 |
| 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!!
No comments:
Post a Comment