A Day Of Winter Fun At Sundance

There I was standing at the top of the lift chair. I had never officially ridden a ski lift, but I had already told everyone I was an old pro. I was a fourth grader at Edgemont Elementary in Provo, and this was my first experience skiing at a ski resort.

The night before, I went to the Wilkinson Center and rented a pair of well-used Rossignol skis. Boots and poles were in hand for my first day of ski school.

On a Thursday afternoon we loaded the noisy bus and headed up the canyon to Sundance. Once we arrived, patient ski instructors asked, “Have you ever skied before?”

After hearing my friends explain that they had experience, my desire to fit in overwhelmed my better judgement and I said that I, too, had been skiing before — lots of times.

Not only had I never been skiing, but I didn’t have that much experience with a lot of snow in general, since my family had only moved from Virginia earlier that year.

We soon split into groups based on skill level (real or imaginary) and headed up the lifts. Once we reached the top of the lift it was go time.

The rest of the class took off down the hill. There I was, lonely and scared. I was determined to ski, though. I pointed the skis down and off I went.

Things were going well for a moment — until I needed to turn. My skis did not respond.

Then I needed to stop. My skis did not respond.

There I was, going faster and faster, until I passed the ski instructor and crashed into a pile of snow and a small bush. The ski instructor very quickly realized that I had no ski experience and pointed me to the right class for proper instruction.

For me, some of the best outdoor experiences started with my Thursday afternoons in ski class at Sundance. Soon I improved and with the lessons I received that season, I have enjoyed many days at Sundance skiing with friends and family.

GETTING STARTED
For the want-to-be skier/snowboarder, Sundance offers a great chance to get started. If you live in Utah County, the resort is the closest of any in the state (30 minutes from downtown Provo), which gives you the chance to work and ski in the same day. If you want lessons, the instructors are top notch and certified for all ages and skill levels.

The resort has large, groomed runs that give you the chance to work on your snowplow turns at any speed. With a few exceptions you can ski or snowboard Sundance every day of the season and not have to wait in a line.

FOR THE OLD PRO
You might hear the experienced skier/snowboarder say that Sundance does not offer enough terrain to keep them interested. I disagree. (And so would cover boy Steven Nyman.) The terrain is incredible.

You are always in the shadow of the Mount Timpanogos. Few places in Utah give you a chance to experience such a beautiful mountain. The famous Bishop’s Bowl is a joy to experience with fresh powder. The tree skiing is second to none. There is plenty of steep and deep. With more than 40 runs to choose from you will stay busy all day long.

TAKE A BREAK
Don’t forget to stop and enjoy a few moments of relaxation at the Bearclaw Cabin. Here you will be given an incredible view of the surrounding mountains down to Utah Lake. And remember to come hungry. The food is as stellar as the view.

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