Driving home at lunch time, I spotted two old dears running down the road, whilst madly waving a pair of ski poles around. Now I have lived in Italy for the past 6 years and so nothing surprises me. But I must say, these two old dears in their stretch running pants piqued my interest. (Photo will be uploaded later)
So in the interest of science, I have done a little research.
Summer skiing. Very safe unless you trip over each other.
It seems that Summer Skiing is considered to be a safe sport. It is highly unlikely that you will fly home from your Skiing trip complete with a plaster cast. Whereas in winter skiing, a plaster cast is considered by many drinking companions, to be adequate proof that you actually did go winter skiing in the Alps.
Skiing in wellies is perfectly acceptable.
The cost of the clothing is also quite reasonable. You do not have to spend the kids inheritance on fashionable ski attire. It is quiet acceptable to go summer skiing in wellies, jeans and a silly hat.
Learners on a nursery slope.
But with all sports, it is very important to find the best summer ski instructor. Here you can see three beginners getting to grips with this demanding sport.
These are not English Summer Skiers, because there is not a knotted hanky or beer belly in sight.
Although I do not condone summer skiing on a beach, in my opinion beaches are for relaxing, and sunbathing, not running around waving dangerous ski poles. It is advisable to check with your local authorities for restrictions.
Summer Skiing in your garden
Your own garden is a very good place to practise Summer Skiing. After all, if you are worried about falling down and getting tangled up with your ski poles, it is better to do so in your own garden, rather than out on the road where someone might have a handy camera.
Summer Skiing is also an indoor sport.
For those rainy days, and here I am thinking of the people who still live in England, Summer Skiing can take place in the comfort of your own home. A word of warning, cornering around the coffee table should only be undertaken by experienced Summer Skiers. And please mind the dog.
No special footwear is necessary.
So to recap. Apart from the cost of two sticks ski poles, the cost of this sport is very low. No ski lift passes, no expensive medical bills and you don’t have to freeze to death.
Englishman in Italy 
The whole concept of not freezing to death works for me.
LikeLike
Here! Here!
LikeLike
I’m a bit vague about this, but didn’t we used to do something similarly whacky in the early winter, gearing our bodies up for the ski season? 🙂
LikeLike
I am not sure, but summer skiing is taking off near me.
LikeLike
It’s incredible how evolution works. We managed to get from using four limbs for transport to two. However, it’s only in the last few decades that people have realised the absolute necessity of poles for walking. It stops the arms dragging along the floor, aparently. I have quite wide feet, so I very much want a pair of those shoes in the last photo. I could cover all three car pedals at once, leaving my other leg to relax and have a day off!
LikeLike
Lol, I will try and find you some of the shoes.
LikeLike
Ha ha! So funny. 😀 I’ve haven’t seen anyone summer skiing round here, but I bet it’s only a matter of time now that the better weather has finally arrived. In fact, I may mention it to my mother who already has half the necessary equipment. 😉
LikeLike
It a mega sport around here. the old dears just looked so funny as they went legging it down the road. 🙂
LikeLike
Perhaps I’m just not looking in the right places here. 🙂
LikeLike
I don’t want to get into a discussion on sport bras.. but the old dears, in their spandex pants and t shirts caused quiet a stir. They were old enough to be my granny.
LikeLike
where can you buy those sticks Pecora Nera? Age Concern? Is it good price 2-4-1?
I think they would come in handy to shooo off annoying pets like Gilda …. 😉
LikeLike
Poor Gilda, She only barks to say hello, oh! and don’t move or I might bite you.
LikeLike
Definitely one of the spring in Moscow highlights is watching old people do this. By their faces, I’m sure it’s a very intense sport.
LikeLike
The two old dears were almost running. I had never seen it before. In the countryside in Italy people do walk with sticks, but they are really carried to ward off dogs.
LikeLike
I love the Hoff-style guy helping the grannies! Will keep an eye out in Latvia for this madness. I’m sure they’re big into it. Anything that involves sticks and forests and walking is very popular 😉
LikeLike
Mr Hoff does look pretty cool with the old dears doesn’t he.
LikeLike
Be honest, is that you?
LikeLike
I am short, fat, bow legged, my knuckles drag on the floor. I walk with a slight lisp. But apart from that I am stunningly handsome.
LikeLike
In a Gollum sort of way?? 😉
LikeLike
You have it in one.
LikeLike
I love summer skiing! Only where I live, it’s winter skiing because there’s no snow and, more importantly, fewer biting insects than in summer. I can go at a pretty good clip if there’s no stones or tree roots in my way. Ironically, I started skiing (aka pole walking) because without the poles, I was tripping over stones and tree roots. Now I just trip over my own poles …
LikeLike
I couldn’t manage a pair of ski poles. I have enough trouble trying to organise my dyslexic legs.
LikeLike
Reblogged this on Holiday Rent Club to Italy.
LikeLike
Thanks for reblogging.
LikeLike
No fancy equipment necessary… just the ability to look silly and not give a hoot what anyone thinks! I bet you those two old dears are fitter than most of us though! 🙂
LikeLike
I am surprised at the fitness of the old biddies in Italy. But they keep fit by cycling and constantly digging in their garden to grow vegetables.
LikeLike
Well there’s a lesson for us all… either keep active and stay fit like the old biddies or sit around, wind up the neighbours, eat too much and become like Gilda! 🙂
LikeLike
This is a very interesting comment.
The difficulty is Gilda, although she is as fat as a little pig, she is extremely happy. Whilst the Italian Summer Skiers appear to be in a lot of pain and distress. Aching joints etc.
My worry is, I spend 6 months losing weight and turning my body into something that resembles a God, only to be run over by some Italian twerp in a car.
I think I will stay fat and happy like Gilda
LikeLike
Fair point! I think if I was living in Italia I wouldn’t be able to resist all the lovely nibbles and tipples and would also rather be fat and happy! How could you live in Italy and not eat???
LikeLike
I have just returned from an unexpected lunch invitation.
Carne crudo followed by tagliatelle con salsicca washed down with a very fine bottle of Barbera. An espresso and a little snifter of grappa.
So all thought of dieting have been abandoned until tomorrow. 🙂
LikeLike
Hahaha Well as I said… When in Italy…! 😀
LikeLike
I’m looking for matching outfits for J and I now. Alps here we come! On another note – we’re in Florence this weekend. PN! Why did you not stress how urgent it was to get to this country! I’m head over heels..
LikeLike
Make your way north and you can join Mrs Sensible and I for an aperitif or 3
LikeLike
Those walking sticks are great- they double up as cattle prods and BBQ prongs.
LikeLike
lol cattle prods….
I think they get used as Gilda prods.
LikeLike
Now that got me thinking…. Gilda + BBQ + hot dog. 😀
LikeLike
It is a thought, but the meat would be too fatty, and our chickens have longer legs. 🙂
LikeLike
In a day and age where we think we’re eating beef but we’re actually eating horse, I’m sure we’d think Gilda was chicken if it was printed on the label.
LikeLike
You have a valid point. But if we turn Gilda into hot dogs, what will I be able to write about???
LikeLike
Do I need to return early to save my beloved Gilda from the dinner table?!
LikeLike
By the way, Happy Birthday Donna.
Your birthday cake was really tasty 🙂
LikeLike
Ski poles are a good cover up for needing a walking cane.
LikeLike
Hello, I’ve nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award (http://versatilebloggeraward.wordpress.com/vba-rules/). Congratulations!
LikeLike
Thank you very much, I will pop over and have a look 🙂
LikeLike
Hilarious! The Germans love summer skiing but they are geeks so that’s no surprise. I thought the Italians had more style?
LikeLike
Hi Bavaria Blogger,
First I am so pleased you thought it was funny. The Italians have loads of style, but I am not sure if this sport will catch on in Italy because there is no way they can carry their Versace handbags and use their mobiles whilst Summer skiing.
LikeLike
haha, no then I think not! Of course the Germans get around this by wearing bumbags or rucksacks (hands-free!) and not owning a mobile phone.
LikeLike
Do they make Gucci or Versace rucksacks? The fashion police will fine anyone using an unfashionable rucksack. 🙂
LikeLike
Jack Wolfskin, North Face and Berghaus all the rage here 🙂
LikeLike
I had a look for a Gucci Zaino (rucksack), 209 euros, made of calf skin leather. 🙂
LikeLike
That should go nicely with the poles. Maybe the bumbag version is cheaper.
LikeLike
Pingback: On the twelve day of Christmas Mrs Sensible gave to me ♫♫♪ | Englishman in Italy