Yemeni beginners attempt skiing uphill for hours at French resort.
Our Entertainment Editor: Arthur Pint
ST GERVAIS, FRANCE – Two Yemeni holidaymakers caused mild confusion and considerable curiosity at a French ski resort this week after spending nearly three hours attempting to ski uphill.
Fatimah Al-Haddad, 35, and Aisha Al-Qadi, 35, who had travelled from Yemen for what they described as a “once-in-a-lifetime winter adventure,” arrived at the resort of St. Gervais, France with enthusiasm but very little prior exposure to the practical realities of skiing.
Witnesses say the pair arrived early on Tuesday morning at the foot of the slope armed with rented skis, thick scarves, and what one onlooker described as “an admirable but deeply misplaced sense of purpose.”
According to staff, the confusion began when the women observed experienced skiers descending the mountain and concluded that the logical first step must be to climb it. “They kept leaning forward and pushing with their poles, trying to force the skis uphill,” said instructor Pierre Lemaire. “For three hours they advanced approximately two metres.”
Uphill challenge
Undeterred by repeated sliding backwards, the pair reportedly encouraged each other with determined shouts of “Just one more push!” before gravity intervened once again. “At one point they were basically marching on skis,” Lemaire added. “Technically impressive, but entirely unnecessary.”
Eventually staff approached the pair to gently explain that skiing normally involves being transported uphill by lift before travelling downhill.
The women later admitted the concept had not occurred to them. “We thought everyone else had already finished climbing,” said Al-Haddad.
Despite the sporting confusion, the holiday improved considerably during the resort’s traditional après-ski gathering. While other visitors enjoyed schnapps and cheese fondue, the two women produced a large thermos container of Saltah—a rich stew of lamb broth, vegetables, potatoes and spices.
“Very warming,” said Al-Qadi approvingly. “Though next time we will start the skiing at the top.”