Snow, so much snow!
I was a touch unsure how good the snow was going to be at Mt. Washington last week. I also thought it might be warm, relatively speaking, for skiing and snowboarding. Well, I was wrong about all of that.
There was so much snow, and the first day we got there, it was cold. Minus 3C, but with a windchill into the minus double digits. When our young people jumped out of the minivans, they were still dressed for the coast. Within thirty seconds, bags were being raided to find as much warm clothing as possible. I’m telling the truth when I say one person managed to put on 5 hoodies! Snow dazed!
It was such fun to be out in the snow with a group wanting to learn to ski and ride. They had boundless energy and enthusiasm – even after the lessons started, and they realized how challenging it can be at first. Two out of fifteen had had a previous lesson, and it showed. These two were carving steady S turns pretty quickly, and some of the others, newbies, weren’t too far behind.
I’m happy to report my return to snowboarding was a triumph, if measured by how many times I saved myself after catching an edge. No falls, but plenty of wobbles. Danger is my middle name. Or is it safety?
The tube park was a big hit. Safe and speedy fun for creaky kids of all ages, the young ones had a blast, and I had a go or two, enduring gentle mocking for not wanting to be spun around as I was sent on my way.
If you’re ever on Vancouver Island in the winter, and you’re missing some alpine action, I can highly recommend Mt. Washington. It’s a quiet hill, even when they said it was a busy day, compared to other places, and very well run, with friendly and helpful staff from the rental shop all the way to the lifts. As well as the downhill action, you can also choose to xc ski or snowshoe on what looked to be well maintained trails.
Since returning, on a high and in a snow daze, I’ve been asked by students over and over “when can we go again?” I think we’re working on that…
Thanks for reading, and have a wonderful weekend!
OldPlaidCamper 
Glad you got some snowy action with the group of young ones. It looks like a blast!
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Thanks, Walt! It was great fun – I felt a bit creaky after so much time off the snow, but if I could, I’d be out there again ASAP!
Hope your weekend has been a good one.
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Had enough of that in my past, rather you than me.
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Yes, I have to say the coastal winter has been pleasant after many years in Calgary, but to visit the snow for a few days was great fun!
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Wish I could join you!
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I found it pretty friendly terrain for getting back on the board – you’d have liked it, I think, and if the boarding gets a little bumpy, looks like the xc skiing is good there!
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Loved the winter scenes and had to laugh at the wise person who somehow added the five hoodies! Wonderful to read there were only wobbles and no falls and that you were able to guide and impress the group. As much as I enjoyed skiing, I always thought I was one second away from a crash. It had to be great watching them enjoy skiing and be ready for another trip. Probably a wise choice at our age to not be spun around at the tube park. Hope you’re enjoying the weekend and are you missing the snow or appreciating the coast weather?
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Thank you! I’m happy enough to do a little xc skiing, but I’d never try downhill skiing – too many moving parts! Once you’re strapped into the snowboard, all is well, I find, provided you’re cautious (in a devil may care kind of way!)
Being with the young ones was fun, and we’re hoping to repeat the trip, although it might not be until next season.
Being back on snow was great, but so was the warm up as we headed back to the coast. It’s still below the seasonal norm here, but with lots of sunshine, and after Alberta, it feels warm.
Didn’t much enjoy the sport this weekend – Spurs lose, England lost to Wales in the rugby, and the MUFC-Liverpool game was a bit of a dud. At least Everton didn’t disappoint (no game for them, what a relief…)
I hope you’ve had a good weekend!
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WHAT??……….where’s the snow beer shot!
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I know – total missed opportunity there! (No beer on this trip, had to be a responsible adult for the youth) Next time!
Hope you’re keeping well – the longer range forecast looks favourable. Do you think you’ll head out?
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maybe tomorrow?
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Take care out there!
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Loved the adventure in this post, pc. How lucky for those students to get out and tumble around in the snow. Boy, does it ever look cold…I can imagine five hoodies might almost cut it. I’m a little behind in reading your posts, so as I write about this snow adventure with the youth, you are on your way with the youth to a new adventure. Bravo!
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Thanks again, Jet! The past weekend was a wonderful outdoor adventure for the young ones (and the youngish at heart!) Sunny days, calm waters, and lots of laughter around the fire. It was an absolute joy to be out there, and I have to pinch myself sometimes that this is work…
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Looks and sounds like so much fun!!!
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Snow time is fun time (if you’re dressed for it and messing about!) I was so happy the young ones enjoyed it – it means we can plan for another trip!
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Wonderful. We’re heading bush this weekend too.
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