We were on our way back from a little road trip and had a few hours to kill in Flagstaff, AZ (about 2 hours North of where we live) and we decided to pop the boys in for a two hour ski school session at Snowbowl. It was a completely spontaneous decision and so fortuitous that we found a new activity that the boys would end up loving.
The process was easy. We ordered the tickets, school, and rentals online on their website. When we arrived at our designated time, we stood in line to get their tickets printed, rental equipment (boots, helmet, poles, and skis), and went to the ski school area that was very clearly marked and easy to find. The instructors signed the boys in and gave us our receipt for our children. Haha. And off they went! My husband and I watched for the first twenty minutes or so to get pictures and video of their progress. They seemed to be having fun with all smiles so we headed to the lodge for some snacks and relaxed for the next hour and a half.
Pickup was just as easy (as long as you have your receipt so we were told). Luckily we had the ticket they gave us to collect our kids and they didn’t want to leave. The boys spent another half hour going up and down the bunny hill showing off their newly learned skills. I was so thrilled to have helped them discover this new love.
We decided to go back a few weeks later and got an Airbnb near the mountain. The boys got to go to the same ski school for two days this time. I also decided to be brave and got myself a lift ticket and rentals for the first time in over 15 years. I tell you, it’s exactly like riding a bike. I was amazed that it felt like no time had passed since the last time I skied. When I was a kid, I became quite a proficient skier. My family always took winter ski trips and put me in week long ski schools. I have so many fond memories of our ski trips. It just never panned out that we would take similar trips with our kids. I’m so glad that we have a winter wonderland close enough to let them play for a day or two once or twice a year. I encourage everyone to let their littles give it a try in a nearby ski school (if you are lucky enough to be by one). It’s a fun sport that is easy to learn and so rewarding when you can whip down that mountain without any spills!