Multi-gens on the mountain

One of the things I love about skiing (I could go on forever) is that skiing is a multiple generation sport. I can’t think of another outdoor activity you can do in winter with your parents, your kids, your grandkids, and cousins.

You can’t play ice hockey with grandma, she’s sure to slip and break a hip. Sledding could similarly end badly when blending the elders and the youngsters in your family. Someone’s going to get squished. While ice fishing is relatively safe (as long as the ice is thick enough – duh) it’s pretty boring for the twitchy youngsters –trust me on this one from

experience.

Not so for skiing. You can have parallel experiences, share a trail, or at least the same ski resort, and all have a great day despite your age or ability. My uncle still skis in his 90’s. Our son started skiing before he turned two. Talk about a sport that spans the generations.

Alpine skiing erases the age barriers; it’s an independent activity you can enjoy with your dependents – as long as you adhere to the no-contact, no- competition concept and take advantage of resorts’ diverse trails.

One of my best days in recent years was skiing with my mom, my husband, and my son and daughter at SundayRiver.  My mom was so happy descending Dream Maker with her grandkids, and skiing the classic Sunday Punch – where her father used to ski. It was a proud day for me too since she taught me to ski, and I in turn raised two great skiers.

I have similar fond memories from Gunstock skiing with my husband’s family, his dad and two brothers, my sis-in-laws, and all the cousins – our kids included. We could ride the lifts together, mixing up the company each chair so everyone had “quality time” together.

At the summit, we can all take different trails. Maybe the boys want bumps. My mom

wants perfect corduroy of course. The kids head for the terrain park or the trees. Regardless, everyone meets at the base for another trip up the mountain or a hot cocoa break.

Lunch and après ski are full of family jokes and camaraderie. Sure beats a routine reunion crammed in Uncle Joe’s refinished family room.

Its vacation week, so call your whole fam-damily, parents, aunts and uncles, and cousins, to meet up in the mountains for a family ski day.

Heather Burke is our family ski guru. For more of her tips, go to www.familyskitrips.com. Photos by Greg Burke.

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