Ski Lesson Notchview, Windsor, MA

Wednesday, January 27
Monday's rain has ruined the best skiing Notchview had seen in a decade. That according to Jim, Trustee's representative, who was at the warming hut while we ate lunch. We didn't go out on any trails but stayed at the first area past the hut to practice drills and present our lesson plans on the meager and hard snow and ice. Austin filmed our presentation and mine was on relaxation while double poling and the benefits of mental relaxation as well. I referred to when I was a beginner skier and not at all mentally relaxed--good for a few laughs as was my demo. It was almost impossible to relax and get any semblance of the strides and extension we were supposed to be able to teach. But every once in a while, I'd feel a stride or two that felt more stride-like. Balance is key and it's difficult to develop and trust it on skis that slide sideways when my intention is forward. I'm beginning to understand the desire for powder--easier to ski in and fall in. Women Outdoors has gone skiing at Notchview but since I don't ski, haven't gone. I look forward to getting out on the trails with the group once I have a better sense of technique, including how to get up once you've fallen. I went skiing once with Anne last year and it took me all of 15 minutes and every bit of will power to get myself vertical again. After my first lesson, I now know why it was so difficult.

Austin and Beth made potential connections for OLP to intern or volunteer with The Trustees at Notchview and potential other areas in their purview. Reminders that we have resumes to work on.

Tomorrow, we head north to Grafton, VT.