If I could remember where I’d read the following theory and the name of the author I would credit her or him. The gist of it was that after many years of operating together the customers of small service businesses tend to resemble the owners in some ways. I’m not sure if I feel sorrier for myself or for the folks who ski with me, but I do think that we have much in common! Over the years we get used to each other’s idiosyncrasies, we work with them and we enjoy each other’s company. Everyone is happy.
The group on this trip was a fifty-fifty split of skiers that had been with me many times and five friends who were with me for the first time. They were decent folks but I don’t think their idiosyncrasies were compatible with mine.
When the weather is bad, and conditions difficult, skiers will learn a lot about their guide. The guide also learns a lot about them. We had some great skiing but tricky avalanche conditions and poor visibility on many days. One thing is for sure is that it was a pleasure working with Richard Dupont.