I’m 27 years old, and before last week I had never skied.  Growing up in this small ski resort town you would think this couldn’t be possible.

It was a “bluebird sky” day at Mt. Snow.  The temps were below freezing but I was dressed in layers & comfortable. My ski boots were fitted and custom set for me at the Mount Snow Boot Works.   I met up with my instructor, Larry, with butterflies in my stomach.  What was I getting myself into?

First Larry took me inside to check that my boots & socks were adjusted correctly.  Then it was time to try out skiing.  We tried the “magic carpet” which is a slow moving platform that takes you up a small bunny hill.  Once at the top we slowly zig zagged down the small hill using “pizza” a turning & braking technique taught to beginner skiers. Once I was comfortable with the small bunny hill, we headed to “Discovery”, a small ski lift designed for beginners at Mt. Snow to learn to ski or snowboard.  Well, it looked small from the bottom anyway!  Once at the top I realized how steep and high up we were in comparison to the small hill I had just been learning on.  Larry held my hands and skied backwards down the hill, back and fourth, using the same pizza technique I had just learned, we slowly and comfortably made our way down the hill.  That was fun!

After a few more runs on the Discovery hill, now able to do it on my own, Larry decided I was ready for a larger lift & longer trail!  We headed to Tumbleweed. It had only been an hour on skis and I was headed to a “real” trail.  On our way down I realized I really liked this. I was going to be a skier!  Another time up and down and the day was over.  Two hours on skis and I was hooked!

The next day I could go skiing was the following week. I had lunch with a friend at Cuzzin’s, then headed to the Clock Tower to change into my ski gear.  I headed back to tumbleweed to see if I still remembered what I was doing.  A few minutes later I was back down at the lift.  This trail was too easy!  But was I ready to go to the top?  I made my way over to the Bluebird Express, the new 6 passenger Bubble Lift. It was mid week so I sat alone in the warm, semi enclosed lift and headed to the top.  Once I arrived I headed for Long John and away I went, slow and steadily down the mountain.

Tips for success, don’t forget a neck warmer & if possible go with a friend.  If you are a new skier or boarder, go to Mount Snow & have a great time learning something new!