O.K., I admit it, we’re spoiled. I have skied off and on since I was 12 years old and mostly in the Northeast. Although, I never skied enough to be a very good skier and have since learned that the Northeast does not provide the best conditions to learn in. After spending two months in Telluride, I have, after all of these years, gotten a taste of what real skiing is (and should be) all about.
above left: First day of snowboard school. above right: A tiny skier on a BIG mountain.
above: The Lil’ Dude rides the Gondola.
My experiences in the Northeast consisted of grey days, unbearable temperatures, icy slopes and 45 minute lift lines. – hardly worth the price of a lift ticket. But, hey, I was skiing and it was fun, sort of. I eventually switched to cross country skiing because it was cheaper, I could ski closer to home choosing the occasional sunny day, the scenery was beautiful and with the lower elevations and work involved, I never got cold. I eventually gave up on downhill skiing altogether.
left and below: A glider pilot “buzzes” the top of the mountain.
left and below: A hang glider pilot rides the thermals all afternoon and glides right over our heads.
My in-laws retired to Telluride 12 years ago which is a paradise for anyone into the mountains and we have been visiting summer and winter ever since. But, our winter trips were limited to a one week visit with 3-4 days of skiing. The Dudes started in ski school when they were 3 years old but, it’s difficult to make any progress with only 3-4 days of skiing each year. So, the opportunity to spend a whole ski season in Telluride during our year long adventure was very appealing.
left: The Big Dude gets “some air”.
right: The Lil’ Dude gets “some air.”
…..even Grandad gets “some air!”
The season started off slow since the area received very little snow accumulation early on and grass was poking through on some of the slopes. But, there was still plenty of snow to keep us busy at the very large resort. We signed the Dudes up for ski school (the Big Dude switched to snowboarding a couple of years ago) the first week to get them off to a good start and still sign them up for additional classes when they are ready to move to the next level.
left: The Lil’ Dude goofin’ off.
right: The Dudes at the top of “See Forever” (12,000ft)- you can see the Lasalle Mts. in Utah from here. (The Sneffel’s are seen behind them)
left and below: Taking a break at “High Camp” warming hut.
The first week, we all had to relearn our previous skills since it had been two years since we last skied. But, it’s amazing how fast one can improve with lots of practice. We have skied about four days a week for the past 2 months. The Big Dude is gracefully carving his board down the slopes and the Lil’ Dude will fearlessly and successfully take on just about any black bump run you put him in front of him. As for me, I feel like I am actually skiing, really skiing, for the first time.
left: Grandad, Lil’ Dude and Granny.
right: Lil’ Dude, Daddy and Big Dude.
left: The “gang” at the top of “See Forever”.
Not only has my skiing improved but so has my love for the sport (except for the “putting on your boots” part). Of course it helps that the temperatures are 30-40 degrees, we only ski on sunny days (almost every day here is sunny), the snow, even at it’s worst, is better than any snow I have EVER skied on, there are no lift lines and the scenery is spectacular. It’s so beautiful that my skills would have improved more if I wasn’t spending half my time sightseeing.
left: For a mere 5 or 10 million dollars you can buy a “little cottage” to “ski-in, ski-out”.
right and below: If you want to get to the tippity top, you gotta “hoof it”.
We have devoted a large part of our trip to being in Telluride which will limit and even exclude the time we will be able to spend elsewhere. But, when else would any of us have had the opportunity to be “ski bums” for a whole season? That, and the Dudes have developed a solid foundation in a wonderful sport (an opportunity that I never had).
The sun, the snow, the fun, the beauty and the fact that we have enjoyed it all as a family is pretty special. Yeah, were spoiled, and loving every minute of it.
Skiing is a dance, and the mountain always leads. ~Author Unknown