Nikki Schneider (right) and family members enjoy their time on the slopes. Courtesy photo.
By Nikki Schneider
Eighteen years ago, my husband, who loves to downhill ski, convinced me to try it for the first time in my 40s at a ski hill in Wisconsin. My group lesson among 8-year-olds did not go well. I ended up going backwards into a storage shed off the bunny hill. (Was I too over-the-hill to downhill ski?)
“Well, Colorado skiing is better, easier, so try that,” insisted my brother-in-law, who lives there.
Things only got worse! I spent several yearly trips with my skis pointed uphill and praying the day would end.
“I quit! I don’t need to ski!” I thought.
Flash forward 15 years and we are now retired and living in Northern Michigan, where winters tend to be long and, at times, beautiful. I love LOOKING at the snow through the window while perched in front of my fireplace with a book and a glass of wine ⸺ and occasionally strapping on snowshoes or cross-country skis, (on a flat trail).
But downhill looks so fun … Ugh, why can’t I do it?
I shared my story with an older friend, who had just rediscovered her love of skiing a couple years ago. She suggested a program called Retired Not Tired at our local ski hill, Crystal Mountain, in Thompsonville. The instructors all have grey hair and are trained to teach older students who have never skied, haven’t skied in a long while, are working with physical restrictions or have PTSD (Post Traumatic Ski Disorder), like myself.
I set out one day, and my stomachache grew as I neared the mountain. I found my group in the cafeteria and felt slightly better that they all looked older than I do.
“If they can do it, so can I,” became my mantra.
We started with basic skills on the bunny hill then moved up to the dreaded chairlift and managed some green (easy) runs. There was lots of fear, and my PTSD muscle memory had me in a snowplow (toes-together ski position for slowing down) also known as pizza, (as I learned from the 8-year-olds). But I survived and felt exhilarated at the end of the lesson. The season was almost over, so I managed a few more of the lessons and left the hill feeling O.K. with things. I had “gotten back on the horse” or, in this case, skis.
I returned to the program last year with a little less trepidation. I love asking my classmates, “Why are you here?” Most share my goal … to join other family members, to get fresh air and exercise. At the end of last season, I bought a 2022 ski pass and my own equipment. These made the beginning of this season MUCH easier.
In the meantime, my husband became a Mountain Host, my brother’s family purchased season passes, and my 7- and 10-year-old niece and nephew began snowboarding. They are my motivation! We all enjoy après ski at Vista Lounge, located at the bottom of the mountain. Crispy homemade waffles and hot cocoa for the kiddos and a beer or two for me.
You know the quote, “Do one thing every day that scares you.” Well, that applies every time I strap on my skis. But I leave the mountain at the end of the day with a smile and sense of accomplishment.
Crystal Mountain offers lessons for all levels, special events, a beautiful spa and more. It is a wonderful family-friendly resort right in our backyard. For more information, go to crystalmountain.com.
Nikki Schneider lives in Bear Lake with her husband, Mark, and her best furry friend, Max. She combines her love of junkin’ and repurposing for Patina, the resale home-and-garden shop in Onekama she co-owns.
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