December 30, 2009
The ABCs of family skiing
by Heather Burke/
People tell me taking the family skiing is too complicated. I respectfully disagree. It is worth the bother. It is by far the best family activity in New England in winter. I think it’s that simple. As the late Michael Jackson would sing, “ABC, it’s easy as 1, 2, 3.”
Here are 26 reasons, in alphabetical acrostic format, why you and your family should go skiing this winter:
Avoid cabin fever — skiing families don’t suffer from sunlight deprivation or “shut-in syndrome” in January.
Be a cool parent and teach your kids a lifelong sport that you can enjoy together.
Celebrate winter in New England instead of dreading it.
Don’t worry if your ski suit doesn’t match, this is New England, not Deer Valley.
Eat hearty, skiing burns tons of calories.
Fall down and laugh about it.
Go downhill and enjoy the pull of gravity.
Hot cocoa tastes best after a few frosty ski runs.
Introduce a friend to the sport of skiing, they should be forever grateful.
Jumps are fun, start small and build up to bigger.
Kids learn quickly, start yours on skis now.
Learning a new sport increases brain activity, improves reflexes and balance.
Make lots of turns.
Nippy weather keeps skiing families close together.
Open snow-covered slopes await your ski signature. Carve 'em up.
People who ski live longer and have more fun.
Quit whining about the cold, and get out and enjoy it.
Recreate with your family, a day at Camden Snow Bowl beats Chuck E. Cheese's every time!
Snowflakes pile up into a fluffy blanket on ski area trails just waiting to be skied.
Take time to enjoy the scenery. Standing on top of a snow-covered mountain is inspiring.
Unplug from your electronics and chat with your kids about the day’s best run.
Volunteer with a handicapped skiing club, at a local ski race or at a school ski event for your kids.
Wear layers and you will be ready for whatever Mother Nature has in her bag of tricks.
EXpect to be tired, there is satisfaction in muscle fatigue after a day on the slopes.
Yield when entering a trail and know the seven-point skier's responsibility code — it makes for a safer ski day.
Zip down the hill, get on the lift and do it again.
I hope to see you out on the slopes in the New Year with your family.
