Ironically when spring arrives, and the skiing is finally
fantastic, most families stow the ski gear and haul out the bikes and
baseball gear.
March is the best month for family skiing.
Let me count the ways:
1. Longer, brighter, sunnier days on the slopes beat the flat light of
December.
2. Trail counts are up with a season’s stockpile of snow.
3. Temperatures are far more enjoyable than frigid January.
4. You can wear sunscreen instead of facemasks.
5. No more pockets full of hand warmers and pricey hot cocoa breaks required
for the kids.
6. Sunglasses take the place of face hiding goggles.
7. Burgers served out on the deck taste better than those in the cafeteria
of crowded base lodges.
8. Silly events like dummy downhills and pond skimming are kid pleasers.
There’s nothing more fun than watching clowns and cardboard contraptions
crash, like Funniest Home Videos on snow.
9. You can shed your restrictive winter survival suit for silly spring
clothing. Retro outfits and Hawaiian shirts add color and character to your
ski day.
10. There will be plenty of time for baseball practice, bicycling and lawn
chores later…
A
Word of spring ski caution:
1. Slather the kids with sun screen.
2. Warn them about the ever changing consistency of spring snow – how in one
run you can go from frozen concrete to creamed corn to glue that throws you
forward while your skis stick still.
3. Be sure to dry ski boots (and clothing) at the day’s end. Spring
temperatures, slushy snow and sweat make for soggy, smelly boots if not
tended to with a boot dryer. Little kids sweat too- trust me on this one.
4. Make sure everyone stays hydrated on the inside, drinking lots of water,
but not melting snow.
This message is brought to you by an overzealous ski mom.
