Skiing in the Andes



Day 2 Santiago
We got up very early to head for the Andes to ski. We piled intp a mini van with some girls from Brazil and two guys who worked for the hostel. Thus began a terrifying yet beautiful journey up a winding (a gross understatement), single laned road to Valle Nevado. There were literally 180 degree turns! No joke! We climbed strangely enough to the sounds of the Presets. Yes, our Chilian guides loved Aussie music! Thankfully our driver was very skilled, avoiding oncoming traffic, horses, and falling rocks. I asked how often he made this journey and was greatly encouraged when he said he did this drive 5 times a week.
The mountains were capped with snow and the roads lined with the unlikely mixture of cacti and cherry blossoms. A furniture removalist van had stopped by the road for its occupants to have an impromptu snow fight. A lonely musician wandered the track playing a mini electric piano suspended from his neck.

At the top the view was stunning. You cannot look out on such a remarkable landscape and deny there is a God. It is a testament to his magnificience.
With boots and skis in tow we made our way to our ski lesson. Skiing is surprisingly strenuous! At 4000m above sea level I lasted 1 1/2hrs into the lesson before the altitude got the better of me; short of breath, nauseous and dizzy. However, Tiff was a whizz at skiing and quickly became the teacher's pet. I spent the rest of the day spectating and drinking hot chocolate which to my delight I was assured was the best medicine for altitude sickness! It was sooo much fun tho and I cant wait to try it again...mum, dad want do you think of a family holiday to NZ? Japan maybe? Perisher?