First day on the mount

Don't forget to check out the picture album, fully up to date now.

New skiers, Kristi and Andrea, headed off to ski school for the day and the rest of the group (minus fearless leader Lyall) headed off in a group starting with the good ole green "Schoolmarm". A long and easy trail which scurries all over the front of the Keystone slopes. Eventually some of us were adventurous enough to hit the back two mountain faces. Alot more difficult separating the inexperienced from the speed demons (by about a quarter mile).

Twas fun being able to remember many of the routes we have been on in past years and know ahead of time what we were getting in to.

Conditions were nearly perfect with somewhat clear skies, high (but below freezing) temperatures and a few inches of fresh snow.

Ryan found that his natural position skiing is the same as in ultimate frisbee. Butt on the ground. Everyone has had their share of falls, proving that no one is holding back.
In the evening, chef Lyall almost outdid himself cooking a huge meal, including steak leftover from a church event.
Most people fell limp wherever the plopped down after dinner. Lyall encouraged us to share a little bit about recent things we've learned from scripture, or our favorite verses. Most years, the first day is pretty rough, but we've agreed that this was one of the most exhausted first night groups ever. No one stayed up past 9:30.



Second day

Andrea missed the first half of ski school on the first day due to a ski boot malfunction, so she went back to catch what she missed on the second day. Before then, however, she got to take a trip up with us in the Gondola.

Perfect opportunity for a group picture. No one missing this time!

The conditions fluctuated between not so great to perfect with heavy snow and low visibility before lunch and clear skies after. Still high temps below freezing.

Today a few of us followed Lyall down the back mountains testing out some new blues and a black diamond. Nothing serious though.

(PeterH not pictured)
A long lunch back at the condo cut the ski day a little short with only a couple of hours left after that.

Too late to blog about the evening. You'll also get some video next time around.