Life In Pleasantville

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How I Broke Down on the Bunnyhill and Finally Learned to Ski at 44

by Candace Sampson

I was a teenager before I wore ski boots for the first time. Awkward and easily embarrassed, I gave it a half-hearted attempt and quickly packed it in when it was clear I wasn’t just going to “get it” on the first trip out. Over the years there were a handful of times where I gave it another stab but I still failed to grasp the one thing that is so important in skiing. Control. This led to many, many falls and a growing fear of skiing. So what I thought, “I can do après ski and let the professionals tackle the hills.”

Then I married a man who skis. And we had children. Then aforementioned man taught said children to ski and suddenly I was an outsider in my own family.

can adults learn to ski
Me and the crazy redhead who is partially responsible for convincing me to give skiing an honest go this year.

The bottom line though was that my kids wanted me on the hill with them. I readily admit that I’ll never get world’s best parent recognition, but I am highly cognizant of the fact that this want from my children to spend time with me will be short-lived.  I decided that this was the year I was going to learn to ski once and for all.

Knowing that my husband could never, ever tell me what to do, getting lessons was the clear choice.

My first group lesson at Camp Fortune went well on the beginner’s hill, but when I attempted the green hill for the first time, I once again lacked that elusive control and came zipping down the hill like a bat out of hell and stopped myself with the chair lift building. Not exactly a confidence builder. At the end of our lesson our instructor turned to me and said “Your children are good to go and practice their skills. You? You could benefit from a few more lessons.” And then he passed me his card.

Humiliation complete, I was tempted to quit.

 

can adults learn to ski
Me, pre-lesson, blissfully unaware that I was about to cry like a baby to a perfect stranger.

Then, very good friends of ours invited us to join them at their place in Mont Tremblant. My family was stoked, I was scared to death.

For those who don’t know, Mont Tremblant makes Camp Fortune look like an ant hill. There is simply no comparison in size and length of run. Still I screwed up my courage and booked another group lesson.  I told myself that if I didn’t get it this time that at least no one could ever say I didn’t try.

The first time down the green hill or what skiers affectionately like to call a bunny hill, like it’s the just the cutest little thing out there, nearly broke me.  Fear gripped me in a way I’ve never felt before from the moment I got off the chair lift. For the record, I am not afraid to try new things. However, on this particular day, years of failed attempts at skiing caught up to me.

I fell repeatedly, even managing to throw myself off the trail and into the woods where I then had to throw my skis up to two women who stopped to rescue me. Crawling back up to the slope and feeling that I’d just escaped serious injury, I felt the water start to well in my eyes. It felt like I had been doing this ski, fall, repeat routine forever and all I wanted to do was get down this mountain and never, ever, go up again.

Finally, at the three-quarter mark down the hill it happened. Holding on to my composure by a thread, I caught up to our instructor Marc, who was waiting for me, yet again, to join the group. This time he asked me if I was ok and as any highly-emotional woman will tell you, this was the wrong thing to ask. The flood gates opened and I broke into a big, snot-bubbly ugly cry with my poor group instructor who was no longer a group instructor but rather a private instructor slash therapist.

can adults learn to ski
The lovely ladies I hijacked our instructor from. Our group was comprised of two Canadians, one Kenyan, one Aussie and one Irish.

 

“No, I’m not okay. I am scared to death. I have never been so afraid in my life. I have absolutely no control. I just want off this hill!” (Note: language has been sanitized for the internet, if you’d like to read it unfiltered, drop an f-bomb between every other word)

And this is where a good ski instructor is worth their weight in gold, because this guy who started his day thinking he’d teach some people to ski, ended up talking a basket case off the edge. And he did. He talked to me and modeled what I should do next and coaxed me to the bottom of the mountain without further incident.

When we finally got to the bottom, he turned to our group and said, “Ok, let’s get on the chair lift again”. And I, the one who so badly wanted to be at the bottom of that hill for the last hour, willingly and voluntarily sat my ass down on that chair lift for round number two.

 

can adults learn to ski Mont Tremblant
This poor guy thought had no idea what he was getting into when he woke up that morning.

The second time down, something finally clicked for me and I made it down the hill, albeit very, very slowly, but absolutely in control and I didn’t fall or breakdown in tears even once.  Which, considering my state less than an hour before was a major win. When my lesson was over I met my family and friends at the summit where they convinced me to do the green run from the summit with them. (Note: This came after two glasses of red wine. While I don’t condone drinking and skiing, I will admit that this may have offered me some liquid courage).

In the end I persevered and after two days on the mountain, I got on a chair lift all by myself for the last run and skied down the hill without a babysitter for the first time ever. And so I sit here today sharing my humiliation on the slopes with you, while every single muscle in my body aches and it feels so good. No longer a poseur, I’m happy to say that I’m now a skier and après ski will be forever sweeter.

can adults learn to ski
This moment at the summit brought to you by tears, humiliation and a wee bit of red wine.
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About Candace Sampson

Candace Sampson is the founder of Life in Pleasantville and the host of What She Said, Canada’s longest-running women’s talk show turned podcast. A trusted voice in Canadian lifestyle and travel media for over a decade, Candace blends storytelling with sharp insight to connect with women on everything from solo travel to social issues. She’s also the creator of Girl Trips, a women-focused retreat and travel brand. Find her on Instagram @candace_said @whatshesaidtalk and @girltrips.ca

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Dad Logic

    I also just learned to ski as an adult. It was humbling to see the children fly past me on the beginner slopes. But with some practice, and a good instructor, I was holding my own in no time. I’m glad to hear that you conquered your fears and were able to tackle the mountain.

  2. Abigail

    So great to read. I have felt the same since I was a kid. I still have never learned. So far, I have not had the need, but I think I might at some point! I don’t know if I will be able to do it. If I do, I will think of you.

  3. Candace Derickx

    YES!! I was dying watching all the toddlers zip by me with no fear. I wish I had that kind of fearlessness back 🙂

  4. peady

    Wow! I think you are very brave for learning to ski and for sharing your experience.

    I have only been skiing a few times and that was a *long* time ago. Thing 1 is going tomorrow with his school and we had a chat this morning about how much he loves it. I kind of wish I could love it *with* him, not just *for* him, you know?

    Maybe one day I’ll try again.

  6. Brandie Weikle

    Fantastic, Candace! I just know you won’t regret putting in this time. Good for you for sticking with it. Skiing is not the easiest to learn as a grown-up. I think the togetherness you experience on the hills will make it all worth it, though!

  7. Mara

    I LOVE THIS POST! You are amazing for sticking with it. To me this is an illustration of what is so awesome about skiing – you can learn to do it at any age. My fond hope is that it becomes comfortable – and dare I say fun? – for you as you improve. Way to go.

    P.S. Maybe sometime our families can ski together. In our case, the gender roles are reversed, and my husband learned to ski in his 40s. And he is completely unashamed of taking his time down the groomers.

  8. Tracy Burns

    Well done for continuing to try. Learning to ski as an adult is not easy … … mostly because your head tells you you shouldn’t be doing this thing! It doesn’t help that the kids are all zipping past you. I tried skiing once when I was 19. It ended with me crashing into the line of people waiting for the chairlift. Then I married a man who loved to snowboard and after ten years of dragging him to tropical destinations I finally gave in and learned to ski. That was three years ago and we’ve had 6 winters in that time.

  9. JadeLouise Designs (@JadeLDesigns)

    OH your story inspires me! I am terrified to go skiing, but my husband loves it and wishes we could go. Maybe I’m not too old to learn! I feel I may have a melt down too the first time through, I better get an amazing instructor like yours.

  11. Angela

    This is so awesome! I am 43 and have never been skiing. Thanks for the inspiration!

  12. Catherine (@AlwaysARedhead)

    Good for you! I remember trying to ski years ago, did pretty much the same thing, but sadly had no instructor, so I gave up, it wasn’t for me, and hubby doesn’t ski so it works.

  13. Pam W

    We rarely have snow where I live so I have never attempted to ski. The rest of my family have went to various slopes and tried. Good for you for conquering your fears!

  14. CrazyMom

    Love it.. such a fun post and whewwww for skiing.. wish we had snow in Florida.. would sand count?? Soo excited for you to overcome your fears… bet it was a lot of fun afterwards

  15. Erika Wilson

    I knew you could! I knew you could!

  16. Liz Mays

    Bravo for powering through it and doing that thing. That is just incredible!

  17. Barb W.

    Bravo! WTG mom, the things we do for our kids, aye? Your story is truly inspiring! I’ve never attempted skiing and I know I would be petrified, but it has always looked like it would be fun.

  18. Trippin With Tara (@tasalinas)

    I can’t begin to tell you just how proud I am of you. And what a great example you are for your girls. Yeah you! I saw those hills! Amazing you are lady! And now, I feel the pressure to do the same when I get back up there. Maybe.

  19. shaunatorres

    KUDOS!!! BRAVO!!! Congrats!!! YOU go girl! I give you all the credit for doing this… I have memories of skiing with my family at age eight, but that is it…

  20. Mistee Dawn

    What a great post. Good for you for making it down by yourself. I would never be able to do that. lol

  21. Jennifer Soltys

    Good for you for sticking with it!! I would have been quite the unsensored version of a basketcase. It sounds so scary, but I am sure fun and worth it in the end!!!

  22. Nicole B

    I can so relate. My husband and kids ski so I have to try. I don’t love it but at least I can finally gold my own on the bunny Hill. 🙂

  23. Sofia Byrd

    Woo hoo!! Congratulations!! I am still trying to find the courage to ski…I fear I’ll break something (specially after an employee of my husband’s broke his leg and shattered his pelvis after crashing into a tree while snowboarding).

  24. SahmReviews.com (@SahmReviews)

    I haven’t been on the slopes since college but would love to try it again sometime. I’m sure it wouldn’t be as easy as then but it would give the kids a good laugh! Good for you for no being afraid to try!

  26. Dominique

    Congratulations!! I was lucky enough to grow up around slopes and then spent a lot of time in the Reno/Tahoe area. LOVE getting out on the snow! Glad you went and tried it!

  27. Heather @ It's a Lovely Life!

    I totally would have done the same thing. I’ve only been twice as a teenager and I really want to go again… but I need to work up the courage!

  28. Nancy

    LOL! Good for you, you did it! I hear Mont Tremblant is huge!

  29. Astra

    Good for you! I learned to ski as an adult too (albeit 20yrs ago now) after marrying a skier. I’ll never be *that* kind of skier (the kind who learns before adult fear sets in), but it’s great not to be the outsider anymore!

  32. Brandy

    Good for you for trying something that has been a challenge for you. I would probably break down on the slopes too. I tried cross country skiing before and I couldn’t even do that.

  33. Kenda Smith (@RemakingJune)

    I’m almost 40, live in Massachusetts and I still haven’t learned to ski or ice skate. Hopefully soon!

  34. Nancy

    Kudo’s to you! I have not skied since my teens and I am not sure I could be so brave to go down the hill at 44 years of age (like you!) – Way to Go!

  35. Ashley - Embracing Beauty

    My first trip skiing at 13 I got separated from my large group down the first hill. I thought I would just wander around by myself till I found them. The second hill I went down was a black diamond! It’s a wonder I made it down alive! For that reason, I’m still terrified of skiing. Congrats for you on attacking your fear!!

  37. A Mom's Take

    Apparently, I was really good at skiing when I was like 8. I don’t remember this. All I know is I slide down the hill on my butt and I doubt I’ll ever go to the slopes again. 😛

  38. Candace Derickx

    As someone who struggled with skiing for years I feel you pain. That being said, now that I”ve got it, I’m so happy I stuck with it!

  39. Candace Derickx

    THank you!

  40. Candace Derickx

    Thank you Ashley. The fear is still there, just more manageable. And I’ve been up skiing three times since. Fun!

  41. Candace Derickx

    Thank you Nancy. I’ve glad I conquered my fear of it. I hate when something has a grip on me like that.

  42. Candace Derickx

    I really hope you do Kenda! It’s a lot of fun once you get the hang of it.

  43. Candace Derickx

    Actually cross country skiing is on my list for next year. I’m thinking the cardio aspect of that will be crazy!

  44. Candace Derickx

    Thank you so much Alison.

  45. Candace Derickx

    I couldn’t agree with you more Astra. There’s nothing worse than not being able to enjoy an activity with your family.

  46. Candace Derickx

    Thank you.

  47. Candace Derickx

    It is very intimidating, but I will say that the Green Hill gets kinder the more you go on it 🙂

  48. Candace Derickx

    I hope you do Heather, it really is so much fun.

  49. Candace Derickx

    Thank you! And maybe someday I’ll even ski in Tahoe! I’ve heard it’s spectacular.

  50. Candace Derickx

    Thanks 🙂 My kids were definitely giggling but also very supportive. They want me there. That’s a good feeling.

  51. Candace Derickx

    Ouch! Good thing I didn’t hear about that before heading up on the hill. My only advice. Get a good ski instructor!

  52. Candace Derickx

    That’s where it all starts. On the bunny hill. I’ll be happy to ride out the rest of the year there 🙂

  53. Candace Derickx

    It really was. I’m glad I stuck with it.

  54. Candace Derickx

    You might surprise yourself!

  55. Candace Derickx

    If you ever get the chance to try it again you should 🙂

  56. Candace Derickx

    Totally taking you up there to try it next year.

  57. Candace Derickx

    Thank you!

  58. Candace Derickx

    Thank you Liz I really appreciate that.

  59. Candace Derickx

    Thank you Erika 🙂 xo

  60. Candace Derickx

    Don’t get me wrong….I’d take the sand over the snow anyday, but you have to make the best of it 😉

  61. Candace Derickx

    You are never too old to learn!

  62. Candace Derickx

    I hope that someday we do meet up at resort Mara. That would be so much fun!

  63. Candace Derickx

    Thank you so much Brandie!

  64. McCool Travel

    I “learned” (one lesson and a couple of hours of falling) last year, age 49. Pycho that I am, I skied first time at Ski Santa Fe. I should have picked a wee little hill near my home in Northern Virginia. Fun time, though.

  65. Ladena

    Congrats on learning how to ski! Skiing is my favourite sport hands down. My kids just took their first lesson this year. I hope you keep skiing!