The slippery white hills to the North invite a weekend escape from Cambridge. For a veteran skibum: memories of smell, of triply brilliant sun, of hills of sheer hair, of uncontrolled speed, clouded goggles, broken straps, sore ankles.

For the beginner: confused, exited anticipation of sore hands and awkwardness carry him through the frustrations of a flat tire and an elusive leaky tube when, three hours after departure time, he is still stranded in a Cambridge garage.