Monthly Archives: September 2023

Aerial shot of skiers and snowboarder

Why I Almost Threw My Ski Poles at a Snowboarder (And Other Mountain Misadventures)

Oh, mountains. They’re majestic, they’re serene, and they’re the perfect setting for some downright ridiculous stories. If you’ve ever been skiing or snowboarding, you’ll know that the slopes are a melting pot of chaos just waiting to happen. And boy, have I had my share of mountain misadventures.

The Snowboarder Incident

Let’s start with the juicy bit. Why on earth would I want to throw my ski poles at a snowboarder? Well, dear reader, it wasn’t because of some age-old skier vs. snowboarder feud. No, it was much pettier than that.

I was cruising down a blue run, enjoying the crisp air and the sound of snow crunching beneath my skis. Life was good. That was until Mr. Snowboarder came along, sliding sideways across the slope and creating a massive snow cloud in his wake. You know the kind, where you’re temporarily blinded and choking on snowflakes. Not fun.

Now, I could’ve brushed it off. But then, as fate would have it, he decided to stop right in front of me. And by “stop,” I mean he sat down. Right in the middle of the slope. No warning, no looking back, just plopped his behind down as if he was settling in for a picnic.

I swerved, narrowly avoiding a collision, but my ski tips dove into the powder and sent me tumbling. As I picked myself up, ski poles in hand, the thought did cross my mind: “I could totally chuck these at him.” But, being the mature adult that I am (most of the time), I chose to shoot him a death glare instead. It’s the little victories, right?

The Lift Line Fiasco

If you’ve never had an awkward encounter in a ski lift line, are you even a skier? These places are a breeding ground for uncomfortable moments.

One time, I was waiting my turn, minding my business, when a guy skied up behind me and… stepped on my ski. Now, if you’ve never experienced this, it’s a bit like having your shoe stepped on, but about ten times more annoying because you’re strapped in. I wobbled, flailed, and yes, fell flat on my face.

But wait, it gets better. As I was trying to gracefully recover (as gracefully as one can with skis attached to their feet), another skier managed to get tangled in my poles. It was a mess. A tangled, snowy, embarrassing mess. All I could do was laugh. Because really, what are the odds?

The Mysterious Case of the Missing Ski

It was a perfect day. Fresh powder, blue skies, and not a care in the world. I was riding high, quite literally, on one of the resort’s tallest peaks. After a particularly exhilarating run, I decided to take a break and soak in the views.

I planted my skis in the snow and sat down for a snack. When it was time to head back down, I noticed something horrifying: one of my skis was missing. Vanished. Gone without a trace.

I looked around, hoping it had just slid away a bit, but nope. It was nowhere to be seen. Did a ski thief roam these mountains? Did a mischievous squirrel drag it away? I had no answers.

Resigned to my fate, I had to make the trek down the mountain with one ski. Let me tell you, it’s not an experience I’d recommend.

The mystery was finally solved when I reached the base. A very apologetic skier approached me, holding my missing ski. Turns out, he’d mistaken it for his own and only realized his error halfway down. I was just relieved to be reunited with my trusty ski.

The Epic Snowball Fight

You might think that snowball fights are for kids. Well, I’m here to tell you that they’re also for adults who’ve had a little too much après-ski mulled wine.

It started innocently enough. A snowball tossed between friends. But then, other skiers and snowboarders joined in, and before we knew it, it was an all-out war.

Snowballs whizzed through the air. Fortresses were built. Alliances were formed and broken. It was epic. By the end, we were all soaked, cold, and laughing our heads off. It was one of those spontaneous moments that make ski trips so memorable.

In Conclusion

The mountains are full of surprises. Some days, you’ll have the run of your life. Other days, you’ll find yourself contemplating ski pole-related violence. But that’s all part of the fun, isn’t it?

So, next time you’re on the slopes and things don’t go quite as planned, just remember: it’s all part of the adventure. And hey, at least you’ll have a good story to tell.

Ski Lodge on Mountain

The Slopes and Sips: My Top 5 Après-Ski Drinks and Where to Get Them

Ah, skiing. The exhilarating rush as you zip down the mountainside, the feel of the crisp air on your face, the… wait, who am I kidding? As much as I adore skiing (and trust me, I do), there’s one other aspect of the sport I might love just a smidge more: the après-ski. Because, let’s be honest, after a day of conquering the mountains (or at least trying to), there’s nothing quite like warming up with a delicious drink in hand.

So, in the spirit of sharing (and because I’ve had one too many après-ski beverages in my day), I’ve decided to spill the beans on my top 5 favorite après-ski drinks. And, because I’m feeling extra generous, I’ll even let you in on where to find the best versions of these delightful concoctions. Ready? Let’s dive in.

1. Mulled Wine: The Classic

What it is: Red wine, heated and spiced with cinnamon, cloves, star anise, and orange.

Why I love it: There’s something undeniably comforting about sipping on a warm, aromatic glass of mulled wine. It’s like a cozy blanket for your insides.

Where to get it: Head over to the chalets in Switzerland, specifically Chalet Cozy in Zermatt. They serve a mulled wine that’s so good it might just make you consider staying off the slopes for the day. (But don’t. Because then you’d miss out on more après-ski.)

2. Hot Toddy: The Cure-All

What it is: A mix of whiskey, honey, lemon, and hot water.

Why I love it: Not only is the hot toddy a delicious way to warm up, but it’s also been known to work wonders on sore muscles and sniffles. Think of it as the après-ski version of chicken soup.

Where to get it: The Frosty Mug in Aspen, Colorado. Their version of the hot toddy uses locally sourced honey and a bourbon that has a hint of caramel undertones. It’s the kind of drink that’ll make you go, “Cold? What cold?”

3. Spiked Hot Chocolate: The Indulgent Treat

What it is: Rich hot chocolate with a shot (or two, no judgment here) of your favorite spirit.

Why I love it: Sometimes, after a day of tumbles and turns, you just need a little liquid dessert. And when that dessert also has a kick? Even better.

Where to get it: Cocoa Haven in Whistler, Canada. This place is known for its decadent hot chocolates, and when you add in their premium dark rum, it’s a match made in après-ski heaven.

4. Schnapps: The Bold Choice

What it is: A strong alcoholic drink distilled from fruit or grain.

Why I love it: It’s not for the faint of heart, but there’s something about a shot of schnapps that just hits the spot after a day on the slopes. Maybe it’s the instant warmth it brings, or maybe it’s the liquid courage for tomorrow’s ski adventures.

Where to get it: Any self-respecting bar in the Austrian Alps, but if I had to pick one, it’d be Schnappy Hour in St. Anton. They have a dizzying array of schnapps flavors, from classic apple to more adventurous options like elderflower.

5. Irish Coffee: The Best of Both Worlds

What it is: Hot coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar, and topped with cream.

Why I love it: It combines two of my favorite things: caffeine and booze. Plus, it’s the perfect pick-me-up when you’re feeling a little sluggish after lunch.

Where to get it: Bean and Booze in Park City, Utah. They use freshly brewed artisanal coffee and a smooth Irish whiskey that makes for a harmonious blend. The whipped cream on top is just the cherry (or should I say, cream?) on the cake.


Now, before I wrap this up, a little PSA: remember to drink responsibly. The mountains are gorgeous, but they’re also unpredictable. Always make sure you’re in a good state to navigate your way back to your lodgings (or better yet, have a designated non-drinker in your group). And hey, if all else fails, there’s no shame in ordering a plain old hot cocoa. After all, it’s the company and the memories that make the après-ski so special.

So, the next time you’re on a ski trip, give one (or all) of these drinks a try. And if you discover a new favorite that I haven’t mentioned, do let me know. After all, there’s always room for one more beverage in my après-ski repertoire. Cheers! 🍷🎿🍸

A Sketch of a Ski Mountain, courtesy of YonderooHow to draw a Mountain

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