Skiing By: Emily Kruger

     When thinking about the things that are important to me, of course, many things can come to mind. Family, friends, faith, sports, etc. However, one specific thing in my life is very important to me during this season, and that is skiing! Skiing at Mountain Creek has been a huge part of my life ever since 6th grade when my dad excitingly introduced me to the sport. My father is an incredible skier, as it has been a huge part of his life since he could walk. So, teaching me was a fun experience for us both! 

    I love the sport for so many reasons, and it brings me so much joy every time I get the opportunity to go to the mountain. It is so different from any sport on a field or on a court that teenagers play all year round. With skiing, getting the chance to go up to a beautiful mountain with breathtaking views gives me a sense of adventure. Instead of just hanging out in my driveway shooting hoops, I get the chance to explore the mountain and better my skills with each run I take. There is always a challenge with skiing, so it never gets boring. If a trail gets too easy, you can navigate a whole new path for yourself. If the sport itself is not challenging enough, you can practice jumps, rails, and boxes. Every skier is unique, in the sense that each person can develop their own talents and ski style that could be completely different from the skier next to you! 

    Skiing in the winter at Mountain Creek is very convenient because it is so close to Sparta, making it very easy to get to the mountain. I feel very blessed for this, as I know many people that also have a passion for skiing, but live very far from the mountain. Along with my dad and brother, most of my friends either ski or snowboard, so I always have someone to go with! Skiing is not only good exercise, but it is honestly such a great bonding experience to share with people you love. Being on the mountain allows you to talk together on the lifts, discover some new trails together, and even have some food together in the nice, cozy lodge! 

    Skiing is such a unique and delightful sport that is a huge part of my life. I am so lucky to have the opportunity to go enjoy the mountain with the people I love. Bettering myself and working on my skills each time I go is something I look forward to all the time, as I feel like each time I go it is a new adventure! 

 Me skiing in boxers!