Making My Way Down Green Trails - Trying To Become A Skier
Truth bomb - I moved to Colorado and was not a "skier." I took one skiing lesson back east, which started as a group lesson and then evolved into a one-on-one lesson because I was too nervous to go out with my friends (yes, I am a chicken).
My first winter in Colorado I took another group lesson (this time with my bestie) at Loveland and I loved it. We had a great instructor and the mountain has a whole area dedicated to just beginners! After that, I skied one other time.
This year, I purchased a pair of used skis to save on rentals and have skied once. Yes, it is the end of February and I have only skied once. And, when I did go I started my day on the bunny hill because I was too nervous to go on the green trail right away.
I ended up spending all day going down the same trail because the second green trail looked steep. The trail was the one used by those in group lessons (aka beginners without much control, aka people similar to me).
My best friend and I were having a great time going down my favorite trail. Then, I got tired. As I was cruising down the green my legs decided they were done and I went down. In the middle of the trail.
I was laughing so hard (because what else do you do when you fall?) that I could not stand up. I kept looking down at my friend who was also laughing and would just make me laugh harder.
I finally look up the mountain.
Coming straight towards me is a small child - maybe 5 or 6 years old - in french fry position, with no hints of slowing down. In slow motion the small child crashes right into me and I literally caught him with my arms - still laughing.
I put the child on the ground and asked if he was okay. He was. A few seconds later his ski instructor comes down, asks if I am okay and then proceeds to yell at the small child. Turns out the child is a fan of skiing down in the french fry position and his instructor had been scolding him all day about it.
It was awkward.
I was still trying not to laugh.
After the small child and his instructor continued on their way, I continued laughing for a minute or so until I was finally able to stand up and ski down to my friend.
I learned a few things from this experience.
- When you fall, get up as soon as possible and don't hang out in the middle of a trail laughing
- If I was brave enough to venture to the "steeper" green trail I could avoid being hit by small children in group lessons, but
I live by the motto "slow and steady."
So, I plan on continuing down green trails during my upcoming ski trips with the hopes that I don't collide with anyone or anything (knock on wood!).
...maybe next year I can refer to myself as a "skier."
Wish me luck!