Only two days a month, the employees of the Yellowstone Club get the opportunity to enjoy the perks of being the only private ski resort in the world. A few days before this month's ski days we had some fresh powder fall and build up quite a bit. So when the time came for employee ski day, we got to take full advantage of "private powder".
I also recently found out, through my friend who happens to be a snowboard instructor at the YC, that employees are able to get free snowboard or ski lessons if they are not booked up. My snowboard instructing friend, Ryan, happened not to be booked up for the afternoon and I decided to take advantage of some free lessons with good company!
Ryan helped me fine tune my turns and get even more comfortable on my toes.
My biggest issue is the fact that I am trying to maneuver my snowboard like my surfboard. It is habit for me to use my back foot to steer and with snowboarding, the weight needs to be on the front of your board, using your toes.
It is a little intimidating to put that weight forward on your board as you bomb down a mountain, but that fear of speed will eventually diminish as I start getting more confidence in the control of my board.
Riding powder has been my absolute favorite.
When riding powder, you have to shift your weight to the back of your board, in order to keep the nose up and out of the snow. The weight shift of riding in powder reminds me of carving a wave.
Ryan could tell I was a surfer back home, based on the way I would carve the powder.
He also said my confidence on the powder increased so much more.
I know I can't count on riding powder all the time, so I need to get used to that toe.
Even though I am not going down any black diamonds yet (at least not purposefully) I can see a vast improvement in my skills and confidence and I am excited to see where I'll be at the end of the season!
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