First time's a charm

We had our very first ski outing this morning and I give the experience two thumbs up! The weather was great--high thirties and sunny, following a week of sub-zero temperatures which allowed the ski area to coat the "mountain" in man made white stuff.

One of the great benefits of our local molehill is that the parking lot offers easy access to the beginner area, so we didn't have much equipment toting to do. When we first got there Jordan was a little cranky and was reluctant to put on her boots and skis. Dad walked her around to go see what people were doing and also to check out the rope tow and the magic carpet lifts. Once we got her under control, we popped on her boots and skis and I put mine on as well, then up we went. We had talked about the magic carpet and how it was like the escalator at the mall (which she LOVES) so she was definitely eager to ride. As we got to the top, I kept her between my legs and held her under her arms and down we went. I made sure to do a few turns as we glided down the gentle slope, mainly to avoid the other little ones that dotted the hillside. She was so eager to ride the lift that she didn't want to stop to talk to Daddy who was filming at the bottom of the hill. So, we went up and down a number of times and I think I enjoyed the experience even more than she did!

I've heard that there is some controversy as to whether or not skiing with a toddler between your legs is helpful or not--some say that it offers no instructional value. I'm pretty sure that we're not at the point where actual instruction would be valuable and I don't see how it could hurt, unless it creates a comfort zone that the kid doesn't want to move beyond. Regardless, this method was how we got down the hill today and Jordan seemed to like it. I found that it was much easier to hold her armpits overarm with my arms in front, rather than underarm with my arms in back. The former method allowed her to have more arm flexibility and the latter method made it seem like I was almost lifting her off the ground.

Check out the following video to see how we did (please excuse the loud sound from the poor engineering of our digicam zoom):



There were a few drawbacks to the experience though (mostly related to my capabilities):

1. My skis and boots are made for speed, not comfort. It was cumbersome and a little painful to trek up and down the hill wearing my stiff boots and longish skis. My equipment is old (like 9 or 10 years) so it might be wise for me to get some boots and skis that are better suited to slow cruising with a little kid. My mom has offered to lend me hers for the season, so I might take her up on it.
2. I don't know that I'm physically fit enough to do this activity several times a week. Snowplowing isn't the most ergonomic exercise and my quads were screaming at the bottom of each run. I'm on the fence as to whether continuing this activity will help me get in shape or whether I'm just asking for an injury.
3. If I'm going to be doing this by myself during the week, I have to be able to manage Jordan by myself. Today I had the hands of my helpful husband to assist me in getting everyone/thing to and from the car, so the true test will be the next time we go just the two of us.

Whatever the circumstances, it has to remain fun for both of us, otherwise the whole experience won't be worthwhile.