Winter up at Hoodoo

first time riding the Autobahn 

We got passes this year up at Hoodoo which was our Christmas gift from mom and dad. We were able to get the ride in 3 which translates that if you take 3 lessons you can then get your passes and rentals for the season. So, we did this for me, Kaj and Josh. I have to say it was good that we did it this way considering I do not have any ski gear ...yet. But, Josh had all the gear this year, and Kaj had the boots. The first time we went up it felt a little crazy. I didn't know the lay of the land, and we were running around like chickens, supposedly with heads cut off, trying to find where we all were supposed to be. Josh got to his class fine, but the line took a while to get our gear, and by the time Kaj and I had made it out it was 45 minutes past our class time, so we decided to ski together. We did the bunny hill many times, but Kaj seemed get the hang of it, and enjoy it. I was fine on the bunny hill also, considering it had been a while since I had skied and I was just getting my ski legs (haha!) Josh practically knew how to ski after the first lesson. We went down a few times together after his lesson was done, and I was impressed. And, Kaj, the first time down that he didn't fall believed that lessons we unnecessary, because according to him, "I can ski now!" I realized the boys have great qualities that I do not possess. Natural athleticism and confidence.

Kaj, Josh, and myself were able to go up multiple times just us. We did get some lessons in, and we did enjoy some fun ski days. We did end up trying the bigger hill just a couple of times. The first time I would describe it best as a hot mess. They flopped around like fish that I had to retrieve. We needed more practice. The next time was much better with some minor flopping. It will be fun when we can hit the slopes with ease, and I am very aware, I may not get much better than I am now. My form did not improve after my lessons, let's just say that. It was a lot of fun, and I am glad Sam encouraged us to go up some mornings.

The other benefit to our passes this year was we also go to ride the Autobahn sledding hill. The first time we went was laughable because the autobahn was off due to the lack of snow, but you could still go sledding, you just had to earn each ride by pulling up 1000lb tubes plus a child or two up the mountain. Ha! We went a total of 6 times, and that was pushing it. The next times we went we reminisced each time it pulled us up the mountain on how we climbed this and how it was really nice not to do that. It was really fun, and I realized how having a older kids has it's perks.

Josh riding solo -the boys loved going by themselves on the lift

"I can't put my arms down"