A new season---the same reason

It's time to think about the upcoming ski season. In spite of the warm fall, with the exception of the October snowstorm, the trees tell me winter is coming. So does my inbox which fills daily with updates and news from all my favorite mountain resorts. The news is exciting and I eagerly read about new lifts, more snowmaking, new staff and programs. Yes, that is all good and it keeps the ski industry alive and moving forward. I feel ready for a good snowfall but mostly, I feel ready for that first run of the season. The inaugural run that ignites MY ski season. Skiing can be very social and also very private...my thoughts as I navigate my way over the snow are like a close friend and I need some time with that friend. I'm ready for the cold air in my face and the flow of my skis over the changing landscape of the hill. Another ski season with the same reason...this sport is like an old friend and we have more memories to craft. Think snow and colder weather so I can see you on the slopes.  Vicki

How do you get up the mountain?

One of my special treats at Waterville Valley is to go up to High Country for some spectacular runs.  High Country is serviced by a diesel double chairlift and yes, it is slow but the views supreme. The race teams train up there and some random people, like myself, like to ski up there. It is quiet, cold and the snow sets up a little better. The freshies and the groomed last a little longer. Don't tell anyone how sweet it is up there. So today I was sitting on that ole chairlift with my bud, Larry. We're enjoying the ride and resting the tired legs a bit. Off to our left, we see a guy walking up the hill opposite our chair. We wave and he waves back. He's walking at a good pace in snowshoes with a snowboard on his back. His rhythmic pace seems to be in tune with our chair but we realize we will reach the summit before him...but not by much. Larry and I were intrigued watching him. He kept such a steady cadence while he climbed.He blended into the scenery seamlessly.  Both of us wanted to meet him and we decided to wait until he arrived. It wasn't long before he joined us and a few others at the top of Mount Tecumseh at 4,000 plus feet. The climber went about the business of taking off his snowshoes and repacking his gear for the descent while we exchanged introductions. "We kind of felt like slugs riding the chair and watching you climb up. Way to reduce your carbon footprint," I said. He smiled and tolerated my inquisition with a friendly demeanor. We learned that "Joe", who lives in the Valley with his wife and two kids hikes up from the base to the summit every weekend--it only takes an hour and a half and then he snowboards down. " I switched to snowboarding about five years ago because skiing was bothering my knees," he shared.  A few people stop by to greet him and he tells me that they, too, hike up and ski down. Who knew? We skied off together and he said he was going to have some lunch and then snowboard in the afternoon. Joe said he stays "skiers right" while climbing meaning as skiers face downhill, he is well off to their right along the side of the trail. Because Waterville Valley is situated in the White Mountain National Forest, this is an acceptable practice although he does have a "lift ticket" attached to his jacket. Joe is what I call a mountain man. He takes extreme pleasure from the alpine environment and comes alive with activity like hiking up a four thousand foot mountain with a snowboard strapped to his back...and he is 48 years young ( I had to ask). I told him I couldn't do it and he said I could. A vote of confidence from a total stranger. Next time you sit on the chairlift, consider the other ways you might get up the hill.

A lesson learned from a snow day.

I woke up to an anticipated snow day...again. Third snow day in two weeks which is awesome now but will be miserable in June when I am at work making up said snow days. We knew it was coming. A true snow lover can smell the snow about 12 hours out. There is a sweetness in the air and a halo around the moon. After my early morning wake up to verify the day of freedom, I fell back to sleep which is very rare for me. Usually it is "eyes open, feet on the floor" for me. Not my choice, just the way I am. The added rest would certainly be beneficial. I"ve been in a little funk--don't like my hair, job is stressing me out, can't get the house picked up or the junk mail recycled---ugh---not enough energy or hours in the day. So along comes a day off...a bonus day. Oh I could go through all that mail and bag some clothes for the rummage sale. Did I mention the Christmas decorations are still in disarray in the cellar? Yeah, I could do all that...or I can play in the snow. Like a kid from the 60s playing in the snow with the smell of wet wool and cheeks so rosy they look sunburned. And I chose to play. I chose to have a day of freedom from being an adult with all the responsibilities and jobs. I chose to go back to being a kid in the snow on a snow day from school. I rolled in the snow, threw it at my dog, screamed as I rode a plastic sled down the hill and I felt happy. I took my snow day and I lived it to the fullest. Ah, a lesson learned. We need to take time to be a kid...to frolic, to laugh, to let it all go. It felt right and I will remember to do it again...whether on a snow day or not. Won't you join me?