Growing up in Park City, I've been surrounded by all things snow and ski. My parents met at Park City Mountain resort when my dad was a lift mechanic and my mom was a lift operator. My dad literally lived in his truck in the parking lot one season, the mark of a TRUE ski bum. They competed in (and won!) local races and got into tons of winter shenanigans. Unfortunately, I never really got into skiing (much to the disappointment of my parents). When I was a tiny tot on the "magic carpet" conveyer belt at ski school, I'd plop myself into a snow bank and play in the snow. In grade school, I had after-school lessons which usually involved dropping a ski or a glove or myself off the lift or begging to go in for a hot cocoa. My parents brought me skiing with them often on the weekends, but, being the whiny child I was (am?), I always complained about being too cold. Alas, they realized their dreams of raising a future Olympian were dashed. In my early college years, I went a few times a season and enjoyed it a little more, but used the "too busy with school" or "can't wake up early enough" excuse when I got the much-hated "OHMYGOD you grew up in Park City and don't even ski??!!" reaction when people I met at parties realized I was a loser. So this year, back in Utah to finish up my last two classes of college I have decided to embrace winter with open arms. I got a job at the resort where my parents met and where they have skied the last thirty years. I learned to ski there and have a lot of childhood memories there, so it's a comforting and familiar place. I'm a ticket scanner which isn't the most glam job, but I really really enjoy being outside, taking in the view, and chatting and joking around with my fun coworkers all day long. Today was my day off so I went up for the first time this season to see if I still remember how to ski, and yes, it turns out I do. I still need to get a little more comfortable on the mountain, but I'm really looking forward to the winter season, and am actually wishing for more snow this year. And a hot liftee boyfriend.
P.S. bear with me with the iPhone photos... so ready for a real camera.