After weeks months of lamenting and condemning the snow and it’s bad timing or accumulation, I spent a few days basking in it! One of the great things about living in Connecticut is the proximity to so many other great states like New York, Massachusetts (and by that I mean Boston) and the Green Mountain State – Vermont!
After four hard days of training that contained two days of double workouts, I took to the mountains with my family to ski, eat, drink and feel really old and really young at the same time. So, instead of the same ol’ rundown this week I decided to theme it with all things snow, skiing/snowboarding and add in a hunk of Vermont cheddar:
RUNNING: I started the week running on treadmills and one outdoor run (gasp!) that I did in 14 degree weather. It was the best run of the week…until I got to Okemo Mountain. I felt like a 20 year-old out on the slopes, cruising on my board. There’s a flow to snowboarding and a rush of adrenaline, much like running, that I hadn’t realized in my younger years. I was alone on the mountain (my husband ended up doing work) and it was like a moving meditation. The view was outstanding and, even though my quads were burning by the time I reached the bottom, I felt like a kid and couldn’t wait to go back up!
Happy Trails!
Speaking of kids, mine were taking ski lessons and having a ball. What a difference a year makes! They were raring to go once they got their tiny little skis on and I glimpsed my future – racing after them down the mountain as they float over the slopes, like I once did years ago, with my own brother. I cannot wait!
And they’re off!
SWIMMING: I made it into the hot tub and, since my swimming has been pretty much non-existent, I’m counting any time I get wet as swimming. Of course about 10 minutes after getting into the hot tub, there was a “snow shower” with thunder and lightening. Everyone out! I’m telling you – someone is really trying to send me a message about swimming.
SCHLEPPING: Every time I think I cannot hold one more thing, I manage to pick up something else. Anyone who has ever been skiing knows the sheer amount of stuff you need. Multiple that by three nights worth of winter clothes for man, woman and (two) child plus all the kids ski stuff and it’s a lot even for me. I’ve never seen so many styles of skis, jackets, boots, poles, goggles, snowboards, hats and sunglasses in my life! Everywhere you went through the hotel there were people with bags, poles, helmets…it was a schlep-fest and a half. Getting you and your family to the chair lift with all your equipment on could be an endurance sport in an of itself!
CROSS-TRAINING: Everything I did was cross-training. From packing and unpacking the car to all the schlepping (see above) to carrying worn out little ski monsters, I got a total body workout everyday. It also never ceases to amaze me that I can run a half-marathon with almost zero quad and hamstring pain but after two runs down the mountain on a snowboard, my legs were on fire! The human body is an amazing machine and I love getting the chance to test it in different ways.
FUEL: One word – s’mores! S’mores is to kids what an ice cold beer is to adults after a long day on the slopes. The place where we stayed had a s’mores tray served complete with it’s own fire to roast your marshmallows over! I cannot tell you how many of these we saw being ordered and consumed in the lodge. Hershey’s is probably making more money then Budweiser at this place! Crazy and delicious.
Not the best shot but I was busy building a s’more with my other hand. Luckily my dad is helping Vaughn not set his on fire.
There was also a Waffle Hut just near the base lift. Every time I came down to the bottom, the smell of Vermont maple syrup smothered hot waffles filled the air. It was like riding a chair lift inside a Krispy Kreme. They served them plain or with chocolate drizzle. Breakfast of champions.
This time Papi and Miles are indulging.
TV: Who needs TV when you can people watch at a family ski resort? Since I was riding the lift by myself, I met quite a few interesting people from all over the world. We saw kids wrestling and tackling each other in restaurants and my table with my children sitting at it, was actually referred to as “the quiet corner” by the waitress. Oh how I wish this restaurant was in my town so I could feel this normal all the time!
This is possibly the reason why my kids were so quiet. Don’t get all judgey.
READING: My reading was happily reduced to menus and trail maps! My husband thinks I’m crazy for thinking this but food and wine always tastes a little better when it’s “earned.” By that I mean after a good, hard effort, like running or snowboarding, food tastes better to me. I feel like my body truly needs it, like I worked hard for it. It’s just like a big glass of wine tastes so good after the kids had a meltdown and are now finally asleep in bed! It’s rewarding. Was I supposed to be talking about reading? Oops!
MUSIC: There was music blaring all over the mountain! They have it playing in the chair lift lines and we rode carts on rails down the mountain with the kids, and it was playing the whole time. I loved it! I also saw quite a few skiers and snowboarders with tell tale white wires hanging out of their jackets and helmets.
Finish line of the Mountain Coaster!
RANDOM THOUGHT OF THE WEEK: Whoever thought it would be funny to set the alarm clock in our hotel room to 3am. It wasn’t.
Do you ski or snowboard? What was the last thing you did that made you feel young again? What’s your favorite food or drink to indulge in on vacation?
haha OMG we had our alarm set to 2AM by accident on our last trip… too funny. Looks like a great time and don’t worry about swimming… you’ll be just fine 😉
I have a feeling some kids did it on purpose. It scared the crap out of me and my husband! Luckily it didn’t wake up the kids. Thanks for the vote of confidence on the swim. Not much I can do about it now since the indoor TRI is this Sunday.
I am in total agreement about the wine/food–absolute truth! It sounds like a great time away with the family. We do an annual ski trip with our neighbors and even non-skiier me enjoys it. And yes–holy schlepping! It’s insane how much stuff you must tote to get a family away skiing!
I’m so glad you agree with me on that. I was starting to feel like an oddball 🙂 It must be a runner thing!
Non-skiers definitely have lots of fun too – there’s so much to do!!
Looked a great week, minus the alarm clock going off at 3 am. I seriously hunk I would have shot someone if I could if that happened to me with two small kids sleeping in the same room. But back to the week not he whole and looked like a huge success. And now I want Smores!! 🙂
My husband desperately wants to find out who did it so he can call them every mooring at 3am for a month. At least it didn’t wake up the kids. If it had, I may be searching for them as well!!
God, I miss skiing. I am telling you right now Allie (if I say it publicly then I must make it happen, right?!) that sometime in the next 2 years my family is going skiing. The end. Everything you described about it (even all the stuff) is just the best. I used to ski with my walkman on because that is how old I am. And then I think I may have even done it with a discman a time or two also. P.S. Getting pulled out of the hot tub after 10 minutes is a total rob!!-Ashley
You MUST make it happen! It’s so worth all the lugging stuff around. I’m sure there’s plenty of family-friendly ski resorts in your ‘hood. In fact, in college I went to Beech Mountain a time or two – not sure if you’re anywhere near there? My roommate lived in Boone and we had a BLAST there. I think I was also listening to my disc man at that time – HA HA!!!
You make this look so fun that I want to learn to ski now!
It truly IS! They have plenty of programs for adults. The key is to just relax and make a lot of turns 🙂
Ooh, looks like a lot of fun!
When we were flying to France, the flight attendant actually said to me that our boys were SO well-behaved. I was kinda shocked 🙂
That’s awesome! Why is it so shocking? Probably b/c we know how they usually behave!!
Sounds like you had a fabulous weekend! And I totally get what you’re saying about food & drink tasting better after you’ve earned it. A fountain Coke never tastes as good as after a day spent hiking in the desert, and just about anything tastes like a gourmet meal after a backpacking trip. And the s’mores trays? Absolutely genius.
So true, right? I mean, I don’t know about the fountain coke but…ha ha ha 🙂 I once had a cinnamon bun after a marathon and it tasted like heaven on earth. I haven’t eaten one since!
P.S. I did a 15 miler today and I’m wearing my compression socks. I seriously think I’m going to use the coupon code on your site to order at least one more pair. It’s like a massage in a sock!
How fun! I can’t wait to get L out on the slopes, but she’s a really cautious kid so we haven’t ventured there yet. I definitely agree that earning your meal is worth it- food tastes amazing after a workout!
Every kid is different so obviously you know best, but hopefully she will love it when she’s ready. Only Vaughn went last year (poor Miles had an ear infection) and he was ok with it, but this year – at almost 5 – they both loved it and ended up doing an extra day of lessons.
Ok, what’s up with not telling me you’d be in VT? I would have come ride with you! And I totally feel ya on snowboarding. You just flow more so than on skis. Love it but it does make me feel quite old now!
I absolutely should have told you! My bad. I actually want to tell you when I come up ALONE so we can ride together 🙂 Christine from Love, Life, Surf was also there!! We could have had a freakin’ mini blog conference!!
I definitely felt old with so many young kids ripping it up out there. In my mind I’m still 25.
Not just Boston, ahem! Western Mass has some perks!
And Christine of Love, Life, Surf was at Okemo this weekend too! Did you two totally plan it?
The waffles look fabulous.
And I love western Mass for its proximity to NYC, CT and upper New England. The best! And Cape Cod!!
Oh Tamara I totally thought of you when I wrote that and I knew you would have something to say about it!! You know I love your state and I REALLY love Cape Cod. My mind is just on all things winter!
I didn’t know Christine was there until I posted a picture to Instagram and she was like “Hey! I’m here too!” We’re bad planners. Shame, shame!!
I’m with you – there is nothing like a cold beer after a day on the slopes! Would you believe I have NEVER had one of those waffles? But I am totally craving the artichoke and chicken pesto pizza at Mt. Snow right now! It looks like you had a great time! Love the graphic too!
OMG that pizza sounds amazing…with a beer of course! I actually only had a half of one of the waffles because my kids were scarfing them down so quickly!! We’re thinking of doing a day trip to Mt. Snow before the end of the season. Now I just want to go for the pizza!
Yay Canva 🙂
I have been skiing since I was really little. I think it is one of the best things my parents did for me getting me and my brother into lessons when we were younger. There have been so many times where friends have wanted to ski with us. It’s funny though because the girls usually invite me to “hang out with them” while the guys ski and my response is :”By hanging out, do you mean 10 runs before lunch?” Haha. Oh well.
I don’t think I’ve ever been to Okemo. My last two trips were to Killington and Waterville Valley. We used to go every Christmas for a few days which meant lots of fun skiing and even more fun avoiding extended family. Sadly this does not happen anymore!
Glad you had such a great time!
I agree about getting into lessons at an early age. When I was a kid Mt. Tom was only about 45 minutes from our house and was a great learning mountain. It closed years ago but I always wanted my kids to learn.
I know what you mean about the girls “hanging out.” Luckily, in college, my roommate was an avid skier AND she had a car (which is kind of unheard of in Boston!) so we would go to the mountains almost every weekend in the winter.
Killington is a beautiful area and is actually only about 40 minutes from Okemo. Okemo is in Ludlow so it’s just over the hill!
I ski and snowboard. I haven’t snowboarded in a while though. I took up skiing when the kids were born because it was easier to wrangle them on the slopes. I am having the most fun teaching my littles how to ski. Big A goes off for weeks at a time with my dad and they run themselves crazy all over the mountain. It’s definitely my sons favorite sport. He loves all the adventure and adrenaline for sure.
I actually thought about returning to skiing since it’s much easier to wrangle them, like you said. I’m just so much more in control on a board since I’ve been doing that for years!! I love that your husband takes your son and they have a great time. I hope to someday do that with ALL my boys!
Sounds like you had a fabulous weekend! I never tried skiing or snowboarding. I would probably break my neck if I tried it now.
NO, you could do it! If you really wanted to, there are lessons for all ages and plenty of adults were out there learning. It’s so much fun!!
ANOTHER thing I miss about New England, skiing. I learned to ski in Vermont but mostly skied NH. Since living in the middle of no where I’ve skied maybe 3 times. I did take my kids once and it was so much fun. I put them in a half day lesson and then skied with them the rest of the time.
Trying to talk my son into going to college on the East Coast. I figure I’ll follow him home. I think that’s turning into a deterrent for him though . . .
It would be so great if you had that “excuse” to make it back out this way! I can’t wait until my kids can actually go with me and not have a 3 hour lesson. Believe me, I like the alone time but I want to have fun with them on skis too 🙂
I’m so sad that I didn’t know that you were up there too especially since my husband doesn’t ski or snowboard and was stuck in the lodge doing work so I had some solo time on the mountain (which was fantastic!). I know that you mean about feeling young on the mountain. I love love love the feeling of being on the mountain and skiing down. I also felt really old because my back started hurting. Ha! Glad your kids did well in ski school too!
I know!? I could have boarded right over to the Okemo area and met up with you!
My back was hurting by the end of the day too!! I was definitely on a ride of “I feel so young” and then quickly back to “I feel so old!”
I have never stepped foot on a ski – just not my sport. But I’m glad you had a blast! I tend to indulge in ice cream cones on vacation – I rarely eat it at home. It’s become our go-to dessert on family vacations.
Summer vacations are absolutely for ice cream! I’m the same way with that. It also just tastes so much better on vacation 🙂
This ski weekend sounds like a much better vacation than the one you wrote about when the boys were babies!! See how much easier it already is??? And, electronics are a life saver in restaurants for sure!!
I don’t ski – that whole snow and cold thing just makes it pretty much not fun for me!
I loved your section on reading – made me laugh!!
So true Kim! Especially since the place we stayed at was so family oriented and there were tons of kids there. I know you hate the cold but if you could get past that (it was 45 degrees and sunny on Sat!) you would love it!!
My j team is ski junkies too! We will have to go up to the mountain with you guys sometime! Agree! Nothing tastes better than warm food and cold drinks after a day of skiing in the fresh air! Great sport for the whole fam. Boy do the kids pass out hard! Love it!!
That would be so much fun! I’ll have to find out where you guys go locally b/c now the boys are hooked.
Bedtime was actually a pleasure – they were out in 2 minutes. Just another reason so love it!
10 minute hot tub “swim” — those are some hard earned miles right there!
Right? That’s what I’m saying!
Surprise, surprise but I’m scared witless of skiing or snowboarding (despite having the Burton name – no relation though). I’ve tried skiing once and that was enough for me. Not enough control and since I’m a big spaz….
What made me feel young? Getting carded at the liquor store. It made me feel fabulous.
I love a good glass of wine or Mexican Hot Chocolate when I’m traveling.
Stay warm my crazy friend.
I AM surprised! I figured you would definitely be a snowboarded, especially since you share the epic name. I actually ride a Burton and I always have.
I love that you got carded. Isn’t that just the best feeling?
What the heck is Mexican Hot Chocolate? I’m assuming there’s liquor involved. Why have I never heard of this? Googling…
Have we talked about this before? My memory is horrible…where in CT do you live? I went to college in CT!
I also have a horrible memory but I think we did!? I live in Ellington which is a small town about 30 miles east of Hartford.
This looks like so much fun for you guys. I am not a fan of the skiing, I think I went once when I was in high school and gave up haha. I need to try again one day! I love the picture of miles and papi, and this lady here is NOT judgey about computerized games keeping them quiet in public, we take their kiddy tablet everywhere we go!!
You should – it’s a GREAT workout!
I love that you take your tablets everywhere too 🙂 Makes me feel so much better!
OKAY – Have we ever gone over where in CT you live? I used to live over there, so I’d be curious where in that cute little state you live! 🙂 Of course I am not straight up asking for your address, LOL – I am classier than that – I’ll ask you via email 😉
And funnily enough, I never went snowboarding in Vermont… EVER! My family was very much the WEST COAST snowboarders/skiiers – which is why…… We moved to WYOMING! ha!
I would be honored if you stalked me. I live in a small town about 30 miles east of Hartford in Ellington. It’s one of those “more cows then people” towns which is why we’re constantly traveling.
West Coast skiing is on an entire other level! I used to live in Santa Monica and would frequent Big Bear! The powder was ridiculous. Here? We get a lot of ice 🙁
Sounds like a wonderful time! It’s so neat that the boys are old enough to take ski lessons. I’m kinda jealous about two things. Making s’mores at the table and the Mountain Coaster. I’d happily do both!
You picked two of the best things! The Mountain Coaster is awesome, especially since the kids love to go fast. And the s’mores? Well that’s just heavenly.
Fun times! I’ve never had beer a day in my life, but I’m down for a ski lesson!
If I had to chose between the two, I would definitely chose skiing!! I hope you get to try it someday because it’s a great experience and a way to appreciate the snow and cold 🙂
I love everything about skiing, and you capture it so perfectly. (& I would kill whoever set the alarm for that time)
Ok, I am suddenly craving waffles so off to get some…
Why did you have to mention waffles? I swear I could drive to VT right now just to get those!!
Glad you liked it and thanks for reading and commenting!