First Day at Snow Trails 2012!

I have been waiting very impatiently for a BIG snow.  Last year at this time my husband and I had been out on the slopes at least 4 times!  This year, however, the weather has felt more like early spring instead of winter.  While most people are enjoying the warm temps., my husband and I are constantly checking the weather to see when it is going to get REALLY cold.  You see, if it is COLD, and mother nature doesn't see fit to dump a load of snow on us, then Snow Trails can make it for us!

We have been skiing once or twice a winter since we started dating.  In the spring of 2010, we decided to purchase memberships to Snow Trails in Mansfield, Ohio.  This is a great place to ski here in Ohio (where there aren't a lot of  mountains... tends to be rather flat where I live).   I don't consider Snow Trails a "mountain" area, but it gets the job done if you love to ski.  It's only an hour away from us and a wonderful place to spend a winter day!  Last winter we took my brother and his family (most of whom had never skied before) and had an amazing day.  The kids picked it up in no time and my 10 year nephew actually skied every run by the end of the day!!

We got up EXTRA early today (well, early for the week end) and by a little past 9am, we were taking our first run down Mt. Mansfield.  It was a glorious day... 30 degrees, no wind, sunshine, blue sky - we were in heaven!  They opened a new run on the far side of the "mountain" (OK, I should call it a really big hill).  It was incredibly beautiful over there this morning... wide open space, sun shining on the tree branches and lovely, groomed snow (man made, but we'll take it!).  We only last about 3 hours (when you start to feel the burn in your legs, it's time to take a break) but, that's not bad for our first day out.  By mid season, we go all day!

The photos below were taken with my Android phone.  Not the greatest quality, but with a little photoshop magic, they will document our first day out this season.  I'm sure there will be more snowy photos... when we actually get some REAL snow.  I CAN'T WAIT!!!!