BACKLINE magazine 2019

Why do you go into the mountains on skis? The early starts, the toil of the ascent, the cold, and all the associated risk? Is that a difficult or an easy question? When Edmund Hillary – who, with Sherpa Tenzing Norgay, was the first to climb Mt. Everest – was once asked why he wanted to climb Everest, he replied, “Because it’s there.”

I enjoy asking this question. The answers are individual and multifaceted, sometimes exciting and sometimes revealing; some make you pensive, occasionally they are amusing. Only rarely are they as simple as Edmund Hillary’s, but often they are entertaining. There are so many facets to the "why," so many different motives for the same hobby, calling, or passion. Sometimes the answer merely serves to stroke one's own ego.

"Because it’s there." I like this short, almost defiant answer. It celebrates curiosity and imagination for the undiscovered, leaves ample room for adventure and one's very own desire and will to set out autonomously in the cold, dark winter, and to surrender to nature.

Each of our stories this year has its own "why," yet a common denominator: Our authors all set out and brought their very own experiences and impressions home. Thank you for allowing us to share in them.

We wish you all a wonderful and safe winter, and much enjoyment browsing and reading the latest issue of BACKLINE.