either side. The sleeves close with a zipper.

2 — Gloves lined with silk, which keep the changing temperature from the hands and are easy to pull off.

3 — A gilet, worn under the poplin jacket.

4 — Ski boots of pure leather, the heel of rubber.

5 — The boot is held fast by a strip of Lastex over the trousers, fastened with a strong clasp.

6 — A cap of wool to keep the ears from the frost.

7 — Silk stockings, worn under the woolen stockings, which keep out the changes of temperature.

8 — Narrow trousers of broadcloth, which keeps water from seeping through to the body; they end in the form of stockings.

9 — Finally, a warm woolen skirt that neither bunches up when you sit nor flies up when you move.

* * *

You are now in fullest readiness. One last whisper before your departure:

Know that in every woman two women sleep: the active, sporting woman — and then the woman who dreams beside the stove after a day that was all whirling... A happy journey, and until we meet again.

A group of young men and women skiers making ready to set off

A moment of rest during the skiing, on a level stretch of deep snow