I felt compelled to write a brief note to express thanks and offer some positive feedback on a product being offered in our own backyard.
Making good on a promise I made to my son, obviously during a moment of weakness, I signed the two of us up for snowboard lessons at the Hart Family Ski Hill. Still living in the past and believing the athleticism from my youth would suddenly re-emerge after years, no decades, of being shelved for the sedentary armchair quarterback and coach, I thought I was ready for what was to come.
I had no idea.
So, after the precursory waivers, rental of equipment and polite assurances from the crew on the hill, I was now thrust into the current century of winter sports. As if strapping both feet onto a single plank and throwing yourself down a hill wasn't daunting enough, the first session, as it was explained, was solely to get accustomed to the board and the mechanics used. We would be required to walk up the hill and give it the old college try, although I was the only person old enough to A, understand that saying, and B, actually have gone to college.
After the first "walk" to the mid point of the hill, which I am sure in my post explanations of this night, ranged from three-quarters of the way to the top, or at the top of the hill, I had two questions:
1) Where's the oxygen?
2) How many times do we have to do this?
Our instructor was a 20-something young man named Ian, who after this first night held my respect as our class of nine beginners, of differing levels of athleticism and ability had him running up and down the hill easily 70 plus times. I was exhausted just watching him.
And despite a few spills and tumbles I'm happy to say I'll continue boarding - a big part of that was the confidence and teaching of the entire Hart group.
Over the next four nights Ian and the staff at the Hart all demonstrated to me that we have an amazing product in our own backyard that I am sure is well known, but again, like most of the outdoor opportunities in our region, taken for granted and not enjoyed to the fullest.
The ski and snowboard lessons are affordable and include rental and lift passes. The instructors are excellent - I watched how the others interacted with their classes as well, and they were engaging, respectful and patient. I would, and have recommended them to anyone interested in taking up either sport.
A great hill with a great team of volunteers and staff. Thank you for the experience and patience!
Todd Doherty
Prince Georged
