Skiing is glorious!

Wednesday, February 04, 2009

Current mood: accomplished The sun was shining and it was a glorious day! Everything about the day was, well, good! We always enjoy the drive up; as we are never in a hurry and we look for new and exciting things along the way. Even if there is nothing of note, the view of the mountains is more than you could ask for while driving anywhere! And of course the usual breakfast burritos were very yummy! (Tip: Make a really large batch of breakfast burritos every few weeks - wrap each individually in tin foil, then store in plastic in the freezer. When you wake up in the morning to ski, just pop a few in the oven while you get ready. Then wrap them in paper towels and such to keep warm - pop them in a bag - voila - breakfast to go! I like to pack a little salsa to put on before I munch - gladware works great for this. Oh yeah, ALWAYS remember to turn the oven off!!!) We also add to the comfort and enjoyment of the drive by filling our travel mugs with a beverage of choice (tea, cocoa, coffee it that is your style!) Then the drive is half the fun of the day! I have really come to enjoy the new skis Ivan bought me this season. The first day we skied them all I could think was, "These skis are not my friends, I don't really ever want to see them again." I didn't want to admit it though and kept trying. But on this last trip a new relationship was formed. I really think they pushed me to the next level in my ski ability. Now all I can say is "old school is the cool school." Next up: tight pants and a fur headband! We had an unexpected guest on the chairlift. Well okay, he was under the chairlift. At any rate, he brought an extra bit of fun to the day! The fellow of whom I speak happened to be a rather brave porcupine. He spent most of the day traversing from one side of the run under the lift to the other. It was fun hearing the excited exclamations when someone on the lift would discover the pointy little visitor. We decided to change things up a little this last trip and finally decided to ride the great "marketing ploy chair lift." Some people call it the Imperial Express. Usually, it is so exposed that those who ride it must enjoy punishment or something. Me, I am not going to ride a chair, just to be blasted with wind straight from...just to ski some crappy snow since most of the terrain it accesses is closed. The weather was conducive to riding in less pain (and all the terrain was open) so we headed up. We had scouted stuff off of peak seven previously and decided to head off to the right from the top of the lift. We dropped in from the "Whale's Tale" and down to the base of seven. It was a real rush to look back up, waaaay up, to where we started from the base! And the snow was better than expected. Adding yet another high point to the day! After eating our PB&J on a bench at the base (don't let them fool you - there is nothing actually open at the base of seven - even if they tell you there is a new base area) we headed back up to hit the t-bar and drop in on the bowl on eight from the top side. It also was better turns than expected! So a great day all around. There are several more weeks of skiing left - so if you want to feel the power and exhilaration of the mountains - get off your...excuses and come on up! You know we are there every weekend! I know lift tickets are expensive - but where there is a will - there is a way! Check out liftopia.com (I haven't checked out the site - sorry) - your local grocery store, etc. Discounts are out there for those willing to look! Isn't it time to have a great weekend too!

Race Review

Tuesday, December 09, 2008

Current mood: animated First let me say - it was a blast!! What a lot of fun! There were so many good points to the day. So many people to watch, so many great athletes, beautiful setting, perfect weather...I could go on and on!! Here is the run down: Breakfast burritos were super yummy (special thanks to my chef.) Parking was free. Shuttle was free. Granola bars were free. The event was free. The sun was warm. The snow was cold. The turkey sandwiches were tasty. The racers were awesome. The view was perfect. The people were entertaining. More granola bars were free. Beaver Creek base area was worth it. Yeah - it was all good! Okay, seriously. The whole thing really was a lot like the movies! And the spectacular finish was right on par! The last race was a real pulse booster! It came down to the US with one last chance to steal the day and walk away with first place. Ted Ligety came out of the gates like his bum was afire! He flew down the course like a jet preparing to break the sound barrier. The crowd went wild (as they say.) He blazed across the finish line...alas one-one hundredth of a second slow. It was so exciting though that nobody minded that the Austrians went home with first place. And besides the Austrian cheering section (who just happened to be right behind us) was so excited you couldn't help but be happy for anyone of Austrian descent that day! They even sing - just like in the movies when they are happy. Americans riot - other people sing and dance when there team wins. I didn't get to throw my granola bar at Bode (he was just a little too far away), but here's hoping that if he gets to represent the US at Vancouver that maybe he takes it seriously this time. He has a rare ability and if given the chance I hope he proves he can perform (as he has in so many other venues.) I loved the oompa band and being on the television as a spectator. I loved the diverse and entertaining crowd. I wish we had packed the thermose - next time for sure. I loved that we had skied the race course the year before - it really gives you a perspective on what the racers are facing and makes you almost feel like you are a real part of the whole experience. I can't tell you how charged I am to get back up next weekend to make some turns. And how cool it is that Ivan ordered me race skis this season. (Though I know I won't be arcing them like Bode.) Next time there is a race I will be even more excited to go and be a part of the whole experience! If you are looking for a fun way to spend a day or even a whole weekend, I can definately recommend a ski race (though World Cups don't happen every weekend.) There are still other races to see, "up and comings" to cheer on and crowds to watch! I would like to emphasize how much free there was going on. If you are poor like us - remember there are still things that don't cost a lot - but are really a great way to spend a day. And with a little forethought...you can cut the cost even more. The only cash that we spent was for petrol! So pretty much all you need to do is make the decision to go! See you at the races!