I like skiing so much. So, when the skiing season is over in March, I am already anxiously awaiting the next skiing season which is nine months away. In the midst of the people who are glad at the coming of spring, there is a man who is already waiting for the next winter.

I first became acquainted with skiing when I went on the graduation trip during my days at my previous university. My first time skiing, I couldn’t ski very well, and the whole experience consisted of my butt hurting, my knees being sore, and my whole body crying out in pain. The thought crossed my mind that I would never ski again. However, the thought of just giving up annoyed me so, three days before my new job ceremony, I decided to try it just one more time. As before, I couldn’t ski well, but something about it grabbed hold of me. I felt the exhilaration of gliding with nature all around me. Since then, I have been possessed by a ski demon.

This season will make it eight years since then. Of course, I have my own skis and boots. Skiing is a sport I want to continue my whole life for my health and as a hobby. In Japan, where the snowboard fad continues, won’t you try skiing with me?

From Hiroshima, where the winds of spring have blown.

我が一生の趣味　スキー

　私は、スキーをするのが大好きだ。３月でスキーシーズンが終わると、すぐに次のシーズンである９ヵ月後がとても待ち遠しくなる。春が来て喜ぶ人の中に、すでに冬を待つ人、約１名。

　スキーとの出会いは、前の大学時代の卒業旅行。初めてのスキーは、あまりにも滑れなくて、お尻は痛いわ、ひざは痛いわ、全身筋肉痛だわと、さんざんな内容。二度とスキーなんてやるか、と一度は思ったものの、このままやめるのもなんか癪にさわったので、入社式の３日前に、もう一度だけと行ってみたら、同じくうまくは滑れなかったものの、何かをつかんだ気がした。自然の中で滑走することの爽快感を私は感じたのだ。それ以来、私はスキーの魔物にとりつかれてしまった。

　今シーズンで、はや８年目。スキー板もブーツももちろんすべて自前。スキーは健康のためにも、趣味として生涯続けていきたいスポーツである。スノーボードブームが続く日本。一緒にスキーもしてみませんか？

春一番が吹いた広島より