CHARLESTON AFB, S.C. –
I love winter. It is my favorite time of year, the crisp air, snow on the ground and ice hanging from the trees. Boone, N.C., or Maggie Valley, N.C., are the closest locations to go skiing or snow boarding in the area. Sure, it is not Colorado or Utah but the North Carolina ski areas are some of the best on the East Coast without heading further north to Vermont or New Hampshire. The Poconos mountains have nothing on these southern mountains.
Of course this time of year brings out snow sport related injuries. In the past month, Charleston has experienced three winter sport related injuries (one skiing, one snowboarding and one sledding mishap).
When I was young, we would sled down a good sized hill that led to a covered bridge. If you were going really fast you could make it to the bridge. You had to make a quick swerve at the bridge as there was no snow or ice inside the bridge. My friend Mark lost control of his sled while turning and struck the bridge sideways. He lost a kidney. My wife tore her knee on the first day of a five day ski trip in Colorado; to this day she swears I pushed her down the hill. Her injury was so bad she can no longer ski and has pain in the joint on rainy days.
Something to think about, if they are blowing snow while you are skiing, cover your skin and wear very good outerwear. I strongly recommend wearing goggles. Man-made icy snowflakes blown out of a snow-machine hurt when they strike your face and eyes. When you go in for a break, those little icy snowflakes that are imbedded in your clothing melt. Take your outerwear off and find the clothes dryer (most resorts have these even if they are hidden from view; you may have to ask). The 50 cents you use on the dryer is worth way more in comfort.
If the words, "I am not good as I once was, but I am as good once, as I ever was" are in the back of your mind as you decide to take a jump, ski the glades, or boost off a half-pipe, perhaps you should back off a bit.
I used to go fast down a hill just enjoying the speed. Ice-covered double blacks just meant set your edges well. Now, I tend to enjoy cruising blues and appreciate groomed slopes with two-to-four inches of fresh powder on top. That does not mean that I won't taste the speed of a steep run, but I take more care in choosing when and where I go. My favorite run ten years ago was called Muerte. Now I only hit that run when I am rested and fully stretched. Yes I can do it, but I am more careful and think about my line a bit longer before the run and may only do it once instead of ten times. As I get older, I like mogul fields less.
At the end of the day when you're tired and your legs are achy, and you think "one more run and that is it for me,", go in the lodge, change clothes and leave. The last run of the day is notorious for resulting in injuries. Your timing is off and tired muscles don't respond as well.
With ski and snowboard in control, courteously and thoughtfully, you will enjoy the day better and probably come down the hill on your own power. Don't make the last ride of your day on a sled behind a member of the National Ski Patrol.