COMP - My First Winter Skiing

This winter, my parents introduced me to backcountry skiing.  Wow!  What can I say?  It’s a really exhilarating experience floating over all that fresh Kootenay powder.  My folks only took me out on really deep and soft days, so I think I got a little spoiled.  I got to experience slopes that were the perfect balance of easy and fun – at Kootenay Pass, in Five Mile Basin, Toad Mountain and, my favourite, Evening Ridge.  Here’s a photo of my parents.  They’re a little dorky but isn’t that what everyone thinks about their own folks?  I guess it’s because they’re happy about taking me touring.

I think a few people wondered if it was wise to take such a youngster as myself skiing but my parents played it very safe, only heading out when the avalanche risk was pretty low, choosing terrain wisely, and my mom was super careful to ensure that I didn’t fall or hit any trees.  Here she is dropping a knee on a super mellow (okay, nearly flat!) slope.

I think my parents were right in believing that the most dangerous part of our outings was the drive there and back.  Sometimes it seemed like my mom was being too cautious and slow on our tours – my dad sure had to wait for her a lot!  Just wait until I get a bit older and start hucking big cliffs – that will sure give her something to worry about!

This winter I learned to do some kicks, Daffys mostly, and even a little backflip or two.  But most importantly, I learned first hand what endorphins feel like.  You can’t really beat the rush of carving perfect turns down a perfect slope.  And I liked when the sun shone really bright.

I can’t wait until my next winter of skiing.  Is snow really as cold as they say?  I can’t really imagine it.  See you out there!  I’ll be the one wearing the red toque.