Ready for snow
Ski Patrol training week starts tomorrow, and yesterday a patroller friend of mine told me she wasn’t ready for the season to start. Not ready? I was dumbfounded. Granted, she just returned from her “summer” job fighting wildland fires. It was a long season for her. Usually she has a quiet shoulder season to prepare for winter. But still. A part of me wonders if Ullr was listening. I certainly hope not.
Perhaps it was our early season snow that kindled my enthusiasm. The ski season was in our grasp. Just a few more inches (well, more like 15″, I’m exaggerating) and we’d be open.
Crystal Avi Dogs, Ari and Kayla, are ready for ski season
In case we forgot, this is what “significant snowfall” looks like
Now, after some warm rain all that snow has melted. It’s a bummer, but I tell myself that it’s still early. Thanksgiving is still weeks away. Besides, I have a book proposal to work on and several articles to write. I’m busy, for God’s sake. I should be using this time to frantically finish all these projects.
This morning, in the NOAA forecast discussion, the meteorologists mentioned some magical words in the long-term forecast: “significant snowfall in the mountains.” Can there be any words sweeter than these? I love the way the words
A girl can dream
“significant snowfall” feel in my mouth–the alliteration is poetic, the image is pure bliss. Significant snowfall means large flakes the size of ten-year-olds falling from a steel gray sky. It means a white duvet covering the browning grass and jagged rocks. It means pointing skis downhill, picking up speed and leaning into the turns, one after the next until your smile freezes in place.
Next week could be the week folks. I know its a long ways out. Long-term forecasts are more about hope than facts. But right now, that’s all we’ve got.
“Significant Snowfall”, how sweet it is!
Indeed. Can’t wait. Hope it is enough to open.
I’m on board! Pre-season conditioning is the only time I like exercise and your photos are even more inspiration – thanks! (your words don’t suck either 🙂
Ha! Thanks for the kind words.
Well Kim, you should be getting some snow this AM on the higher terrain, but not much–No Significant Snowfall–cold but limited moisture. Mother nature is just teasing us–turn your snow dance up a notch or two!!
I’m trying! Looks like next week we might get it, though. Hoping.
I enjoy the anticipation too! Sometimes it happens so quickly!!!
In the PNW it can go from dirt to 3 feet of snow in just a day. I love these November storms. I’m ready.
“Significant Snowfall” What wonderful words! Fingers crossed it really does happen next week.
It’s currently snowing now. My fingers are officially crossed.
yea!! however predicted cold and clear until Sunday. but that’s okay…..as long as it’s on its way.
The only reason I don’t feel ready sometimes is because I miss those sweet long evenings outside. Now it is dark when I start work and dark when I am done. It seems to happen very suddenly. I do like long days after work when you can still get a full 8 hours outdoors.
I hear you. I guess that’s a big reason why I’m attracted to the mountains. The winter light makes up for the long nights.
What winter light are you refering too? The light they use for nite skiing?
Ha. No. I’m taking about the slanted light of winter sun. Up in the mountains, above the shade of trees, we get some of the most beautiful and crisp moments. Up here, it’s brighter and lighter than in the wet, dark lowlands.
Kim Kircher http://www.kimkircher.com 206-914-9194