Early Season Jitters

Like many other winter enthusiasts, I have made it out to the mountains for an early season tour or two, to get my legs in shape for the season ahead. It has been humbling. The up-track can be humbling at the best of times, but this year it is more apparent than usual how my early season legs aren't nearly as strong as I remember them. When I think back to how I was skiing at the end of last winter/spring, I can pretty much see myself skiing as hard as Ingrid Backstrom and Lyndsey Dyer. I know, I know, I'm dreaming! But really, you're dreaming too if you think you'll be as strong now as you were last year. Building up that ski/snowboard stamina takes time! Take it easy on yourself this opening weekend, there's no need to be a hero. Everyone has heard of a nightmare story of their friends' sisters' boyfriends' brother who got a season ending injury on day one. Don't let that be you. The temps will be colder than usual this weekend and your body isn't used to it yet. Take lodge breaks often (the hot chocolate is delicious and Freshie's coffee bar will be open for business!) to warm up and visit with your winter friends that you never see during the summer. Stop mid-run to swing your arms around to warm up your hands and give your legs a rest. I like to pretend that I I have to tighten my boots instead of admitting that I can't ski top to bottom yet. This tiny rest will give you a chance to charge that second half of the run in control, and without a massive yard sale. Ski the Blast at least once every day you go up. Or if showboating under the chair isn't your style, pick another run that is challenging for you, and ski it every day that you ride the lifts. Do it at your own pace, and focus on skiing or riding it in control, with good body position. This will not only help strengthen your legs, but it will also help warm you up. I love to preach to people that the best way to get in shape for skiing, is to go skiing. It's true! Get out there. Frequently. There's no substitute for logging miles on your skis or board. As a bonus, your confidence will improve while you build up your "ski legs" again. Stay warm out there folks! There are day lockers in the lodge, you can rent a lock from Guest Services to store your extra layers when you're not using them. Ease into the ski season and before you know it you'll have shaken off the "early season jitters" and be shredding with the pros (in your dreams) again. In case you haven't heard, we will only be opening the Silver King and Summit Chair tomorrow - that's right, no Glory side leg burners just yet. As we will not be opening all of the terrain at the resort, we will be extending discount lift ticket rates as follows (not inclusive of GST): Full Day Half Day Adult 51.00 38.25 Youth 40.50 30.38 Junior 25.50 19.13 Senior 40.50 30.38 One ride 21.00 Hummer 10.00 See you for first chair 8:45am sharp!And let the 2013/2014 winter season begin....