Skiing and snowboarding: the ultimate escape

It’s the wind through my hair, the cool air in my face, the smell of the snow and the warmth of the lodge. It’s the speed, the scenery, the serenity. When temperatures cool and the snow falls, it’s all those things that pull me back to the mountains. What can I say? I’m hooked on skiing and snowboarding.

I consider myself lucky because I’ve skied for most of my life. My grandmother, father and mother have all worked as ski instructors, and my dad continues to work in the industry as a teacher and resort manager. Come fall and winter I could always count on free ski rentals, unlimited lift tickets and several exciting lessons. I literally grew up on the crisp, snowy slopes of the Cascade mountains.

Sure, I’ve had my share of spills over the years; but haven’t all lifelong skiers? Every moment on skis or a snowboard is a moment I savor. Nothing beats racing a friend down a steep slope; carving turns through perfect virgin powder; the sensation of flight after nailing a sweet jump. I enjoy riding the lift, watching skiers and snowboarders zip past below. At the end of the day I’m back in the lodge, drinking beer in the pub, sharing stories of the day’s wild runs.

As I write, the dawn of a new season is rapidly approaching. My skis and snowboard are in the garage, sharpened, waxed and ready to rock. My winter clothes are out of storage, and my friends are all asking where we’ll go first. And, more importantly, when.

Hi. My name is Scott, and I love skiing and snowboarding. In this site, I’ll share my tips for having a spectacular day on the mountain, and I’ll discuss some of the nation’s best winter sports hotspots.

Note to beginners: lessons are your friend

Years of experience have made me a great skier. I can spend an entire day on the mountain without falling down once. Even after months away from the hills, I can get back to skiing like I’d never taken a break. Snowboarding isn’t quite my strong suit, but I’m good enough to stay upright – most of the time.

However, I wasn’t born doing hockey stops or cranking parallel turns. That stuff takes practice. I spent countless winter weekends of my childhood taking ski lessons, and the effort paid off. Lessons are fun and exciting. Learning the proper technique is much easier in a controlled setting. It’s a lot safer too. Skiing is a ton of fun, but it can be dangerous to yourself and others if you don’t know what you’re doing.

Most ski resorts employ instructors who give lessons all throughout the ski season. Or, search your local phone book (or the Internet) to find independent ski instructors who are based in your area. If you’re serious about becoming a skier or a snowboarder, taking some lessons is the best investment you can make.

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