Hitting the Slopes

I did it. I went skiing. I wouldn't say that I am an accomplished skier, but I did accomplish some skiing. It was my 2nd adventure out to the slopes, my last one being a year ago during Lunar. I started on the beginner slope where they were teaching all the new beginners (including numerous small children). I made it down that a couple times with some success at turning and not crashing, so we (Kirk was with me and much more proficient with his snowboard) decided that it was time to progress to something more difficult. We went for the 5.5 km trail that started at Dragon Peak, the highest peak in the immediate area and at the resort. We enjoyed the scenic 20 minute ride to the top. Upon arrival, we had some awesome views of the mountains. And then we ventured over to the slopes. On the left was the advanced slopes...looked plenty scary to me. A large sign pointed to the intermediate on the right. All I could see was the top of a tree dead middle of the slope and what appeared to be a sheer drop off. First, I was hoping to aim my skis in the right direction to hit the intermediate and not “accidentally” veer to the "certain death" (aka advanced) slope. And as I looked at this beginning, I had to ask myself if I was committed to 5.5 km if it was all like this. I could still take the Gondola back down and move to something more simple. After a short internal pep talk, I strapped on the skis and headed past the point of no return. The first part of the hill was more of a sideways slide for me than any skiing. However, after making it down the treacherous beginning, the trail got significantly better as did I. I was able to get confidence in having some control...being able to slow down and turn—intentionally. I was quite glad that I challenged myself with something more difficult and I was able to carve some “S”s down some intermediate slopes with some degree of confidence before the day was out. Dragon Peak actually got a couple runs. It is a great feeling to learn some new skills. Lots of fun.

All of this occurred at Yongpyong Ski Resort where we spent several days over our Lunar break. They are making a bid for the 2014 Winter Olympics here. It is a nice place and it was great for us because it wasn't very busy. We rarely waited for any lifts.

Below are some pics from the event...

Sara hanging out.

Sara, literally, hanging out...too much sledding and snowman building excitement.Our (well, mostly Daddy's) snowman.The Price girls, with Kacy munching a snack.Our sledding hill: Daddy is in the distance testing it out and Kacy waits for her turn, probably after trying to chase Daddy. As you can see, it was some nice long rides (which also lead to nice long walks back).