Checking in from Smuggler's Notch where I'm here for 2 days of skiing with my DH and 2 of our kids, the midwestern ones who don't get too many days on snow. Today was great skiing. I skied alone for 2 1/2 hours this morning and ripped around the mountain on my Auras. Didn't venture into trees, tempting as they were, because I was alone, and because with my trial continuing on Friday and my surgery next week, I can't afford to take any big risks.
Snow was nice -- packed powder with some fresh that fell today. The views here are amazing and we were blessed with no wind which made the looong rides up the biggest mountain here (Madonna) a pleasure. It's odd to see so many folks out on a Monday but this is a family resort where most families come for the week, so it's busy all season long. In the afternoons the blue cruisers and the learning mountain (Morse Mtn.) were crowded with kids and adults falling everywhere, so I'm glad I got out early. The resort is 95% open right now and there is a ton of snow here.
DH took our son (age 12) out this morning and his new Burton junior snowboard broke on him -- apparently they are now manufactured overseas -- so he continued the day on a less than ideal rental. Bummer, but he was a good sport. Under warranty so we'll get it replaced. After lunch, I took our daughter out (she's 14). I wasn't sure how it would go because she has only been out on snow 2 days this season when she was here in December and her boots that we purchased for her in Stowe last summer gave her a hard time. Saturday, I took her to our local shop and she had heel lifts put in which did the trick. That day, we also replaced her first pair of skis (Sweet Luvs 146) with a pair of True Luvs 153 (sized more like a 158, she's 5'7" and 140 lbs., my height and only 5 lbs. lighter). She ripped! After a hesitant first run, she followed me everywhere with confidence and grace and I think had a lot of fun. She's such a natural athlete that with the right equipment and some coaching, she's keeping up with our other kids who get more snow time. I put a LOT of time and effort into researching and finding a ski that would be right for her and that she won't outgrow quickly (she's now a low intermediate) and I think I hit the jackpot. The price was right too at $349 mounted ('08 model).
I'll post pics tomorrow when I'm back home. I took a few from the top of Madonna where you can see Mt. Mansfield at Stowe. Tomorrow we're going to ski and ride as a foursome over at Madonna and Sterling mountains and then drive home. Wish I could stay and ski longer, but am grateful for these 2 days as my season ends next week.
Snow was nice -- packed powder with some fresh that fell today. The views here are amazing and we were blessed with no wind which made the looong rides up the biggest mountain here (Madonna) a pleasure. It's odd to see so many folks out on a Monday but this is a family resort where most families come for the week, so it's busy all season long. In the afternoons the blue cruisers and the learning mountain (Morse Mtn.) were crowded with kids and adults falling everywhere, so I'm glad I got out early. The resort is 95% open right now and there is a ton of snow here.
DH took our son (age 12) out this morning and his new Burton junior snowboard broke on him -- apparently they are now manufactured overseas -- so he continued the day on a less than ideal rental. Bummer, but he was a good sport. Under warranty so we'll get it replaced. After lunch, I took our daughter out (she's 14). I wasn't sure how it would go because she has only been out on snow 2 days this season when she was here in December and her boots that we purchased for her in Stowe last summer gave her a hard time. Saturday, I took her to our local shop and she had heel lifts put in which did the trick. That day, we also replaced her first pair of skis (Sweet Luvs 146) with a pair of True Luvs 153 (sized more like a 158, she's 5'7" and 140 lbs., my height and only 5 lbs. lighter). She ripped! After a hesitant first run, she followed me everywhere with confidence and grace and I think had a lot of fun. She's such a natural athlete that with the right equipment and some coaching, she's keeping up with our other kids who get more snow time. I put a LOT of time and effort into researching and finding a ski that would be right for her and that she won't outgrow quickly (she's now a low intermediate) and I think I hit the jackpot. The price was right too at $349 mounted ('08 model).
I'll post pics tomorrow when I'm back home. I took a few from the top of Madonna where you can see Mt. Mansfield at Stowe. Tomorrow we're going to ski and ride as a foursome over at Madonna and Sterling mountains and then drive home. Wish I could stay and ski longer, but am grateful for these 2 days as my season ends next week.
Kind of a mixed equipment bag, though? One has a board break, the other hits the jackpot with the new skis --- !! (FWIW, Burton warranties are handled well at the Burlington VT retail store) Enjoy tomorrow!! OMG, can hardly believe your "date" is so quickly approaching....although probably seems like forever to you. 
