Maybe you do not especially enjoy danger. Perhaps the thought of traveling 80 miles per hour down a 170 degree grade while the wind whips by you at 40 miles per hour does not give so much of a “thrill” as a “gut wrenching terror.” There is not a single thing wrong with that particular temperament. And, in fact, you may just be a reasonably sane individual. But fortunately for those of us who do not feel the highest and most dangerous mountains calling out a constant challenge to us, hope is not lost. If you like extreme skiing, but would prefer to experience its thrill and challenge from a safe distance, perhaps just going to competitions as a spectator is more your style.
If you enjoy more of a leisurely cross country skiing experience, but would enjoy being close to the action of an extreme skiing event, you might consider taking on the role of a traveling nurse. When you hear one kind of scream, you clap and cheer for your highly esteemed athletes. When you hear a different kind of scream, you go running to the wounded. While it is true that there is a lot of education involved in such a career, the rewards can be immense. And while most injuries sustained at 70 or more miles per hour are fatal, there is always the chance that a rapid, intelligent response might end up saving a life. Being a mountain top hero or heroine might just be in the cards for you.
But, of course, not everyone can be a medical professional. For most of us, the thrill of the sport, whether it is viewed over monitors or actually “in the stands,” is plenty of involvement. The crisp mountain air and the shimmering, untouched snow is a sort of peace that can be so wonderfully shattered by the thunderous motion of a determined downhill athlete.














