I’ve struggled more with the lifts than the actual skiing. Ski got caught getting off of one and I fell. Couldn’t get up. A very cute, but noticeably pregnant ski patrol chick had to help me up. That wasn’t even the worst one.

The stupid “magic carpet” thing some of them have when getting on the lift was way worse. Not even sure how it happened, but basically I was out of position and the chair came in too steep. Hit me in the back and slowly pushed me off the platform. They had to hit the emergency brake and shut down the entire lift while I got back on the platform. Thankfully, they have a large cushion to break the fall of idiots like me who get pushed off the end of the platform. That one was really embarrassing.

From 1978 till 2002 we missed about 5 years. The farther north you go the better the snow. We skied Steamboat and never went anywhere else. New Mexico was always icy, other than Taos. We owned our equipment which made it cheaper. We gave it up after career change and losing 5 weeks vacation. It is more enjoyable if you can afford to fly in and not have to drive and worry about the weather. I had one wreck on icy roads and drove thru several storms to where it was not enjoyable for me. Skiing is probably one of my most favorite things I have ever done. With that being said, the first time I went at Ruidoso and skied I hated it. I did not grow up getting to ski. I went with my room mate when I got out of high school. I can remember skiing Taos back in the early 80`s. Me and my wife could get a ski package with motel room and lift tickets, then pay for ski rentals and gas for 5-6 hundred bucks. Good times.

I am shocked by you guys in your 40s afraid to snow ski for fear of getting hurt. When I was in my 40s I could do anything I wanted , I’m 64 now and haven’t slowed down much. Rope and ride, fish sun up to sun down, snowboard, play 36 holes of golf in one day, work all day in the ranch. You guys need to lay off the fast food and get off the sofa and get in shape.

Skiing is a tremendous rush. You need to make sure you have the basics on slowing down and stopping before you go down a steeper hill. You don't want to be going down a hill with speed with a lack of confidence, but once you get it down it is awesome.

Who said anything about being scared? I'm with you my friend, I'm never getting old and plan to run circles are those younger than I.

I will mention that as you age, things take longer to heal. I skied from age 14-26 every winter 20+ times. Moved back to Texas and only went a few times after that. I went back at age 40 to meet some old friends and tear up the slopes. Lets say the slopes tore me up as I tried to stay up with my buddies who skied every year since I left. Caught an edge on a black diamond and wound up with a complete tear of my ACL and medial meniscus. Had to ski down the mountain with one leg I couldn't control, literally.

If you are serious about skiing, get in shape. Squats and lunges (both front and side) will help. Your legs are basically shock absorbers for your body as you ski. Get them in shape.

Skiing is no doubt thrilling and beautiful at the same time. The best is after a day on the slopes, sitting by a warm fire watching it snow with a hot toddy in your hand.

FIFY

Amen to that, Mike!

I think you fixed it for yourself. Quit dreaming.

We are going this winter and it will be the first time in 20 years for me. I went several times as a kid and always loved it.

However, my wife doesn't really want to go. She has never been and doesn't like trying new things or doing anything she's bad at. So I'm not sure how much she is going to enjoy it, but we're gonna find out. My 2 kids are 6 and 10 and it seems like a good time to get them going on it.

We are going to Wolf Creek and staying in Southfork. Found an awesome airbnb with a guest house on a farm with a panoramic window facing the mountains, and it's only like $100 a night. I'm pretty stoked about going.

That sounds awesome.

You guy's can have it, hate the cold, hate the snow!!!!