BIG COTTONWOOD CANYON, UTAH — Curled up in front of the fire, I look out to a line of snow-frosted pines. Twenty-three inches of snow fell last night, so the snow is still fluffy and soft.
Beyond the trees, I can see the tops of the mountains I will be ascending tomorrow. I’m trying not to think of all the things that can go wrong.
I’m fluctuating between “Really, it’s no big deal,” and “What in the world was I thinking?”
I could have just spent the day going from the spa to the hot tub to the fire to the restaurants — there are so many aprè s-ski options here at Solitude Mountain Resort.
But I discovered long ago that the enjoyment I derive from an experience is directly proportional to the level of effort I put into it. Add to that the adrenaline rush that comes from a touch of danger, and you have an irresistible combination.
Danger? On the bunny slopes?
OK, we’re talking about a person who falls out of the tree pose after 30 seconds in yoga class, who regularly bangs into furniture while walking in flat shoes on solid ground. We’re not talking about Kristi Yamaguchi here. We’re talking about me. So, yeah, I’ll be frank — I’m a little bit scared.
Regardless, at 9:15 a.m. I’ll be gearing up, meeting my teacher and heading off into the wild snowy unknown.
What in the world was I thinking?
Really, it’s no big deal.
If you missed the story in yesterday’s Houston Chronicle and San Antonio Express-News, here it is.
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