The first thing you realise is that it’s really wide, like five times wider than the slope you practiced on with mum. The second is that even here at the top, you’re pretty sure it’s steeper — or maybe the fact it’s wide that makes it look steep. There are loads of skiers about, but because it is huge it’s not crowded. In the distance the slop disappears behind a dip and you wonder if that is the steep bit mum was talking about.
As a group you ski down the slope, going from one side to the other. By the time you’re about halfway, you’re beginning to feel a bit more confident, but Lucy is looking worried, holding mama’s hand as she slides down the slope, mama doing most of the braking.
“Want to go on ahead?” mum asks.