Back again to our favorite winter destination, Big White! I think we look forward to the yearly ski trip as much as the kids, it’s always a good time. As per usual, we were met there by Grandma & Grandpa Boys, Cousin Ruby with Auntie Wendy & Uncle Tim, and Jenn’s brother Andrew who brought his girlfriend Sarah this year.
Heading to the Top
The amount of snow this year wasn’t as high as last year’s record snowfall, but there was still plenty to enjoy! Snow ghosts were abound in their usual perch on the top of the mountain, greeting us as we zip to the top on the lift. The temperature was just right, per usual – some days almost warm enough to ski without a jacket, others a little foggy and cool. I’m pretty sure no matter the weather we were always up for a hot chocolate in the village after a day’s skiing (and perhaps a beer after that).
The kids were in ski school once again, both Josh and Ryley moving up the ranks to become a ‘Carver’ and a ‘Snow Ranger’, respectively. Josh was trying to convince us that he should start snowboarding, but we managed to hold him off for one more year. We weren’t sure if he would be ready to ‘start over’ as you would when learning to snowboard, but he seems keen so maybe 2018 is the year…
I, on the other hand, jumped back on the board this year. Took a few runs to shake off the cobwebs but before long I was hitting the half pipe, catching air off some sweet jumps and doing other awesome stuff. …Ok, maybe not… but it was lots of fun at any rate, and I managed to do well enough to not have to need a lesson to re-learn! Jenn was on proper skis for the second year in a row with hew fancy new boots, so I guess it’s official: the kids are on their own (no more snowblades for us)!
Ski champs Ruby & Tim
Nice chair
Cousin Ruby, now 3 1/2, was rumored to be keen to get back on the slopes this year. She gave it a go last year and did really well, it was more of the same this time around. She was tearing up the bunny hill like nobody’s business! Uncle Tim was working hard to slow her down using her harness, pretty sure he had some burning legs before long. Look out, Ryley & Josh, you’ll soon be a threesome coming down the mountain!
What else did we get up to… well, the skating rink was open once again so the family did a little bit of skating / hockey. The rental skates are terrible and make the feet sore almost instantly, but it’s still so fun to get out there! Josh and I had a breakaway challenge and I made some pretty wicked saves, if I do say so myself! 😉 Ryley skated a bit with the little walker assistant thingy, as did her cousin – but she gave it a solid try without as well and did great!
We also went on a sleigh ride with Grandma & Grandpa for some hot chocolate in the woods, while we were out we saw a team of dogs pulling a sled zoom by, they go pretty fast! Maybe one year we’ll do that, too. For now, the kids prefer the Mini-Z snowmobiles, and we were happy to avoid any crashes while taking their laps this year. 😉 Andrew and Sarah one-upped the Mini-Zs, however, as they brought their own fancy sleds with them and had some cool pics to share upon their return from the few day trips around the mountain. I think next time they should bring their sleds to the Mini-Z track and have a race with the kids! Ryley is pretty aggressive, it could turn ugly. 🙂
Beyond all that, it was a pretty relaxing and fun time as always. Everyone is so tired after all the skiing and other activity, a great meal, maybe a few drinks… The night is rare when anyone is left standing after 9pm! Once again a super holiday and looking forward to it again next year. Check out the photos below!
