Here’s the story of the time I learned I’m a green slope girl for life. ⛷️
Last January, Spencer took me skiing for the first time, and I was having a blast at the beginning!
I was doing okay on the easy slope, but I didn’t want to get in the way of Spencer (who’s naturally athletic and coordinated) being able to move to the next level—even though I knew that was beyond my abilities. An employee said I couldn’t ride the lift up and just come back down, but reassured me the next level “wasn’t much harder.”
So we went up to the “not much harder” runs. Spoiler: it was MUCH harder. 🫣
We picked the one I thought would be most within my abilities. I pizza’d my way down in tiny segments, with Spencer picking spots for me to aim for. I was doing semi-okay (things were not okay 🫠).
At one point, employees came to check on me… because they’d been watching.
They ended up telling me that the next section was less steep, so I went for it… until I panicked at a merge and intentionally fell to avoid a collision. 😅
The employees told me I had been doing really well until that purposeful crash. They offered to carry our skis down so we could walk the steep part and said they’d leave them “near the end.”
By the time we got to them, we thought we were basically done. We were not.
What should’ve been about a mile turned into nearly three with all the walking and rerouting.
Poor Spencer had to carry BOTH of our skis most of the way down. 😩
At the very end, a group of skiers found us and towed me back to the green slope so I ended up finishing it off on my own skis!
The second I got off, I ripped my boots off—my shins were ACHING from the boots digging into them.
Next time, I’ll drink hot cocoa while he tries the more difficult slopes. ☕️
Skiing for the first time can be both exciting and intimidating, especially when faced with slopes beyond your current skill level. From my experience, it’s important to listen to your instincts and not rush into more advanced runs before you feel ready. In fact, many beginners find green slopes perfect for building confidence and mastering the basics of turning and stopping. Wearing comfortable, well-fitted ski boots is crucial—shin pain from tight boots can quickly ruin the experience, as I painfully discovered. Investing in proper gear or getting advice from rental shop experts can make your day much more enjoyable. Another tip is to communicate openly with ski resort staff. They can offer valuable guidance on slope difficulty and safety measures; for instance, I was advised about the challenges ahead but still underestimated the steepness. It’s okay to ask for alternate routes or assistance, as employees are there to ensure everyone’s safety. Finally, don’t underestimate the value of companionship on the slopes. Having a patient friend or instructor can boost your confidence, but remember it’s perfectly fine to ski at your own pace. Taking breaks with a warm drink, like hot cocoa, can be a great way to recharge and enjoy the atmosphere without pressure. For those new to skiing, a gradual, fun approach that respects your limits will lead to more enjoyable and less stressful adventures. Over time, with practice, you might find yourself ready to challenge blue or black slopes—but there’s zero shame in proudly being a green slope skier for life!