Everybody Outdoors - Skiing

This month, our spotlight is on skiing, featuring three avid colleagues from LTP: Cecilie Ru Hansen, Business Development Coordinator for LTP Garment; Cathrine Dalsgaard Helweg, Business Developer for LTP Furniture; and Line Toftkjær Baltzer, Global Marketing Director.  Join us as we uncover their unique ski journeys and celebrate the essence of outdoor living!

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How did your skiing adventure come about?

Cathrine:

My ski adventure started at age 27 last year, next to all the children who were much faster and more carefree than myself on the beginner slopes because my boyfriend comes from a skier family.

Fasting forward, I am far more comfortable on my all-mountain skis down blue runs in the alpines.  

Cecilie:

Pinch me! My skiing journey began over two decades ago in the Swedish Alps when I was just 3 or 4 years old. Since then, I have enjoyed and eagerly anticipated the yearly winter holiday touring around the Alps, the Italian Dolomites, or the North of Sweden.

Line:  
At a mere 2 years old, my introduction to skiing occurred in Norway, braving -20-degree temperatures while being towed in a pulk by my parents. Since then, we went skiing yearly, and I also became acquainted with alpine skiing. By 19, I relocated to Avoriaz in the French Alps, serving as a skiing guide for a Danish travel agency. This marked the start of six consecutive winters spent skiing. Suffice it to say, my love for skiing runs deep, forged through countless hours on the slopes!
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What do you enjoy most about skiing?

Cathrine:

Being active in such beautiful nature is one thing for sure, but I also enjoy the social parts of skiing, where you are skiing in a group or with a friend. And the sun, of course, is a big plus.

Cecilie:

What I love most about skiing is hanging out with family and friends and having the best of both worlds – active mode and holiday mode. It is all about racing down the slopes during the day, taking in the crisp mountain air, and being captivated by the epic views. And once we have completed our final run, it's time to unwind into holiday mode with après-ski, cozy movie nights, and home-cooked dinners.

Line:
Undoubtedly, it's the breathtaking scenery that captivates me the most. The views from up there are unparalleled! Yet, there's something equally magical about solitude, the complete control over body and skis, while racing down a snowy hill. It simply doesn't get any better than that!

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Mention an episode on the slopes that stuck with you?

Cathrine:

That must be the first time I felt fully in control going down a long blue run and being able to flex my skis to get some nice, short turns. Then, I could finally feel what all the fuss was about.

Cecilie:

It is always the very first ski run down the slopes for me. For many years, we have kept coming back to our favorite spot in Canazei, Italy. Following our tradition, we hop off the lift, click into our skis, run halfway down the first slope, and gather at our usual meeting spot. There, we take a moment to feel grateful and appreciate that we are skiing again.

Line:
The most rewarding moment for me is witnessing my kids take their first turns on the slopes. The year-long investment in teaching them to ski pays off when you see their growth, newfound confidence, and the sheer joy reflected in their smiles. While this is my favorite memory, the magical highlight was in 2023 when my husband completed the cross-country Vasa Run in Sweden, and the kids and I were treated to the enchanting sight of the Northern lights dancing across the sky. Unforgettable!

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What does having high performance outdoor equipment mean when skiing?

Cathrine:

Having ventilation in the right places, not feeling cold with the layers, being able to move easefully, and having lots of pockets for snacks and lift pass have made my experience much more comfortable learning how to ski. Additionally, I have been so happy with the resistant fabric on my shoulder, so I can carry my skis without worrying about a tear. Luckily, my colleagues in our Garment division have been super helpful in guiding me in choosing the correct clothing.  

Cecilie:

Dressing appropriately is paramount, and layering is key for a successful skiing experience. Working at LTP, a company who specializes in sport and outdoor garments, I have deepened my understanding of the specific features and technicalities incorporated into each piece of garment. When preparing for a day on the slopes, it is important to wear high-performance outdoor gear, consisting of three layers: a baselayer, a midlayer, and a protective outer shell.

Line:

Working at LTP, a global manufacturer of sport & outdoor garments, I am not only biased but also tending to make more nerdy choices when it comes to equipment. You DO spend many hours in a cold, and often wet, environment. So, to have your three layers in order, and make sure to have taped seams and water repellent materials – you can’t fail.

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What would you like a non-skier to understand about the sport?

Cathrine:

I have learned not to take it too seriously. I am out learning a new, incredible skill while enjoying time off with my friends, my boyfriend and his family. It is a new way of being active and out in nature, which I enjoy tremendously.  - And to all the other non-skiers who have infiltrated a skier family, I also cried on my first day.

Cecilie:

Skiing is all about being active and having fun in some of the most stunning landscapes out there. Forget those old stereotypes about feeling like an ice cube all day – in fact, you might even end up with a sunburn on your cheeks if you forget the sunscreen! Once you hit the slopes, you will feel the warmth in your body, sore legs, and you might even break a sweat on your forehead. I know it can seem overwhelming for non-skiers to click on those skis for the first time and take that first run down the mountain, but trust me, it is an experience you will not regret or forget!

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Line:  

My skiing journey has gifted me life-long friendships and, remarkably, led me to meet my husband on the slopes. While acknowledging that adopting skiing as a hobby might not be universally granted, for me, it has transcended into both a lifestyle and a job opportunity. I urge others not to miss out on this unparalleled experience amidst the most beautiful and pristine scenery imaginable. Whether with family or friends, I promise you'll find joy, laughter, and perhaps a touch of sore thighs.

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