means in the nether regions.
Once frostbitten
For Finland’s Remi it was rather surprisingly and fortunately not the first time.
He had suffered the same inconvenience in Ruka in his homeland last year.
Remi said: ‘When the body parts started to warm up after the finish the pain was unbearable.’
Remi had come prepared though with a heat pack but it seems that that’s not enough to combat those temperatures or exertions.
So the best piece of advice would be not to ski a 50km Olympic race in -26C temperatures.
Blue run, run, run
Just as well then that I’ll be sticking to the Blue Run in Val D’Isere.
And Ski France’s guides for what to take with you… to keep warm and safe.
Beginner’s pluck
Firstly if you’ve not skied before try getting down to your local dry ski slope.
And mine is in Scotland and Ireland like me then they’re at Hillend, near Edinburgh and Kilternan, near Dublin.
If you’re lucky enough to live in The Scottish Highlands (and then you are lucky) and you have a snowy slope nearby.
You can always learn to ski when you can get there.
I’d guard though against learning with your partner after my first experiences on the snow.
Ploughing the depths
When I went careening into Claire in Aviemore.
And didn’t snow plough in time and left her with a multicoloured bruise.
Which was there for all to see when we assembled in the swimming pool later.
All of which tells you that your ski pants aren’t guaranteed protection against out-of-control skiers.
So yes, helmet and goggle up and get a padded ski jacket, pants and gloves.
Pride comes before a fall
Master too your fall and how to get back up.
And get on and off your gondola.
And the answer to your question: what happened to me after I’d taken Claire out of the game.
Yes, she emasculated me… giving me the Let’s Be Friends speech before the night was out.
And only a week left of our holiday too.
The worst break
And let me tell you the worst ski injury you can endure is a broken heart.
Maybe just in case though follow this. Holiskis and Don’ts and the frozen penis.
