But we're in California, where you can sun yourself on the beach in the morning and ski in the mountains in the afternoon! We skipped the beach part today, and drove up to Tahoe early this morning. Hannah had sniffed out a fantastic deal that included a ski lesson, equipment, and lift passes for all of $35. I was still dubious. Paying to be dragged up a mountain to slide back down?
We arrived a little early and enjoyed some devant ski eating our packed lunch and assessing the severity of the slopes and the snow conditions. Soon enough we were in ski school with our instructor Craig. He was English, as all the best skiers are, and we were the only two people bad enough to be assigned to his Level 1 class. Which was, of course, fantastic, as we gossipped about the old country and didn't even blink at his instructions to "keep your elbows at the same level as your big boobies".
After an hour or so we had mastered "the wedge" (what we Europeans correctly call "the snow plough") and then we got to go on a ski lift! It was only a few feet to the top of the piste called Easy Street, but we felt we'd arrived. Getting off a ski lift wearing skis is a skill in itself, though we managed to acquit ourselves with aplomb and only a few tangles.
Tahoe has a ridiculous amount of snow for this time of year. The best in five years, we were told, and it's falling outside the window as I type. Having enjoyed 28C temperatures in WC earlier this week it is all a bit surreal to be wrapping up in eight layers. We bought some snow chains to complement the insurance on our rental car, and may yet have to use them. The only issue is that the snow is graupel, which is soft and sticky. Yep, check me out, I know my snow! Only another 99 words and I'll be up with the eskimos.
We waved goodbye to Craig, even tipping him in a deeply un-British manner (beer money, we told him) and I'm now thawing in Aston Lakeland Village as we await the arrival of the Singers. Elise knows the manager here, so we got a good deal and a goody bag on arrival (free branded coffee mugs!) All that BODYPUMP has meant that I don't feel too bad in the legs after this day of extreme, low-incline sport, and I'm pretty sure we will be heading to the slopes tomorrow. Do we love it? All I'll say is: watch out for my snow plough on that double black diamond run.
Hannah fuels up before our grueling day.
This guy knows what he's talking about!
Very nice, if you like snow.
I quickly find my level.
Hannah, me, and Craig enjoy a ski lift! Craig lives in Austria, and runs a tennis school during the summer. He once went fishing in Frome.
Hannah showing off her skills at the end of a tough lesson.
Down by the lake. Closed for the season.
Local wildlife. Although he'd fit in better in Berkeley.
The outdoor pool and hot tub. Might skip this.
