I enjoyed watching the athletes compete in the ski competitions held in Vancouver, Canada during the Winter Olympics. The skiers moved smoothly while swiftly gliding in the snow. The steepness and depth of Whistler Mountain, Canada provided the perfect grounds for a tight competition.

However, my eyes deceived me. The athlete’s movements were effortless as they glided down the snowy mountain. It appeared as though skiing was an easy sport. I never realized how challenging skiing could be until I took lessons for the first time at Mount Hood Meadows Ski & Snowboard Resort located 67 miles from Portland, Oregon.

Plop! I fell down and I can’t get back up. The sky was clear and the Mountain View was amazing; except there was only one problem. I was sitting in the snow fully dressed in ski gear and I couldn’t get up. Luckily, an experienced skier shared a few techniques on “how to stand up” with me! When I finally mastered my first lesson, I lined up next to the “First Time” sign where I was greeted by my professional instructor.

The beginner’s session was great! I skied down a minor slope with no problem. I learned how to turn, slow down and stop. I skied to the bottom of the hill mimicking the movements of my instructor and I did it without falling. Yeah!!! I definitely felt accomplished. Once I became comfortable with my performance, my instructor took me to the Intermediate Ski Course. We rode on a ski lift to the top of the hill.

When it was time to get off, I yelled, “Whoa! Whoa”, as I struggled to maintain my balance before skiing down the course. This time I was instructed to make bigger turns, pick up speed, and make faster stops. Not bad for a first timer, I thought to myself. After repeating this several times, we went to the advance level; at the top of Mount Hood.“

Oh my gosh! What in the world did I get myself into?” I thought as I looked below from the top of the mountain. Naturally, I am not afraid of heights but this is the highest point I had ever been on foot. I mean skis. Down, down, down I went fearlessly skiing until I almost crashed into orange tape marked no ski zone.

Oh well, for a while I did look like an Olympic Ski Medalist. I continued until I reached the bottom of the mountain. It was fun. I had fun and with any sport I my muscles were sore the next day. Overall, Mount Hood Meadows is a great place to ski.

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