The Beauty of Snow
So, being my first winter in Denver- I forgot just how magical a snowfall can be. I love California for many reasons, it’s actually where I met my current boyfriend (emphasis on current gentlemen). But this weekend his best friend came to town, and they experienced their first snowfall. It is wonderful to see two grown men revert to their 13 year old selves in sheer glee. Also, I was a tad like ‘relax boys this happens everywhere outside of Burbank’.
I grew up skiing, so maybe I tended to take snow for granted- but there was no denying the beauty of this weekend. But it reminded my of one of my first ski coaches Steve. Steve by trade was a carpenter, but spent his weekends teaching idiots like me how to ski GS and hit Slalom gates properly with the least amount of bruisings. He also is the reason that when I smell ski wax I smile. Steve took the time after the day was over to teach me how to tune skis. Trust me, there are a lot of professionals who will charge a lot of money to do it- but Steve taught me a very important lesson ‘You have to know and love your skis or you will never win’. So its actually an intricate process, and you have to tune them based on the conditions etc, but the fact that Steve would spend hours after his work day was over to teach me is something I will never forget.
The first race I won, was on Willard Mountain. Which is about a 5 hour drive from Mount Snow- and it was the first time I beat Bridget Moynihan who was the best at the time in our age group. Honestly, I don’t know how I did it- but there was a rush, and I just knew I had to get down the Mountain faster. (For the record she still remained number one when we went to States, but give me my moment). But what was even better was when we arrived back at Mt. Snow, REALLY late in the evening- Steve was there. He had heard I won- and gave me a big hug, and said ‘aren’t you glad you know how to tune your skis.’ I am not totally sure what the take-away is- but as the beautiful snow was falling over Denver, I smiled and thought of Steve. Also, realized I am dating a 13 year old who will never love me as much as he loves his best friend.
