Do you remember Smila who had a “Sense of Snow?” I loved the book and movie about her, and the way she could interpert subtle changes in the snowy region where she lived, that other people couldn’t see or understand.
I unlike Smila, can make no sense of snow.
In fact, I am mildly afraid of snow, oh heck, make that more than mildly.
My fear comes from growing up in Southern California where there is no snow worth speaking about, and traveling regularly to ski various mountains since I was young. Mammoth in the Sierras has more snow than many high mountain ranges.
There is more snow averaged over the years in Mammoth than the Rocky Mountains. Here is the snow looking out the SECOND FLOOR kitchen window in our rented condo unit today.
Here is the snow resting against our second floor balcony’s sliding glass window. This is a moderate amount of snow for Mammoth in that we have not yet reached 300 inches. In seven winters over the past 45 years, Mammoth has received well over 500 inches of snow, and up to 668! Mammoth averages over 300 inches each year. The snowiest European Alps on average get approximately 380-400 inches of snow, while Andermatt in Switzerland gets around 480 inches a year.
I know all this because I am married to a professor of biostatistics who loves to ski.
Here is the ski route out from our condo to the lifts. I get intimidated with snow because unlike Smila, there are a lot of things I don’t know about it, like how to build a snow cave to survive overnight when I get lost on the come-back trail after the lifts close. I often get lost on the come-back trail as the sun starts to set. Once, years ago, I got lost and didn’t find my way back till well after dark.
I have always skied with guys, first my brother, than boyfriends, husband, son, friends of them, and so on. They always ski better than I do and I focus on keeping up and not breaking my bones. When we are on summits, with whipping winds blowing freezing snow-needles into our faces and practically zero visibility, they get strangely hyped up.
“Awesome,” they say.
“Shit,” I think.
“I can’t see anything and I know it’s steep. I’m dumping them after this run and going alone.”
I do this, and then I get lost on the come-back trail.
Skiing with young guys is particularly fun. “No black diamond runs unless you ask me before.” I emphasize.
“No problem,” they say.
We get down a particularly nasty run and I say, “That was horrible. I don’t ever want to do that again.”
“Look at the bright side,” they say, “You just did another black diamond.”
“Do one thing every day that scares you.”
― Eleanor Roosevelt
I clearly am not as brave as Eleanore Roosevelt. I don’t want to do something scary everyday. Once a year is quite enough for me, thank you Eleanore!
Cheers to you from the stunning, snowy, and sometimes scary Sierras~
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Reblogged this on Smorgasbord – Variety is the spice of life and commented:
This week’s photographs from Cindy Knoke are breathtaking pictures of snow.. along with Cindy’s inner thoughts on the subject. Wonderful at this stage and love the 2nd floor view!!
Cindy’s inner fears on the subject you mean. You are very thoughtful not to mention my scaredy-catness Sally. Thank you my friend! <3
I think the term you are looking for Cindy is ‘Prudence’ the most elegant form of self-preservation there is.. hugs
You have a thoughtful way with words Sally~
Beautiful post and photos, Cindy <3 You know how much I love the snow. I see that even if you're afraid of snow, you've been skiing. 🙂 And that's lovely.
Yep, fear annoys me, so I try and get past it and then I forget about it, until something scares me! 😉 😉
😉
Wow…a double wow considering it is about 30 degrees C here… !!
Today it is around 30F on the ski runs
I will let you keep all that snow. 😉 Because I don’t want to get lost and chilled in it. Besides it looks so pretty where it is. Have you been dragged off to ski fields in Japan yet? A population destination for our NZ skiers after the snow season ends here.
I have never been to Japan, but there are several groups of Japanese skiiers here.
Visiting my sister in Vermont in the full winter, just a few miles from JAY PEAKE where the snow forecast is streamed constantly across the television screen. Retina warning! Ice storm coming! It started scary but by the end of the fortnight I had tried snow shoeing and loved the snow mobile had a look in an ice hole … fishing to extreme sat in a shed on the ice that a week before was lake Champlain. An experience that I am pleased I took. But skiing with my fear of heights didn’t happen, am I a coward… maybe but the firsts I had were life changing.
Your post is wonderful as are your photos. Thanks for the reminder.
Thank you for this wonderful vignette! Those ice storms are nasty! You did the ice-fishing in the ice-house, how fascinating. I have only seen that on nature videos. What an experience. You are in no way a coward. You just enjoy some things more than others.
You are a brave ski queen whooshing down those slopes. I am open to try everything once. X
Once is a good clarifier~
We hardly get any snow here, Cindy. Lovely photos.
Very pleased you enjoyed & cheers to you~
Such wonderful snow, blue skies, fantastic photos Cindy. I’m in awe of your braveness. I used to go skiing with my husband, (who is a keen very accomplished skier,) when I was younger, but gave it up after the last time, as I fell down a cliff edge! I was never a particularly good skier, hence the accident, but I do admire those who are so much. Perhaps in another life….
I admire humble people like you more, who don’t brag about themselves. It speaks of a secure and confidant person. If I fall off a cliff, that would be my last time on skiis too! <3 <3
Ah, so lovely of you Cindy. Yes we’re in agreement on the cliff accident scenario!! Falling off a cliff ain’t much fun!
No, it doesn’t sound like it!
Nature, though destructive, is beautiful. These pictures show them clearly.
Yes, frightening and beautiful, describes it very well!
Love the photos didnt ever seeso much snow piled up at doors and windows so whiteand almost flffy looking though realose its not but am a complete nver been near snow etc wots a black diamond run????? Beautiful post thank gou so much just amazed!!! Totally !
So happy you liked the snow and yes it was pure, fresh, un-marred and beautiful just fallen snos. So beautiful! A black diamond run is a difficult run for expert skiiers. They also have double black diamonds but I have never skiied one.
Well this is different from the holler😊. These are truly beautiful photos, not just to look at, because when it melts it helps your parched state. Good for you for getting out there and ‘enjoying’ this amazing bounty.
Northern Califnornia is in much better shape than Southern California. The Holler has received way too little rain and none in the two week forecast. This Sierra snow pack is a God send for NoCal though and it is wonderful to see it again. The last two years were so dry.
You’re much braver than me! lol… I would never be caught anywhere near skis! 😀
But Wolfie could pull you!!!!! 😉
I’d fall over! Break a bone or two! Might even lens on Wolfie and then even more broken bones 😀 lol
Nah, Wolfie would be a pro and you would be safe. I think????? 😉
I used to like snow very much, because it just belonged to me and I remember well the thriller “Smilla’s Sense of Snow” by Peter Hoeg and thank you for your beutiful post about the sense of snow. Martina
Thank you for knowing Hoeg and for your kind appreciation. Be well Martina~
I haven’t seen that much snow since I lived in northeast Ohio. Even there we didn’t see that much snow. At the most we’d have about two feet except in drifts. Further north, they sometimes got more. Beautiful pictures. Young people seem to enjoy a lot of things I don’t have the energy for anymore. 🙂 — Suzanne.
Yes, as we age, we use our energy more carefully and wisely because we don’t have endeless amounts of it. I did talk to an eighty year old German man who lives in Mammoth on the lifts this morning. He skiis when the snow is good and the crowds are low. Smart man. I do notice a lot of older people on the slopes because it is mid-week. By tommorrow the hordes of young boarders will arrive for the weekend, slamming down the mountain at high speeds, often in poor control. This is when I will go snow-shoeing!
I love snow! Thanks so much for sharing these wonderful snowy photos.
Thank you more for appreciating it!
I grew up with snow like that, so I had a big smile on my face when I saw the all the beautiful snow. “Smila’s sense of snow” is on my favorite books as well. We have actually snow in the forecast for next week and I am excited. 🙂
Yes, growing up with snow makes all the difference. Smila gave the reader such a feeling for a person fully aware of and competent with all the faces of snow. Fascinating book and so pleased you like it too! Hoping for snow for you my friend~
I didn’t know there was a movie about Miss Smilla. Just loved that book. Am presently reading another awesome book set in the snow, this time in Alaska — “The Quality of Silence” by Rosamund Lupton.
Beautiful pictures, Cindy 🙂
I need to look that up since I finished the entire Dana Stabenow series on Alaska. I need a new Alaska book!
If you love Alaska books, I’ve another one for you (in fact, one of the most beautifully written novels I’ve ever read) — “The Snow Child” by Eowyn Ivey. The author actually lives in Alaska, so her word-painting of the landscape is incredible.
I so agree with you! I wrote a reveiw of it in Goodreads. The author blew me away, so young and so brilliant! Here’s the review: http://cindyknoke.com/2012/08/15/the-snow-child-by-eowyn-ivey/
Oh, those images of the group shoveling snow off the roof reminds me of what we had to do in the blizzard aftermath of a few weeks ago. I like one big snow, and then I’m ready for spring. By the way, I hope for lots of snow in your part of the country to bring the much-needed water. I am so happy that the Sierras are getting much of the white stuff.
Yes, I am very happy for NoCal, now we just need some more rain in SoCal which is still in bad shape! Believe it or not, Mammoth still needs about 60 more inches to have an average year!
That’s staggering.
These photos don’t look real, but more like postcards. I haven’t seen snow like that since I was a kid. Wow. I don’t believe I would like so much of it anymore if it snowed that much here and now. Fantastic pictures as always. Thanks so much for sharing.
I am happy we got here right AFTER the blizzard and that the roads were open! Thank you for your kind words and cheers to you~
I so sympathize with you!!!! Been there, done that…
Thank you! It’s good to be understood.
The amount of snow you get would scare me too, but it is beautiful too!
Beautiful and a bit scary sums it up I think.
I’m with you, Cindy. Even though I grew up in snow country (of course, nothing like your Sierras!), I’ve never been a fan. And especially after living about 30+ years in the Arizona desert and then in Florida, it hasn’t helped my snow comfort zone any! Yes, it can be beautiful… But, you, my dear, are braver than I would ever be. When I was younger and lived in Logan, UT, I often thought about learning to ski. About the time I’d build up some nerve, people would be coming back to work on Mondays with casts, slings, crutches, etc. Just not my cup o’ tea! LOL!
Yes, watching the ski patrol taboggan come down the mountain with the ski patrolers in snow plow position carrying an injured skiier to the hospital is always a discordant note for me too. On some days, it happens multiple times!
Wow! Now that’s a lot of snow… Mammoth totals are impressive! Have fun in your winter wonderland.
Still sunny with lots of powder and no crowds so I am happy! Be well my friend~
Cindy, your snow pics and story brought back childhood memories of blizzards in Maine. Snow piled high as telephone poles, and snow tunnels out to the street. No school for weeks. Fun for us kids! Also skied those “black” runs in the Italian Alps. Followed the sons down with a pounding heart. Loved hearing them cheer. “Mom made it.” Did get a ski patrol ride down on an icy trail! Not chancing that! Your photos are postcard quality. So beautiful! Elizabeth
I didn’t know ski patrol would do that! They has been a time or two, when I wished I could just stay on the chair and take it back down, but the embarrassment factor stopped me! 😉 😉
Reblogged this on Erin Unger, Writer of Killer Romance.
Awww, so thoughtful and most appreciated!
Thanks for the snowy pictures. Living in a snowbelt we only average a little over a 100 inches a year. Yesterday, was so warm I was out gardening — yes new plant shoots are coming up and weeds. This is crazy weather for sure. Usually in February, I have to put on snowshoes if I want to go to the compost pile– except for a bit of left over snowbank — we have no snow here. I hope you get some safe fun time on the slopes.
I am trying show shoeing for the first time! So awesome. I can walk miles on no trails with my camera!! Heaven!
So much fun. 😀
Beautiful, dare I say awesome. Oh alright I will.
Better advice. Do something every day that scares somebody else. You’ll live longer and have more fun. 😀
That really was the silliest advice from Eleanore. She could get people killed! “Do something every day that scares somebody else.” Cracking up……..Have you thought of running for PM Graham? I would emigrate and try and get UK citizenship if you only would……
Now you’ve got it.
Now you’ve scared me. 😀 😀
Beautiful photos. Snow is beautiful but it can be deadly too – it pays to have a healthy respect for it
Good, hopefully that means I’m healthy!! 😉 😉
The snow pressing against the glass sliding door reminds me of my niece when she said the tiny alcove, at the back of her townhouse unit, filled with snow one winter from the wind. It took awhile for all the snow (then ice) to melt away.
Better to stay inside and say, “look at all of the snow” with a warm drink. 🙂
Love your last line! Chuckles. I do wonder when all this snow blocking doors and windows will melt. The sun is shining but so far there is minimal visible melting.
Pretty funny, Cindy. I once had a girlfriend who owned a cabin near Donner Summit. We had a second story entrance, which was the only way we could get into the cabin during the winter. Once it snowed so much we had to dig downward to reach the second floor. Whenever it threatened snow, we went out and put bamboo poles around our vehicle because the vehicle would disappear over night. It wasn’t that we were worried about finding it, we didn’t want the snow plow to eat it. –Curt
I remember skiing Squaw Valley when I was in the eighth grade. There is really nothing quite like the Sierras when she decides to let the snow fly is there. That is a great story by the way. She sounds quite plucky!
Better you than me, Cindy! I’m definitely NOT a fan of all that snow — and the icicles make me shiver. Yes, it’s beautiful…in photos…but I guess I’ve never learned to appreciate the cold. In fact, that reminds me…it’s time for a cup of hot tea!!
Laughing, you are definitely meant for warmer climes Debbie, although sitting here typing and looking at the snow covered mountains is incredibly beautiful!
Lovely captures of snow. I love snow, was raised in northern Canada where there was always an ample supply. But you are right – snow can be treacherous even as it is beautiful. I think the best way is to respect the beauty and power of snow.
Same with the ocean which I grew up by and am far more comfortable with too! I think lack of knowledge based on familiarity, has a lot to do with my lack of full confidence with snow.
Very perspective, Cindy. What we understand is comforting, even though there dangers. You have reminded me to seek understanding. I love Marie Curie’s take on this: “Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more, so that we may fear less.”
I wish that for some miracle, snow would fall here in the Philippines. Beautiful photos, as usual.
It would be incredible wouldn’t it! I wish it would too, for you!
Great photos. The snow depth is mind boggling to me and lovely to see it vicariously through your photos. I empathise with you and the skiing but I have never been proficient or game enough to contemplate a black diamond.
The bottom line with skiing is that I like it to a degree, but I do not love it. I think you have to love it to want to put up with all the hassle.
A bit like boating. The hassle just doesn’t make it seem worthwhile.
I have no use for snow at all. Liked the one pic with the Tiffany lamp,Cuz ! All the others had too much white in them…., maybe overexposed ???? 🙂 Ha!
I was waiting for the comment from you cuz, cuz I know you have strong feelings about the colder climes and snow. I can see out of the top few inches of the window with the Tiffany this evening cuz, so it should take about a month for it to melt, if there isn’t another blizzard! 😉
Crystal world with winter flowers
Turns my day to frozen hours
Beautiful as a snowflake. Thank you. <3
As designer snowflake. (As descibed by Kenneth G. Libbrecht)
🙂
Sheesh! You’re braver than I! Although, I do walk down many alleys, even in the dark!
Now that is seriously dangerous! I hope you carry your light saber~
I would love to see this much snow, If we had it here, we would have no power! I can’t ski, but it looks like there’s be some great cross-country skiing there – and that I can do.
Days are still sunny and gorgeous and the snow has yet to melt, come on over with your cross country equipment!
Gorgeous!
So clean and clear and crisp. Not a hint of pollution!
🙂
Fantastic shots and so well done to you for not only conquering your fear of snow, but
actually having a go at skiing. 😃
I am actually far less afraid of it now, then I was when I was younger…. go figure!
What beautiful photographs! Thanks for sharing these Cindy! We missed out on the big snowfalls here in New York this year. 🙁 ~Rita
Thank you, very kind and most appreciated and I can tell you like your snow! Sorry you didn’t get enough of it though~
That is the scariest thing I can possibly imagine Cindy. I would be in the lodge/cabin tucked up warm with a good book. That definitely looks like a snow dragon trying to get in your window, hope it is double glazed. Fabulous photos of the icicles
Thank you for understanding. I must say I had an epic day today snowshoeing. It was my second time and I am fully hooked. It has all the things I love. Unspoiled, gorgeous nature, solitude in nature, and exploring in big drifts of untouched snow. I went everywhere, miles and miles and took a zillion photos and now I have a new hobby! I had such fun. It was so still and gorgeous. You would absolutely love it Pauline!
Will look forward to seeing the photos, it sounds an absorbing hobby. You must be very fit I’ve heard snowshoeing is a very energetic sport. Don’t get lost…
Wonderful execise and you can go up mountains. I wish I thougtht of it sooner. A blogger recommded it. Bless bloggers!
Looks amazing I’m sure so cold but really beautiful
It was actually 40F today when I was snowshoeing and I wanted to take my coat off!
wow that’s crazy weather!
Es una nevada impresionante. Apetece quedarse en casa al lado de la chimenea, con una manta sobre las rodillas y leyendo un buen libro. Un abrazo, amiga.
These photos are just amazing, they make me want to lie on top and make snow angels, as for skiing with my clutzyness I don’t think I’d dare.
Thank you for sharing these and your story, I took up jogging once with several boys, I nearly killed myself – so you take care.
I am surviving so far and I have been doing this for many years, so no worries. So glad you enjoyed Charlotte and cheers to you!
OMG…
Awesome pictures 🙂
Awwww, thanks much & cheers too~
Wow. Now the IS DEEP SNOW. We’ve been up there in the summer – much safer in my book – LOL But the snow is beautiful!
It is lovely in summer too, plus the back road into Yosemite is right next door with much less crowds.
We have actually taken that road! So beautiful
Yes! It is one of my favorites! So glad you’ve been.
Amazing! It would be fun for a week at most!!
Yes, longer than that and one is ready to go home. Although, I could live here…….. 😉
I would be content to sit by the fire and admire the scenery through the windows!
It is pretty amazing scenery and there is a jacuzzi for your foot. Come on over! <3
Amazing pictures, Cindy. I loved the ones with icicles most… 🙂 As we don’t have snow here in this part of the country, I just love to see such pictures… 😀
I’ve been working on the icicles today, trying to catch the drops. They fascinate me too as I rarely get to see them.
Share the pictures soon, must be some wonderful shots… 🙂
So kind! Thank you~