Sestriere at last

The bus to Sestriere this morning took about an hour. Then why does it feel like it took me 20 years to get here?

I’ve wanted to come to Sestriere ever since I saw Bob Beattie feature the resort on ”˜Subaru Ski World’. Does anybody else remember that show on ESPN? Beattie, a former U.S. ski team coach, would travel to ski resorts around the world and tell American audiences how much fun he was having.

What a gig. What a place.

Sestriere was exactly how I pictured it. Condos, ski shops, restaurants and bars surrounded the base of the snow-packed mountain. Olympic flags and decorations were everywhere. But not every ski run was reserved for the Olympians. As the bus headed up toward the press entrance for the Super G race, I noticed a gaggle of kids wearing the bright red jackets of the Sestriere Sci Team (yes, that’s how they spell it), preparing to go the lifts.

I was so tempted to get off the bus and join them. What’s the worst that could happen?

Then I looked closer at the Sestriere slopes. Gulp. These weren’t the gentle greens and easy blues that I enjoy at American ski resorts. No, these were treacherous, gnarly, and completely crash inducing.

I stayed on the bus. I may not have as much fun here as Bob Beattie, but at least I'll be able to walk away.