This year, my holidays are split into three parts:
- Vermont Skication with my aunt and uncle
- Family Christmas in Vermont with the Rudolph, Diamond and Myer families
- St. Croix with friends
Since Tuesday evening, I’ve enjoyed lots of quality time with my Aunt Rusty and Uncle Randy both at home and on the slopes.
Yesterday, after a quick 4 mile run and weights session at their local gym, my uncle and I headed to the Bromley Mountain for a few hours of skiing. While Bromley is definitely smaller than Stratton, where we normally ski, it was a great place to get back in the groove after 9 months off skis. The weather was overcast and mild, reaching 35 degrees by mid afternoon.
I didn’t want to get too warm so I only wore the OUC Half Marathon technical t-shirt and Nike running tights, which were unlined, under my ski pants and ski jacket. I also discovered that Pro Compression socks make awesome ski socks!
We did a few runs together warming up before he headed for the black diamonds and I spent the day skiing solo on the green trails. Oddly enough, I really enjoy skiing on my own. I love taking in the sights, enjoying the cold, fresh air, and focusing on practicing the skills I’ve learned during the past two years of lessons.
Bromley randomly had really cute, wildlife cartoon signs along all the trails.
After a day of skiing I was pretty exhausted. Therefore, since I was in charge of dinner last night, I went with the simplest thing I know how to make that always delivers: roasted chicken. I followed my normal perfect roast chicken recipe and made a salad and reheated the previous night’s roasted root vegetables while the chicken cooked.
The chicken turned out wonderfully and both my aunt and uncle enjoyed it along with a glass of Chardonnay while watching Road to Perdition.
This morning, since the weather looked so nice when we woke up, Uncle Randy and I headed over to Stratton Mountain, which is about 15 minutes from the house, for a morning of skiing.
Stratton had four of their main lifts running, including the Gondola which goes all the way to the top. After doing 2 runs on the smaller, shorter greens I decided I was ready to conquer my fear and head up the gondola. Last year I did this run with Margaret a few times after 2 days of skiing. Today, I rode the gondola to the top on my own and was so excited when I stepped out. The top of the mountain was gorgeous, above the fog, and looked like a winter wonderland!
I spent the next 2 hours doing the long green and blue runs from the top, making friends along the way with a few other skiers of a similar skill level. We would follow each other down the mountain and then chat on our way back up the gondola. It felt good to realize just how far I’ve come in two years of skiing. The beautiful sights didn’t hurt either! Check out all the snow and blue sky!
After four great hours of skiing we headed back home for an afternoon of decorating. I hope I get to come back and see Frosty at least once more this trip. But, if the weather doesn’t allow, these 2 half days of skiing have been the perfect dose of winter to get me into the holiday spirit!
Your turn: Are you a skier? If so do you prefer the trails that are sharp and fast or do you prefer winding your way down the mountain?
So jealous! I love being on the mountain by myself. No pressure, no worries. Just you can the beautiful views.
You make me WANT to be a skiier! My family never did those vacations – only once or twice on little “mountains” in MN, but I’ve always envied those that took on the big ones!
Clare skiing is so fun! I hadn’t done real skiing until I was 26 since I grew up in the deep South! My parents never took us out West for Colorado ski vacations or anything.
I’m so jealous! I can’t wait until my family’s annual Vermont trip! I’ve been skiing since I was little but unlike my brothers who are all about bombing down the mountain, I enjoy taking my time & enjoying myself! Plus Vermont is absolutely beautiful so taking in the views is necessary! Have so much fun!!
Alex, that’s so fun that you all have an annual trip too! Where do you go?
Oh my gosh, I love skiing!! I’m so jealous — it looks like you had a great time 🙂 I started when I was 3 years old, but I actually haven’t been in about 5 years 🙁
Miranda I wish I’d grown up skiing! I lovingly tell my parents that they should have made me ski, golf, and swim more as a child. 🙂
Hehe my pup is named Bromley 🙂 Didnt even know about the ski mountain at the time! But funny you went there! Hope you’re having a blast!! Merry Christmas!!
I started skiing when I was old enough to walk! When I was 7 we moved to Utah so that I could ski competitively which I did until I was 21. I miss it so much!! We still go skiing every year in Utah with my whole family which is so much fun. I had a huge crash and had to get a hip replacement at the age of 21 which made it impossible for me to continue skiing professionally. It’s still fun to go out there and beat my older brothers down the hill though 🙂
I’m a new englander who doesn’t ski. I’m like a complete NE failure! 🙂 glad you’re having fun and good weather!
Hi Ashley,
I just got off the phone with your aunt Rusty. She told me all about you and your Blog. I am your Aunt Cheryl, I was married to your Uncle Carl. I can’t remember when I saw you and your brother last (long, long time) I just love your Blog……..how fun. Sounds like you and your hubby live a full and fun life. Your mom and Dad are very proud of you and your brother. I love love to meet all of you guys!!!!! You are a very pretty and impressive gal.
Sounds like you are doing well with your job with P&G.
Take care
Hugs to all,
Aunt Cheryl
PS Tell Ryan good luck with his new love!!!!!!!!!!!!