Family Christmas Ski Trip

We had a sweet ski-in ski-out condo in Solitude Village, Utah. We originally had booked a round-trip shuttle from the airport to the condo. But, at the last minute we decided to rent a vehicle instead. There didn't seem to be an easy way to get to Brighton resort and we knew we'd at least want to night ski there.
We rented our ski clothing from Slope Threads online and that worked beautifully!

The first day, after a good breakfast and picking up our skis, we skied at Solitude. There were only a few runs open. They haven't had much snow yet. It took a run or 2 for Pat and I to get our ski legs back. But it really was like riding a bike. It's been 13 years since I have skied. Everything was great, except my legs did tire much quicker than they used too!!

The boys took right to it! No surprise there. Sam met a ski instructor on the lift who offered him a free 30 minute lesson which he happily took. We all skied at our own pace and met up here and there. The boys definitely out skied us! We skied until we got hungry then went back to the condo for a late lunch and to rest a bit. Sam was feeling slightly under the weather. Might have been the altitude? Pat and Jacob went back out for a couple more hours of skiing. We all hit the hot tub. It felt GREAT! The trees around us decorated with Christmas lights...

After dinner we played HeadBands and Apples to Apples. Lots of laughs and fun! No Sam, Night Furys would NOT be food!!

Day 2, Friday
We slept in a little. Pat made us pancakes. We drove over to Brighton about 11:30, a light snow falling. There were more runs open here, but we were sticking to the green. We had no desire to push our limits and get hurt. The snow and skiing was much better here. We skied for several hours then went back and had an early dinner. After resting for about an hour, and dark had fallen, we headed back to Brighton for some night skiing. The snow was really falling now. By the time we quit for the night...about 8:45pm, we had 5" of snow on the Expedition! Of course, the boys loved the night skiing!! It was their first time...don't think it will be the last!

I only did one run. I loved it, but my thighs were cooked! I knew I would hurt myself if I kept skiing. I hung out on the deck under an overhang ,hot chocolate in hand, listened to the Christmas music over the loudspeakers, watched the snow fall and the skiers coming down! It was heavenly!!

Pat skied for another hour or so and only quit because it became hard to see with the heavy snow fall. I was visited on the deck by a wild porcupine looking for food. He just nosed around for at least 45 minutes, ignoring all the skiers coming and going, many never even noticed him a step away.

When the boys had enough, we headed back to the condo. Had a good night's sleep. By this morning the snow plows had done their job and the road was clear to head to the airport.

This trip was so much fun! New Christmas tradition? Maybe. I loved skiing again. Mostly I loved the time with the boys, playing games, laughing together. Another great core memory for Jacob and Sam together. May they always be blessed to have each other.Read more