I'm always encouraging my daughter to try something new. She's a creature of habit, and likes to stay within her comfort zone (I don't know where she gets it!). So when the Town of Beech Mountain invited us to try out skiing, I was hesitant... and apprehensive. But yet I knew that this was my opportunity to not only lead by example but also hopefully pick up a new winter activity my whole family can enjoy together for years to come.
I didn't know what to expect. On the one hand, I hoped to survive the hour long lesson and retreat back to the Pinnacle Inn as soon as possible to enjoy a freshly prepared pizza from Brick Oven Pizzeria by the fireplace; on the other hand, I imagined myself by the end of the day smoothly gliding down a decent size ski slope. I decided to simply give it my best shot as my 9 year old and I set out for the first skiing experience of our lives.
It was college weekend at Beech Mountain Resort and when we arrived, I found myself surrounded by kids half my age navigating effortlessly in their stylish gear straight for the lift up the hill. As I attempted to figure out how to simply walk in the stiff ski boots while carrying the rest of the equipment toward the bunny hill for our lesson, I was feeling intimidated. I reminded myself to be a good sport; "don't knock it until you try it," as I often tell my child.
I breathed a sigh of relief seeing groups ranging in age from as young as 3 years old to those twice my age practicing in the play yard. My fears were put to rest when I met the friendly staff providing instruction and encouragement during our lesson, which quickly built up my confidence and increased my comfort level on the skis. I watched with pride as my daughter attempted the techniques we were being taught, learning from her mistakes to do it better each time before finding her comfort zone on the slippery slope. By the time our hour was up, I managed to do the same, with a smile on my face. We spent the next three hours enjoying a great bonding experience as we practiced the fundamental skills of skiing we were just taught while falling in love with a new sport. We had a blast and can't wait to hit the slopes again!
Don't let this season pass you by without taking advantage of an opportunity to try something new with your family this winter. With FREE beginner lessons offered Monday through Thursday (excluding holidays) for ages 8 and older with the purchase of rental equipment, Beech Mountain Resort is a great place to start. Round out a visit to Eastern America's highest town with free sledding on the youth sledding hill and a browse through Fred's Mercantile where "if they don't have it, you don't need it" for a winter fun getaway the whole family is sure to love. Learn more about all that Beech Mountain has to offer at http://www.beechmtn.com/.
Disclaimer: I was a recent guest of Beech Mountain for two nights during which accommodations, meals and activities were complimentary.
