Proud Ski Mom

As a mother, I am bursting with pride. Today was Justin’s graduation day from ski school. It was not the cap-and-gown, pomp-and-circumstance type of graduation. Instead, it was a day filled with skiing, cake and ice cream, and a ski race.

Back in January, I took Justin skiing for the first time at Hesperus because I needed something to write about for the new monthly column I was hired to write for an outdoor magazine. Justin’s first day was so-so, but it was clear he needed additional lessons in order to get better. So I signed him up for the six-week ski school there.

Hesperus is a local “mom and pop” ski area. It does not have all of the bells and whistles associated with the ski resorts in our area, but it is heavy on personalized attention. The resorts close at 4:00 pm on weekdays; Hesperus opens at 4:00 pm on weekdays. They are renowned for their night skiing. So this is when Justin took his lessons. Of course at that time, the sun is starting to make its descent, and the already chilly air becomes downright nippy. Justin didn’t like this. He also didn’t like skiing in the dark. One night, he told his instructor that he was certain it was past his bedtime; he needed to go. Throughout the six weeks, he dreaded his lessons. As the youngest in the class, he was also the slowest to progress. By the time the ski school was coming to an end, he had really only mastered side stepping up the mountain. He was the only one not to ride the chairlift. At 4 ½ years old, I figured I had started him out too young; maybe next year.

Somewhere in the midst of his lessons at Hesperus, I took Justin to DMR (Purgatory) on their Ski for Schools Day. A full-day lesson was only $19; I couldn’t pass it up. As I rode the chairlift past their “Magic Carpet” area, I was astounded to see Justin moving down the learning hill and making turns. I know I laughed out loud. Obviously, skiing during the day in warmer temperatures made all the difference.

I didn’t expect much from Justin today because he was already tainted by Hesperus and its night skiing. It was a rocky start with snow packed, icy conditions. However, by mid-morning, Justin absolutely astounded me. Not only was he riding the chairlift with his dad, but he was moving down the mountain with little difficulty. He even made turns. And, much to my surprise, participated in the ski race. By his sixth run, Justin declared, “I love skiing!” I think my mouth was agape. After seven hours and seven runs, he was wiped. But instead of dreading the idea of skiing in the future, he is now begging for more. I am so proud of his progress. But I am most proud of his perseverance. Way to go, Justin!