Old Forge ski getaway

We rented a log cabin in the woods on the western edge of the Adirondack park this week with the hope of getting our kids on downhill skis for the first time. 

On Wednesday morning, we drove 2 hours from Morris to Old Forge in the ADK. We hiked up Bald Mountain with the kids and Nimona. I used my snowshoes, but the other three just hiked in boots.

Help, we are falling off the mountain!

 

Views from the top of the fire tower:

Relaxing on a warm rock at the top before the hike back down. The kids left me and Nate behind and apparently gave all the other up hikers advice the whole way down. The other hikers reported their advice and friendliness as we passed. 

That evening, we arrived at our cabin. The log cabin was called Chase Lake Lodge, and the owners allowed us to bring Nimona along. It had a huge loft and wood burning stove, and they even had a Christmas tree up for us (sorry, no photos of that). The first night, it was just the 4 (5) of us. We played games and ate finger foods and just enjoyed being somewhere new for the first time in a long time. 

The next day was our ski day! The closest ski area to our lodge (Snow Ridge) hadn't opened their bunny hill for beginners yet, so we drove an hour back to Old Forge to meet Mandy and Skylar at McCauley Mountain. Some of my new SUNY Oneonta coworkers had recommended this mountain as great for families, and it was perfect for our needs that day. 

The ski lessons were full, so we taught the kids ourselves. Not surprisingly, they took to it pretty quickly. Skylar was a super big cousin, staying with the littles and seeming to enjoy the bunny hill despite the fact that he is a good skier. 

Cora and Nate in the foreground

Nate, Mandy, Silas, Skylar & Cora in line for the tow rope

Nate and Cora

Silas and Skylar at the top of the tow rope with me

We spent about 3 hours riding up the bunny hill tow rope, playing Simon Says and Follow the Leader on the way down, and building the kids' confidence. At about 1pm, we decided to go inside for a hot chocolate and to discuss the idea of trying the lift and a green circle (beginner) trail on the main part of the mountain.

Skylar and Cora

The kids were totally excited about trying the ski lift, especially Silas. Nate and Skylar had gone ahead to test it out, and Sky was sure it was too steep, windy, and icy for the kids. But Silas was NOT going to be deterred. We all went to see the lift (my kids had never seen one in action before) and they still wanted to do it. So we did. 

Cora and me on her first chair lift ride

Excited at the top

Silas leading the way

We rock!

Pizza wedge stops

We did it once... then we did it again and again! They loved it. 

At the base of the lift with Silas, Skylar, and Mandy

Riding the lift with Silas

Mandy and Sky, then Nate and Cora behind

It was a resounding success of a ski day. The kids are asking to go again as soon as possible. At the end of the day, while we were discussing our skiing fun over dinner, Cora said: "Mom teaches me confidence by helping me a lot, and Dad teaches me skills by leaving me in the dust."

That night, Mandy and Skyar met Nimona at our cabin for the first time. More games, good chili, Christmas gift opening, and hanging out ensued. It was a terrific day. 

Back at home in Morris, the chickens were enjoying their own holiday in the basement while we were gone. We don't have a way to keep their water from freezing, so while we left we let them roost downstairs. They liked it and now we find them staring in the basement windows on a regular basis. Sorry, girls.