Snow Skills

You can plan your vacation down to the nth degree, with one huge variable; the weather. Ski areas are prepared to continue operation under practically every weather condition with another big exception; the presence of high winds. When the winds are blowing hard everywhere on the mountain, both aerial and surface lifts can be impacted to the point where its unsafe to operate any of them, putting everyone, guest and employee alike, in a WIND HOLD situation. Great, you’ve planned thoroughly, traveled a long way, spent a fair amount of money and effort, and suddenly you don’t have any way up the mountain. Now what?

Now is when you implement your backup plan to regain control and continue to enjoy your vacation at a ski resort under a complete wind hold including the following:

• Bring along inside activities. Puzzles, games, books, videos, or even a single deck of cards can turn down time into quality fun time.
• Go ice skating, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, or just walking. Find other outside activities that don’t rely on the lifts. Don’t worry if you didn’t bring that equipment; many resorts have rentals for those sports, too.
• Get a massage, go swimming, or play raquetball. Treat yourself and enjoy the non-winter amenities at the resort.
• Climb! Depending on the air temperature, the wind chill may not preclude you from hiking up and doing a run where you really “earned your turns”. If you do climb, make a plan, tell someone what it is, stick to it, and don’t go alone!
• Plan to make yourself a better skier and rider. Schedule a private lesson, reserve high-performance demo equipment, or decide that tomorrow is the day you finally get a chance to try riding or telemark.
• Become a local. Meld into the local community by getting away from the resort and trying a restaurant, bar, or hangout that caters to the residents.
• Chill out! The frustration of losing a day of skiing is big, but is it really bigger than the frustrations you might be facing if you were in your usual routine? Find a view of the summit, put your feet up, and be glad you’re not at work.