Skiing: My First Time

Korrin B.

January 12, 2009 - 4:30 PM

I always wanted to try skiing, but the opportunity never really presented itself to me. That is, until recently. My friend, Amber, asked me about a week ago if I would want to go skiing with her sometime. I mentioned that it would be fun, but I wasn't too sure if anything would actually come of it. On Saturday, I got a text message from Amber saying that she was going up to the mountain the next day and that I should come. I thought about the fact that I had homework to do and jumbled around plenty of excuses in my head, but in the end, I just said yes. I couldn't be happier that I did.

It was so spur of the moment, which added to the excitement of it all. I spent Saturday finding friends who I could borrow snow pants and gloves from and figuring out what all I needed to pack. I bought my bus ticket for 7:00am the next day and signed up for the First Timer Package at Willamette Pass online. When my alarm went off the next day, I was ready for my big adventure.

After a kind of rocky first week back at school, it was so nice to take a day trip out of Eugene and into the beauty of nature. I slept for almost the entire bus ride, but when I woke up, the scenery was amazing. Tall evergreen trees were dusted with snow and a thick white blanket covered the ground. It was fun watching everyone trying to walk across the icy parking lot into the ski lodge. I was probably just as funny looking.

I went inside and got fitted for my skis and signed up for my 10:00am lesson. When I met with my group, I was pretty sure that I was going to make a complete fool out of myself. However, it ended up being just fine, of course. My first hour on the skis was pretty tough. I was sweating profusely and wishing that I had not worn so many layers. I had a hard time getting anywhere and only ended up with one foot on the uphill moving ramp, which made for an interesting ride. However, I got more and more used to it and soon it was time to take on the bunny hill. The first time I made it down the bunny hill was amazing! I felt so free, yet at the same time insanely concentrated. I couldn't believe that I was finally here and doing this. I could mark it off of my list of things to try in my lifetime.

When my lesson was over, I met back up with Amber who had been snowboarding for the last two hours. We had lunch and then it was time for some actual skiing. I was feeling pretty confident in my abilities and was sure that I could take on an actual course, no problem. However, once we got on the lift, I felt as though every butterfly in the entire universe had flown into my stomach and were wrecking havoc. I've never been afraid of heights, but I was as I sat on that tiny bench dangling high above a steep, snowy decline. I was terrified, but thrilled. I looked around me and it was so beautiful. I could see a lake in the distance and wonderful green forests all around. Then I had to get off.

My first time down the hill was quite an experience. The mildly cocky confidence I had on the bunny hill vanished. I was not expecting the course to be so long. I thought it would never end. It was the steepest thing I had ever seen in my life and yet, it was the beginner's hill. I had my moments, but there was also a lot of panicking going on. I would get going a little fast and yell out, "Amber! I'm bailing!" "No, keep going!" she would say, but it would already be too late. By bailing, I basically meant that I was planning on slamming myself into the side of the snowy bank in order to stop. I bailed out or just plain fell what seemed like every ten to twenty feet my first time down the hill. One time I fell and did some sort of twist where one of my skis actually popped off. I could feel that one in my knee pretty bad and I knew that I would continue to for the next couple of days. I was so happy when I saw the end. I was huffing and puffing and thanking the heavens that I had somehow survived the plummet to my death.

So, I went again! The second time down was incredible. I only fell about three times and I got going pretty fast. I finally felt in control and could see myself doing this more in the future. It was almost like a form of meditation. My mind was emptied of all thoughts. I was completely in the now when I was skiing. The only thing my mind was focused on was the hill in front of me. I felt more relaxed the second time I finished the course and it had seemed a lot shorter than the first time.

After one more round, it was time to change and head back to Eugene. When we got back on the bus, I pulled out my Greek homework that I had brought with me to do during the ride. I looked at it, thought about it, and then fell asleep. They always say that it's the thought that counts anyway, right? My entire being was exhausted, but it was wonderful. There is nothing quite like trying something new. Plus, I figured, if I could conquer a mountain with my feet strapped to a couple of long sticks, then I could take on the rest of winter term, no problem.