Mr Hollins prefers to go ski touring these days rather than downhill skiing. This means walking up the mountains on skis with skins on. The skins which are a bit like velcro strips are fixed to the bottom of the skis so that they don't slip back when you are going uphill. In the old days they used to be seal skins.
Then at the top they are removed for the descent. It is possible to traverse the mountains, travelling from hut to hut. The huts are manned and serve food and drink and often have dormitory type accommodation.
It is a good way of escaping the crowds but very strenuous on the ascent.
Here are a couple of photos which show the peacefulness and the clouds lying in the valley below.