A guest post from my husband, and super brave ski dad, James Lummis.
This season, I’m taking a vow. No longer am I going to let having fun take the back seat. Instead, I declare that Every Ski Day is a Great Ski Day.
As a Coloradan, there should be no shortage of fun in my life. I get incredible diversity of terrain at Aspen/Snowmass, laps on the North Face T-bar at Crested Butte and great powder days at Powderhorn,
Still even on the best days, I have a hard time ignoring other obligations. I find myself answering emails on the lift and in the lodge, cringing when the phone rings and skiing in a generally distracted manner. I’m often thinking about work when I should be lost in the joy of perfect turns.
Even when I turn off my phone, I’ve let less than perfect conditions, or less than 100% open terrain, diminish my day.
But no more! Having taken the vow – Every Ski Day is a Great Ski Day – I am committed: committed to enjoying every bit of the process. From getting to the resort, to getting on the hill, to ripping with friends and family, every ski day will be a great ski day.
No More Early Season Blues
Instead of complaining about limited early season terrain, I’ve got a new attitude. “So what if there only a few runs are open?” I will ask myself. “At least, I am skiing.”
As for early season hard pack snow? It’s actually a benefit, because it will get me to focus on edge control and technique and jump-start the year.
Nor will I complain about dings and scratches on my skis, when the conditions are less than perfect and my skis need some TLC.
“No problem,” I will say. “The skiing was worth it. Now I get to visit my favorite ski shop, hang out with passionate skiers, enjoy their company and have a beer after they fix my ski.”
A Better Ski Buddy
My vow will also help me be better company and I plan on enjoying time with my ski buddies more.
Each day, I have the choice to ski or not to ski.
Having made a choice to ski, I am going to have a great day.
Being with people who are having fun, acting like kids, riding into the sky and then skiing hard to the bottom should be smile-inducing and this season, it will be.
So, join me and take the vow.
Lead your posse with your attitude, put your phones away and expect these results: smiles all around and more ski days together, all season long.
Portions of this post originally published at Club Colorado on September 26, 2014.
Related Posts:
A Dad’s Best Ski Season. Ever. January 2, 2014.
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Cindy Hayhurst says
Agreed, I’ll take the vow and encourage my husband to as well. I won’t even complain when I’m standing at the bottom of a race course during a hold. At least I’m outside with my kids!
braveskimom says
Oh Cindy! You are a brave ski mom! Course holds are…well, let’s just say they try all patience! But you’ve got the right attitude! Here’s to your family’s best ski season ever!
Roberto says
Great post. I find that even on way too cold for human days in the Twin Cities skiing the mole hills is a chance to ‘forget’ especially with our kids hot on our rear ski tips. Plus, I have never taken out my phone while on my lift for fear of it being found 6 months later by a volunteer clean-up crew. Every Ski Day is a Great Ski Day, well said. Salud.
braveskimom says
So true Roberto! Every ski hill can also be a great ski hill…especially with kids. Keep that phone safe! Thanks!
Scott K says
Well put! Here’s to another great YEAR of skiing–and it starts with the first day on the slopes!
braveskimom says
You got it! Thanks for reading!