Thanks, MissySki and SallyCat (love that handle!) - That's exactly my thought about adding a dimension to our skiing. I love having this option for exercise and it makes me want to learn and do more with my fitness and skiing and wilderness adventuring in general! Mindset has everything to do with it, but there are, unfortunately, some undeniable aspects to aging. The neuroma in my foot and the stiffness in my knee tell me so, and they make me wonder how far I can take this. I'm also not a runner or triathlete, so I set small goals while skinning and take rest/view breaks. I would love to skin with someone, but wouldn't ever want to feel like I'm holding them up. Are there patient groups out there? Haha
Nevertheless, I'm so happy to know that there are sistas, especially here in the East. How do we learn to ski powder when we hardly ever have it here?? Crusted pow + me = lots of falls. I got so frustrated after one session that I spent the next couple of hours watching YouTube vids on how to ski powder and crust. LOL! I love watching those powder gurus shred! I'm glad to know that others out there aren't feeling ashamed of skinning at their local resorts instead of all-out backcountry, too. I'm planning to take Intro to Backcountry and Avalanche training, plus Wilderness EMT and Map & Compass classes. I have a three-year goal of getting fitter and more educated and connected and ultimately ski-touring Iceland or Switzerland. After attending one guide's info night though, I know to look for a trip that tours and has rest days instead of the one that tours for 5 straight days. In the meantime, skinning up the trails at in-state resorts and an occasional trip west or north will keep me more than occupied. Thanks again for your replies!