Nothing stresses me out like ski season! A limited seasonal window to enjoy my favorite recreational activity makes me feel like any second I’m not on skis is a missed opportunity. And as soon as I schedule a trip, I am watching the weather, which to an Eastern skier can be excruciating. Snow, the miraculous atmospheric phenomenon, needs to be timed perfectly and if it doesn’t line up with my chosen dates, can be easily spoiled by warmth or cursed by rain. I spend most of my days between ski opportunities fretting about the impending Spring and deteriorating conditions.
But this is silly. Because whenever I do put on my skis I have an amazing time. Anywhere, anytime, in any conditions. Just making a few turns is soul-quenching fulfillment. Being on a mountain and surrounded by mountains is uplifting and inspiring, and the ability to play with gravity, balance, acceleration and velocity is exhilarating, no matter what the slope or snow quality. Growing up in New England, I actually have a special affinity for the unique challenges of ice, crust, rocks and dirt; while I dream of bottomless powder, and I sometimes feel sad or frustrated at the discrepancy between ideal conditions and the current situation, it is a healthy reminder that none of the external factors are within my control or even matter with respect to my enjoyment of the moment. I love to love and skiing always delivers pure joy.
I have skied ten days so far this season and I remember them all with delight:
Okemo with the Strongs and Civinses
Plattekill with the Wohlsens
Mad River Glen and Middlebury Snow Bowl with the Diamond-Browns
and five days at Saddleback with my sister and cousins.
Each of the days was shared with family and friends and created memories that will last a lifetime. It is expensive and time consuming to dedicate winters to this pursuit but the value is incalculable; sharing experiences of joy with my family is the one of the best ways to spend our limited time together and I will always cherish these endeavors, regardless of the weather or snow integrity.
We have a few more weekends planned in March but I have seen the forecast of 50 degree weather for the next two weeks, dragging me through stages of panic, denial, sadness, anger and acceptance. I hope to squeeze in a few more ski days before our planet’s orbit and axial tilt melts our invernal blessings and I relinquish my ski cravings until Autumn. But, as always, any time spent in an alpine environment and any carves I am able to make will be deeply and eternally appreciated!
