滑雪—Snow Skiing

One of my favorite things to do in my free time is snow skiing, and I have recently started snowboarding as well. Fortunately, there are about five ski resorts near my hometown, so there are plenty of places to ski. In order to ski, you need some basic equipment include snow skis, ski poles, ski boots, goggles¹, and some warm ski clothing. I purchased my equipment last year after the season was over when everything was on sale. When I go skiing, I load my skis on a ski rack on the top of my car and drive to the nearest ski resort. I usually buy a season ski pass that allows me to go skiing as often as I want. When I arrive at the ski resort, I put on my ski boots and skis and head directly for one of the ski lifts. The ski resort has a number of ski runs for beginning, intermediate², and expert skiers. Personally, I usually ski down intermediate runs that have a few moguls to test my skills. I sometimes lose my balance or control and crash on the slopes, but that is part of the fun of skiing. I always have to be careful not to run into anyone as I go down a ski run. Recently, I've decided³ to take up snowboarding, but it's taking a little time to get the hang of it. Snowboarding is becoming more and more popular now that it is an Olympic event.

1 goggles   

n.护目镜

参考例句：

• Skiers wear goggles to protect their eyes from the sun.滑雪者都戴上护目镜使眼睛不受阳光伤害。
• My swimming goggles keep steaming up so I can't see.我的护目镜一直有水雾，所以我看不见。

2 intermediate   

adj.中间的，居间的，中级的；n.中间体，媒介物

参考例句：

• This country is now at an intermediate stage of development.这个国家目前正处于发展的中间阶段。
• Gray is intermediate between black and white.灰色介于黑色和白色之间。

3 decided   

adj.决定了的，坚决的；明显的，明确的

参考例句：

• This gave them a decided advantage over their opponents.这使他们比对手具有明显的优势。
• There is a decided difference between British and Chinese way of greeting.英国人和中国人打招呼的方式有很明显的区别。