The Ski Day

I’m in my Apres Ski era. As in, I’ve skiied a million times, my family far surpasses my ability, and I just don’t enjoy the pain of it anymore. I never say never, obviously, but I think, for the most part, I’m done. I am permanently relishing the Apres Ski lifestyle of hanging in the lodge, enjoying the fireplace and hot beverages, chatting with other non-skiers, and catching up on my reading. As you can see, I’ve even got the sweater to prove it! My favorite part about the whole thing is that I’m always on the lookout for taking a writer’s retreat so that I can have a quiet spot, great view, and no obligations in order to focus on my writing. Ski vacations allow me to have the best of both worlds! Writer’s retreat by day, family time in the evening. When they come clunking up the steps of the lodge in their ski boots, I get a lovely break. They look exhausted. I feel great!

My husband is always worried that I will be bored while they ski. After 25 years of marriage, you would think he would understand by now that 1) I don’t get bored easily, and 2) these vacations have turned into some of my favorites! Productive AND relaxing. And I don’t have bruised shins from my ski boots. I’m happy enough with ski vibes. I could watch people snake their way down the mountain runs for hours. I admire the colorful ski clothing, swoon over the tiny children who learn their “french fries” and “pizza wedge” methods, then bolt down the slopes with no fear, and thrill at the brave skiers who land jumps. What’s not to enjoy?

The inspiration is just as epic. I overcame some writer’s block this time around and have multiple ideas in the works. In fact, I wish we could do MORE ski vacations. But, weather, finances, and time aren’t on our sides for an endless winter getaway. I will take what I can get. And now, I’m off to get another hot beverage and sit by the fire.