Hello, adventurer,
Practising patience can be very, very frustrating. But, persevering pays off, I promise.
This is the first winter in a long time that I feel content. And no, I’m not flying to South Africa or Mexico or the Canary Islands. I’m staying put in cold, grey, rainy Berlin. Every day, I have to remind myself to be patient (my journal is pretty boring to read at this point) and embrace the fact that everything outside is exactly how it is supposed to be. I think, after more than a month, the patience has paid off, and I’m thrilled to be in the city, able to take trips to the forest where it is still and quiet, and then come home to cosy up when the sun goes down.
Same thing with skiing. I’m British, meaning I grew up without mountains. I learnt when I was 15 (on one school trip) and made the classic mistake of thinking I would be able to remember how to ski 10 years later. I couldn’t and had an accident, opps.
I went back to the slopes last year, 7 years after my accident (Winterberg in NRW). Terrified, but willing to be patient. After a few lessons, a lot of green runs, and being overtaken by countless fearless 3-year-olds, I skied a blue run unaccompanied without stopping. It was a win that felt truly magic.
If you’re feeling stuck or frustrated, just remember that sometimes the best things take time and need small steps. You’ll get there, and it’ll be so worth it.
Emily
Beyond Europe's usual alpine hot spots: your guide to Germany's best ski areas
We’ve done the research for you, and uncovered the top ski, snowboard and other winter sports areas you should visit this winter season.
From Northern Germany's winter hangouts of Braunlage-Wurmberg (Lower Saxony) and Willingen (Hessen) to the snow of the southern states of Baden-Wütteberg (head to Feldberg) and Bavaria (visit the Allgäu's region of Oberstdorf), these are a handful of the destinations you can reach without flying, where you can experience Germany’s beauty and where you can beat the crowds of Europe’s most renowned slopes - what’s stopping you?
Read the article and discover more >
Pst. Staycation Collection is a membership club, and this week, members discovered a luxurious group getaway, complete with a heated pool, cinema, kitchen garden, and sauna for 8, all with views of vineyards. Oh, and if they choose to book it (directly with the property, meaning they get the best rates), they get a gift when they arrive, on us, as a thank you for being a member…
SLOPE-SIDE STAYS
Winter sports season in Germany goes until March; there are still hideaways with availability. Join the Staycation Collection club to find out which properties are free, if they are the perfect match for you, and then how to book them.
“The view is just gorgeous, and wonderful to observe as you drift off to sleep."
📍In the Ore Mountains
"A special place to relax. Spacious and tasteful apartments with everything your heart desires."
📍 Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Nicely written! Same here, winter is great once you bed into it, walks around Berlin a bit of skiing if time/money is ok and cooking some winter warmers.