Tuesday, August 16, 2016

The Ski Season Dreams are Starting Again


A perfect Colorado Summer


I moved to a Ski Resort town in 1997, in the summer.  I remember super-imposing the snow on to the green slopes during the months of June and July.  Waiting and waiting to see more white as the patches on the highest runs became smaller and smaller with the warming, sunny, Colorado days. Then, in August something happened, I started having snowboarding dreams, and not just a dream about being on a mountain in the snow but being on MY mountain, in epic snow.  I shredded like a pro, even on grass (not sure why I dreamt a grass filled run in the middle of a 'snow dream' but it didn't matter in that world, I still shredded that grass like no other)!

Colorado Snow Doesn't Quit!!

I got into the ski season with the excitement of these 'shoulder season dreams' to guide me and found that the dreams had actually increased my confidence.  My interpretations of the mountain were somewhat skewed in my 'dream world' but the sensation of sliding was there and it amazingly transferred to practical application, I went faster, caught more air and had more carefree fun than I had thought possible.  I logged just over 120 days that first season and slipped into summer happy for warm weather, adventure and sun.

June and July of the following year were filled with 4x4 drives, trips down the river and many sunny afternoons by the local pool.  I had stopped super-imposing snow on the runs and had taken to hiking the open, green slopes a few times a week to learn the mountain better.  There is something vastly different about sitting on a halted ski lift in the warm summer breeze than on a crisp winter morning as the wind whips your face.  A perspective and calm is achieved that can be aspired to on the busiest of March days.  The grassy runs looked steeper, the summit, higher and the only way up was by foot. A definite appreciation is gained for the lifts as soon as walking up the slopes is the sole option.  I was primed, I was ready and the season was just a few short months away.

Glorious Hike under Colorado Sun

My 'ski dreams' started again, in August, just like clockwork.  This time I was lofting off huge jumps (I don't do that); taking face shots of powder and _screaming_ fast tree runs (I do enjoy both of those).  The dreams came almost every week and I could 'feel' riding when I had them, waking up sometimes out of breath or breathing hard for the feat I was accomplishing in my dreamy, snowy world.  Once more, my unreal world transferred to reality and I had another amazing season, increasing skills, improving technique and becoming a good and conscientious snow slider.

What Dreams are Made of......

Fast forward to today, coming to the end of my 20th summer in Colorado.  As the years have progressed and life's priorities have overtaken my own, the dreams still come.  I expect them to start any day now and I cannot wait to see what they have in store for adventure.  As an older, but in no way aged member of the snowboarding community, I now enjoy hiking to sweet terrain and exploring back country more than skiing the same old run 'in bounds'.  I hope my dreams show me skinning up pristine slopes and making remarkable powder turns on sugary inclines.  This year I'll tackle skiing for the first time since I was 14.  If my prior years' dreams are any hint, this year's should bring me easy runs on mellow slopes at slow speeds.  JUST KIDDING, I am looking forward to another amazing year on the slopes and know my dreams will show me just how awesome this winter will be!!   =) Irish

Are YOU ready for Snow Sport in 2016?  Just give us a call, we can get you THERE!!