Skiing in the midwest?

Is it possible to ski where there are no mountains? For years I have said, "No. Absolutely not. Can't happen." I followed that up with a quick, if you ever catch me skiing in the midwest - move me home, quickly!!

Well...I went skiing in the midwest and have no plans to move. Skiing on a mountain? No. They don't exist here. I went skiing on a big hill called a bluff. The surprising thing is - I enjoyed it. The snow is man made. The runs are short and congested. Sounds like a recipe for frustration, but instead it was a lot of fun. One of my co-workers is an instructor at Snow Creek near Weston, MO. He tried to recruit me to be a ski instructor there. It didn't work with my schedule this season, but I agreed to shadow him a couple of times. It was just nice to be outdoors and active in the middle of winter. I love the grace of downhill skiing, the swoosh of the snow under my ski's and the wind blowing through my hair. It isn't Alta in Utah, but it was a nice way to spend a Saturday.

One thing I did learn...I'm not thirteen anymore! Shocking, I know. About 2pm I was already feeling the fatigue in my leg muscles. I remember when I was a kid and I could go all day; ski, ski, ski, and then get up the next morning and do it again. Sadly, those days will have to remain in my memories because the aging Sheri can only ski for part of the day; then long for a hot tub and a good massage for my aching muscles. How did this happen? Where is the golden city and the fountain of youth? Oh well, I will just have to learn to enjoy the slower pace and leave the hot doggin' to the energy filled youth. As if I didn't already feel old enough, I realized my ski equipment is 19 years old! Unbelievable!!

If you want to learn to ski, this is an excellent place to do it. If you haven't skied in a while, it is a nice place to get your form back. If you have access to real mountains, I still envy you, but I guess one place can't have everything, right? I hope you are enjoying your winter. I'm already looking forward to spring.

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