UNIQUE DRAGOBRAT -3 OR A STORY AS A SONG!

15 February 2017 • Travel time: with 25 February 2016 on 03 March 2016

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UNIQUE JEWEL -3

OR STORY LIKE A SONG!

ears by this, right >!

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"INTRODUCTION"

Hello dear! Well, here we are back!

« Friends in the moment of parting,

With hope they whisper - goodbye! »

Beautifully written not by our poet once ...

Yes! And that's how we did it.

But! It's been three whole years!

But then, in 2013, we thought that we were parting with you, dear, only for the summer-autumn ...It didn’t turn out as we thought.

But, come on!

The main thing is that we are here again! And again we see the slopes of your hospitable mountains sparkling with whiteness! We can enjoy the wonderful nature of the Carpathians again! We can plunge into this life again in this beautiful corner of the Carpathian Mountains! Forget yourself, get rid of that everyday routine and stupid fuss that has remained in the dirty, noisy, smoky city in which we live. And in which there was no winter this season, by the way, by the way. Only on holidays the snow lay down for two weeks ...And thanks to nature for that!

Here, on Dragobrat, we almost feel at home! Even in the first two visits, we studied all your ski slopes and simple stitch paths ...

I wrote two stories about these visits, titled them: "The Unique Dragobrat" and "The Unique Dragobrat-2. Diary of a Skier. The stories turned out so-so, as it seems to me now, after the passage of time.

Which, in fact, I didn’t lose in vain and, having written a certain number of works on various topics over the past years, I re-read those “opuses” with some skepticism. Their primitiveness was brightened up by the beautiful photographs of Dragobrat taken by my wife.

Now, friends, it's time to write the third part of my "dragobrat" epic.

Why? ! Perhaps some of you will suddenly have such a question.

And then, friends, you can talk and talk about Dragobrat - he is so diverse!

What do you want to talk about, friend - you ask?

And I want to tell you about this: I, as they say, are an inveterate romantic, and only the romance of Dragobrat (and everything that exists to help her) will be devoted to my story.

And don't laugh, dear realist practitioners, if you suddenly come across this story!

After all, romance is nothing more and nothing less (I think this is completely serious!

), one of the engines of human progress!

Remember, there was such a writer Ivan Efremov, one of whose best works is the novel Andromeda Nebula, dedicated to the bright future of mankind?

Regarding the bright future, I am also completely serious - what's wrong with a communist society, where people will be brothers to each other! ?

So, one of the main characters of this wonderful novel with the poetic name Darr Veter, calls romance a luxury of nature, but necessary in a well-ordered society.

After that, he utters incomparable words that romance is “…. a special attitude to life phenomena - an attempt to see more than the even pace of everyday life, to expect from life the highest standard of trials and impressions! ".

Yes, sir, that's it! Exactly! Undeniably so!

Now, after such a peppy introduction, I want to write a few more words.

I want to apologize to one person. Or rather, his memory ...

There was such a wonderful artist Ilya Lvovich Oleinikov. Most of those who know this name knew him as one of the two incomparable and permanent hosts of the excellent Russian humorous TV show Gorodok. A lesser part knows that he acted in films, played the accordion beautifully and at the end of his life became a composer - he wrote quite successful musicals.

And what does all this have to do with Dragobrat? Such a question already, I think, has arisen in your heads.

Yes, that's what, friends.

The title of my story contains the words: "a story is like a song. " An autobiographical book written by Ilya Lvovich in his declining years has a similar title (although, rather, this title of my story really “looks like” the title of a book by Ilya Oleinikov! ).

Although it is quite humorous, and my story is about rather serious, as for me, things, but after thinking at my leisure, I did not find the best words to give a sonorous name to my “work”.

Forgive me, Ilya Lvovich, for a little plagiarism!

Yes, my "narrator" will be like a song, and not just, but a laudatory "song" to the beautiful Dragobrat.

He deserves it, people...

And every small part of my "Inimitable Dragobrat - 3" will be called like this - "song" such and such.

Listen to my "songs", friends!

I hope the "singer" will not disappoint you ...

« SONG ONE: HELLO, FAMILY DRAGOBROT! »

There is a wonderful song “Where does the Motherland begin? ". Once upon a time, Mark Bernes sang it so soulfully ...

What am I for?

I wasn't born on Dragobrat. But I call him native, as you have already noticed and be surprised, right?

Simply, friends, my heart and mind cannot find a more precise word that would express my attitude to this incomparable corner of our wonderful, one and only world called Earth ...

So, where does Dragobrat start?

...The morning of one of the last days of the "leap" February 2016. February, which is not at all like, as they say, itself. Below, on our plain, where Lvov is located, there is no snow and that's it! One spring from November to March with a short break for Christmas time.

And here, in the Carpathians, there is a lot of snow! Eyes just rest, seeing this winter beauty.

Our car climbs heavily up the steep road uphill. It's hard, because the road to Dragobrat is not easy now ...The presence of an abnormally warm winter in the lowlands "backfires" here, in the mountains. Simply because the snow, the whiteness of which is so pleasant to contemplate with our eyes, is wet and, better not to say, heavy.

The road to Dragobrat, which winds like a long serpentine along the slopes of the mountains, has turned into a narrow and deep rut, which, from time to time, is buried in large puddles of melted snow. Therefore, our car now and then throws from side to side and our driver has to show all the dexterity and skill to keep the car “on the track”. But my wife and I are not afraid at all! One glance is enough to see how an already middle-aged uncle deftly turns the "steering wheel" of his also very middle-aged 8-seater UAZ-ik to be quite sure that nothing will prevent us today from feeling again the already slightly forgotten delight in the soul from skiing on your favorite skis and remember, as they say, "the taste of the track. "

But not everyone in our overcrowded vehicle is calm.

There was no place for one of the passengers, and she was forced to ride, sitting on her betrothed’s lap, who, despite some undoubted romanticism of such a “state of affairs”, would hardly be pleased, judging by his rather sour look. Most of our fellow travelers, judging by the cries of fear of the ladies and the soft, in an undertone, abuse of their gentlemen, for the first time overcame this rise. During the jumps and threatening swings of the car, I had to grab onto everything more or less suitable, which could insure against not filling a rather tangible bump on myself or an innocent neighbor.

But even my wife and I felt uneasy when our "all-terrain vehicle", passing over the bed of a mountain river, which had three meters deep in this place, suddenly tilted sharply in that direction.

But nothing! Everything worked out. Otherwise, I would not be writing these lines now. Because there would be nothing to write about ...

But that doesn't matter, in the end.

Because in our hearts we have joy from the “anticipation of skiing”, and in our souls we are delighted with the thought that just about, soon, we will be on our beloved, dear Dragobrat!

Yes, and it is felt how harmony returns to the soul from the consciousness that winter is around us! How nice to finally get into winter! How tired of this out-of-time and out-of-place spring that came so early! There will also be a “wet” March for her with an insidious April and, sometimes by no means unkind, May ...This one will still have time to frolic, the closer to summer, the more and more prettier the “beautiful girl”! Winter should be winter, summer should be summer...There should be a time for everything!

And how great it is to get from a dirty, damp city to clean mountain air and see the whitest, "virgin" snow!

And the accidental stop that happened, the reason for which was the need for the driver to put chains on the front wheels due to the increased severity of the lift, gives only pleasure and enhances our already growing positive emotions.

Dragobrat, which we are approaching, seems to me (and then, and even now, when I finally undertook to write this story, and it’s already May outside the window! ) A real island of winter, skiing and joy in the midst of that tedious and such an unnecessary early spring of 2016…

And on this day, when we were taken to our "island", we saw Bukovel.

Why did this happen, you ask? We went to Dragobrat, but suddenly ended up in Bukovel? And why mention him here?

Here's the thing.

It so happened "geographically" that Dragobrat and Bukovel are not far from each other: "only" some 30-40 km in a straight line.

And the ski "cabbies" meeting in Ivano-Frankivsk (we got to the place a little differently than on the 1st and 2nd visit to Dragobrat) "languishing from skiing passions" lovers of snow tracks, deliver to the address first "Bukovelev", and then "dragobratchikov" - according to the geographical location of these resorts in relation to the highway passing by.

Bukovel is one of the most famous ski resorts in Ukraine (and in its immediate vicinity), as you, of course, know very well, dear readers, don't you? And also, at the same time, one of the most expensive in Europe (despite the poverty of the country in which it is located).

It came to me somehow, involuntarily. thought in my head - how small in relation to romance this "country of Bukovel" (as it is called in advertising, which is played on the "box" in winter) compared to our "island of Dragobrat"! For they earn money there, the spirit of profit is simply in the air. What is this money?

You won’t earn all the money ...Happiness is not in them. And not even in their number, so that it does not sound in one rather sarcastic aphorism.

On Dragobrat - beauty, romance, romance and once again romance! This "island" gives joy to people...This is a hundred times more important!

...And our car continues its rise, right, serving its owner and bringing us closer and closer to happiness...

The goal of our journey is already close. Cloudy day. And this is bad, because we could already see the slopes of Stog sparkling with virgin whiteness - the “main” mountain of the Dragobratsky “necklace”. And, undoubtedly, our hearts would shudder from such an incomparably joyful picture, as it was for the first time four years ago ...

Oh! The first "huts" have already appeared ahead! And you can already see, despite the low-hanging clouds, the slope of the Haystack!

The driver, who, while still on the road, asked us all to which of us went to which “hut” on Dragobrat (I had to literally scream to block the noise of the engine and wheels of our mechanical “horse”, entangled in chains and simply biting into the snow and earth of the “track”), announces the order of "disembarkation".

And the car, having taken the last steep ascent and having made this kind of jump, enters the village. Through the window we see a signboard of the shelter we have chosen this time. It's called Crocus.

That's it! We're back as promised!

HELLO, DEAR!

"COT TWO: DRAGOBRAT - THE ISLAND OF JOY"

That's right, friends, in my previous "song" some of you were surprised (and, perhaps, some of them were made laugh! ) by the fact that the author of this story took and called Dragobrat an island, apparently, forgetting everything for joy what was taught at school in geography lessons. Is that so, dear readers?

I will not refuse these words, although this is no worse than the dexterity of those who, luring gullible citizens to Bukovel, call it a "country". Because that's exactly what it is!

Yes, people!

Dragobrat is a real island of "ski" life! Always full of joy, pure snow! And this island is in the middle of a country now restless and unable to find its way to prosperity and prosperity (due to the considerable stupidity of a significant part of the population and the extreme lack of principle and short-sightedness of its current rulers) called Ukraine ...

Although the “island” Dragobrat is located, so dear to my heart and mind, and not very far from populated areas (it’s only 14 km to the urban-type settlement of Yasyn - but what a place! ), but once you get there, you feel like cut off from civilization, from its benefits (to stay for some time without which is not something that is possible, but even, sometimes, it is necessary! ) and problems (which is very cool! ).

How nice it is to get to this "Island of Joy", leaving all the problems, troubles and troubles down there!

You forget about everything in the world and for a few days SKIING becomes the meaning of your life!

Beauty is all around - at least write pictures!

The cleanest air; breathe deeply without any fear, because it is frosty - you will never get sick!

Quiet, smoothness and God's grace and nothing more!

Live - rejoice!

Well, what else does a person need???!! !

“THREE CANTO: ONE DAY OF A SKIER ON DRAGOBRAT”

I have already written several stories about my "ski" adventures. For the sake of "sporting" interest, I re-read them not so long ago. I just really wanted to know how they would be perceived by themselves after a few years.

Although this is, in fact, a different case, but for some reason, I also remembered an old anecdote from the time of perestroika, about how, in times of stagnation, members of the Politburo, coming to an appointment with dear Leonid Ilyich, sycophantly praise his "Malaya Zemlya" ( which, as has long been known, famous Soviet journalists wrote for him). And he, having listened to these praises many times, then says to himself: “Something everyone praises my“ Small Earth ”...I should read it too! »

I'm digressing again...Sorry!

Well, so I also read my "opuses" and realized that I missed one important, as they say, thing. I described how one slalom descent from the mountain goes. But how is the usual "ski" day of the average skier - no!

We must correct our omission! Let's do it now!

I decided to present the information in this "song" as a kind of report for one of our typical "skiing" days on Dragobrat. What do we do every day when we ski.

Affects, you see, hardening, acquired at the main (and not very beloved, to be honest! ) work, where you have to prepare and submit a bunch of very different and especially unnecessary reports.

But it won't be too dryly told - don't worry, friends! This "reporting" will be more interesting, I hope.

And an admixture of romance will still be provided. A story. After all, romantic!

Waking up in the morning.

The joy of realizing that you are here, at a ski resort, and not in your city. Morning procedures.

After that, a light breakfast in a cozy dining room.

And through the windows you can see already working lifts on the main slope of Dragobrat and the first "swallows" - the most impatient ski fans - are already "cutting" along the track.

Hurry up the mountain!

Short fees.

We put on our ski equipment.

And ski boots too!

What is the problem for us, or what, to walk in them three hundred meters to the ski lifts?!

We went more!

And here we are walking.

Up and down the "streets" of Dragobrat, which are nothing more than just paths between his cutest "huts", hotels and "hotels".

I'm carrying my skis and my wife's skis.

A little uncomfortable, but how could it be otherwise!

At the lifts, we check the pockets, fasten all the fasteners to the end, put on the skis.

And - let's start!

Even though we are not beginners, there is still a slight jitter in the soul.

After all, the first (like the last, or rather, the last one - we, like the pilots, are a little superstitious! ) descent is very important!

The lion's share of injuries and other accidents happen at such moments.

You need to "feel" the track, "warm up".

Caution, caution and caution - this is the motto of the first and last ... , sorry, extreme descents in the "ski" day!

In the morning we try to ride more - because the muscles are still "fresh", not tired.

We need to make the most of it.

Work, work and work again!

Above yourself, above your ski technique, of course!

And we are working.

Hour, second, third…

Here's lunch!

We are not returning home - why?

You can also have a nutritious snack on the track.

We don't need much!

And on Dragobrat there are such cozy ski cafes!

Prices there, of course, "bite", but what can you do - it's like that everywhere now in ski resorts.

In Bukovel, there, prices, in general, "squabble"!

We have a rest, share our impressions and plans for the second half of the day. Take a breath and go!

Roll out subscriptions.

We make short stops on the slopes and take pictures of the surrounding beauty.

The closer the evening, the more tired and the more careful you have to be ...

We never get tired of admiring nature!

If the visibility is good, the views are just amazing all around!

It's 5 pm...

Stop time for lifts.

It's time for the "base" ...

Another proof that the day was not spent in vain.

So, sir, it means, "brought beauty" and we're going to dinner.

A cozy dining room seems even more comfortable.

And the food seems much, much tastier after an actively spent day in the purest mountain air than if we were sitting in the “hut” (it happens on the “Draga” when a blizzard is raging and all lifts, according to safety regulations, must stand ! ).

And in front of the neighbors on the table, if you wish, you can share and brag about the impressions received during the day!

And you can order (for a fee, of course) wine (or something stronger, if you like; I especially recommend trying dragobrat tinctures on herbs-berries - nectar! ).

Then you can!

It's during the day when you're on the slopes, you can't drink at all!

Hop can play a very cruel trick on you.

And mountains of mistakes do not forgive ...

That's it - you can relax!

Turn on the TV, look - what happened in the world, below us, during the day? Although for me personally, when I'm on the "Drag" it somehow, even, it doesn't matter ...

It is much more pleasant to read your favorite book taken with you to sleep.

And - sleep, sleep, sleep!

The mood is excellent!

After all, tomorrow will be a NEW DAY - "SKI" DAY!

" CANTO FOUR: THE HORROR OF THE "CIRCUS" AND THE EUPHORIA OF THE "PIPE"

Here, friends, I will “sing” to you about one of the most wonderful corners of the Dragobrat ski slopes.

This miracle is called like this: "Circus" + "Trumpet".

It sounds pretty ornate. Truth? Yes - these are two different places, but they form a sort of a kind of "bundle". First, the skier overcomes one section, almost immediately after that he proceeds to overcome the other.

“Great deal! »: the inhabitants of Odessa would say to this. I mean - so what, boy? ! How many ski slopes can there be in the world? !

Unless, perhaps, their names would interest some of you, dear readers ...

And, actually, you already wrote about this? ! So exclaim, perhaps, someone who did not regret spending his precious time reading the previous parts of my "novel with a sequel. "

That's right, folks! I wrote about this already ...

But such a "bunch" is rarely seen in ski resorts. This is something special, as they like to say, it seems to me, in the same Odessa-mother ...

Therefore, we must once again pay close attention to these places - I think very much! Yes, and I still have a suspicion since then that I didn’t tell the main thing then, describing this place ...I mean the emotions that you experience when “passing” these sections on skis.

And therefore - it is necessary, guys, it is necessary!

We must finally fill this "gap".

And I, with indescribable pleasure from the consciousness of fulfilling my duty, will now make up for everything!

I really love this track.

This lift belongs to the tourist complex "Top of the Carpathians", the owner of which is a rather "redneck" type. But the speech here will go, estesstvenno, not about him.

This lift (double, by the way) delivers skiers to the top in 15-20 minutes.

A long time, but what can you do! But you can take a lot of great photos of the Dragobrat panorama, which, as you climb, unfolds more and more before your eyes.

Well, then, you arrive at the top, gently slide off the lift. And you stop, amazed by the beauty that opened before you! You see before you the panorama of the Carpathian Mountains, stretching far, far away. You see Hoverla and other peaks of the Chernogorsky ridge ...Forests, roads, villages ...The village of Dragobrat under the very Stog ...

I've seen enough, "clicked" with the camera, buttoned it up and - go ahead!

And here - attention, attention and once again attention, fellow skiers!! !

The Circus is about to begin!

At first, the slope of the mountain is not great. This is a kind of “shoulder” of Mount Stog, quite easy to ride. Its width is 100 meters, no more.

Ah, here, further ...

Further - once you are on the edge of the cliff! The abyss is right under your feet! Well, or almost ...

And therefore, I beg you: if you leave the "armchair" and do not go to the right (to the easier "tow" slopes - I will also talk about these lifts below), but go straight down - do not accelerate in any case!

However, what am I - if you climbed on the "top-carpathian" armchair, you should have seen everything yourself and I am now writing extra words ...

Okay. Farther!

The angle of inclination of this slope, which goes down steeply, is no less than 70 degrees!

And this route is “wild”: a snowcat (a tractor-rammer of ski slopes never goes here - it simply will not climb such a “cool”, engine power, no matter how powerful it is, is simply not enough! ). A person inexperienced or inexperienced in skiing is horrified at the sight of such a "spectacle"! And more than once I saw him in the eyes of those who got there, not knowing with whom or, rather, with what he would deal. It is true that he was once in my eyes ...

I mean, congratulations - you got to ... , or rather - to the "Circus"! Here it is, darling in all its glory! Its steep wall, rounded in a northeasterly direction, forms a kind of "bowl" of the amphitheater. Hence, obviously, the name came from.

If you're not already a "dock" in terms of skiing or an average in your level, my advice to you is to slide peacefully sideways down the slope to the left. There it is more gentle. If you are a professional, then you have nothing to advise me and there is no need.

You already know what to do and will do everything right!

On the first descents along the "Circus" one feels very uncomfortable, even scary somehow ...But then, with each descent, you gradually get used to it! And sometime, the moment of understanding of the fact that you are already “in the grip” of this track comes!

And with pride and a smile you look at the "dummies" who frolic on the easier tracks of Dragobrat and "imagine" themselves as "aces" (I mean the tracks served by drag lifts of the Dragobrat shopping center and the "semi-infant" track called "Carpathian gull" - if you want to know more about them, read my "opus" called "The Unique Dragobrat"; however, I will talk about them a little here). On the "Circus" they do not even poke their noses.

And if, nevertheless, they stick their heads in there, then unless they go there from simple tracks - so carefully, sideways, so to speak, and even only along the bottom of the Circus, at a safe distance from the terrible steepness, located to the left of them, on which, presumably, they are afraid to look at this moment of their lives ...

And if you've overcome the horror of the Circus, you'll be rewarded!

This is the euphoria that will take you through the Trumpet!

The “Truba” is a narrow, shallow hollow starting almost from the foot of the “Circus”. Like his sister. Or a wife. Or simply - "Pipe".

Well, that's what you like more.

It looks like a gutter. That's why, apparently, the wits called her that. And not in the sense that you are there - there will be a "pipe"!

The slope here is quite uncool. Danger, in comparison with the just passed "cool", it almost does not represent any. If a person is not a complete "teapot" on skis. But they can't get there.

After all, for this you need to “get acquainted” if not with the entire “Circus”, then at least with its lower part. And no "teapot" in principle is capable of this!

Well, then, we will start running in the "Pipe".

And you roll on it with great pleasure!

Why? !

Yes, because "rolling" on it is something with something!

You drive up one wall - wow! And from there to the opposite - ah! And so on until its very end, for 200 meters!

This is great! You take off, then you go down and you take off again!

The only trouble that can happen to you is an involuntary collision with someone in this "Tube". You - to the right, he - to the left, let's start, in the same place, well, you're done - "hit off"! But this rarely happens ...In any case, I have never been so “lucky” there!

And you fly to the finish line with pants, as they say, full of joy! Well, it's me in a decent sense, don't think what's wrong ...

That's it!

But, thank God, people have come up with ski lifts, which, for their part, help to make the skiing process as pleasant as possible for ski fans and other people who are not indifferent to this sport.

Ski lifts, as most of you probably know very well, dear comrade readers, are divided into two types - ski lifts and chair lifts.

Sorry, there is another way to climb. I mean air lifts where passengers are comfortably seated in the cabins.

But, since such mechanisms work at rather “cool” foreign resorts, which, alas, I have not yet been able to visit, here I will “sing” to you only about the first two types of lifts.

Tom ski lifts have a longer history. They appeared much earlier than armchairs.

The principle of their operation is simple - to the steel cable that pulls up, the engine installed on the top of the mountain (in our times - exclusively electric), strong ropes with sticks are attached at regular intervals, grabbing and holding on to which you go "with your skis" to the top ski track. This is a kind of "ski tractor". Of course, if you are still inexperienced in skiing, then you may not leave, breaking off the yoke, for example, somewhere halfway. It's OK! Get up, shake off the snow, stop swearing and drive down the part of the track that you managed to climb to. And again, get in line for the yoke!

Why do I strongly advise you to do this? !

Yes, because skiing is a great opportunity to master the skiing technique even better, it’s better, so to speak, to “feel” the skis!

Therefore, my advice to you is - if you are still inexperienced in skiing, sit on the lift with someone who, if not a big "dock" in skiing, then at least has already managed to ride a lot of them. He will prompt and help, if suddenly that. It is customary for ski fans to help each other. On the ski slopes the slogan "Freedom! Equality! Brotherhood! ' is very effective. Especially in the third part. But, about this in more detail - at the end of these my "chants".

In general, find yourself a good teacher and enjoy (when you learn how to use) riding chairlifts!

What they are good for is that all the time you climb, you can enjoy the mountain views that open up more and more as you climb!

You can, of course, spend all this time digging in your pockets for various needs, or chatting on a mobile phone. Well, who needs what more ...It's the master's business!

And you can take wonderful photos of the mountains.

What is “useful”, you, dear man, found there, during these ascents on these lifts, what are you categorically telling us here, perhaps, again, legitimately ask you, my readers? !

I answer in order!

I'll start with my favorite lift.

This, of course, is the chair lift of the tourist complex "Top of the Carpathians". German production. Double. Already very "older" in technical terms. But regularly "buzzes"! Raises and lifts people to the top of the Haystack. What do you want - German quality, in a word!

And this lift is the most "alpine" in Ukraine. However, I have already “buzzed” about this more than once. I'm sorry!

What I like about him so much is that he delivers a skier to a meeting with the "Circus" and "Tube"! That is - to the most difficult track of Dragobrat, after passing which you feel almost like a hero!

And, sitting in the chair of this lift, for a considerable time of ascent to the top of the mountain (almost 20 minutes), you can perfectly view the panorama of Dragobrat, which, with every minute of ascent, will unfold more and more before your admiring gaze! And also, if you wish (which, in my personal opinion, a real ski fan cannot help but have! ), take excellent photos!

After that, you can start descending on the "Circus" and on the "Tube".

And here it is - an eye for an eye, caution and caution again, friends!

However, if you are not yet ready for a "date" with this couple, you can move off the "top" of Stog towards easier tracks. You just need to take a right on top of the mountain.

And you will find yourself on the drag tracks of the tourist complex "Dragobrat" - the second, or rather the first, "monopoly" on Dragobrat.

That's great! Well, by the way, as they say, it turned out.

I'll tell you about these lifts now!

Tourist complex "Dragobrat" owns two drag lifts. They are the oldest here. But, like the chairlift "Top of the Carpathians" work properly! The entire slope between them is a skiing area for the clients of the tourist complex and all "passing birds" from other hotels and slopes.

The ascent routes of these ski lifts, which, as you remember, you have to go with your own skis, are almost the same - they are a kilometer long. The second yoke, due to the fact that its lower "point" is slightly higher than the first one, will take you a little higher up the mountain. Climbing these ski lifts is quite easy. The only rather unpleasant and rather infrequent phenomenon that is present on their tracks from time to time is ice, which is not so easy to move on in tow for an inexperienced skier. But, nothing guys - this is also a school! Do not swear, do not commemorate whom you do not need with a "kindly quiet word. "

Consider this a convenient opportunity to become better and learn!

In addition to the 1st and 2nd yoke, there is also a yoke No. 3.

Belongs to the tourist complex "Top of the Carpathians". It is located next to the chairlift "Peaks" - on the other side of the "Pipe".

Its track is shorter than the tracks of rope tows No. 1 and No. 2, its upper station is the “lowest” of all tows), but it is also interesting in its own way - you can slide down from it into the “Pipe” I have already mentioned. That's it.

Now a few words about the rest of the lifts.

I will not expand on the so-called multi-lifts (small, "short" lifts for teaching the very best "dummies" and children). They bring great benefits - no doubt! But, alas, there is nothing so wonderful in them, let's say, let's say, there is nothing and that's it! And you won’t see the mountain beauties from their “puppet” trails either ...

“Let’s finish” this “song” with words about other “hearts” that I haven’t mentioned yet.

Well, who else do we have there "remained on the pipe"?

Now it's the turn for the second "chair" track of Dragobrat - a 2-seater ski lift "Carpathian Seagull". I confess honestly - to this day I do not know why it is called that. The name of this, of course, sounds quite exotic. Seabird and mountains? What a wild combination, maybe you thought, as I once did?

Yes, and for the first time this name seemed a little unusual to me ...

However, in my native Lviv, I have seen sea gulls more than once. For some kind of "makar" they flew so far inland ...

And the matter here, I think, is the same as the "Top of the Carpathians". So, right, the hotel was called, the owner of which was also the owner of the "armchair". The hotel was later renamed, but the name of the lift remained the same.

So what's so special about this chairlift?

Firstly, by the fact that even more stunning views of the Carpathians and its main peak, Hoverla, open up from her chairs when climbing!

And here, too, you can make the most beautiful pictures "spilled sea"!

Secondly, despite the fact that Stog is a mountain with rather steep slopes, here the slope is surprisingly gentle and the Carpathian Seagull trail therefore provides everyone with an excellent opportunity to work out all the elements of skiing . As I once put it somewhere (quite aptly, as for me! ) - here an experienced skier will be able to move backwards, on one ski, talking on a mobile phone! As then, I will point out that this, of course, is an exaggeration, friends (so - purely for the sake of a joke and only! )! But still - not much, not much ...

In general, looking at this track, the words of one old Soviet song immediately come to mind, which everyone should know, even those who did not happen to live in the “great and mighty”: “My dear country is wide! ".

Yes, guys - the width of this track in other places reaches a value of 50 meters! On it only and learn, learn and learn, as someone used to say sometime! And the views from it are amazing!

What else is good about this route is that snowcats are on duty at its upper station on weekends, which for a not very big fee will lift you up Gendarmes and Bliznica. There are no ski lifts on these mountains of the Dragobrat mountain "necklace" and ski fans go there for freeride.

I beg you right away - do not try to drive down the sparkling white snow steep down into the forest. It is very dangerous without a freerider guide!! !

Drive back to the Carpathian Seagull.

On this side there is also a “virgin land” and you can try there how it is to drive along the “powder”. And yes, you will be in front of people. If God forbid that - help will come quickly ...

So, who haven't we talked about yet?

Ah!

This is the track of the hotel "Oaza" (that is, "Oasis" in Russian).

Alas, I can’t say anything more in detail about this lift (and it’s a drag lift, like the first three). I wasn't there.

I will write one thing that its upper station is located about 200 meters below the upper station of the "Carpathian Seagull". And what kind of skiing on this track - I find it difficult to say ...This very "Oaza" is on the outskirts of the rest of the "huts" of Dragobrat. What is there, how is it - I know almost nothing about it.

Unless the ski instructors from there take people to freeride - we were led by such people in 2013. Cool raced on the virgin snow guys!

This is the end, finally, of this "song"!

They are like Dragobrat's "hearts"!

"COT SIX: DRAGOBRAT'S MYSTERY"

“I’ll sing” I’m here for you guys, about something that even for me is not completely clear ...

What is this about, you legitimately ask?

Yes, about that, people, colleagues, fans, I want to tell you what I myself call very so-so, even romantic and no more no less than - "The Mystery of Dragobrat"!

He has some secret of his own. One and only!

No, no, I'm not crazy! For now, at least...

Don't stop reading and don't go about your business, good people!

Please, keep reading!

What am I for?

Besides, that's what fought and beats in my not very developed, if frankly, brain, the thought that SOMETHING is very incomparable in my beloved Dragobrat!

What? !

As a person in some ways a little bit, as I think of myself, even a little spiritual, I will answer you this question briefly and clearly - Dragobrat has his own soul! Yes, that's right, and not otherwise!

This place has its own halo.

If you are a decent person, you sincerely love skiing, you can appreciate the beauty of the surrounding nature and this beauty does not serve as some kind of decoration for you in addition to the ski run, then you will feel this invisible,

kind, soft and "pleasant" influence of the mountains of the Dragobrat "necklace" ...

And it's only here (and nowhere else! ) I heard people sing on the tracks!

Isn't that a fact! ?

Which is known to be a stubborn thing...

Yes, friends! Dragobrat has his own soul!

I hope I got this riddle right...

« CANOT SEVEN: THE MOUNTAINS. SKIS. GIRL"

And I will sing this “song” in honor of my beloved wife!

Finally!

After all, it is thanks to her that I am writing these lines now (as, indeed, many others before them, written earlier). And “secretly to the whole world” I tell how great it is to be able to ski in general and how great it is to do it on Dragobrat, in particular!

After all, it was she who "put me" on skis. And then she asked me to tell other people how UNFORGETTABLE it is - when you rush, making turns, along a mountain slope, hearing the whistle of the wind in your ears. And after all, it was she who asked me later to tell about those wonderful corners of the Carpathians, where we went skiing. And also about the REAL PEOPLE you meet there - on the tracks. People for whom you are a brother, not a wolf.

Don't worry, friends! There will be nothing personal in what is said below, and this will not tire you at all and will not distract you from the main topic. And, I really hope that from what you are now reading, you will fully learn a lot of interesting things for yourself!

I'll just tell you about how my Lida got on skis, studied, mastered the skill. And I will do this, not just paying tribute to my love for her, but also because I really hope that her personal path to “skiing” success will suddenly turn out to be something useful for one of you!

I apologize in advance for some of the necessary details I'll have to lay out. I do this only to achieve the "wholeness" of my story.

And Lidin's "skiing epic" began quite simply. There were no miraculous stories and some kind of hoaxes.

Lida became very interested in skiing as a student. And this is because from childhood I was engaged in one very important, one might even say royal, sport. I mean "big" tennis.

Pretty successful initially. Then, when it turned out that a lot of money was needed to develop talent (to purchase expensive equipment, pay for performances at tournaments), and there were “dashing 90s” in the yard (which of us, ordinary people, then “hens didn’t peck money” ? ), then all this had to be abandoned.

But my future betrothed did not lose interest in sports because of this. Because she loves sports!

But, sorry, I already wrote about this.

Well, here are some new first-year friends who know how to ski, offered to join them and go skiing in Slavsk. This is such the oldest ski resort in Ukraine - you know, right?

Lida, of course, was all for it!

But the first pancake could have been a big-o-o-o-o-o-o-o! Because the girl did not know that in the mountains you can not ski on any skis that you have. Skiing in the mountains requires skis with edges. These are such sharp metal strips attached to both edges of the ski. It is they who allow the skier to stay on the skis, performing turns. But Lida did not know this and took ordinary cross-country skis with her (borrowed from an elderly compassionate neighbor). Already in the train, she was alerted by the smiles of her neighbors in the car, who whispered and chuckled, looking at her outfit.

After all, she also didn’t have ski boots that shackle a person’s leg, like in a reliable shell that protects it from all kinds of damage!

And it started on the mountainside - everyone is driving and only one Lida falls constantly! The girl was just on the verge of despair! Thank God I didn't break anything. And what was the poor fellow to do?

But our world, as you know, is not without good people, and one person, seeing this, suggested that she rent skis at a local rental. Of course, it became easier right away, but I still had to learn to ride! It's not so easy, gentlemen-comrades-bar! We need skating technique!

My future missus was engaged in mastering this complex subject, not a lot, not a little, but for ten whole years! Yes, yes, I was not mistaken, friends! That's how it was...

Since childhood, my wife has been accustomed to achieving, if not everything, then a lot, on her own and always goes to the goal stubbornly, regardless of the cost of either time or effort.

Lida worked out each movement countless times, bringing it to perfection. She wanted to ride and not just, but TOTALLY! And she got her way!

“Respect and respect” to you, little wife, as younger skiers like to say in their slang! Indeed, many of the beginners, having just learned, as they say, three tricks, stop at this and ride in such a way that it is funny and sad to look at them from the outside at the same time. And they feel like almost masters of sports - no less ...

Sometimes, it was very difficult for my Lida ...

No, fortunately, injuries bypassed her. But the nerves were exhausted immeasurably! And, as my wife told me, laughing heartily at herself, it happened that from her stormy emotions, often translated into life with the help of various “salty” and other unprintable words, the snow just began to turn red!

And keep in mind, my dear readers, that then, in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

there was no Bukovel or Playa in the Ukrainian Carpathians with their "bells and whistles". On our Dragobrat, the lifts that we loved so much have not yet “buzzed”. There was only Slavsk with its chain of mountains, equipped with old drag lifts, on which you also need to be able to climb the mountain.

And the guys from Lida's company had to live in such conditions that our current places of residence would simply seem like a palace to them ...I remember my wife's stories about how they had to live in an old freight car at Slavsk station, converted into a residential "compartment" . How then they had to sleep all together, cuddled up to each other.

And since the "conveniences" were in the yard, then, on frosty nights, the dictum of the writer-humorist Vladimir Vishnevsky, who specializes in short humorous poems, became closer and more understandable.

Well, remember?

And the arrival of every winter for my little wife still remained by no means a reason for some kind of "weather" stress (or spleen, like the stiff Englishmen), and which suffered and suffers "someone, somewhere, sometimes" and in our Slavic lands.

For the fanatic skier, this was a signal that soon, soon, it would be possible to go to the mountains - SKIING!

And my wife knows how to ski perfectly!

“Your Lida is like a bee! »

So one of our good friends once said about her, also a skier (very mediocre, however), referring to how quickly and masterfully she "passes" the ski run.

And, the truth is like a bee ...

I'm talking right here and now about my dear, friends, because my little wife is just crazy about Dragobrat!

And, in general, this series of essays about Dragobrat could not exist at all! It was Lida who asked me to write about him after our first trip there.

And it is here that her skill is most clearly manifested! This is her place. Lida would never leave from there - so she says.

She skis the most difficult tracks of the "Old Man Draga" so well that more than once, and not two, and not three, but much more, she "fell into the frame" of professional photographers who have been working there for several winter seasons, filming skiers and then offering them, for a modest fee, their photographs “on ski turns”, as a keepsake. These rather cunning guys, as they say, were "in the grip" of how Lida rushes along the track! Photos of my wife on skis, as for me, can be safely printed in textbooks on skiing!

However, you can check it yourself by looking at the "photo attachment" to this my "collection of songs" about Dragobrat.

When I appeared in Lida's life from the wedding "rushnyk" (that's what a towel is called in Ukraine, and here there is such a custom for newlyweds to wear it - I write it all figuratively, well, you understand, right? ) we set foot hand in hand in a wide life, she asked me - would I like to try "get up on skis"?

I agreed! Well, how could I refuse a loved one? !

And I have never (I swear! ) regretted it!

Because now I'm also a fan of skiing!

And the winter spent without riding them is now a waste of time for me. Basically…

It was difficult for me at first, but the vast experience of my wife and my own stubbornness, which, unfortunately, mostly manifests itself in me without any benefit to others and for myself, helped me achieve results that give reason to say that once - then a “ski sense” can come out of me.

And for the fact that I had it easier (and very much even!

) rather than my “half”, so now I have to pay for this by telling about everything that I have learned, I know and, I hope, I will learn a lot of good things about the mountains and their beautiful “child” - alpine skiing!

So I've been paying back my "debts" for the fifth year by writing essays about how great it is to be a skier. With no small benefit to other people, as I would like to hope!

Thank you, wifey! You are my young lady!

You gave me this happiness ...

Mountains! Skis! Young woman! »

Sounds great, doesn't it? !

“CONE EIGHT: CHAPEL ON DRAGOBRAT”

I am a believer.

So I thought and continue to think about myself.

Baptized.

I try to attend church more often.

But it's hard for me to say what my faith is worth ...

After all, the fact that you think something about yourself is not the fact that it is so! The question is very difficult.

However, this is a personal matter and the problems of each person.

And we are not talking about them here.

God must not be forgotten.

Because He remembers all of us.

“No one is forgotten by God – no one is an orphan! »

These are the words of a monk's song that I once heard. They took me by the soul ...

There were moments on my ski slopes when I was very uncomfortable and a prayer sounded in my soul and I asked for help ...And everything ended well!

I understand that not all people are believers (although, here, one hero of the well-known Soviet film comedy "Beware of the car! " once aptly expressed the idea that, in fact - "...all people are believers: some believe that God exists, others believe that there is no God") and some of you may "smile" when reading the above lines. I respect your views, fellow skeptics, but still my advice to you - do not take such things lightly! Think about it, at least from time to time thanks to whom and why you live ...However, as another Ostap Ibragimovich Bender used to say, this is not relevant. Decide for yourself how to live.

It is clear that a ski resort is a place for active recreation, for entertainment. And, having arrived there, of course, one cannot count on the fact that there you will not be able to partly violate the “spiritual routine” of your life (I mean visiting the temple). And you have to come to terms with it.

And how glad I was to find a small Orthodox chapel on Dragobrat! It's great to have SHE HERE!

I don’t know about anyone, but sometimes it’s difficult for me to tune in to communion with the Lord in a noisy, smoky, dusty city during an ordinary vain working day ...Only in the temple do I find the necessary peace in my soul and order in my thoughts ...

And here, on Dragobrat, where you can fully feel his power and wisdom (He created such a wonderful place! ), prayer to him is much more penetrating. It is much easier to tune in to the desired “wave”. Here, no one and nothing will interfere ...

After all - "prayer is the offering of the mind and heart to God and is a word of reverence for him. "

God bless that kind person who had the blessed idea to put this chapel here!

And so…

In the evening, after the usual "ski" day, leaving my ski equipment in our "hut", I go there.

Pray and give thanks for the day…

For the fact that I can live and be glad that I live!! !

Evening snow falls quietly...

There is no one around...

In the "huts" in the distance, windows begin to glow ...It's time for the "Skiing" people of Dragobrat to rest ...

I hear the sound of the wind in the tall fir trees of Dragobrat...

Getting dark...

Stars are slowly flaring up in the sky ...

And I'm reading the Lord's Prayer...

The face of Christ is looking at me...

I return joyful and calm ...

Lord - how beautiful is Your name!

"COT NINE: MINI FREERIDE ON THE MAIN SLOPE"

But this "song", as one word from its name will be completely "mini"!

Ma-a-a-so lazy!

Because I simply won’t be able to “sing” here longer than the period of time that takes in reality what I want to tell “in secret to the whole world”!

I think all of you (well, almost) know what "freeride" is.

For those who are not familiar with this word and who have not read my previous "opus" about Dragobrat (just kidding - for God's sake don't get angry, don't "oblige" to subtract my writings! ) I will briefly explain its meaning.

This sonorous, not our word means riding on virgin snow-powder - on wild and free snowy slopes, where there is no mortar before you on this wonderful day ... , sorry, the skis of your hobby comrades-in-arms have not passed for the rest of your life.

And you rush along this narrow hollow, miraculously avoiding collisions with trees on bends! You feel completely cut off from the world around you!

Wow! Ahh!

Oh! Ay!

And only the sound of your own skis, now and then burrowing into loose snow ...

And only the sound of the wind in the fir trees...And no one alive around. Where I am? ! Is it on inhabited earth?

“When is the end? ! "- the thought beats in my head

And here is the gap in front - against which people on skis flicker!

Well, this is a congress to the 2nd ski lift: we have already passed there 1000 times, trying to climb the mountain again.

Arrived!! ! Hooray!! !

Fuuuuuu…

Uh-huh! What an annoyance! Not "nonsense" ...

I reread this "song"!

It was not possible to write briefly, as promised ...

“Again a deuce” ...

But it's not scary, is it? !

The main thing is that there is something else to remember about Dragobrat!

"CANDO TEN: DRAGOBRAT'S TAXI AND OTHER TRANSPORT"

WARNING! ATTENTION! ATTENTION!

In the "song" that you will now listen to, you will learn about wonderful people, without whom it is impossible, so to speak, the full functioning of Dragobrat as a ski resort.

Who am I talking about? !

I want to give you a somewhat poetic answer to this most logical question, using words from one beautiful and well-known song for this.

This is a song about Real People.

Here are her first words:

“At sharp turns, the car is thrown into a ditch
Again, the spirit stops
But there is no more beautiful profession! ...

Stuntmen, stuntmen
We are visiting a wonderful occasion
Stuntmen, stuntmen
After all, dangers are nothing to us, in general
This is our destiny
We can't help it! »

Did you recognize her?

What is it called?

That's right - "Stuntmen"!

And I want to "sing" now about the hard workers-drivers who deliver all the thirsty-suffering skiing pleasures from the village of Yasynya, Rakhovsky district, Transcarpathian region of Ukraine (where they are delivered by train or bus) to their longed-for Dragobrat. Well, and, of course, then they are returned, overflowing with simply unearthly happiness, back to where they were taken from. And with the greatest possible comfort in this position and in the uttermost value and safety!

And what about the stuntmen? ! This question will arise, right, almost every one of you, right?

Besides, my friends, the work of these very real men is very much akin to the one that is sung about in the song I have already mentioned!

How so? !

Ah, now you will find out!

As I already had the honor to tell the whole world in the first part of my "infinite story" (I'm ironic about myself - hehe! , quite sincerely - I swear!

) about Dragobrat, there, on the mountain, in this reserved "tract", only one road leads. And this road is very difficult! The rise in many of its sections is not just steep, but very steep! And, in some places, the path passes in a matter of centimeters from the edge of the cliff (small, 3-4 meters deep - but it would be oh, how bad it would be to fall off it, you understand, right? ), under which a stormy mountain river flows.

This road is just an earthen track with a width of "one car". True, in several places it has "patch" for traveling with oncoming "iron horses". And in winter, in the presence of the presence of the fact of abundant snowfall, this path becomes even more difficult due to the repeated passage of it by “vehicles”. The road is then covered with potholes and potholes, on which, exactly as it is sung in the song I mentioned, the car is thrown from side to side!

This is because in the army and many rural areas of the former USSR it was used and continues to be used as an ambulance.

Our neighbors were people who for the first time wished to "test" the Dragobrat tracks. And most of them were women.

I now remember, sometimes with a slight smile, how these ladies began to scream and squeal with fear - when the car bounced so strongly on the pits and potholes, when it was thrown from side to side, when it rolled menacingly over a stormy mountain river ...

And my wife and I were calm! Because they knew there was nothing to be afraid of.

That nothing will happen to us, because local drivers know their business perfectly well!

And so it happened.

In the most critical, menacing moments, when it seemed that just a little bit more and we would just “hit” down the cliff and roll over, the steering wheel of our “taxi”, obeying the deft hands of our “boss”, was spinning where it was necessary , and exactly as much as it was necessary for our car to skillfully leave the dangerous "trajectory" ...

In general, we got to the place normally. No casualties or losses.

Our driver turned on the music for us on the road, by the way - so that it would be more fun! The songs, however, were all about love. But if "Stuntmen" sounded - that would be great! In the most "bull's eye" it would have turned out!

So, “love your friends”, if you have an “iron horse” and you drive it well in your native “flat” land, my advice to you is - do not engage in “amateur activities” on Dragobrat! Even if you are the owner of a fairly powerful jeep.

Come to Yasynya, put your car in a guarded parking lot, hire a local "ace" driver and go upstairs with peace of mind - to the "skiing kingdom".

Be healthier!

Here, again in memory, in connection with the above, a memory surfaced ...

This is already from our way back - from Dragobrat to Yasynya.

We are going, in general, down - on the same "tablet" as on the mountain, a week before. The driver drove the car more slowly, of course. Descent! And, suddenly, when we had already almost passed the entire route and soon the lights of the outlying houses of Yasyn should have appeared, in front, a few hundred meters, the headlights of a slowly rising car suddenly flared up. When we drove past this vehicle, it turned out to be a minibus! This fact, apparently, surprised our “chief driver” so much that he did not even immediately stop, but drove forward a few tens of meters. Then he stopped abruptly and "surrendered" back.

And he explained to the boobies of the king of heaven that they would not go upstairs on a sort of "miracle". To their naive-surprised question, how could he be then, he replied that guys, leave the car in a paid parking lot, hire a local driver and go upstairs with God.

I hope these "bast shoes" listened to him...

That's it.

“Hardworkers” UAZ-iki not only carry “tourists” from Yasyn to Dragobrat and back. They also play the role of local taxis, transporting in the mornings the citizens who arrived to taste from Dragobrat's "ski bounty" to the tracks they need. There are individuals who are too lazy to walk in the morning, warm up a few hundred meters up the slope to the ski lifts.

So what's wrong with that, people? ! The crown will not fall off the head, as they say! Yes, and somehow you respect yourself more after this foot "raid". Smog, passed - well done!

And the extra warm-up before the "ski" day will not hurt the body.

These don't want to...Weaklings!

These powerful machines are used here, as in many other ski resorts, for slope preparation. And you can ride them (for a tidy sum! ) only if you want to try what "freeride" is or just want to visit the mountains of the Dragobratsky "necklace", the slopes of which are not equipped with lifts - Gendarmes and Bliznitsa.

Do not try to descend from there otherwise than following the trail of a snowcat that has gone back! Unless, of course, an experienced guide is standing next to you, who will now lead your group on “freeride” paths, and this is exactly what you are here for ...

The most "exotic" mode of transport on Dragobrat is, of course, horses!

This is exactly the most, that neither is, "exotic"!

In small sleighs, where one, maximum two, horses are harnessed, you will be taken for a ride (also for a rather big fee) only around the “ski village” itself.

We will talk about ski clothes, skis, poles, ski boots, helmets and other necessary "equipment".

For myself, I like to call it all - ski "equipment". At the same time, I feel like a sort of “ski musketeer”!

Yes, people, if you have excellent ski equipment - this is already 50% of your success on the ski slopes!

How so? !

After all, as someone used to say, everything is decided by the staff?

So many of you will think right away, probably.

No, my friends: just like a medieval warrior armed with a bow, arrows and sword will never defeat a modern soldier who, with his computerized weapons, is already gradually turning into a cyborg,

So the individual who decides to start skiing and chooses "antediluvian" ski equipment for this will never be able to master the ski run and will not even get a fraction of that pleasure and joy that he would certainly get a chance for having excellent ski equipment.

Well, now to be more specific.

Let's start with the very first thing that every ski "neophyte" acquires, deciding to master this difficult sports "vehicle".

We are talking about ski clothing.

Why not about skiing? They are “main” for a skier? ! So you want to ask - right?

Yes, guys! Having excellent skis is very, very important! But, nevertheless, you need to start “equipping yourself”, choosing for yourself the optimal (in terms of quality and price, which, as you know, always “squabble” among themselves) version of ski clothing.

Time to choose your skis, poles, boots and more will come later.

So - what kind of clothing does a skier need?

Firstly, the real "ski" clothing - it is waterproof.

If you go to the track in an ordinary winter jacket and jeans or warm trousers, in which you have a habit of moving around your native village in winter, then after a certain number of falls (from which even a very experienced skier is not immune), this “clothing” will be soaked through with water and your the ski day will end there.

Secondly, for skiing you need clothes not simple, but with a so-called membrane. The membrane is a layer of special material sewn between the upper waterproof cover of clothing and the lining that is adjacent to the body. Its main property (for which it was made) is that it does not let the cold of the external atmosphere inward and freely passes in the opposite direction the evaporation from the body of a skiing fan heated from skiing (ordinary clothing, as you understand, in such cases is simply gradually gets wet with sweat).

And this very membrane performs its functions the better, the higher its number.

What kind of number is this?

This is a number (from 1000 and above) that is applied on the price tag in the store and, of course, on the lining of the ski suit itself. The higher it is, the better the ski clothing (and more expensive of course! ) And the more comfortable your body will feel in it.

Ski clothes can be sewn in the form of two options:

jacket and pants;

overalls.

Of course, everyone chooses according to their own tastes and preferences. But I sincerely think - option number 1 is better!

Here's the thing. Everything is very simple.

A "ski" day has a length of several hours. Sooner or later, the moment will come when a person “will be called by need”, so to speak. To do THIS in overalls, as you might guess, is extremely inconvenient!

And it doesn't matter where your body demanded from you to fulfill your "physiological duty" - next to an equipped toilet with all the "amenities", as in luxurious Bukovel, or in a wild forest on a "freeride", somewhere on the slope of one of the mountains of the Dragobratsky "necklace » …

And so - pants, I apologize for the not very polite expression, unbuttoned and do your "dirty deeds" ...

And putting on your own equipment, if it is “separate”, is much easier and more convenient! Well, you understand - yes? !

Regarding the colors of clothes, then everything, as our neighbors Poles say, is “up to the choice - up to the color”! Everything is great, that is! Find what pleases your eyes!

Now about helmets.

This thing is very useful for a skier - it almost perfectly protects the head of a ski fan from most all kinds of external influences, including weather. Helmets are made from ultra-strong and ultra-light composite materials (as they seem to be called ... ).

Concerning color, the fantasy and dream of manufacturers also run wild here. But as for the shape and functional elements (holes, collars, fastening straps, etc. ) - “this matter must be carefully sorted out! ", as some people used to say. Your "cyber center" in a helmet should feel as comfortable as possible. And here you can not do without the help of a specialist.

Unfortunately, I can't offer any good advice here. I myself wore this thing only once in my life (usually I ride in my favorite ski hat - with my head, thank God so far I haven’t fought against anything, pah-pah ... ).

It was in Bukovel about five years ago. Then they just introduced this rule - no one is allowed on the tracks without a helmet. This is to at least slightly reduce the local injuries on the tracks.

Well, yes, you already understood, right, from my uncertain tone, that in this regard, I am “like a goat's milk” ...

Their selection is huge!

Well, the color, the shape of the ancestors, backs, design, in general, is, as they say, a matter of taste.

I'll just give you a couple of tips. In my opinion, it is very useful and you will definitely need it.

“Meaning so”, dear colleagues.

In order for you to maneuver as comfortably as possible on the track (or, more correctly, to make turns) and in general, in all respects and directions, it is pleasant to move, your skis and poles should be the optimal length for YOU PERSONALLY.

After all, we are all different: height, weight, and so on ...

So - when choosing skis, take the “shell” you like and place it vertically next to you. If the "front" of the ski is flush with your shoulder - these are your skis!

With such a length, you will not feel great on them, but just great to ride!

Now about sticks.

It's very similar to them.

They, sticks, when riding, are actually needed only to help the body maintain balance.

They also need to be chosen correctly.

So, let's say, with the help of a salesman of a "fancy" sporting goods store (or a ski rental worker) who is assisting you, finally put on your first pair of ski boots in your life.

Why such difficulties? !

Yes, because, friends, these shoes are worn differently than what we wear in everyday life. How and what is there - you will be shown "responsible" persons.

For my part, I want to advise you here too.

So, when all the fasteners are fastened on your legs and all the straps and laces are tightened, press the front part of the shin of the leg (any! ) very strongly on the “apron” of the boot. If you succeed again, with "enormous" work - that's it, this "shoe" suits you perfectly! Take it!

Here, sir, and so, friends.

I will not sing further about the wonderful ski "equipment".

Is it really too much, I already sang here, my dear readers, about skis and about the simply boundless happiness that they give to a person who decided to "get up" on them?

And even then, I think, these “songs” (as they say in such cases - even crack! ) seemed more like a groan to you ...

But then one wonderful "thinking" flashed like a meteor in my head!

Which, alas, as it often happens, "came after" ...

It means that it occurred to me that we should finally “sing” to all of you about something without which getting the maximum joy from skiing cannot in any way, nevertheless, be likely or, let's say, let's say, almost…

After all, no matter how inveterate and "reckless" fan of skiing a person may be, but first of all, he is a man! With their needs, weaknesses and other "ungentlemanly" or "ungentlewomanly" set ...

What am I talking about?

Yes, I want to tell you about the places where we, skiers, after a hot "ski" day, relax, put ourselves in order in order to be "on horseback" and "fully armed" again in the morning!

I want to tell you, excuse me, "sing" (of course! ), About ski hotels, hotels and just "huts" of Dragobrat.

I just call them "shelters". And I put the warmest meaning into this word. Because, as for me, you can’t say better!

Here a person will really be sheltered by kind, affectionate, friendly people.

I will describe my personal “tender” feelings that I usually experience when my “skiing” day is over and it’s time to go home - to put myself in order, have dinner, share my impressions with new friends, acquaintances, which you always find in such places ...

Well, and rest, "bainki" ...How could it be without it!

You can still, of course, in the evening "fill up" in some dragobrat bar or tavern, where there may even be a disco ...

But I, personally, am not a fan of such "pastime".

It is necessary to give the body a rest in the evening! So that on the “next” day “taste of the bounty” of Dragobrat “to the fullest”!

Yes, and what kind of fun is it that you spend your precious time of life on it and here ...

You can, after all, do without it for a week!

Feel free to leave all this "below" - on the plain, in the bustling towns-vesyas ...

Okay!

Now, finally, about my "indescribable feelings" from Draga ski shelters.

Actually, once, I did not know about such wonderful places as small ski hotels, shelters and "hotels" in the mountains. Because, simply, I have never been to the mountains ...

Therefore, from the time I started skiing, these "points" simply fascinated me with their hospitable external and internal appearance!

After all, almost everywhere and everywhere, in Ukrainian ski resorts, they are built from local forests.

And they have a very warm home environment (both material and spiritual! ). Beautiful views from the windows to the Carpathians! However, they are like that from almost all Dragobrat's "huts" ...And the cuisine is excellent! Delicious, like mom's, warm like home, in a word!

Prolisok, I love you!! !

And it's great, guys...

After a "working" ski day, you ski up to your ski "shelter". Take off your skis at the entrance. Then in the hallway you take off your shoes and put on (seemingly so light! ) your “homemade” rubber slippers or ordinary slippers, which you took off in the morning before putting on your shoes. And you go upstairs - to your room, where you can wash off the sweat of the day and change into dry "home" clothes. After that, you can (if you're lucky and your wife does not take a shower for a long time and seriously! ) Even take a break, waiting for dinner.

And then you go down to the most comfortable dining room, sit down in your place ...The attendants (usually young charming local girls! ), Noticing your appearance, they bring you “first”, then “second”, and then tea (or uzvar - compote, then - I mean! ). And at this time you share your daily impressions, losses and successes with your neighbors. At the same time, sometimes, with one eye, you look at the TV on the wall of the dining room, on which the waitresses have already carefully selected, easy to perceive (for the "relaxation" of customers), a channel of video clips that "spin" one after another ...

If you really want to or have a good reason - you can order (this is not included in the paid menu, of course! ) the girls have something to drink that amuses the blood and mind! Alcohol tinctures on local berries and herbs are especially good in this regard! It's not cheap, as a rule. But what an effect!

And, "tasting", you can "stomp" to your room - to watch "TV" or a newspaper, a little book to read for sleep ...

Or just "collapse" on the bed and do nothing until "lights out"!

That's it!

Well, our visit to Crocus is just a tribute to practicality. And only only! Of course, the harmony of life (and "skiing"! ) philosophy was somewhat violated, but ...What can you do! I had to hide my philosophy in my pocket!

They, in Crocus, about last year, the price of "full board" was slightly lower than the price of the Zvizdaryuks in Proliska. And in our pockets in the past, 2015, there was a certain “whistling” (which arose due to the purchase of a new one-room “family nest” in Lviv in the summer of 2013 and bringing it into a residential form in the period 2014-2015).

It was more comfortable in Crocus.

It was possible, at any time of the day or evening, to go into the kitchen and make yourself tea, coffee and other drinks that anyone loves and had everything they needed with them. This was not practiced in Proliska. With us, at least.

But it is much warmer there and not just physically, but somehow even, like a family, or something!

People there are simply more sincere and delicate!

In Crocus, judging by the attitude of the attendants towards us, we were just one of many for them.

"Crocus", actually - wow point. I have to give credit!

They even have special electric dryers for ski boots, for example, which Prolisk did not have at all.

But Prolisk is still better!

"Everything is decided by personnel"! Sorry - people!

Isn't that right, friends? !

Sorry, Prolisok!

We will definitely come back to you!

“ SONG FOURTEEN: BY THE STREETS OF DRAGOBRAT ...”

Our Dragobrat is a wonderful place, folks!

You know, friends, no matter how surprising it would be for you to read this here and now, but only "getting up" on skis, I realized that a certain, almost universally known expression that "man is a wolf to man" does not work everywhere and not always on this earth...Fortunately!

What does this "philosophical digression" mean, and what is all this for?

Let me explain!

Short and clear.

And so you are tired, you see, as they say, worse than bitter radish, with your chanting-ranting ...

It's me, friends, that in the past I was convinced more than once that on the ski slopes all people are brothers and sisters to each other!

Yes, yes, that's right! Yes, but not otherwise! !

Where does such a miracle come from on our Earth? !

It's simple!

The reason is that evil people will not go in for sports. Primarily.

They consider it a waste of time. Every minute is dear to them, so that they have more bins, I apologize for the word, “grab”.

Yes, and sports are often very significant expenses. They won't go for it either.

This is, of course, too simplistic, I spoke.

Life is more difficult.

But I think if I'm wrong, it's not by much.

And also, everyone for whom the ski track is their home knows that if you don’t help someone now, it may turn out that tomorrow they won’t help you.

How so? !

Have you just announced to us that there is a brotherhood on the slopes? !

So legitimately you ask.

Yes, it will just happen, friends, that others will not notice your misfortune, will not see, will not hear your cries. And they will pass by. And you will get out yourself - as best you can ...

On the tracks, people help each other.

How?

And so!

If something happens, they will always help and support you.

If, for example, you, a “sitny” friend, as they say, “climbed, not knowing the ford, into any water” - drove onto a steep slope, not yet having the necessary riding technique, and, flying upside down ( or head over heels - that’s how anyone can do it! ), scattered his skis, sticks and, possibly, other items of equipment on half the track, the person always following you, seeing this, will stop, pick up your property and bring (or at least leave you get all this “on your own” - and you catch it and be grateful! ) you have your property so that you don’t climb, puffing and swearing (try to climb a steep slope uphill in ski boots - walk in them on a flat place sometimes it’s not easy! ) a good half an hour up the slope, collecting everything myself.

And how many skis I transported like that ...

And they brought me - and I "flyed"!

Everyone falls down on the slopes...This bowl won't pass anyone.

Once, here, I managed to drop my mobile phone - in the snow on the highway. It was, by the way, on Dragobrat.

That's it! Where, when would I find it later?

And even though the price for him is a penny (a simple one all: a monochrome display, in general, a "dinosaur" compared to current smartphones), but still - it was a pity!

There are so many necessary phones left!

What do you think?

Calling him from his wife's phone, we found out that he was in Dragobrat's most popular ski cafe! The cafe salesman answered us on it. Some kind soul, by some miracle, came to the place where I sowed it, picked it up and left it where we, like so many hobby colleagues, loved to drink tea in the afternoon, taking a short break.

God bless this man!

That's it, friends!

We are skiers and skiers - brothers and sisters to each other!

Come visit us!

Let's be relatives? !

« A SONG OF SONG!! ! »

"Brevity is the sister of talent. "

So once said one smart man.

Here I am, in the final "chord" of my "concert", I will try to be "short and clear" and this is how I will try to express the main idea of this "opus" (and, in principle, of the entire series about Dragobrat too! ) .

ON DRAGOBRAT - WONDERFUL, PEOPLE!! !

COME!! !

"EPILOGUE"

Well, that's all, dear readers!

« ...How is it possible,

My song ends

And my life goes on

And seething like water… »

Finally, this moment has come when I can finally put down my "virtual pen" and say to myself and to you - that's it!

I've told everything I could and how I could about Wonderful Dragobrat!

How did it happen? You decide.

Well, whoever didn't like what he read above - as they say, don't give a damn and forget about it. This is your "full legal right".

But, if, nevertheless, one of you was fascinated by what you read (or at least a little interested! ) - do not waste time, people!

In the next ski season, grab your ski equipment in an armful and hurry to Dragobrat! Reality will exceed your wildest expectations!

THIS WILL BE UNFORGETTABLE!

See you on Dragobrat!

And we will definitely be there!

How else? !

“Oh, one more time, one more time, many, many more times! »

Yes, guys!

Why am I? !

While I was “singing” and “singing” to you here, winter took and came, as it should be according to the calendar, and it is already in full swing!

And this means that a new SKI season has opened!

The season of happiness, joy and sports!

“WHAT ARE WE ALL DOING HERE, huh? ! »

Let's all go to Dragobrat!

P. S. "Songs" about Dragobrat was sung for you by his patriot, a simple skier, a techie by chance and a philologist by vocation (all woven, as they say from paradoxes, but, nevertheless, the person seems to be not so bad! ), an ordinary Russian guy Sasha from Lvov.

Translated automatically from Russian. View original