By LUCY WYMAN, Lucy on the Loose
I love winter. I love snow. Needless to say, our NH winters are not what they used to be. This year, for the second time, I have traveled to NW Colorado seeking snow…and I found it!
Shortly after I arrived here, 34 miles north of Steamboat Springs, it snowed for four days. More than 300” have fallen here thus far. There is talk of a record year.
There is, it turns out, a limit to what can be comfortably skied, at least by ME! I am a strong climber: I can always get up with ease, down can be quite a different story. Years ago I was lucky to survive a quick trip down the Gulf of Slides on Mt. Washington!
Several days after the skies cleared I climbed with my friends to the 9600’ summit of what the locals call Porphyry. This geological term refers to the history of this intensely mined area. Old claims and mine shafts abound and the stories are treasures of a different sort.
It is my nature to be creative in circumstances that don’t always go as planned. My inability to keep my skis on top of the snow and my resulting, repeated collapse into two feet of powder thus lead me to the discovery of a new Cross Fit program that can be easily be incorporated into one’s personal, comprehensive winter sports routine.
The requirements for this new discipline are minimal, although a considerable snowfall is helpful. For those in the western states an outing on skis, snow shoes, or the simple domestic endeavor of shoveling your roof is all that’s needed.
For those in the east, with a derth of the white stuff, optimum circumstances can be created by shoveling any nearby roof. Then just jump in! If you are really dedicated snowshoes or skis definitely add an extra challenge! One to two feet of new snow is the best!
This Snowga immersion method can be intentional or inadvertent, the result of ineptitude or, simply one helluva a lot of snow! Then comes the twisting, stretching and general wallowing that puts all your muscles into play. It is also advised for those who consider themselves “senior” to have a virile young man or handmaiden nearby to assist with the extrication!
For truly dedicated followers of this path to well-being, consider finding a high altitude venue where you can also put your lungs to work adapting to the rarified air. Then, climb higher! An hour or more spent skiing or snowshoeing uphill will definitely build a fine foundation and preparation for Snowga. The one caveat, you should LIKE snow!
For those with canine companions, I am developing a new approach to the iconic pursuit of Sled Dogs as well. I am teaching my lame dog to ride in my plastic sled to and from my rented quarters here in Colorado. The 400’ path is by spells only passable on snowshoes or skis, and needless to say, tough on an old gal with bad hips. I can’t say she likes the idea but in time I think it shows great promise! After all, there are dogs who ride skateboards….