With our children happily passing the time at Treasures, TT Dad and I were free to do something we hadn’t done in approximately a year and a half. We had 8 glorious hours to enjoy each other’s company.
Almost.
We first had to finish getting ready, and then I had to rent equipment for the day. TT Dad is a much more skilled skier than I am, and has his own equipment, so he was off to enjoy a few runs alone.
This winter was certainly not a snowy one. The snowmakers were hard at work, which allowed the resort to open the vast majority of their slopes, surprisingly.
We live down the street from a very small ski area, here in CT, and it was struggling to keep snow on the ground. We were happy to see that Smuggs’ seemed to have the problem under control.
Once TT Dad was on his way, I walked over to 3 Mountain Outfitters in the hopes of finding myself a pair of ski pants. I was still working on losing that baby weight, so I wasn’t fitting any of my old winter wear. The staff was incredibly helpful in my quest- bringing me pair after pair to try on so I wouldn’t have to search them out myself. We finally found one that would fit, without being a tripping hazard, and I checked out.
Next stop was 3 Mountain Equipment. The rental process was smooth and easy. There was a short line, and then the associate helped me through the options, assessing my ability level, and needs, while determining the length of rental needed. We settled on beginner (thank goodness) equipment, for a day and a half, thinking maybe we’d try to get out a little bit on Sunday before leaving.
Just around the corner was the equipment. The staff to guest ratio was impressive, and amid the chaos, they were somehow able to keep things organized. Boots, skis, helmet, and poles, and I was off. I made a quick call to TT Dad, and we decided where to meet- near the lesson meeting spot, and kids snowboarding lessons.
While waiting for TT Dad, I realized just how compact and easily accessible this resort was. Our Liftside condo was mere steps from the Village Lift, and Village Center. In the Village Center, you will find Guest Services, Ski School & Season Pass Desk, Morse Mountain Grille, the Country Store, and other food offerings. We could also see Treasures.
Once we were reunited, it was off to the lift. We enjoyed the solitude of the Village Lift, on our way up to the top of Morse Mountain. Before we knew it, we were ready to come back down. I hadn’t been on skis in many years, so I wanted to stick to the green circles. TT Dad had already found his way to Sterling and Madonna Mountain, but I was hesitant to leave Morse, where all the easier slopes were.
After a couple of runs, TT Dad was sure I had improved enough to tackle a blue square- on Madonna Mountain. I told him to go ahead without me, and I would just stick to the green circles… but he had completely faith in me, and my ability to push my limits.
I love how much he believes in me. I do.
But sometimes, I wish he’d listen 😉
In this situation, we ended up at the top of Madonna Mountain, and I found myself facing Upper Chilcoot.
Empowered by TT Dad’s belief that I could handle it, we pointed our skis down, and off we went.
That lasted approximately 2 minutes. 2 minutes in, and I realized I had bitten off more than I could chew. I was contemplating just sitting on my butt, and sliding down, but wanted to at least give it a real try.
In what felt like 3 hours, I probably made it 20 feet. Poor TT Dad was stuck waiting for me. I told him he should go on without me, and just check on me every few runs. I knew I’d be here all day, inching my way down this slope.
He refused, and instead would ski down a little, and wait for me, usually just around a bend (of which there were a LOT), so I couldn’t yell at him to go on without me.
The next thing I knew, I heard a new voice letting me know he would give me a ride down if I could just make it to him. At some point, TT Dad had flagged a poor ski patrolman, and asked him to help. I’m not sure how long they were waiting for me before he let me know, but I’m pretty sure he realized that without help, I’d be closing the slopes on this one trail.
Ski Patrol called for backup, and they loaded me onto the sled. It was a much more relaxing, and quick, ride down in the sled.
TT Dad and I took a breather, and enjoyed a hot drink at The Black Bear Tavern. I ended up staying there, (enjoying another beverage) while TT Dad took another couple of runs. He joined me for another drink, and then we headed back to the land of easy, beginner slopes. We made it down a few more times before it was time to head back to pick up the kids.
As I mentioned, after collecting our duo, we fed them dinner, and then put them to bed, since they hadn’t napped as well as they normally do. Our Treasures staff member/babysitter came precisely on time, and we were off to a romantic dinner at The Hearth & Candle.
All in all, this was a fantastic trip. We’ve been looking forward to our return ever since. Hopefully, it will be sooner, rather than later!!