Skiing with Demons: The Morzine Chalet Project

by Chris Tomlinson

This flagrantly honest, yet seriously funny book, documents the ascent/descent of an ageing ski-bum from city-living executive to garage-dwelling chalet-host. It describes how the ski-bum’s escape from the rat race is affected by means of a rented chalet in the French alpine town of Morzine, where his ‘Chalet Project’ teaches him new and strange domestic skills and he learns a lot about Land Rover maintenance - it also causes him to lose his home and his wife and to stare down into an alcoholic crevasse. On arrival in chalet land he is frequently abducted by the ‘Après Aliens’ and hears voices in his head - his ‘Ski Demons’. Enter the world of ‘girlfriend skiing’ and of the ‘Ski Nazis’ and other such weird creatures and find out what ski-bums do in the summer. And feel for the author as he attempts to qualify as ski instructor and Ski Club of Great Britain Leader – only to discover that he’s not actually very good at skiing after all! This book is also a useful manual for skiers. It examines skiing philosophies and looks at common skiing phobias. Finally, rejoice as our ski-bum exorcises his demons and also his fear of avalanches and an infamous run called the Swiss Wall.

269 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 22, 2015

About the author

Amongst other things, Chris is now the 2nd oldest ski bum in the French Alpine town of Morzine. How he got this coveted title is the subject of his latest book - Skiing With Demons. A proud Yorkshireman, Chris was born in Hull but ended up living in the Midlands. He hasn't always been a writer although he did have a weekly column in the Birmingham Post for many years. Chris graduated from Newcastle University and got a "proper" job as a software engineer. Then, thanks to the rise of the World Wide Web, he accidentally ended up working in Marketing. During the halcyon dotcom era, he set up a website development company in Birmingham then sold it, and his soul, to an advertising agency. He is now a self-appointed expert on midlife crises, having almost survived his own. He is also a chalet host, ski instructor (just), Ski Club of Great Britain Leader and Labrador owner.

Reviews

[Olivia French · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly funny, really got me in the mood to hit the alos next month

[Ryan Crisp · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I’d set out to be a ski bum but there was a real danger I was going to end up being just a bum."

Self-deprecating, brutally honest, at times cringe-inducing, author Chris Tomlinson shares his tale of self-discovery and many attempts to carve out his ski dreams with page-turning hilarity. The best compliment I can give is that I started reading on a recent flight and one section (failing his BASI 1 and snow-plow trouble - sorry Chris!) made me belly laugh out loud, startling those sat close to me. Some real insights into the Ski Club of Great Britain, learning to ski, trying to improve, attempts to become a qualified instructor, being a seasonnaire ski bum, and battling the dreaded 'Ski Demons', both on and off the piste. I've already moved on to the sequel... this ski bum approves 👍🏻🍻❄️⛷👍🏻

[Neal G Spencer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book. Enjoyed the stories about the ski club, the skiing and then taking on the chalet. Just didnt like the depressing tone when it came to who he does /doesnt like serving and what he serves them in the chalet. Must be irritating for him when people are fussy - yes but labored the point a bit. Great to hear other aspects of his life though. Full respect to him for following through with his dream despite some unfortunate events. Might read the next one at some point.

[Collin Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring and heartfelt book about a British man who has followed his dream to be a ski bum. He’s not a “ski bro” but an actual grown man who dreams and desires to “winter” in the mountains, and most of all to ski all season. This too is my dream! His dream requires him to earn a living in order to do this. This book is about his struggle and the ups and downs as he lives his dream and the journey he endured to become a better skier. Loved it!

[Ann-Maree · Rating 4 out of 5]

We met Chris in Morzine with the ski club and happened to already be reading his book. Having met the author makes the book even more intersting to find out more about his story. Well written reviè of the meaning of kike as a ski bum and how he cane to review the meaning of life. I'd say pretty accurate on the characters in the ski resort based on what we have seen over the years! A funny read.

[Gavin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Would have been better as a blog or a novelette.

Nice idea... but eventually I thought to myself.. "OK.. I have heard enough of this memoir". If it was a dinner party I would have excused myself to go to the bathroom and then come back and chatted to someone else.

Gavin

[Jason Belne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very funny. Every skier will relate to his observations.

[MaryLu Cianciolo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great ski stories

Entertaining series of ski bum stories. If you have ever been part of a ski club or lived in the mountains for a year you can relate.

[Phil Bayly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining memoir by a man who gave up an affluent life to become a ski bum. The author has a great sense of humor. Not really a story. More of a collection of essays.