Let’s take a walk together, it’s such a nice day. A bit chilly, sure, but the leaves sure are beautiful, and it feels like snow in the air. You know what I’m talking about, the crisp nip outside, the first really chilled days of the season, where we have to wear warm clothes for the first time since the spring. Here, wear this hat. It’s so cozy.
Right through this door and here we are, standing outside in front of Pete’s Pub. Did you know that this section of the lodge used to be the rental shop? And before that, in the 1970’s and 80’s, the rental shop was upstairs, where offices now are? Take a look up to that window, the one in the middle. You might see a desk there now, but years ago, that was our living room window. During Christmastime, you could see our tree, lit up bright and sparkling. It felt like home. It still does, of course, but there’s something about a tree that brings me right back here.
And the lodge, what do you think of the color? This lodge has been just about every shade of brown out there, and Bec and I painted this entire building. Many summers were spent right here, painting. Laughing, getting into paint throwing wars. We have scraped every window, painted every sill.
Time to turn around, and face the mountain. So many memories, so much history. To get to the base of the mountain, we used to have to walk across a bridge, did you know that?! I can still hear the sound that my ski boots made, clunking across the wooden slats, faster and faster the further I went, always excited to get on my skis. And here, to the right a little, was the rock. Do you remember the rock? It was giant, as big as a house, and as a matter of fact, it used to serve as my playhouse in the summer. I spent hours on that rock, playing make believe with my dogs, and having adventures in the woods. I understood when we got rid of the rock, we were growing and needed space for people, not imaginary houses, but for a time I thought I’d never recover. So much of my childhood was spent right here, right in this spot.
It’s okay, really, time tends to change the scenery a bit. Speaking of which, the hill itself has gone through some major changes and upgrades. Tow ropes gave way to many carpet lifts, and for that I am thankful because I really didn’t enjoy the tow rope much. When I was a ski instructor – Oh, you didn’t know? Ah yes, I was a ski instructor for many years. It was the best job I have ever had. If you talk to a few people around town, I’m sure you’ll find someone who remembers when I taught their child how to ski. For a little bit of time there, I spent more time skiing backwards in a lesson than I did skiing forward. I taught, my sister raced. I liked to say that she may have been faster than me, but I had better form. I’m sure she will disagree, but that’s okay. I had the time of my life, back then. Anyway, when I was a ski instructor and we had a handle tow right up there to the left, by Snowfields, I had to be forced to use it by Tony, our director at the time. I was so nervous – and guess what? It was easy. Thinking back, that was a pretty decent life lesson. Sometimes, we build things up in our heads when in reality, you just have to trust yourself a tiny bit, and hold on.
Let’s take a walk to the top now. It seems like a long hike up but close your eyes, and my imagination can do the work for both of us. Just one more second … here we are. Now, this is what I live for. Look at that view. You can see the whole valley from up here! When I was a teenager, my friends and I used to camp up here, and roll down the mountain in the morning! One of my favorite things to do during the off season, even now, is to take the quad or dirt bike up here and just sit. Sometimes, I’ll write a bit, but usually I just soak in the quiet. Close my eyes, feel the breeze. There are moments where I swear, I can hear laughter – not in my usual “I love horror” kind of way, but just memories. So many families have passed through this spot, right where we are now. So much happiness. My heart could sing about it if I didn’t worry I’d get choked up.
When I am sitting up here, all alone, it’s almost as if I could grasp memories right out of the air. My own, my friends, even perfect strangers. Well, to be honest with you, if you were ever here on this mountain, I wouldn’t call you a stranger. When you stand here in this spot, you’re honorary family, if maybe distant family. I never feel totally alone here, and how can I? People like you are always with me.
Did I mention that this is our 90th anniversary season? It’s a pretty big deal, to me. To all of us, as we are among the oldest ski areas in the state. My parents took over operations of the mountain when I was …. Well, when I was still part of their future plans. If you think I have a lot of stories, just wait until you meet my dad. He remembers everything, and by the smirk in your eyes now, I think he may remember you, as well.
Alright, let’s walk down this way. This is my favorite path, through the trees, a path I used to take when skiing with these folks I used to call “grandma and grandpa,” though they were not related. Every year, I waited for this older couple to show up for the season, and they just kind of adopted me as their own while they were at the mountain, I called them grandma and grandpa, and they followed me all over the mountain. In my heart, they are still here with me, flying down the mountain like we were on the adventure of our lives.
Actually, I need a moment. That’s enough sentiment for a little bit. I’m sure you don’t want to hear all of my stories, not all at once, anyway. The wind is picking up, let’s head inside and get some hot chocolate.
Oh look, here we are, in the main lodge. If you were to pull up this carpet here, you’d find two sets of handprints, my sisters and my own. This is a great place to end our tour, but feel free to stay awhile. Share your own memories, step over the threshold, and every time you enter, I will welcome you home.
