Do You Remember Your First Time?
Think back to that breathless mixture of excitement and nervousness. You’re about to experience something you’ve been waiting for so long. As you sit back and try to relax, your muscles tighten and your adrenaline starts to kick in. Your heartbeat races, “this is it!” you think.
Your whole body is pulsating with energy, and you’re ready to rush in with your partner. Luscious white pillows are everywhere. You’ve got the gear for a safe experience. The scene is set.
And then, just like that, you’re in action, and reveling in the pure ecstasy that comes with it. The only thing on your mind now is “let’s do it again!” So back you go, ready for another round. Except this time, in your wide-eyed excitement, you fail to get it on. And with an audience nonetheless.
Yes, it’s impossible to forget your first time skiing on the slopes of magical Whitewater. And on a powder day no less! The entire ski hill is buzzing with energy on a Wednesday morning in January, and I’m taking it all in for the very first time.
After our first run off Silver King chair, we queue up again for another go. Only this time, like a rookie, I misjudge the speed of the incoming chair and fall off in cartoon- like slow motion, bringing the lift to a sad stop. I shake my head and think maybe I belong on the “beginner” chair more than I thought.
But after this stumble, it’s nothing but blissful turns in powder for the rest of the morning. We explore the trails on the Silver King face, whooping and laughing as the snow continues to fall. Then hunger calls.
Walking up the stairs into the lodge, I’m hit with a blast of delicious aromas (in spite of the crowds of happy skiers and boarders kicking off their boots). My girlfriend places our order for what must surely be the best food at any ski resort in the country. I grab us a couple of seats and start chatting with the friendly locals.
Ironically, the first person I strike up a conversation with about the food scene is none other than Shelley Adams, the well-known local author of the Whitewater Cooks series and former owner of WH2O. Her passion for the place is contagious and she soon bids me farewell with a grin that stretches from ear to ear.
Our meal is as advertised – hearty, healthy and almost too big to finish. Bellies and hearts full from a memorable morning, it’s time to set off for other responsibilities.
They say you never forget your first time. Now that I’ve had a taste of the Whitewater nirvana, I’ll be back. Soon. As long as I can catch that next chairlift!
Photo credit - Steve Robert (banner image) and Bradley Moore.