Humbling

"I'm the best skier on the mountain.” A quote from the classic, hilarious, ski film, G.N.A.R. Meant to be a silly “callout” on the mountain more than anything else, this quote came to mind after an amazing day skiing at Mad River Glen this past Saturday.

We got to the mountain at 10:00. It was just my pops and I, however we were meeting a good friend and his dad there as well. As we got to the mountain and slowly looked up and down at the spectacle before us we came to the quick realization that today was going to be a day to remember. For my dad, that realization seemed to hold true throughout the day, but for me, something quite different arose.

I rode the single chair for the first time that day. My dad wanted to hit the groomers for a little while longer to get his legs underneath him. I was ready, I had six days of skiing under me. That was enough right? 

Just me, dangling hundreds of feet above a mountain, giving me time to think about the runs that await. I wasn't sure what to prepare myself for. I, being a good skier, was confident in my ability to ski anything the single chair could lead me towards. I saw my friend in the chair in front of me bobbing his head to the music blaring in his headphones, getting pumped up. I imagined his dad in the chair behind us just contemplating his descent down the powdery, white snow beneath us. The ride up the chair was beautiful. Immensely beautiful. It complimented the following events quite perfectly. 

I was in the back of the pack, following my friend, his dad, and one other skier. Following them to the spot where we would make our descent. “Holy fuck,” I thought to myself as I saw what we were about to go down. The gnarliest “trail” I have ever stood atop. There were trees everywhere I looked, light cover beneath me, and an unbelievably large pit in my stomach. Immediately they got to it, making quick work of the first part of the trail. And then there was me, struggling to make it down to where they stopped to wait. “I’m just getting warmed up,” I thought. Got to keep pushing, but I will save you the embarrassing and boring details. I did eventually make it down to a waiting group of skiers. I said I was sorry for holding them up, and they didn't seem to mind in the slightest. Wow. 

                                        

The realization I came to this past Saturday was that I’m most definitely not the best skier on the mountain. I have to say, it feels good. I was humbled that day, and I needed it. I have so much to learn, and I can’t wait.

Keep Shreddin', 

~Ryan