Downhill Skiing!!

With our departure from Alaska imminent, we have felt the pressure to make sure we're doing all the Alaskan winter things while we can! Snow has been nearly non-existent this winter for us, but the base ski area can create artificial snow...and since it's been plenty cold enough, they have been able to remain open. So, we decided to learn how to downhill ski! This was a first for all five of us. I tried to schedule lessons for us on base & kept striking out, but we figured how hard could it be?! To the bunny hill we went! {After watching a few tutorials on YouTube of course, ha!}

We went back a week later & started out at the bunny trail...then headed to the big hill with the chair lift! Everyone had so much fun! And the view of Denali & the Knik Arm of the Cook Inlet from the top of the mountain were amazing! 

{If you look closely, you'll see all three of our kiddos in a row on the lift! Brady is to the far left in orange, Hadley is in the middle in pink pants & purple jacket, and Shelby is to the right in teal jacket & black pants.}

We all had a great time & are so, so thankful that we are able to go skiing {and snow tubing!} on base. While none of us are Olympic-level skiers by any means, Derek & I both agreed that skiing is definitely easier than we thought would be...and that all of the gear involved is just as annoying as we'd thought it be. ;) We kept saying how nice it was at the end of the day to be able to be back at home in a matter of minutes. We couldn't begin to fathom all of the gear & prep work that would be involved to travel out of state or cross-country to go skiing with all the layers and gear. 

With all of that being said, we are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to learn something new together as a family! There is so much value in the willingness to be uncomfortable & the emotional resilience that's being strengthened when you're doing something outside of your comfort zone. We have had so many amazing Alaskan adventures & made memories that will last us a lifetime. We are ready for the next chapter of our family's story, but it will certainly be bittersweet to say goodbye to this one.