“When I was nine, my parents took me to Ushuaia, Argentina, where I skied for the first time. I loved every second of it. The cold air, the rush of gliding down the mountain, and the feeling of freedom on the snow. Even though I had never skied, I felt connected to the sport. Unfortunately, since I grew up in Brazil, where it’s hot year-round, skiing wasn’t something I could look forward to regularly. As much as I wanted to keep going, there was no snow back home, and I didn’t have many opportunities to travel to places where I could ski again.
“For years, skiing became just a memory. Growing up in a country without snow meant it was hard to stay connected to that passion. Skiing wasn’t popular where I lived, and I didn’t know anyone else who shared that same love for the sport. But everything changed when I moved to Northwood. Being surrounded by snow and mountains brought that excitement rushing back. About three months after I arrived, I got back on the slopes, and it felt like I had never stopped. The thrill was just as intense as during my first experience in Ushuaia.
“Despite playing soccer and not getting to ski as often as I’d like, every time I do, it’s unforgettable. One of my favorite memories is teaching my great friend, Eduardo Aguiar, who used to attend Northwood, how to ski. He had never skied before, and it was a challenge to teach him, but those couple of hours were some of the best times I’ve had on the mountain. We laughed, struggled, but most importantly, celebrated each little step as he learned, and by the end of the day, he was already improving.
“Those moments on the mountain, whether skiing solo or with friends, always remind me why I love the sport. It’s more than just the speed and the rush; it’s about creating memories, challenging yourself, and sharing experiences with others. Those are the moments I’ll continue to build and hold on to.”
As told to Li Feng ’25. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.
