Slopes for the Weekend
Illuminating the world with a bright absence of color, Colorado snow is known for its randomness and long lasting ability to bring even more attention to the ski slopes in the beautiful Rocky Mountains. Being a skier myself, I have thoroughly enjoyed the skiing this year at well known ski resorts such as: Copper Mountain, Steamboat Springs, and Arapahoe Basin. These three resorts are only a few of its kind as several other mountain tops have established sought out locations that bring in many wandering ski folk such as: Breckenridge, Vail, and Keystone. Skiers and snowboarders come from all around the nation to ski the magnificent slopes in the mountains of Colorado to experience the intense beauty of creation and the thrill of adrenaline that comes from the enhanced speed and cutting edges of snow sport.
Just because the snow is available here in colorful Colorado, does not mean it is viable or even passable for exceptional skiing, however truly dedicated skiers and snowboards will defy the odds and take any chance they can get at the side of a snow filled mountain.With the inconsistent snowfall and what seems like a never ending increase in elevation, the snow this year has been impartial about what it should be. Icy conditions have been found a few times this season causing unruly ski runs with crashes and prayers all existing in the same slippery location. But there have also been many instances of remarkable snow and powder from snowstorms and pre-made snow that keep the ski bums coming back each weekend. Overall, the conditions of the mountain are more about the attitude of the skier and willingness to be outside in God’s great creation.
With the ski and snowboard community attendance not disappointing again this year, the rivalry between the two sports has yet to cease as skiers and snowboards continue to outdo each other once again. Whether it’s small comments about a snowboarder’s inability to get through a catwalk or a skier’s decision to not “get out of the way,” both sides have created both entertainment for those watching and conflict for those involved. Nonetheless, the ultimate goal of being on the mountain is to enjoy the outdoors and get down the slopes at an incredible rate of speed all while being slightly uncomfortable due to the equipment.
The next order of business from the side of the mountain is the insane cost of nothing more than tolerable food. It is still consistently pricey and still consistently average as the food industry on the mountain resorts have not yet figured out how to invent quick, easy, cheap, and slightly more than mediocre food. Is this asking too much? Perhaps. But the ski industry has gotten almost everything else right when it comes to entertainment and efficiency on the slopes, so you tell me. Until then, it is back to frozen granola bars, chilled fruit snacks, and other various snacks from the c-store to withhold starvation on the mountain.
The last result from skiing this year comes from a special place at CCU. With the hundreds of people at the resort at a time, it is no surprise that you will not recognize anyone other than several CCU students skiing alongside you at any mountain you venture to. The amount of times I have seen random CCU students has blown my mind. Whether it is intentionally carpooling up to the slopes, or running into almost every single Harbor boy on a pod event, there is never a lack of CCU community several thousand feet above Denver, Colorado. This encourages me as I can only hope that the community CCU has accumulated on the mountain can spread to those around us and allow us to spread the good news of Jesus Christ, even skiing on the weekends.
