Ryzenberg On: Skiing Shenanigans

I went to Lake Tahoe a few weeks ago thinking I’d relax, read and perhaps sip some hot chocolate in the company of hotties and ski instructors.

But instead, history was made because, ladies and gentlemen drum roll please: Ms. Ryzenberg hit the slopes for the first time…

And Loved it!

Yuppers, I got on a ski suit, (well, not really) as I opted to wear my O’Neill jacket, corduroy leggings which were rather warm I may say, leg warmers a la ‘Flashdance’ and a helmet (safety first) and voila I was a bunny on the bunny trail!

Before the scheduled class, I thought it would be a brilliant idea to get up on the lift and try doing it rogue style. Well, this is easier said than done because as I got off the lift I fell, could not get up and ended up walking down the mountain carrying my skis. The only great thing about this was the workout, as I ended up exhausted and frustrated.

When class started, it was a group of about eight people and I was on the end. I couldn’t hold still, so I kept on going backwards and the instructor rescued me several times. By that point, I thought it was a disaster until I started practicing and all of the sudden a light went off and I felt I could conquer the mountain. My confidence reached an all-time high!

Once the class ended, a friend of mine, another first-time skier, and I decided to give the trail a chance. We made it up and suddenly I am flying off the mountain at 60 miles an hour and of course, can’t stop. Well, until I went down and seconds later, bam my friend is covered in snow. I took off the skis and went to his rescue and luckily we both made it down in one piece.

Not-so wise decision: Hitting up the trail with a first-timer! So the second (and last) run we both went with an experienced buddy who taught us how to maneuver, go slower, break and avoid falling! It was really a great feeling and the only thing I could think of was — why did I not do this before?

After spending the afternoon skiing we went back to our hotel and I was dreaming of relaxing and easing my aching muscles on the hot tub. Unfortunately, that never happened as the tub was occupied by a group of not-so-hot young men who decided to make an afternoon of it. No bueno, as I had the Polka dot bikini ready, so albeit, I took a hot shower and a nap!

Although bikinis and beaches are more my type, a winter wonderland ski vacation has its perks and high points. I loved the athletic vibe, the scenery is incredible and the brisk fresh air feels delicious. I also enjoyed starting my day early and ending with a good meal and a comedy show!

Until next year Lake Tahoe!

Ryzenberg On, is Signing Off