Getting on and off chairlifts was the hardest part of the whole adventure and caused the most falls, always in front of the crowds gathered at each end. But once we'd managed that part the gentle ride up through snow covered pines, watching slightly more skilled skiers tackle the black runs below, was quite relaxing.
Soon enough we were up at the top of Sugar 'n' Spice, which formed the "Mellow Yellow Slow Zone" all the way down the mountain (not a reference to the snow colour). We unfurled our wedges and zig-zagged in a terrified manner. Soon we were at the bottom...and could repeat the whole thing!
While Elise and Elliot shot off down the blue runs, we stuck to what we knew. There was only one major wipeout, as I discovered that the wedge is not fully effective at stopping you at 40mph. Or maybe it was 5mph, but it was too fast. Luckily a ski instructor was nearby and whooshed over to offer advice (and a hand to pull me up). "You've got to complete your turns!" he said, and I nodded knowledgeably.
We managed around five hours skiing, and all limbs were present and accounted for at the end. Hannah loved it, and is now plotting next season when we can take advantage of the Chevron Ski Bus - 4am start, back home by 9pm. Those are almost the same hours we had this weekend sharing a house with the Singer girls...
The early morning activity of a future property mogul.
Elliot before 8am. Not pretty.
And here we are, back on the Sierra-at-Tahoe slopes.
My kind of ski resort.
Trailed up the lift by Elise and Elliot. Put that iPhone away!
A well groomed piste.
Down at the bottom, Hannah S. shows us all how it's done in ski school.
As does Maya.
Breaking for lunch at the chalet.
Back up the Grandview Express lift this time, all the way to the top!
One of the fantastic views on the way up.
And another.
Final run down, and the snow had started to fall again.
Hannah. Professional skier.
