Algernon Blackwood

“ Those are fortunate who were able to get out early this year, for the December weather has been most kind, with keen frost, plenty of snow and the mountain slopes unstreaked by the ugly network of ski tracks that mars their loveliness later. That is to say, above a certain height, and in certain places, snow is plentiful. ”

“ Hotels barely close their doors at all now. There is little breathing space for anybody, and though the proprietors may grumble privately to you, they do not grumble in their heart of hearts, for their incomes have been easily doubled. Early in December the experts come to make the rinks, at salaries by no means insignificant. It is as difficult to make a really good rink as it is to lay a really good hard tennis court. ”

“ But it is no easy job to lay a proper rink. After the first heavy fall of snow the greater mass is carted off to build the enclosing walls, while the remainder is beaten flat by a score of workmen till it is smooth enough to take the first sprinkling of water. Once this is done, the probability is there comes another fall of snow, when the entire process has to be repeated⁠—till the final result represents hours and hours of labour, carried on in all weathers and at all hours of the day and night. ”

“ Yet people grumble at the slightest thing amiss, and many grumble, too, because the hotels make an extra weekly charge for the enjoyment of these costly and elaborate “sports.” Indeed, the Swiss winter resorts now lay themselves out to prepare for their visitors as ambitiously and variously as any popular summer resort beside the sea. ”

“ All night long in the moonlight, at a bitter and freezing temperature, the man in charge stands spraying the surface with the hosepipe, aided by the glare of a large electric light swung across upon a wire. ”

“ Being first in the field involves making the first tracks. Later, up all the main ascents, others have done this for you. And the labour of making the opening track in deep and powdery snow for several hours in a blazing sun has to be known to be appreciated. ”