About sixteen years – that’s how long it’s been since I’ve gone skiing. Why? Well that last time I went someone on a snowboard at Breckenridge skied right over the front of my skis. There were too many people skiing. I was being careful but others weren’t. With the thought of getting hit by a snowboarder going fast down the slope, the sport was no longer appealing to me. At that time, I was in my 50’s. Well my grandson got a snowboard from Santa at Christmas. Went with him and his dad to Sunlight Mountain Ski Slope on Christmas Eve and watched him try his board for the first time. There were people on the slope but it wasn’t crazy busy. The next week we met them at Powderhorn Ski Resort. Again, it was busy but not crazy busy.
Plans were made to come again the following Sunday and for me to try the slopes myself with moral support – my son and grandson. Driving up to the slope was my first challenge. Have a four-wheel drive F250 but took the shortcut (DeBeque exit) and meandered around snow packed curves and up and down mountain roads. My heart was pumping. When I got to the slopes, the next thing was to get fitted for boots and skis. Done.
While my son and grandson went snowboarding, I started my new journey – getting comfortable on skis. Powerderhorn has a “bunny” run that is a very small slope. You go up on a moving ramp. Over the course of a couple of hours, I relaxed and found my ski legs again. My son asked if I wanted to go up on the lift with them to the begginer’s slope. Sure – why not?
The morning had been beautiful. Snow falling softly and no wind. By the time we went up on the lift, the snow had turned to sleet. Without goggles or face protection, the snow felt like pins when it hit my face. But the minute we got off the lift, the trees sheltered us. It was wonderful to be back on the slopes.
How amazing the body is – before I knew it my legs were doing exactly what they needed to do to safely ski down the slopes. I fell in love with this sport all over again. Crisp mountain air, pristine snow paradise, and the knowledge that it doesn’t matter how old you are, you can do whatever you put your mind to do.