I lived about 10 km from Tochal ski resort between Iran and Russia next to the Caspian Sea. So I went skiing every winder for the few years I lived there. On my first day learning, the instructor took us right at the top and when I got off the piste was nearly a vertical wall. I saw someone flying by me like a lightening. I was terrified and took my skies off and crawled down. I eventually learnt how to ski after couple of sessions (by myself this time). The other problem was it took 5 minutes to slide downhill but took a good 30 minutes to get back up again and the gear was a bit too cumbersome, and it costs too much if you do not live near a ski resort. I do like skiing for the scenery and atmosphere. The air is always fresh and it is a perfect break to unwind.