Just Off Magazine: Vail

Friday, February 20, 2015

A Week in the Mountains

Lots of pictures ahead, and the look a lot alike... snow, skis, and trees.

This year our trip to Vail was timed perfectly with Freddie's newly found confidence on skis. He literally could not get enough time skiing. He was eager to get going in the morning and did not want to leave until the lifts were closed.

He was so excited to go on Mama's favorite lift, The Sourdough Express, chair 14. And he was quite impressed with himself to go on some "intermediate runs."

Literally nothing intimidated him. He would get to a run, and down he'd go. It didn't matter if it was bumpy or steep or loaded with people, he was going to make his way down. He had great control but I did see him push it a little and try for some speed. He was eve trying to do a some jumps here and there when he'd hit a little bump.

Charlie has got his skier. Next up on is whipping that little Hansie into shape. Poor kid did not have the best week. He couldn't last more than a few hours each morning but rather than heading home he wanted to wait it out until everyone was ready to go home.

That meant some tears and fits and demands that EVERYONE come home with him. Oh, Hans. It is hard to be the little guy. We were asking a whole lot of him bringing him up the lifts outside of the beginner area.

Sad Guy

Hansie did do some skiing though. He like racing against anyone would would zoom down the mountain with him.

And he actually made some progress with his turns and stopping. I think next year will be very different for him.

We celebrated Freddie's birthday a few days early with a cookie cake decked with a number 6, just as he requested.

And he got his snowboard as a gift.

He found the snowboard a little frustrating since he was back to being a beginner, so his interest didn't last long, as we suspected. He had great balance, but learning to turn and control will take some time.

Hans was too awesome for any help, of course.

The kid is fearless.

It was nice to be in the mountains together.

I know Charlie is happy to have some buddies for future ski trips. It is nice to have another activity to do as a family.

Until next year...

Thursday, March 20, 2014

Ski

The video is a little rough, but you get the idea of Hans' first run on the slopes. And no run down the mountain would be complete without kisses for Mama and fist bumps all around.