I spent last week in Mammoth which has become what feels like the Vail, Colorado of California. Posh hotels with mountain access, upscale “cabins” with astounding views of the mountains and lakes, and the clear marker you’ve arrived in yuppy snow-dom–docents at the top of runs with pointers and big maps-and bright yellow vests which, consequently, did not keep me from getting lost.
My first skiing trip in about twelve years, I wondered how it would all go with my knee that is missing an ACL (former ski injury), my reconstructed ankle (former basketball injury), and my general aversion to the cold.
Several things stood out. For one, nearly 95% of the skiers and snowboarders wore helmets. I’ve been skiing since I was 13 and I’d never worn a helmet. My husband and I had more than one discussion about how he never wore a helmet in his life and how he really didn’t need one. As it turns out, he did, and I would likely be writing a eulogy if he hadn’t worn one. (The helmet has a nice dent from a big rock, and a little trip to the Mammoth ER proved necessary for his shoulder that was not wearing a helmet. Perhaps his broken rib wouldn’t hurt as much.)
Another thing was how much easier it is to ski when I am not carrying a ton of extra weight. Not only was the pressure less on my joints throughout the day, but I could bend over and buckle my boots!
Being in shape made the whole experience more enjoyable. Skiing involves a lot of parts–walking around with elephants strapped to your feet up and down lodge stairs is my personal favorite. Where I really noticed my weight training class pay off is when I hadn’t come into a lift fast enough and had to cross-country it over to a chair. You know, the little things.
One of my favorite parts of the ski experience is the beauty of being up on top of the mountain with people I love. The lakes, the surrounding mountain ranges, the evergreens covered in sparkly snow, the blue sky, the cool on my face.
Sometimes our weight keeps us from enjoying certain activities we love. I’m thankful, in this case, it’s not doing that anymore.
jamieweilwrites 
Oh, wow! How is Mike???
Amir absolutely refuses to wear a helmet when he skis. I hope poor Mike’s will change his mind.
Hugs to you all!
Lois xo
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Lots of head injuries in Mammoth ER apparently. Mike’s totally fine–except when he sneezes–and I’m certain will wear his helmet from here on out! Tell Amir it’s so 80s not to wear one:) xo Jamie
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Sometimes I think we suffer from safety overdose, until I hear of accidents. I don’t ski, I can imagine your memory of zipping down the slopes sans helmet somewhat freeing. Thankfully you and Mike made the good decision to wear them and set an example for Jordan. Stay safe my friend!
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Another great post! Thanks Jamie for the reminder of how much more fun the activities we enjoy become once we lose the excess weight. Being in shape makes everything more fun! While I have a ways to go, this post is a helpful reminder of another perk waiting to reward me as I continue my health and wellness journey (with some weight loss as a side goal 😉 )
Cheers, and thanks again! Gina
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Oooh, I like that, Gina. A side dish vs the main! While watching numbers go down on the scale is fun, it is not–or should it be–our primary measure of health. A healthy weight is a marker to future health issues and that follows when our focus becomes healthy daily habits. Good for you for making moves in the land of Perks Galore! Hugs! Jamie
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