December 24 is a family day where we have a pattern of skiing … when conditions are favourable.
Our family has a pattern — not yet a tradition — of skiing at Blue Mountain on December 24. On the day before Christmas, the slopes are relatively quiet … and the people working the lodge and lifts aren’t yet stressed out by the holiday crowds that will arrive in the following days. We haven’t been consistent on this event, because it’s only worth going if snow conditions are good, and pre-Christmas weather is variable. In 2008, conditions were favorable,and we were on the road as the sun rose. Since we ski irregularly, we rent equipment at the lodge for the day. We’re not very practiced in getting dressed in the gear.
As oldsters, Diana and I prefer the tradition of Alpine skiing. Adam and Noah have been on snowboards in prior years. Ryan decided to stick with skis, and followed his parents for the first few runs.
Taking the ski lift up is more straightforward for skiiers than snowboarders, who have to release the binding for one foot. After riding the lift to the top of the hill, Adam and Noah demonstrated the procedure of reattaching snowboard bindings while seated.
Unlike prior trips sunny enough for sunglasses, this day was overcast and cold both in the morning and afternoon. From a north facing ridge, the clouds were low on the views of Georgian Bay and Collingwood. Continue reading “2008/12/24 Family ski day in Collingwood, Korean dinner“
